US20130203310A1

US20130203310A1 - Convertible emergency device

Info

Publication number: US20130203310A1
Application number: US13/368,283
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Newman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-07
Filing date: 2012-02-07
Publication date: 2013-08-08

Abstract

The present invention is a convertible emergency device that includes a waist pack that includes an interior portion with a first zipper is disposed on the front side of the interior portion, a pair of straps each that extend from the interior portion that wrap and secure the convertible emergency device around a user's waist and a pair of snaps that fasten the pair of straps around the user. The device also includes a backpack portion with a front that includes an inflatable life boat with two sides, a pair of oars disposed on the sides of the inflatable life boat and a second zipper disposed on the front portion of the backpack portion that is opened to access a second pull cord to inflate the inflatable life boat. There is also a pair of straps and snaps to attach the emergency device to a user's vest and inflatable boat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD & BACKGROUND

Currently there are limited options for compact protective supplies. An individual never knows when an emergency may occur and more than often individuals are left without essential tools to ensure their possible survival and well-being during an emergency.
The present invention generally relates to an emergency device. More specifically, the invention is a convertible emergency device.
It is an object of the invention to provide an emergency device that includes a waist pack that converts into a floatable waist pack.
It is an object of the invention to provide an emergency device that includes a backpack that converts into a floatable raft and oars.
What is really needed is an emergency device that includes a waist pack that converts into a floatable waist pack and a backpack that converts into a floatable raft and oars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments, but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like references denote similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a waist pack of a convertible emergency device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of an inflated life vest from a convertible emergency device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a backpack of a convertible emergency device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1D illustrates a side perspective view of an inflated life boat from a convertible emergency device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1E illustrates a top view of a flexible top of an inflated life vest from a convertible emergency device in a rolled-up position and an unrolled position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation.
FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a waist pack 110 of a convertible emergency device 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The convertible emergency device 100 includes a waist pack 110 with an interior portion 120, a pair of straps 130 and a pair of snaps 140. The interior portion 120 has a front side 122 with a zipper 124 disposed on the front side 122. The zipper 124 is a horizontal zipper 126 or other suitable zipper that can be opened to access a pull cord 128 to inflate the interior portion 120 of the waist pack (FIG. 1B, 110) as is further described in FIG. 1B. The user can pull the pull cord 126 while being underwater and hold on to the inflating waist pack 110 to possibly raise the user above the water. The pair of straps 130 each has a distal end 132 and extend from the interior portion 120 and wrap and secure the convertible emergency device 100 around a user's waist. The pair of snaps 140 is disposed on the distal ends 132 of the pair of straps 130 and fastens the pair of straps 130 around the user, although other suitable fasteners can be utilized to fasten the pair of straps 130 around the user. The convertible emergency device 100 and its components can be made of nylon, Teflon and rubber material, although the convertible emergency device can be made of other suitable materials as well.
FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of an inflated life vest 150 from a convertible emergency device 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The inflated life vest 150 is formed from the waist pack 110 described in FIG. 1A. The waist pack 110 as previously indicated in the FIG. 1A description can be inflated when the pull cord 126 is pulled forming the inflated life vest 150 illustrated in FIG. 1B. The inflated life vest 150 includes two sides 152 that can be secured with one or more hook and loop fasteners 154 such as one or more VELCRO™ hook and loop fasteners to secure the inflated waist pack 150 around the upper body of a user. The waist pack 150 also includes an open ring portion 156 that is wrapped around a user's neck. The open ring portion 156 includes reflective indicia 158 such as the word “HELP” or other suitable reflective indicia such as the acronym “SOS” that is disposed on the open ring portion 156 to possibly indicate to surrounding persons the user's need for help. The inflated life vest 150 includes a pair of straps 153 with a first pair of attachment snaps 151 that secures one end of the inflated life vest 150 to a user's vest and a second pair of attachment snaps 155 releasably securing the inflated life vest 150 to the user's current vest. The pair of straps 153 and are both made of nylon or other suitable material and the first pair of attachment snaps 151 and the second pair of attachment snaps 155 are made of plastic material. The inflated life vest 150 also includes a solar powered GPS device 157 and a plurality of solar powered LED lights 159.
FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a backpack portion 150 of a convertible emergency device 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The backpack portion 150 has a front 152 and includes an inflatable life boat 160, a pair of oars 170 and a zipper 180. The backpack portion 150 is attached to and is a component of the convertible emergency device 100. The inflatable life boat 160 is uninflated and has two sides 162 as illustrated in FIG. 1C in its uninflated form within the backpack portion 150. Additional details regarding an inflated inflatable life boat 160 are illustrated and described in FIG. 1D and its description. The pair of oars 170 are disposed on the sides 162 of the inflatable life boat 160 and are also uninflated as illustrated in FIG. 1C in an uninflated form within the backpack portion 150. The zipper 180 is disposed on the front portion 152 of the backpack portion 150. The zipper 180 can be opened to access a pull cord 182 to inflate the inflatable life boat 160 of the backpack portion 150 as is further described in FIG. 1D. The user can pull the pull cord 182 while being underwater and hold on to the inflating inflatable life boat 160 to possibly raise the user above the water. The zipper 180 can be any suitable type of zipper such as a horizontal or vertical zipper. The inflatable life boat 160 includes a pair of straps 184 with a first pair of attachment snaps 186 that secures one end of the inflatable life boat 160 to a user's vest with a second pair of attachment snaps 188 releasably securing the inflatable life boat 160 to the user's current vest. The pair of straps 184 is both made of nylon or other suitable material and the first pair of attachment snaps 186 and the second pair of attachment snaps 188.
FIG. 1D illustrates a side perspective view of an inflated life boat 160 from a convertible emergency device 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Previous details regarding the uninflated inflatable life boat 160 were provided in FIG. 1D. The inflatable life boat 160 has a top perimeter 164 and a bottom 166 and one or more reflective indicia 168 such as the word “SOS” disposed on the top perimeter 164. Additional reflective indicia 169 such as the words “NEED RESCUE” can also be disposed on the bottom 166 of the inflatable life boat 160. The inflatable life boat 160 accommodates 1 to 4 people when expanded and inflated. The oars 170 have a distal end 172 and the oars 170 can be adjusted at a plurality of predetermined lengths 174 by depressing a button 176 disposed on the oars 170 to shorten the oars 170 to facilitate storage of the oars 170 and to extend the oars 170 to enable one or more user's to place the oars 170 in surrounding water to row the inflatable life boat 160. The distal ends 172 can also be expanded and contracted at a plurality of predetermined widths 178 to form a general fan shape 179, although the distal ends 172 can be other suitable shapes as well. Typically the distal ends 172 are contracted while the oars 170 are stored and expanded when utilized in the water.
FIG. 1E illustrates a top view of a flexible top 180 of an inflated life vest from a convertible emergency device 100 in a rolled-up position 181 and an unrolled position 183, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The flexible top 180 has a retractable cover 182, a hook and loop fastener 184 and a retractable mechanism 186. The flexible top 180 has a distal end 188 and can be extended and rolled over the top of the inflated life boat 160 that has a distal end 161 and a proximal end 163 to cover and protect the inflated life boat 160 from sunlight and UV rays from the sun. The hook and loop fastener 184 is disposed on the distal end 188 of the retractable cover 180 and secures the retractable cover 180 over the top of the inflated life boat 160 at the distal end 161 of the inflated life boat 160. The retractable mechanism 186 is disposed on the proximal end 163 of the inflated life boat 160 and can retract or roll-up the retractable cover 182 when not in use. The retractable mechanism 186 can be a spring loaded retractable mechanism or other suitable retractable mechanism.
As is also illustrated in FIG. 1E, the inflatable life boat 160 also includes a solar powered GPS device 192 and a plurality of solar powered LED lights 194. The solar powered GPS device 192 is disposed on any suitable area of the inflated life boat 160 and is utilized to track the convertible emergency device 100 if needed. The solar powered LED lights 194 are disposed on any suitable area of the inflated life boat 160 as well and are utilized to illuminate the inflatable life boat 160.
The convertible emergency device is a relatively fashionable waist and backpack accessory with inflatable capabilities that transports survival gear. Made from sturdy nylon, Teflon or rubber materials, the convertible emergency device includes a waist pack with a zipper protected inflation pull cord that converts into a waist pack, in addition to a separate backpack with an activating cord that activates the inflation of a lifeboat with a pair of paddling oars. The convertible emergency device is typically utilized in a marine environment and allows a user to immediately employ life preserving tools in the event of an emergency. The convertible emergency device is designed in a plurality of colorful patterns to accommodate a wide variety of personal fashion tastes while serving as a back-up life-sustaining device for children and adults. The feature of an inflatable waist pack and lifeboat, with reflective HELP/SOS indicia, enables a wearer to feel a sense of confidence and preparedness for life's uncertainties.
The phrase “in one embodiment” is utilized repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Claims

1. A convertible emergency device, comprising:

a discrete waist pack that includes an interior portion, a vest actuator disposed on the surface of the interior portion, and a pair of straps connected to said interior portion and configured to secure said waist pack around a user's waist, wherein said waist pack is configured to be inflatable into a life vest when the vest actuator is manually actuated;

a discrete backpack portion which includes a front portion removably attached to an inflatable life boat and a pair of oars, wherein said front portion contains a boat actuator which causes the inflatable life boat to inflate when manually actuated; and

wherein the inflatable life boat includes at least one strap configured to secure the inflatable life boat to the life vest.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said life boat, when inflated, includes a flexible top that includes a retractable cover, a hook and loop fastener and a retractable mechanism to cover and protect said inflatable life boat.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein:

a first zipper is disposed on said front portion of said backpack portion;

said first zipper is opened to access said boat actuator to inflate said inflatable life boat;

a second zipper is disposed on said front side of said interior portion; and

said second zipper is opened to access said vest actuator to inflate said interior portion forming an inflated life vest.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said inflated life vest includes two sides that is secured with one or more hook and loop fasteners.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the body of said inflated vest is structured to provide an open ring portion that is wrapped around said user's neck.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein

said vest actuator is embodied as a first pull cord; and

said boat actuator is embodied as a second pull cord.

7. A convertible emergency device, comprising:

a discrete waist pack that includes an interior portion with a front side with a first zipper is disposed on said front side of said interior portion, a pair of straps connected to said interior portion and configured to secure said waist pack around a user's waist and a vest actuator disposed underneath said first zipper, wherein said waist pack is configured to be inflatable into a life vest when the vest actuator is manually actuated;

a discrete backpack portion which includes a front portion removably attached to an inflatable life boat and a pair of oars, wherein said front portion includes a second zipper disposed on its surface and a boat actuator which causes the inflatable life boat to inflate when manually actuated disposed beneath the second zipper;

wherein the inflatable life boat includes at least one strap configured to secure the inflatable life boat to the life vest; and

a solar powered GPS device that is disposed on said inflated life boat and is utilized to track said convertible emergency device.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said life boat, when inflated, includes a flexible top that includes a retractable cover, a hook and loop fastener and a retractable mechanism to cover and protect said inflatable life boat.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein

said first zipper is opened to access vest actuator;

said life vest, when inflated, includes two sides secured together with one or more hook and loop fasteners.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein

said vest actuator is embodied as a first pull cord; and

said boat actuator is embodied as a second pull cord.

11. The device according to claim 7, wherein the body of said inflated vest is structured to provide an open ring portion that is wrapped around a user's neck.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein pulling said second pull cord while the backpack portion is causes the inflatable life boat to inflate and increase its buoyancy.

13. A convertible emergency device, comprising:

wherein the inflatable life boat includes at least one strap configured to secure the inflatable life boat to the life vest;

a solar powered GPS device that is disposed on said inflated life boat and is utilized to track said convertible emergency device; and

a plurality of solar powered LED lights that are disposed on said inflated life boat and are utilized to illuminate said inflatable life boat.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein

said vest actuator is embodied as a first pull cord; and

said boat actuator is embodied as a second pull cord.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein

said first zipper is opened to access the first pull cord to allow inflation of said interior portion forming the inflated life vest, wherein said life vest includes two sides that are secured with one or more hook and loop fasteners; and

said second zipper is opened to access the second pull cord.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said inflated life vest includes a solar powered GPS device that is disposed on said inflated life vest and is utilized to track said convertible emergency device and a plurality of solar powered LED lights that are disposed on said inflated life vest and are utilized to illuminate said inflatable life vest.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the body of said inflated vest is structured to provide an open ring portion that is wrapped around a user's neck.

18. The device according to claim 14, wherein

pulling said first pull cord causes the life vest to inflate and increase its buoyancy; and

pulling said second pull cord causes the inflatable life boat to inflate and increase its buoyancy.

19. The device according to claim 13, wherein said convertible emergency device is constructed substantially of nylon, Teflon or rubber.

20. The device according to claim 17, wherein said open ring portion includes one or more first reflective indicia that is disposed on said open ring portion and said inflatable life boat has one or more second reflective indicia disposed on a top perimeter portion of said inflatable life boat has one or more third reflective indicia disposed on a bottom of said inflatable life boat.