US20170057604A1 - Stabilizing Cap for Personal Flotation Device - Google Patents
Stabilizing Cap for Personal Flotation Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170057604A1 US20170057604A1 US14/842,982 US201514842982A US2017057604A1 US 20170057604 A1 US20170057604 A1 US 20170057604A1 US 201514842982 A US201514842982 A US 201514842982A US 2017057604 A1 US2017057604 A1 US 2017057604A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- inflator
- shell
- cap
- window
- stabilizing
- 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
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Classifications
-
- 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
- B63C9/11—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses
- B63C9/125—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments
- B63C9/1255—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments inflatable
-
- 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
- B63C9/18—Inflatable equipment characterised by the gas-generating or inflation device
Definitions
- This invention relates to a personal flotation device, such as a life jacket or life vest.
- this invention relates to a personal flotation device including an inflator that, when actuated, directs gas under pressure into a bladder to inflate the device.
- the personal flotation device when inflated, can help to support the wearer in the water.
- the bladder is located inside a durable shell.
- An inflator located inside the shell is connected with the bladder.
- the inflator is actuatable manually by pulling a projecting cord, and in some cases, also automatically.
- the inflator has a status indicator on its outer surface.
- the inflator status indicator should be visible so that the wearer can determine whether the personal flotation device is armed and ready for use.
- the inflator is preferably located inside the shell so that the status indicator is visible through a transparent window in the shell. Since the inflator must be readily accessible for maintenance purposes, there is no permanent mechanical connection between the inflator and the shell. As a result, the inflator may move away from this desired position inside the shell. In addition, the inflator can sometimes be damaged if it is subjected to impact forces. For these reasons and others it is desirable to maintain the inflator in position within the shell, rather than allowing the inflator to move about within the shell.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal flotation device that is a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged cutaway view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 , showing an inflator and a stabilizing cap that form part of the device;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the inflator and the inflator cap
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the stabilizing cap
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the stabilizing cap
- FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the stabilizing cap
- FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the stabilizing cap.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the engagement of the stabilizing cap, not on the shell, with the inflator.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a personal flotation device 10 that is a first embodiment of the invention.
- the device 10 has a generally U-shaped configuration suitable for use around the neck of a wearer, including two lobes 12 and 14 , as best seen in FIG. 1 .
- the invention is, of course, applicable to devices with other shapes and configurations.
- the device 10 includes a shell 20 .
- the shell 20 is the outermost portion of the device 10 , and is made from a flexible fabric material such as nylon, for example, or from any material that is known to be suitable for use in this application.
- the shell 20 has a closure, such as a breakaway zipper 22 , that extends along one of the lobes 12 of the U-shaped configuration. When the zipper 22 is opened, the interior of the lobe 12 of the device 10 is accessible.
- a window 30 On the zippered lobe 12 of the device 10 is a window 30 , which is an opening in the shell 20 .
- the window 30 is circular in configuration.
- the window 30 is closed by a transparent material such as a piece of clear plastic 32 . As a result, an observer can see into the interior of the lobe 12 of the device 10 , through the window 30 .
- the device 10 includes an inflatable bladder 34 ( FIG. 2 ) located in the interior of the shell 20 .
- the bladder 34 may or may not be shaped to match the U-shaped configuration of the shell 20 .
- the bladder 34 is normally in an uninflated condition. The dimensions of the bladder 34 are selected so that when the bladder is inflated, it expands outside the shell 20 , through the breakaway zipper 22 , to provide buoyancy to the personal flotation device 10 .
- the device also includes an inflator 40 .
- the inflator 40 may be a known, commercially available inflator, including a main body portion 42 ( FIG. 3 ) that is a canister of stored gas. Other types of inflators are usable with the invention, and inflators that are actuated in different manners. The invention is not limited to any one particular type or construction of inflator, such as the particular inflator 40 that is illustrated.
- the main body portion 42 of the inflator 40 in the illustrated embodiment, has an elongate, cylindrical configuration extending along a portion of the length of the zippered lobe 12 of the device 10 .
- the inflator 40 is received in the zippered lobe 22 of the device 10 .
- the inflator 40 is thus accessible by opening the zipper 22 .
- the inflator 40 includes an inflator cap 44 .
- the inflator cap 44 is mounted on one end of the stored gas canister 42 and controls opening of the canister.
- the inflator cap 44 is located outside the bladder 34 (the canister 42 may be located either inside or outside of the bladder, depending on the construction of the particular personal flotation device and the inflator that is used).
- the inflator cap 44 has a base 46 ( FIG. 3 ) adjacent the canister 42 , and a generally cylindrical top portion 50 .
- the top portion 50 has a circular end surface 52 .
- a cylindrical outer rim 54 projects from the end surface 52 , in a direction away from the base 46 , and circumscribes the end surface.
- An actuating cord 56 extends through an opening 58 in the rim 54 and terminates in a handle 60 that is manually engageable at a location outside the shell 20 . When the cord 56 is pulled, the inflator 40 is actuated in a known manner.
- the inflator 40 has at least one status indicator; in the illustrated embodiment, there are two status indicators.
- the first status indicator on the illustrated inflator 40 is a device or indicator 62 on the end surface 52 of the inflator cap 44 .
- the indicator 62 indicates the charge status of the inflator 40 , i.e., is green when the inflator is sufficiently charged, and red when it needs replacing.
- the second status indicator in the illustrated embodiment is text 64 that describes generally when to replace the inflator 40 —if the indicator 62 shows red, or after a certain date.
- any status indicators on the end surface 52 of the inflator cap 44 be visible from outside the shell 20 —specifically, through the window 30 .
- the positioning of the inflator 40 in the bladder 34 helps to hold the inflator cap 44 adjacent to and underlying the window 30 in the shell 20 .
- the inflator 40 is designed to be removable from the shell 20 in order to rearm the device 10 , the inflator cannot be permanently secured to the shell.
- some variation in position of the inflator 40 is inevitable, with a resulting movement of the inflator cap 44 out of its desired location underlying the window 30 .
- the device 10 of the present invention includes means for stabilizing the inflator 40 —that is, means for maintaining the inflator in a selected position inside the shell 20 in which the inflator status indicators 62 and 64 are visible through the window 30 .
- the means for maintaining is a stabilizing cap 70 .
- the stabilizing cap 70 is fixed to the inside of the shell 20 , adjacent to the window 30 , and engages the inflator cap 44 to hold the inflator 40 in the desired position.
- a stabilizing cap in accordance with the present invention has a configuration customized to work with the particular inflator (inflator cap) that is included in the personal flotation device.
- the specific stabilizing cap 70 that is illustrated is a one piece molded plastic element having a generally circular configuration centered on an axis 72 .
- the stabilizing cap 70 is more rigid than the flexible fabric shell 22 , thereby to provide a firm element for the inflator 40 to latch onto.
- the stabilizing cap 70 includes an annular, radially extending base wall 74 that can be secured to the inside of the shell 20 .
- the base wall 74 defines a circular central opening 76 of the stabilizing cap 70 , centered on the axis 72 .
- the central opening 76 of the stabilizing cap 70 is approximately the same size as the circular window 30 in the shell 22 .
- the stabilizing cap 70 includes one or more engagement portions that extend axially from the base wall 74 and that engage the inflator cap 44 with an interference fit.
- the stabilizing cap 70 has an annular outer flange 80 with a cylindrical inner surface 82 that extends axially from the base wall 74 and extends for about 180 degrees around the central opening 76 .
- the outer flange 80 defines a chamber 84 in the stabilizing cap 70 , radially inside the outer flange.
- An annular inner flange 86 with a cylindrical outer surface 88 is located radially inward of the outer flange 80 and extends about 180 degrees around the central opening 76 .
- the inner flange 86 is interrupted by a cord opening 90 to enable the actuating cord 56 to pass from the inflator cap 44 to a location outside the shell 20 .
- the outer surface 88 of the inner flange 86 is spaced apart from the inner surface 82 of the outer flange 80 , to define between them an annular gap 92 .
- the stabilizing cap 70 is fixed to the shell 20 during manufacture of the personal flotation device, or retrofitted on a completed unit as allowable.
- the stabilizing cap 70 is positioned on the inner surface of the shell 20 so that the central opening 76 of the stabilizing cap underlies and is aligned (in this case centered) on the window 30 in the shell.
- the stabilizing cap 70 is permanently secured to the shell 20 in any one of a number of possible different manners, such as heat bonding, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, or a combination of these. Because the central opening 76 of the stabilizing cap 70 is centered on the window 30 , the interior of the shell 20 is visible through the stabilizing cap.
- the flanges 80 and 86 on the stabilizing cap extend or project inward into the interior of the shell, in a direction away from the window 30 .
- the chamber 84 in the stabilizing cap 40 is presented inward toward the inflator 40 .
- the inflator cap 44 is engaged with the stabilizing cap 40 .
- the cylindrical top portion 50 of the inflator cap 44 is moved into the chamber 84 in the stabilizing cap 40 .
- the rim 54 on the inflator cap 44 moves into the gap 92 between the inner and outer flanges 86 and 80 on the stabilizing cap 70 .
- the radially outer side surface of the rim 54 on the inflator cap 44 engages the radially inner side surface 82 of the outer flange 80 on the stabilizing cap 70 , and also engages the radially outer side surface 88 of the inner flange 86 .
- This engagement is preferably an interference fit.
- the inflator cap 44 is plugged into the stabilizing cap 70 , which grips a portion of the inflator cap to maintain the inflator 40 in a desired position.
- the circular end surface 52 of the inflator cap 44 underlies the circular central opening 76 in the stabilizing cap.
- the end surface 52 of the inflator cap 44 including the status indicators 62 and 64 , is visible through the window 30 in the shell 20 .
- the actuating cord 56 passes through the cord opening 90 in the inner flange 86 and is thus freely movable as needed.
- the engagement of the inflator cap 44 with the stabilizing cap 70 maintains the inflator 40 in position in the shell 20 . Because the top portion 50 of the inflator cap 44 is disposed inside the chamber 84 of the stabilizing cap 70 , the inflator cap 44 cannot move laterally (radially) with respect to the window 30 . In addition, the interference fit of the inflator cap 44 in the stabilizing cap 70 minimizes the possibility of the inflator 40 moving inward in the shell 20 , that is, in a direction away from the window 30 . These movement restrictions help to ensure that the inflator 40 remains in the desired position in the shell 20 . In this case, these movement restrictions ensure that the status indicators 62 and 64 remain visible through the window 30 .
- the stabilizing cap 70 helps to protect the inflator cap 44 against damage. Specifically, the rim 54 on the inflator cap 44 , and other parts of the inflator cap, can be subject to breakage upon impact from outside the device shell 20 . In the personal flotation device 10 , the material of the stabilizing cap 70 is interposed between the shell 20 and the inflator cap 44 . This helps to reduce impact force that is transmitted to the inflator cap 44 , which is desirable because the rim 54 , especially, may be subject to breakage.
- the present invention is applicable to personal flotation devices, and inflators, of different constructions and configurations.
- some personal flotation devices include inflators having all of its parts located outside the inflatable bladder.
- Some inflators have caps (or portions that serve the functions of the cap 70 ) that are shaped differently from the particular cap 70 that is illustrated.
- some inflators have caps that are generally rectangular, and/or more elongate. Therefore, a stabilizing cap of the present invention need not take the form shown in the illustrated embodiment.
- stabilizing caps can be provided that have a different configuration, specially designed to grip or otherwise receive a portion of the particular inflator, in a manner so as to help maintain the inflator in a desired position in the shell.
- the invention is usable to maintain the inflator in a position other than adjacent the window, or in a personal flotation device that does not include a window, simply to maintain the inflator in position.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a personal flotation device, such as a life jacket or life vest. In particular, this invention relates to a personal flotation device including an inflator that, when actuated, directs gas under pressure into a bladder to inflate the device. The personal flotation device, when inflated, can help to support the wearer in the water.
- Typically, in such devices, the bladder is located inside a durable shell. An inflator located inside the shell is connected with the bladder. The inflator is actuatable manually by pulling a projecting cord, and in some cases, also automatically.
- The inflator has a status indicator on its outer surface. For proper usage and maintenance of the device, the inflator status indicator should be visible so that the wearer can determine whether the personal flotation device is armed and ready for use. To that end, the inflator is preferably located inside the shell so that the status indicator is visible through a transparent window in the shell. Since the inflator must be readily accessible for maintenance purposes, there is no permanent mechanical connection between the inflator and the shell. As a result, the inflator may move away from this desired position inside the shell. In addition, the inflator can sometimes be damaged if it is subjected to impact forces. For these reasons and others it is desirable to maintain the inflator in position within the shell, rather than allowing the inflator to move about within the shell.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal flotation device that is a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cutaway view of a portion of the device ofFIG. 1 , showing an inflator and a stabilizing cap that form part of the device; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the inflator and the inflator cap; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the stabilizing cap; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the stabilizing cap; -
FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the stabilizing cap; -
FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the stabilizing cap; and -
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the engagement of the stabilizing cap, not on the shell, with the inflator. - This invention relates to a personal flotation device, such as a life jacket or life vest or life preserver. The invention is applicable to personal flotation devices of different constructions and configurations. As representative of the invention,
FIG. 1 illustrates apersonal flotation device 10 that is a first embodiment of the invention. - The
device 10 has a generally U-shaped configuration suitable for use around the neck of a wearer, including twolobes FIG. 1 . The invention is, of course, applicable to devices with other shapes and configurations. - The
device 10 includes ashell 20. Theshell 20 is the outermost portion of thedevice 10, and is made from a flexible fabric material such as nylon, for example, or from any material that is known to be suitable for use in this application. Theshell 20 has a closure, such as abreakaway zipper 22, that extends along one of thelobes 12 of the U-shaped configuration. When thezipper 22 is opened, the interior of thelobe 12 of thedevice 10 is accessible. - On the
zippered lobe 12 of thedevice 10 is awindow 30, which is an opening in theshell 20. In the illustrated embodiment, thewindow 30 is circular in configuration. Thewindow 30 is closed by a transparent material such as a piece ofclear plastic 32. As a result, an observer can see into the interior of thelobe 12 of thedevice 10, through thewindow 30. - The
device 10 includes an inflatable bladder 34 (FIG. 2 ) located in the interior of theshell 20. Thebladder 34 may or may not be shaped to match the U-shaped configuration of theshell 20. Thebladder 34 is normally in an uninflated condition. The dimensions of thebladder 34 are selected so that when the bladder is inflated, it expands outside theshell 20, through thebreakaway zipper 22, to provide buoyancy to thepersonal flotation device 10. - The device also includes an
inflator 40. Theinflator 40 may be a known, commercially available inflator, including a main body portion 42 (FIG. 3 ) that is a canister of stored gas. Other types of inflators are usable with the invention, and inflators that are actuated in different manners. The invention is not limited to any one particular type or construction of inflator, such as theparticular inflator 40 that is illustrated. - The
main body portion 42 of theinflator 40, in the illustrated embodiment, has an elongate, cylindrical configuration extending along a portion of the length of thezippered lobe 12 of thedevice 10. Theinflator 40 is received in thezippered lobe 22 of thedevice 10. Theinflator 40 is thus accessible by opening thezipper 22. - The
inflator 40 includes aninflator cap 44. Theinflator cap 44 is mounted on one end of thestored gas canister 42 and controls opening of the canister. Theinflator cap 44 is located outside the bladder 34 (thecanister 42 may be located either inside or outside of the bladder, depending on the construction of the particular personal flotation device and the inflator that is used). - The
inflator cap 44 has a base 46 (FIG. 3 ) adjacent thecanister 42, and a generally cylindricaltop portion 50. Thetop portion 50 has acircular end surface 52. A cylindricalouter rim 54 projects from theend surface 52, in a direction away from thebase 46, and circumscribes the end surface. An actuatingcord 56 extends through anopening 58 in therim 54 and terminates in ahandle 60 that is manually engageable at a location outside theshell 20. When thecord 56 is pulled, theinflator 40 is actuated in a known manner. - The
inflator 40 has at least one status indicator; in the illustrated embodiment, there are two status indicators. The first status indicator on the illustratedinflator 40 is a device orindicator 62 on theend surface 52 of theinflator cap 44. Theindicator 62 indicates the charge status of theinflator 40, i.e., is green when the inflator is sufficiently charged, and red when it needs replacing. The second status indicator in the illustrated embodiment istext 64 that describes generally when to replace theinflator 40—if theindicator 62 shows red, or after a certain date. - It is necessary that any status indicators on the
end surface 52 of theinflator cap 44 be visible from outside theshell 20—specifically, through thewindow 30. The positioning of theinflator 40 in thebladder 34 helps to hold theinflator cap 44 adjacent to and underlying thewindow 30 in theshell 20. Nevertheless, because theinflator 40 is designed to be removable from theshell 20 in order to rearm thedevice 10, the inflator cannot be permanently secured to the shell. Thus, some variation in position of theinflator 40 is inevitable, with a resulting movement of theinflator cap 44 out of its desired location underlying thewindow 30. - To prevent such movement from happening, the
device 10 of the present invention includes means for stabilizing theinflator 40—that is, means for maintaining the inflator in a selected position inside theshell 20 in which theinflator status indicators window 30. - In the illustrated embodiment, the means for maintaining is a stabilizing
cap 70. As described below, the stabilizingcap 70 is fixed to the inside of theshell 20, adjacent to thewindow 30, and engages theinflator cap 44 to hold the inflator 40 in the desired position. - A stabilizing cap in accordance with the present invention has a configuration customized to work with the particular inflator (inflator cap) that is included in the personal flotation device. The specific stabilizing
cap 70 that is illustrated is a one piece molded plastic element having a generally circular configuration centered on anaxis 72. The stabilizingcap 70 is more rigid than theflexible fabric shell 22, thereby to provide a firm element for the inflator 40 to latch onto. - The stabilizing
cap 70 includes an annular, radially extendingbase wall 74 that can be secured to the inside of theshell 20. Thebase wall 74 defines a circularcentral opening 76 of the stabilizingcap 70, centered on theaxis 72. Thecentral opening 76 of the stabilizingcap 70 is approximately the same size as thecircular window 30 in theshell 22. - The stabilizing
cap 70 includes one or more engagement portions that extend axially from thebase wall 74 and that engage theinflator cap 44 with an interference fit. Specifically, the stabilizingcap 70 has an annularouter flange 80 with a cylindricalinner surface 82 that extends axially from thebase wall 74 and extends for about 180 degrees around thecentral opening 76. Theouter flange 80 defines achamber 84 in the stabilizingcap 70, radially inside the outer flange. - An annular
inner flange 86 with a cylindricalouter surface 88 is located radially inward of theouter flange 80 and extends about 180 degrees around thecentral opening 76. Theinner flange 86 is interrupted by acord opening 90 to enable theactuating cord 56 to pass from theinflator cap 44 to a location outside theshell 20. Theouter surface 88 of theinner flange 86 is spaced apart from theinner surface 82 of theouter flange 80, to define between them anannular gap 92. - The stabilizing
cap 70 is fixed to theshell 20 during manufacture of the personal flotation device, or retrofitted on a completed unit as allowable. The stabilizingcap 70 is positioned on the inner surface of theshell 20 so that thecentral opening 76 of the stabilizing cap underlies and is aligned (in this case centered) on thewindow 30 in the shell. The stabilizingcap 70 is permanently secured to theshell 20 in any one of a number of possible different manners, such as heat bonding, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, or a combination of these. Because thecentral opening 76 of the stabilizingcap 70 is centered on thewindow 30, the interior of theshell 20 is visible through the stabilizing cap. - When the stabilizing
cap 70 is thus affixed to theshell 20, theflanges window 30. Thechamber 84 in the stabilizingcap 40 is presented inward toward theinflator 40. - The
inflator cap 44 is engaged with the stabilizingcap 40. The cylindricaltop portion 50 of theinflator cap 44 is moved into thechamber 84 in the stabilizingcap 40. Therim 54 on theinflator cap 44 moves into thegap 92 between the inner andouter flanges cap 70. The radially outer side surface of therim 54 on theinflator cap 44 engages the radiallyinner side surface 82 of theouter flange 80 on the stabilizingcap 70, and also engages the radiallyouter side surface 88 of theinner flange 86. This engagement is preferably an interference fit. Effectively, theinflator cap 44 is plugged into the stabilizingcap 70, which grips a portion of the inflator cap to maintain the inflator 40 in a desired position. - When the
inflator cap 44 is thus engaged with the stabilizingcap 70, thecircular end surface 52 of theinflator cap 44 underlies the circularcentral opening 76 in the stabilizing cap. As a result, theend surface 52 of theinflator cap 44, including thestatus indicators window 30 in theshell 20. Theactuating cord 56 passes through thecord opening 90 in theinner flange 86 and is thus freely movable as needed. - The engagement of the
inflator cap 44 with the stabilizingcap 70 maintains the inflator 40 in position in theshell 20. Because thetop portion 50 of theinflator cap 44 is disposed inside thechamber 84 of the stabilizingcap 70, theinflator cap 44 cannot move laterally (radially) with respect to thewindow 30. In addition, the interference fit of theinflator cap 44 in the stabilizingcap 70 minimizes the possibility of the inflator 40 moving inward in theshell 20, that is, in a direction away from thewindow 30. These movement restrictions help to ensure that the inflator 40 remains in the desired position in theshell 20. In this case, these movement restrictions ensure that thestatus indicators window 30. - In addition, the stabilizing
cap 70 helps to protect theinflator cap 44 against damage. Specifically, therim 54 on theinflator cap 44, and other parts of the inflator cap, can be subject to breakage upon impact from outside thedevice shell 20. In thepersonal flotation device 10, the material of the stabilizingcap 70 is interposed between theshell 20 and theinflator cap 44. This helps to reduce impact force that is transmitted to theinflator cap 44, which is desirable because therim 54, especially, may be subject to breakage. - The present invention is applicable to personal flotation devices, and inflators, of different constructions and configurations. For example, some personal flotation devices include inflators having all of its parts located outside the inflatable bladder. Some inflators have caps (or portions that serve the functions of the cap 70) that are shaped differently from the
particular cap 70 that is illustrated. As one example, some inflators have caps that are generally rectangular, and/or more elongate. Therefore, a stabilizing cap of the present invention need not take the form shown in the illustrated embodiment. In such cases, stabilizing caps can be provided that have a different configuration, specially designed to grip or otherwise receive a portion of the particular inflator, in a manner so as to help maintain the inflator in a desired position in the shell. In addition, the invention is usable to maintain the inflator in a position other than adjacent the window, or in a personal flotation device that does not include a window, simply to maintain the inflator in position. - From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes, and modifications in the invention. Such improvements, changes, and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/842,982 US20170057604A1 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2015-09-02 | Stabilizing Cap for Personal Flotation Device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US14/842,982 US20170057604A1 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2015-09-02 | Stabilizing Cap for Personal Flotation Device |
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US20170057604A1 true US20170057604A1 (en) | 2017-03-02 |
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US14/842,982 Abandoned US20170057604A1 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2015-09-02 | Stabilizing Cap for Personal Flotation Device |
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Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB963859A (en) * | 1962-05-08 | 1964-07-15 | Normalair Ltd | Improvements in or relating to gas release mechanism |
US3602661A (en) * | 1968-12-09 | 1971-08-31 | Saab Scania Ab | Immersion responsive sensor |
US6951493B1 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-10-04 | Jin-Yi Lu | Automatically inflatable safety device |
US7018258B2 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2006-03-28 | Mclarty L Scott | Flotation device |
US7249988B2 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-07-31 | Mustang Survival Corp. | Life preserver |
US7475711B2 (en) * | 2006-05-16 | 2009-01-13 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Heat sealable inflator |
US7980799B1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2011-07-19 | Rioux Paul A | Air bag inflator |
US20120042965A1 (en) * | 2010-08-22 | 2012-02-23 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Apparatus and Method for Mounting an Inflator, Exhaust Valve or Relief Valve Interiorly of an Inflatable Article |
JP3182097U (en) * | 2012-12-25 | 2013-03-07 | 東洋物産株式会社 | Inspection window for inflatable life jacket |
US9162738B1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2015-10-20 | Troy Faletra | Inflatable life raft with detachable accessory pouch |
US20160046355A1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2016-02-18 | Troy Faletra | Inflatable life raft assembly |
-
2015
- 2015-09-02 US US14/842,982 patent/US20170057604A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB963859A (en) * | 1962-05-08 | 1964-07-15 | Normalair Ltd | Improvements in or relating to gas release mechanism |
US3602661A (en) * | 1968-12-09 | 1971-08-31 | Saab Scania Ab | Immersion responsive sensor |
US7018258B2 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2006-03-28 | Mclarty L Scott | Flotation device |
US6951493B1 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-10-04 | Jin-Yi Lu | Automatically inflatable safety device |
US7249988B2 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-07-31 | Mustang Survival Corp. | Life preserver |
US7475711B2 (en) * | 2006-05-16 | 2009-01-13 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Heat sealable inflator |
US7980799B1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2011-07-19 | Rioux Paul A | Air bag inflator |
US9162738B1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2015-10-20 | Troy Faletra | Inflatable life raft with detachable accessory pouch |
US20160046355A1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2016-02-18 | Troy Faletra | Inflatable life raft assembly |
US20120042965A1 (en) * | 2010-08-22 | 2012-02-23 | Halkey-Roberts Corporation | Apparatus and Method for Mounting an Inflator, Exhaust Valve or Relief Valve Interiorly of an Inflatable Article |
JP3182097U (en) * | 2012-12-25 | 2013-03-07 | 東洋物産株式会社 | Inspection window for inflatable life jacket |
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Owner name: MUSTANG SURVIVAL ULC, CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DAVIDSON, JILL;REEL/FRAME:036481/0006 Effective date: 20150901 |
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