US20200189698A1 - Low Profile Tactical Inflatable Flotation Device - Google Patents
Low Profile Tactical Inflatable Flotation Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200189698A1 US20200189698A1 US16/224,098 US201816224098A US2020189698A1 US 20200189698 A1 US20200189698 A1 US 20200189698A1 US 201816224098 A US201816224098 A US 201816224098A US 2020189698 A1 US2020189698 A1 US 2020189698A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bladder
- lobe
- cover
- user
- flotation device
- 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
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H1/00—Personal protection gear
- F41H1/02—Armoured or projectile- or missile-resistant garments; Composite protection fabrics
Definitions
- One known type of personal flotation device is sometimes called a life jacket or life vest.
- This type of device often has a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped configuration that wraps around the back of the user's neck and has two lobes extending down the front of the user's torso.
- an inflatable bladder is contained within a cover.
- the bladder has two lobes, contained within the cover lobes, that are the same length as the cover lobes.
- the bladder is inflated by actuation of an inflator, the bladder inflates out of the cover.
- the cover (and bladder) lobes Prior to inflation, the cover (and bladder) lobes extend down the user's torso to the waist area, where they are held together laterally by a waist strap. This setup takes a great deal of space on the user's torso and waist and can be awkward and uncomfortable.
- Some devices provide self-righting flotation for tactical/special operations forces carrying loads, but these products are typically heavy, cumbersome, and restrictive.
- the problem to overcome in these products is to provide a design that integrates with equipment in a way that does not hinder or impede normal operations.
- the present invention relates to an inflatable life preserver that uses a novel packing method with a lightweight inflatable film that allows it to integrate with equipment so that it is not noticeable to the user in the uninflated condition and does not impede the user's operations.
- the bladder In the uninflated state, the bladder is folded and rolled in a novel way into a small configuration that minimizes the device footprint.
- the device can be attached to a MOLLE vest or other garment as shown, or to a separate harness, or other appropriate gear.
- the inflatable bladder material In the inflated condition, the inflatable bladder material is unsupported and is constrained to provide sufficient buoyancy distribution to turn a user face-up at the water line.
- FIG. 1 is a front pictorial illustration of a personal flotation device that is a first embodiment of the invention, shown being worn by a user over a MOLLE vest;
- FIG. 2 is a side pictorial illustration of the device and user and vest of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear pictorial illustration of the device and user and vest of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 , shown in an uninflated and unfolded condition;
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 , showing a first step in the process of folding the device
- FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device and closing the cover on the bladder;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a collar portion of the device of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 , shown in an inflated condition;
- FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 , shown in the inflated condition.
- FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1 , shown in the inflated condition.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a personal flotation device 10 that is a first embodiment of the invention.
- the device 10 is shown as being attachable to a MOLLE vest or armor carrier 12 worn by a user; a device of the present invention could be configured and/or supported differently. The attachment of the device 10 to the vest 12 is described below in detail.
- the device 10 has a device collar section 14 , a left lobe 16 , and a right lobe 16 a .
- the device 10 includes as its major components a cover 20 ; a bladder 40 ; and an inflator 60 for inflating the bladder. Additional components include two back straps 80 , two chest straps 90 , and a sternum strap 100 .
- the inflator 60 is actuatable as described below to inflate the bladder 40 to an inflated condition in which it extends out of the cover to support the user in water with the user face-up.
- the cover 20 ( FIGS. 1-4 ) is a flexible fabric element that is made from a material to enclose and protect the bladder 40 when the bladder is uninflated. Typical materials that are suitable are well known in the art of the personal flotation device.
- the cover 20 may have a color or camouflage printing on its outer surface.
- the cover 20 has a central portion 22 , or collar section, that is located at and behind the user's neck when the device 10 is being worn.
- the cover 20 has two lobes 24 and 24 a that extend generally perpendicularly from opposite ends of the collar section 22 , to provide an overall U-shaped or horseshoe shaped configuration for the cover 20 .
- Each cover lobe 24 , 24 a has a respective terminal end portion 26 , 26 a that is farthest from the collar section of the cover 20 .
- the two cover lobes 24 and 24 a are basically mirror images of each other, and so only one cover lobe (the left lobe 24 ) is described in detail.
- FIGS. 4 through 13 are front views of the personal flotation device 10 —that is, the major side (outside) that is presented outward when the device is worn, is seen in these views.
- the bladder 40 is transparent. Therefore, many elements that appear to be in front of the bladder 40 (toward the viewer) are, in fact, behind the bladder, only appearing to be in front of it because of the transparent nature of the bladder. Thus, for example, in FIG. 4 , the fabric elements 72 and 72 a , and the cover 20 , are in fact behind the transparent bladder 40 .
- Each cover lobe 24 , 24 a has a respective zipper 30 , 30 a extending along its length and up into the collar section of the cover 20 .
- the upper end of the zippers 30 and 30 a are located under a tab 31 on the cover 20 .
- the zipper 30 can be closed to form the cover lobe 24 into a tubular configuration in which the bladder lobe 44 is packed when in the uninflated condition.
- the zipper 30 is a breakaway zipper; when the bladder 40 is inflated as described below, the bladder lobe 44 expands outward, pushing open the zipper 30 first at its upper end then down along the length of the lobe, and inflates out of the cover lobe 24 .
- the cover lobe 24 When the cover lobe 24 is unzipped, the cover lobe can be laid flat to enable the bladder lobe 44 to be packed inside the cover lobe. This position is shown in FIG. 4 , for example.
- the length of the cover lobes 24 and 24 a is selected so that their terminal end portions 26 and 26 a are up high on the user's chest when the device 10 is worn. This can be seen in FIG. 2 , for example.
- This configuration provides a much more compact and less obtrusive device, in comparison to typical life preservers having cover lobes that extend down the torso to the user's waist or abdomen.
- a zippered pouch 32 ( FIG. 3 ) is located inside the zippered central portion 22 of the cover 20 , for holding items that are associated with the cover. Also, each zipper 30 may have a removable and reusable zipper pull that can be stored in the pouch 32 .
- the bladder 40 is an element that can be inflated from a packed or folded, stored condition to an unfolded and opened condition, enclosing air or another inflation fluid, to support the user in the water.
- the bladder 40 can be made in any one of a variety of different manners. In the illustrated embodiment, which is not limiting, the bladder 40 is made from two pieces of a very light weight film material that are fixed together around their perimeter edges 41 by, for example, RF welding, although that could be another method such as thermal, or adhesive.
- One preferred material (not limiting) for the bladder 40 is Hoyu brand polyurethane 015395-E87M-Clear, which has a thickness of 6 mils, an ultimate tensile strength of 11,700 psi, an ultimate elongation of 583%, and a weight of 165 g/m 2 .
- Another suitable material is Hoyu brand polyurethane 015590-E85M-Clear, which has a thickness of 6 mils, an ultimate tensile strength of 7,895 psi, an ultimate elongation of 715%, and a weight of 165 g/m 2 .
- Each one of these materials is an uncoated, unwoven urethane film that can be adhered or bonded to other elements, for example by RF welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc. The particular method of attachment is not critical.
- the bladder material is strong enough to hold the pressure needed to support a user in the water lying on the back with the head above water.
- the amount of buoyancy that is provided is at least about thirty (30) pounds and preferably about forty (40) pounds.
- the amount of buoyancy that is provided is fit and temperature dependent.
- the desired material is much lighter in weight than a typical life preserver bladder material; as a result, the bladder 40 itself weighs only a few ounces.
- the combination of the material's thinness, light weight, high tensile strength, and high elongation are helpful in making the device performance (and low volume when packed) achievable. Other materials with similar characteristics are suitable.
- the bladder 40 may have a cross-sectional size that varies along its extent.
- the bladder 40 as thus formed has a generally U-shaped configuration, or horseshoe-shaped configuration, similar to that of the cover, including a central portion or collar section 42 , and two lobes 44 and 44 a .
- the lobes 44 and 44 a of the bladder 40 when inflated, are much longer than the lobes 24 and 24 a of the cover 20 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 for example, which shows one stage in the process of assembling and packing the device 10 .
- FIG. 13 shows the device 10 when the bladder 40 is in an inflated condition.
- the two bladder lobes 44 and 44 a are substantially similar to each other, only the left bladder lobe 44 is described in detail.
- the bladder lobe 44 has an intermediate section or upper lobe section 48 that extends from the collar section 42 and that is about the same length as the cover lobe 24 .
- An end section or lower section 50 of the bladder lobe 44 extends from the upper lobe section 48 and terminates in a terminal end portion 51 of the bladder lobe.
- a fold line indicated schematically at 52 can be said to form the boundary between the upper lobe section 48 and the lower lobe section 50 .
- the bladder lobe 44 is folded (up) at the fold line 52 , in a manner as described below, so that the lower lobe section 50 overlies the upper lobe section, thus decreasing the overall length of the folded bladder lobe to about the same length as that of the cover lobe 24 .
- the device 10 includes an inflator or cylinder assembly 60 ( FIG. 12 ) for inflating the bladder 40 .
- the particular construction and configuration of the inflator or cylinder assembly 60 is not critical for this invention.
- the inflator 60 may be of the type that can be actuated manually by pulling on a cord. Alternatively or additionally, the inflator 60 might be actuated automatically, for example by sensing of water depth, or by sensing the presence of water.
- the inflator 60 can be bypassed and the bladder 40 inflated directly by the user via an oral inflation tube 62 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the inflator 60 has an output 64 ( FIG.
- the personal flotation device 10 includes structure for holding the device on the user.
- the particular device that is illustrated is designed to be worn over and attached to an armor carrier or a vest or jacket 12 ( FIGS. 1-3 ) having MOLLE fastening openings.
- the device includes two back straps 80 that are operable to secure the collar section of the device to the back of the user's underlying vest 12 or jacket.
- the back straps 80 are fixed, for example by sewing, to the collar section 22 of the cover 20 .
- the collar section 22 of the cover 20 can be placed in a force-transmitting relationship with the MOLLE vest 12 , to secure the collar section 14 of the device 10 on the user's upper torso.
- the male end 82 of the back strap 80 is extended down, threaded through an opening 84 in the vest 12 , looped back up, and then connected with the female buckle 86 .
- the two back strap connections secure the collar section 22 of the cover 20 , and thus the device collar section 14 , to the vest 12 .
- the device also includes two chest straps 90 that are operable to secure the two lobes 16 of the device 10 to the upper front (chest) area of the user's underlying vest 12 or jacket.
- the chest straps 90 are sewn to the terminal end portions 26 and 26 a of the cover lobe 24 .
- each chest strap 90 can be placed in a force-transmitting relationship with its associated cover lobe 24 , and is able to limit vertical movement of the cover lobe 24 and the associated bladder lobe.
- the male end 92 of the chest strap 90 is extended down, threaded through an opening 94 in the vest 12 , looped back up, and then connected with the female buckle portion 96 of the chest strap. This controls the vertical positioning of the device 10 , holding the device in position on the user.
- the device includes a two-part sternum strap 100 that releasably extends across the user's sternum area, interconnecting the two device lobes 16 and 16 a at a buckle assembly in a position overlying the user's chest.
- a male portion (tongue) 102 extending from one device lobe 16 interconnects with a female portion (buckle) 104 extending from the other lobe 16 a .
- the sternum strap 100 does not directly interconnect with the vest 12 .
- the sternum strap 100 is further described below.
- the device includes a number of connector elements or connectors that are used to help interconnect the bladder 40 , the cover 20 , and the straps 80 , 90 , and 100 .
- the connector elements are described herein as fabric elements; they can be made from any one of a variety of sheet materials. One preferred material is coated nylon. Thus, the term “fabric” is not intended to be limiting.
- the connectors are located on the back or inner side of the bladder 40 , which lies against the user when inflated, and not on the outer exposed side of the bladder.
- a collar connector 70 ( FIG. 12 ) is located at the top of the device 10 and is a ring-shaped member about four inches wide encircling the central portion 42 of the bladder 40 .
- the collar connector 70 is secured to the bladder 40 , for example by bonding or RF welding, but only at the location of the inflator ring 66 . Otherwise the collar connector 70 is not fixed to the bladder 40 .
- the collar connector 70 encircles the top (collar section 42 ) of the bladder 40 and at that location protects the film material of the bladder 40 . At that location also, the collar connector 70 is secured to the collar section 22 of the cover 20 . This collar connector 70 thereby secures the collar section 42 of the bladder 40 in place in relation to the cover 20 .
- a second connector, the left connector 72 is secured on the lower lobe section 50 of the left bladder lobe 44 , as best seen in FIG. 4 .
- the left connector 72 has a generally T-shaped configuration when laid flat, including a crossbar portion 74 and a leg portion 76 .
- the leg portion 76 is widened at its bottom end 77 and is there secured to the terminal end portion 51 of the bladder lobe 44 .
- the crossbar portion 74 extends laterally from the top of the leg portion 76 , between the two seam edges of the bladder lobe 44 , on one side only of the bladder 40 , thus “encircling” the bladder for only 180 degrees.
- the ends of the crossbar portion 74 are secured to the two edge seams of the bladder lobe 44 .
- the terminal end portion 26 of the cover lobe 24 is fixed to the lateral center of the crossbar portion 74 of the left connector 72 .
- the left connector 72 is secured to the cover lobe 24
- the crossbar portion 74 of the left connector secures the terminal end portion 26 of the cover lobe to the bladder 40 .
- the right bladder lobe 44 a which is a mirror image of the left bladder lobe 44 , has secured to it a third connector 72 a , not discussed in detail as it is basically a mirror image of the second connector.
- the sternum strap 100 extends outward from the bladder 44 .
- one side 103 of the sternum strap 100 which carries the male part 102 of the sternum strap buckle assembly, is secured to the left connector 72 and to the bladder lobe 44 , and thus to the left cover lobe 24 .
- the other side 105 of the sternum strap 100 which carries the female part 104 of the sternum strap buckle assembly, is secured to the right connector 72 a and to the bladder lobe 44 a , and thus to the right cover lobe 24 a .
- These connections are formed at (and thus the sternum strap 100 is at the height of) the terminal end portions 26 , 26 a of the cover lobes 24 , 24 a .
- the length of the two sternum strap parts 103 and 105 is fixed and is selected to enable the sternum strap 100 , when buckled, to constrain the bladder lobes 44 and 44 a .
- the sternum strap 100 is in a force-transmitting relationship between the two cover lobes 24 , and thereby also the two bladder lobes 44 , and is able to limit lateral and outward movement of the bladder lobes 44 and 44 a when inflated as described below.
- each connector 72 and 72 a helps to constrain the bladder; for example, each connector 72 and 72 a is tied into its associated bladder lobe 44 or 44 a at the two diametrically opposite sides and at the bottom of the bladder lobe, and thus wraps partially around the bladder lobe circumference (on the back or inner side), thus keeping the material of the bladder in the desired configuration.
- the sternum strap 100 holds the two bladder lobes 44 and 44 a in place; if they were free to float away from the user's chest, the self-righting performance would be compromised.
- the left connector 72 serves to form an attachment point on the device lobe 16 .
- Multiple elements are attached to the left connector 72 .
- the left connector 72 is fixed to the terminal end 26 of the cover lobe 20 .
- the bladder lobe 44 is fixed to the left connector 72 at the lobe edges.
- the left bladder lobe 44 is secured to the terminal end portion 26 of the cover 20 .
- the buckle portion of the chest strap 90 is connected via a backing plate to the to the terminal end portion of the cover lobe 24 and the connector 72 . These elements are thus all connected together.
- each bladder lobe 44 , 44 a is significantly and substantially longer than its associated cover lobe 24 , 24 a . Therefore, during assembly of the device, the bladder lobes are folded and/or rolled to fit into the cover lobes as described below.
- the bladder lobe 44 when uninflated is both substantially wider than and substantially longer than the cover lobe 24 . Therefore, to commence the preferred folding process, a side portion 110 of the lower lobe section 50 of the bladder lobe 44 is folded laterally as shown by the arrow 112 in FIG. 5 , so as to overlie the remainder of the lower lobe section of the bladder lobe. This lateral fold is made at about the region 113 of the zippered inner edge of the cover lobe 24 . At this point, the sternum strap portion 103 extends or projects laterally outward from the bladder 40 .
- the projecting sternum strap portion 103 is folded laterally inward to overlie the partially folded bladder 40 .
- the inward folded sternum strap portion 103 overlies the upper lobe section 48 of the bladder lobe 44 .
- the lower lobe section 50 of the bladder lobe 44 is folded up, at the fold line 52 , as indicated by the arrow 116 , so that the lower lobe section overlies the upper lobe section 48 of the bladder lobe 44 .
- the lower lobe section 50 also overlies the sternum strap portion 103 .
- the lower lobe section 50 and the upper lobe section 48 are close to being the same length, and so the lower lobe section of the bladder lobe 44 when thus folded extends upward in the cover lobe 24 almost to the point where the cover lobe merges with the cover central portion 22 .
- the entire bladder lobe 44 thus can fit vertically within the vertical extent of the cover lobe 24 , above the terminal end portion of the cover lobe.
- the bladder lobe 44 is still wider than the cover lobe 24 .
- the folded bladder lobe 44 (lower lobe section 50 and upper lobe section 48 ) is folded (or preferably rolled) sideways, as indicated by the arrows 118 in FIGS. 9 and 119 in FIG. 10 , to make a package that will fit laterally within the relatively small confines of the zipped-up cover lobe 24 .
- the cover lobe 24 can thereafter be zipped closed.
- the sternum strap 100 is carefully threaded laterally out of a notch 120 ( FIG. 7 ) in the terminal end portion 26 of the cover lobe 24 .
- the two edges of the cover lobe 24 when zipped closed, surround or encircle the projecting sternum strap 100 , effectively turning the notch into an opening instead. Because the sternum strap 100 is between the folded upper and lower lobe sections 48 and 50 , the sternum strap does not interfere with or stop the lower end section of the bladder lobe 44 from unfolding (flipping down) when the bladder 40 inflates.
- the bladder 40 When the inflator 60 is actuated, the bladder 40 expands with enough force to rupture the breakaway zippers 30 . As the bladder 40 inflates, the inflation fluid in the bladder lobe 44 causes the bladder lobe 44 to unroll and unfold to a fully inflated condition as shown in FIG. 13-15 . Inflation of the device 10 is described with reference to only one bladder lobe 44 ; the other bladder lobe 44 a inflates substantially similarly.
- FIG. 13 is a front view of the personal flotation device 10 —that is, the major side (outside) that is presented outward when the device is worn, is seen in these views.
- the bladder 40 is transparent. Therefore, many elements in FIG. 13 that appear to be in front of the bladder 40 (toward the viewer) are, in fact, behind the bladder, only appearing to be in front of it because of the transparent nature of the bladder. Thus, for example, in FIG. 13 the fabric elements 70 , 72 , and 72 a , and the cover 20 , are in fact behind the transparent bladder 40 .
- This unrolling and unfolding process that occurs when the bladder 40 inflates includes, among other things, the bladder lower lobe section 50 flipping out (away from the user) and down, at the fold line 52 , thus moving away from the bladder lobe intermediate section 48 .
- the lower lobe section 50 of the bladder lobe 44 extends down below and past the terminal end portion of the opened cover lobe 24 .
- the inflated bladder 40 is large enough to support the user and the user's carried gear, in the water, in a face-up position; this, despite the bladder when uninflated extending down only over a portion of the user's chest.
- the connectors 72 and 72 a provide structural support that keeps the bladder lobes 44 and 44 a closer to the user's chest, to improve self-righting and flotation performance.
- the connectors 72 and 72 a constrain the more elastic material of the bladder 40 ; they wrap partially around the circumference of the bladder lobe 44 , being secured at the bladder edge seams, thus keeping the bladder lobe in the desired configuration when inflated.
- the sternum strap 100 holds the two bladder lobes in place; if they were free to float away from the user's chest, the self-righting performance would be compromised.
- the device 10 When thus inflated, the device 10 provides self-righting flotation for a user carrying a heavy load, to help prevent drowning.
- Self-righting flotation is achieved by providing appropriate buoyancy, and distributing the buoyancy on the body appropriately.
- from about thirty to about fifty pounds of buoyancy, and preferably from about thirty five to about forty five pounds is deemed the appropriate requirement for a tactical user (the in-water weight of a human carrying some equipment is lower than on-land weight).
- the buoyancy is provided on the chest (which brings the user's chest up) and behind the head (to keep the head out of the water).
- the inflatable life preserver of the present invention uses a novel packing method with a lightweight inflatable film bladder that allows it to integrate with equipment so that it is not noticeable to the user in the uninflated condition and does not impede the user's operations.
- the device When worn in the uninflated condition, the device takes up only a small amount of space, and only on the user's chest, not extending down to the waist or abdominal area. When inflated, the device floats the user (carrying standard tactical equipment) and will turn the user face up if the user is unconscious.
- This feature is provided by, among other things, the anchoring design that holds the bladder against the torso with surface mounted buckles and a sternum strap.
- the bladder In the uninflated state, the bladder is folded and rolled in a novel way that minimizes the device footprint.
- the device can be attached to a MOLLE vest or armor carrier as shown, or for a separate harness, or other appropriate gear.
- the inflatable bladder material In the inflated condition, the inflatable bladder material is unsupported and is constrained to provide buoyancy distribution to turn a user face-up with the needed amount of buoyancy at the water line.
Abstract
Description
- One known type of personal flotation device is sometimes called a life jacket or life vest. This type of device often has a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped configuration that wraps around the back of the user's neck and has two lobes extending down the front of the user's torso. In some of these devices, an inflatable bladder is contained within a cover. The bladder has two lobes, contained within the cover lobes, that are the same length as the cover lobes. When the bladder is inflated by actuation of an inflator, the bladder inflates out of the cover. Prior to inflation, the cover (and bladder) lobes extend down the user's torso to the waist area, where they are held together laterally by a waist strap. This setup takes a great deal of space on the user's torso and waist and can be awkward and uncomfortable.
- Some devices provide self-righting flotation for tactical/special operations forces carrying loads, but these products are typically heavy, cumbersome, and restrictive. The problem to overcome in these products is to provide a design that integrates with equipment in a way that does not hinder or impede normal operations.
- Conversely, certain other products integrate with equipment in a way that does not hinder or impede operation, but these products do not provide self-righting flotation. The problem to overcome in these products is to provide reliable self-righting flotation.
- The present invention relates to an inflatable life preserver that uses a novel packing method with a lightweight inflatable film that allows it to integrate with equipment so that it is not noticeable to the user in the uninflated condition and does not impede the user's operations. In the uninflated state, the bladder is folded and rolled in a novel way into a small configuration that minimizes the device footprint. The device can be attached to a MOLLE vest or other garment as shown, or to a separate harness, or other appropriate gear. In the inflated condition, the inflatable bladder material is unsupported and is constrained to provide sufficient buoyancy distribution to turn a user face-up at the water line.
- The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front pictorial illustration of a personal flotation device that is a first embodiment of the invention, shown being worn by a user over a MOLLE vest; -
FIG. 2 is a side pictorial illustration of the device and user and vest ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear pictorial illustration of the device and user and vest ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the device ofFIG. 1 , shown in an uninflated and unfolded condition; -
FIG. 5 is a view similar toFIG. 4 , showing a first step in the process of folding the device; -
FIG. 6 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device; -
FIG. 9 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device; -
FIG. 10 is a view similar toFIG. 5 , showing a further step in the process of folding the device and closing the cover on the bladder; -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a collar portion of the device ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the device ofFIG. 1 , shown in an inflated condition; -
FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the device ofFIG. 1 , shown in the inflated condition; and -
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the device ofFIG. 1 , shown in the inflated condition. - The invention relates to a personal flotation device that includes an inflatable bladder. The invention is applicable to personal flotation devices of varying and different configurations. As representative of the invention,
FIG. 1 illustrates apersonal flotation device 10 that is a first embodiment of the invention. Thedevice 10 is shown as being attachable to a MOLLE vest orarmor carrier 12 worn by a user; a device of the present invention could be configured and/or supported differently. The attachment of thedevice 10 to thevest 12 is described below in detail. - The
device 10 has adevice collar section 14, aleft lobe 16, and aright lobe 16 a. Thedevice 10 includes as its major components acover 20; abladder 40; and aninflator 60 for inflating the bladder. Additional components include twoback straps 80, twochest straps 90, and asternum strap 100. When thebladder 40 is uninflated, the bladder is stored in thecover 20. Theinflator 60 is actuatable as described below to inflate thebladder 40 to an inflated condition in which it extends out of the cover to support the user in water with the user face-up. - The cover 20 (
FIGS. 1-4 ) is a flexible fabric element that is made from a material to enclose and protect thebladder 40 when the bladder is uninflated. Typical materials that are suitable are well known in the art of the personal flotation device. Thecover 20 may have a color or camouflage printing on its outer surface. Thecover 20 has acentral portion 22, or collar section, that is located at and behind the user's neck when thedevice 10 is being worn. Thecover 20 has twolobes collar section 22, to provide an overall U-shaped or horseshoe shaped configuration for thecover 20. Each cover lobe 24, 24 a has a respectiveterminal end portion cover 20. For purposes of this invention, the twocover lobes - It should be understood that
FIGS. 4 through 13 are front views of thepersonal flotation device 10—that is, the major side (outside) that is presented outward when the device is worn, is seen in these views. In all these views, of course, thebladder 40 is transparent. Therefore, many elements that appear to be in front of the bladder 40 (toward the viewer) are, in fact, behind the bladder, only appearing to be in front of it because of the transparent nature of the bladder. Thus, for example, inFIG. 4 , thefabric elements cover 20, are in fact behind thetransparent bladder 40. - Each cover lobe 24, 24 a has a
respective zipper cover 20. The upper end of thezippers tab 31 on thecover 20. Thezipper 30 can be closed to form thecover lobe 24 into a tubular configuration in which thebladder lobe 44 is packed when in the uninflated condition. Thezipper 30 is a breakaway zipper; when thebladder 40 is inflated as described below, thebladder lobe 44 expands outward, pushing open thezipper 30 first at its upper end then down along the length of the lobe, and inflates out of thecover lobe 24. When thecover lobe 24 is unzipped, the cover lobe can be laid flat to enable thebladder lobe 44 to be packed inside the cover lobe. This position is shown inFIG. 4 , for example. - The length of the
cover lobes terminal end portions device 10 is worn. This can be seen inFIG. 2 , for example. This configuration provides a much more compact and less obtrusive device, in comparison to typical life preservers having cover lobes that extend down the torso to the user's waist or abdomen. - A zippered pouch 32 (
FIG. 3 ) is located inside the zipperedcentral portion 22 of thecover 20, for holding items that are associated with the cover. Also, eachzipper 30 may have a removable and reusable zipper pull that can be stored in thepouch 32. - The
bladder 40 is an element that can be inflated from a packed or folded, stored condition to an unfolded and opened condition, enclosing air or another inflation fluid, to support the user in the water. Thebladder 40 can be made in any one of a variety of different manners. In the illustrated embodiment, which is not limiting, thebladder 40 is made from two pieces of a very light weight film material that are fixed together around their perimeter edges 41 by, for example, RF welding, although that could be another method such as thermal, or adhesive. - One preferred material (not limiting) for the
bladder 40 is Hoyu brand polyurethane 015395-E87M-Clear, which has a thickness of 6 mils, an ultimate tensile strength of 11,700 psi, an ultimate elongation of 583%, and a weight of 165 g/m2. Another suitable material is Hoyu brand polyurethane 015590-E85M-Clear, which has a thickness of 6 mils, an ultimate tensile strength of 7,895 psi, an ultimate elongation of 715%, and a weight of 165 g/m2. Each one of these materials is an uncoated, unwoven urethane film that can be adhered or bonded to other elements, for example by RF welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, etc. The particular method of attachment is not critical. - The bladder material is strong enough to hold the pressure needed to support a user in the water lying on the back with the head above water. In one embodiment, the amount of buoyancy that is provided is at least about thirty (30) pounds and preferably about forty (40) pounds. The amount of buoyancy that is provided is fit and temperature dependent. The desired material is much lighter in weight than a typical life preserver bladder material; as a result, the
bladder 40 itself weighs only a few ounces. The combination of the material's thinness, light weight, high tensile strength, and high elongation are helpful in making the device performance (and low volume when packed) achievable. Other materials with similar characteristics are suitable. - When the two pieces of the
bladder 40 are welded together, the resulting element can be laid flat as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . Thebladder 40 may have a cross-sectional size that varies along its extent. Thebladder 40 as thus formed has a generally U-shaped configuration, or horseshoe-shaped configuration, similar to that of the cover, including a central portion orcollar section 42, and twolobes lobes bladder 40, when inflated, are much longer than thelobes cover 20. This difference can be seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 , for example, which shows one stage in the process of assembling and packing thedevice 10. This difference can also be seen inFIG. 13 , which shows thedevice 10 when thebladder 40 is in an inflated condition. As the twobladder lobes left bladder lobe 44 is described in detail. - The
bladder lobe 44 has an intermediate section orupper lobe section 48 that extends from thecollar section 42 and that is about the same length as thecover lobe 24. An end section orlower section 50 of thebladder lobe 44 extends from theupper lobe section 48 and terminates in aterminal end portion 51 of the bladder lobe. A fold line indicated schematically at 52 can be said to form the boundary between theupper lobe section 48 and thelower lobe section 50. In practice, when thebladder 40 is to be stored in thecover 20, as described below, thebladder lobe 44 is folded (up) at thefold line 52, in a manner as described below, so that thelower lobe section 50 overlies the upper lobe section, thus decreasing the overall length of the folded bladder lobe to about the same length as that of thecover lobe 24. - The
device 10 includes an inflator or cylinder assembly 60 (FIG. 12 ) for inflating thebladder 40. The particular construction and configuration of the inflator orcylinder assembly 60 is not critical for this invention. The inflator 60 may be of the type that can be actuated manually by pulling on a cord. Alternatively or additionally, the inflator 60 might be actuated automatically, for example by sensing of water depth, or by sensing the presence of water. Finally, in a known manner, the inflator 60 can be bypassed and thebladder 40 inflated directly by the user via an oral inflation tube 62 (FIG. 4 ). The inflator 60 has an output 64 (FIG. 12 ) that can be connected with aninflator ring 66 on thecollar section 42 of thebladder 40 to place the inflator output in fluid communication with the bladder. Placing the inflator 60 in the collar section of thebladder 40 is one factor that enables thelobes device 10 to be as small as they are. - As noted above, the
personal flotation device 10 includes structure for holding the device on the user. The particular device that is illustrated is designed to be worn over and attached to an armor carrier or a vest or jacket 12 (FIGS. 1-3 ) having MOLLE fastening openings. As such, the device includes two back straps 80 that are operable to secure the collar section of the device to the back of the user'sunderlying vest 12 or jacket. The back straps 80 are fixed, for example by sewing, to thecollar section 22 of thecover 20. Thus, thecollar section 22 of thecover 20 can be placed in a force-transmitting relationship with theMOLLE vest 12, to secure thecollar section 14 of thedevice 10 on the user's upper torso. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 2 , themale end 82 of theback strap 80 is extended down, threaded through anopening 84 in thevest 12, looped back up, and then connected with thefemale buckle 86. The two back strap connections secure thecollar section 22 of thecover 20, and thus thedevice collar section 14, to thevest 12. - The device also includes two chest straps 90 that are operable to secure the two
lobes 16 of thedevice 10 to the upper front (chest) area of the user'sunderlying vest 12 or jacket. The chest straps 90 are sewn to theterminal end portions cover lobe 24. Thus, eachchest strap 90 can be placed in a force-transmitting relationship with its associatedcover lobe 24, and is able to limit vertical movement of thecover lobe 24 and the associated bladder lobe. Specifically, themale end 92 of thechest strap 90 is extended down, threaded through anopening 94 in thevest 12, looped back up, and then connected with thefemale buckle portion 96 of the chest strap. This controls the vertical positioning of thedevice 10, holding the device in position on the user. - Finally, the device includes a two-
part sternum strap 100 that releasably extends across the user's sternum area, interconnecting the twodevice lobes device lobe 16 interconnects with a female portion (buckle) 104 extending from theother lobe 16 a. Thesternum strap 100 does not directly interconnect with thevest 12. Thesternum strap 100 is further described below. - The device includes a number of connector elements or connectors that are used to help interconnect the
bladder 40, thecover 20, and thestraps bladder 40, which lies against the user when inflated, and not on the outer exposed side of the bladder. - One connector, a collar connector 70 (
FIG. 12 ), is located at the top of thedevice 10 and is a ring-shaped member about four inches wide encircling thecentral portion 42 of thebladder 40. Thecollar connector 70 is secured to thebladder 40, for example by bonding or RF welding, but only at the location of theinflator ring 66. Otherwise thecollar connector 70 is not fixed to thebladder 40. Thecollar connector 70 encircles the top (collar section 42) of thebladder 40 and at that location protects the film material of thebladder 40. At that location also, thecollar connector 70 is secured to thecollar section 22 of thecover 20. Thiscollar connector 70 thereby secures thecollar section 42 of thebladder 40 in place in relation to thecover 20. - A second connector, the
left connector 72, is secured on thelower lobe section 50 of theleft bladder lobe 44, as best seen inFIG. 4 . Theleft connector 72 has a generally T-shaped configuration when laid flat, including acrossbar portion 74 and aleg portion 76. Theleg portion 76 is widened at itsbottom end 77 and is there secured to theterminal end portion 51 of thebladder lobe 44. Thecrossbar portion 74 extends laterally from the top of theleg portion 76, between the two seam edges of thebladder lobe 44, on one side only of thebladder 40, thus “encircling” the bladder for only 180 degrees. The ends of thecrossbar portion 74 are secured to the two edge seams of thebladder lobe 44. Theterminal end portion 26 of thecover lobe 24 is fixed to the lateral center of thecrossbar portion 74 of theleft connector 72. Thus, at this location, theleft connector 72 is secured to thecover lobe 24, and thecrossbar portion 74 of the left connector secures theterminal end portion 26 of the cover lobe to thebladder 40. - The
right bladder lobe 44 a, which is a mirror image of theleft bladder lobe 44, has secured to it athird connector 72 a, not discussed in detail as it is basically a mirror image of the second connector. - The three
connectors bladder 40 to thecover 20 and to the inflator 60; (b) provide support for thesternum strap 100 to keep thebladder lobes collar connector 70, provide protection to the bladder when the user opens theaccess pouch 32. - The
sternum strap 100 extends outward from thebladder 44. Specifically, oneside 103 of thesternum strap 100, which carries themale part 102 of the sternum strap buckle assembly, is secured to theleft connector 72 and to thebladder lobe 44, and thus to theleft cover lobe 24. Theother side 105 of thesternum strap 100, which carries thefemale part 104 of the sternum strap buckle assembly, is secured to theright connector 72 a and to thebladder lobe 44 a, and thus to theright cover lobe 24 a. These connections are formed at (and thus thesternum strap 100 is at the height of) theterminal end portions cover lobes sternum strap parts sternum strap 100, when buckled, to constrain thebladder lobes sternum strap 100 is in a force-transmitting relationship between the twocover lobes 24, and thereby also the twobladder lobes 44, and is able to limit lateral and outward movement of thebladder lobes - Because the
bladder 40 is made from a more elastic material that normal for this type of device, and because its mounting location is higher on the torso than normal, theconnectors connector bladder lobe sternum strap 100 holds the twobladder lobes - The
left connector 72 serves to form an attachment point on thedevice lobe 16. Multiple elements are attached to theleft connector 72. First, theleft connector 72 is fixed to theterminal end 26 of thecover lobe 20. Also, thebladder lobe 44 is fixed to theleft connector 72 at the lobe edges. As a result, theleft bladder lobe 44 is secured to theterminal end portion 26 of thecover 20. The buckle portion of thechest strap 90 is connected via a backing plate to the to the terminal end portion of thecover lobe 24 and theconnector 72. These elements are thus all connected together. - As noted above, each
bladder lobe cover lobe - Specifically, the
bladder lobe 44 when uninflated is both substantially wider than and substantially longer than thecover lobe 24. Therefore, to commence the preferred folding process, aside portion 110 of thelower lobe section 50 of thebladder lobe 44 is folded laterally as shown by thearrow 112 inFIG. 5 , so as to overlie the remainder of the lower lobe section of the bladder lobe. This lateral fold is made at about theregion 113 of the zippered inner edge of thecover lobe 24. At this point, thesternum strap portion 103 extends or projects laterally outward from thebladder 40. - Next, as indicated by the
arrow 114 inFIG. 6 , the projectingsternum strap portion 103 is folded laterally inward to overlie the partially foldedbladder 40. The inward foldedsternum strap portion 103 overlies theupper lobe section 48 of thebladder lobe 44. - In the next folding step (
FIG. 8 ), thelower lobe section 50 of thebladder lobe 44 is folded up, at thefold line 52, as indicated by thearrow 116, so that the lower lobe section overlies theupper lobe section 48 of thebladder lobe 44. Thelower lobe section 50 also overlies thesternum strap portion 103. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower lobe section 50 and theupper lobe section 48 are close to being the same length, and so the lower lobe section of thebladder lobe 44 when thus folded extends upward in thecover lobe 24 almost to the point where the cover lobe merges with the covercentral portion 22. Because thefold line 52 is at the attachment point, and the attachment point is at theterminal end portion 26 of thecover lobe 24, theentire bladder lobe 44 thus can fit vertically within the vertical extent of thecover lobe 24, above the terminal end portion of the cover lobe. - As thus folded, the
bladder lobe 44 is still wider than thecover lobe 24. To address this width difference, the folded bladder lobe 44 (lower lobe section 50 and upper lobe section 48) is folded (or preferably rolled) sideways, as indicated by thearrows 118 inFIGS. 9 and 119 inFIG. 10 , to make a package that will fit laterally within the relatively small confines of the zipped-upcover lobe 24. Once this is accomplished, thecover lobe 24 can thereafter be zipped closed. - During this folding and rolling process, the
sternum strap 100 is carefully threaded laterally out of a notch 120 (FIG. 7 ) in theterminal end portion 26 of thecover lobe 24. The two edges of thecover lobe 24, when zipped closed, surround or encircle the projectingsternum strap 100, effectively turning the notch into an opening instead. Because thesternum strap 100 is between the folded upper andlower lobe sections bladder lobe 44 from unfolding (flipping down) when thebladder 40 inflates. - When the inflator 60 is actuated, the
bladder 40 expands with enough force to rupture the breakaway zippers 30. As thebladder 40 inflates, the inflation fluid in thebladder lobe 44 causes thebladder lobe 44 to unroll and unfold to a fully inflated condition as shown inFIG. 13-15 . Inflation of thedevice 10 is described with reference to only onebladder lobe 44; theother bladder lobe 44 a inflates substantially similarly. - As noted above,
FIG. 13 is a front view of thepersonal flotation device 10—that is, the major side (outside) that is presented outward when the device is worn, is seen in these views. In this view, thebladder 40 is transparent. Therefore, many elements inFIG. 13 that appear to be in front of the bladder 40 (toward the viewer) are, in fact, behind the bladder, only appearing to be in front of it because of the transparent nature of the bladder. Thus, for example, inFIG. 13 thefabric elements cover 20, are in fact behind thetransparent bladder 40. - This unrolling and unfolding process that occurs when the
bladder 40 inflates includes, among other things, the bladderlower lobe section 50 flipping out (away from the user) and down, at thefold line 52, thus moving away from the bladder lobeintermediate section 48. In this condition, thelower lobe section 50 of thebladder lobe 44 extends down below and past the terminal end portion of the openedcover lobe 24. - The inflated
bladder 40 is large enough to support the user and the user's carried gear, in the water, in a face-up position; this, despite the bladder when uninflated extending down only over a portion of the user's chest. When thebladder 40 is inflated, theconnectors bladder lobes connectors bladder 40; they wrap partially around the circumference of thebladder lobe 44, being secured at the bladder edge seams, thus keeping the bladder lobe in the desired configuration when inflated. Thesternum strap 100 holds the two bladder lobes in place; if they were free to float away from the user's chest, the self-righting performance would be compromised. - When thus inflated, the
device 10 provides self-righting flotation for a user carrying a heavy load, to help prevent drowning. Self-righting flotation is achieved by providing appropriate buoyancy, and distributing the buoyancy on the body appropriately. In the case of thedevice 10, from about thirty to about fifty pounds of buoyancy, and preferably from about thirty five to about forty five pounds, is deemed the appropriate requirement for a tactical user (the in-water weight of a human carrying some equipment is lower than on-land weight). The buoyancy is provided on the chest (which brings the user's chest up) and behind the head (to keep the head out of the water). - As is apparent from the foregoing description, the inflatable life preserver of the present invention uses a novel packing method with a lightweight inflatable film bladder that allows it to integrate with equipment so that it is not noticeable to the user in the uninflated condition and does not impede the user's operations. When worn in the uninflated condition, the device takes up only a small amount of space, and only on the user's chest, not extending down to the waist or abdominal area. When inflated, the device floats the user (carrying standard tactical equipment) and will turn the user face up if the user is unconscious. This feature is provided by, among other things, the anchoring design that holds the bladder against the torso with surface mounted buckles and a sternum strap. In the uninflated state, the bladder is folded and rolled in a novel way that minimizes the device footprint. The device can be attached to a MOLLE vest or armor carrier as shown, or for a separate harness, or other appropriate gear. In the inflated condition, the inflatable bladder material is unsupported and is constrained to provide buoyancy distribution to turn a user face-up with the needed amount of buoyancy at the water line.
- From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications in the invention. For example, the bladder folding procedure could be different; for example, a different number of folds could be provided, or rolls, or a different bladder material could be used. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/224,098 US20200189698A1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2018-12-18 | Low Profile Tactical Inflatable Flotation Device |
CA3028060A CA3028060A1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2018-12-19 | Low profile tactical inflatable flotation device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/224,098 US20200189698A1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2018-12-18 | Low Profile Tactical Inflatable Flotation Device |
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US20200189698A1 true US20200189698A1 (en) | 2020-06-18 |
Family
ID=71071100
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US16/224,098 Abandoned US20200189698A1 (en) | 2018-12-18 | 2018-12-18 | Low Profile Tactical Inflatable Flotation Device |
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US (1) | US20200189698A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3028060A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220390210A1 (en) * | 2021-06-03 | 2022-12-08 | Fechheimer Brothers Company | Cover for ballistic carrier |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040033739A1 (en) * | 2002-06-17 | 2004-02-19 | Courtney William L. | Multi-chambered personal survival device and an orally inflated, flush mounted, hybrid bladder |
US20050221701A1 (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2005-10-06 | Jonathan Smith | Life preserver system |
US9802685B2 (en) * | 2013-11-18 | 2017-10-31 | David G. Kent | Flotation safety system |
WO2018154245A1 (en) * | 2017-02-22 | 2018-08-30 | Societe De Confection Balsan | Individual protection device |
-
2018
- 2018-12-18 US US16/224,098 patent/US20200189698A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-12-19 CA CA3028060A patent/CA3028060A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040033739A1 (en) * | 2002-06-17 | 2004-02-19 | Courtney William L. | Multi-chambered personal survival device and an orally inflated, flush mounted, hybrid bladder |
US20050221701A1 (en) * | 2004-04-01 | 2005-10-06 | Jonathan Smith | Life preserver system |
US9802685B2 (en) * | 2013-11-18 | 2017-10-31 | David G. Kent | Flotation safety system |
WO2018154245A1 (en) * | 2017-02-22 | 2018-08-30 | Societe De Confection Balsan | Individual protection device |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220390210A1 (en) * | 2021-06-03 | 2022-12-08 | Fechheimer Brothers Company | Cover for ballistic carrier |
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