WO2001058528A1

WO2001058528A1 - Inflatable anchor device

Info

Publication number: WO2001058528A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/000104
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce David Moffatt
Original assignee: Bruce David Moffatt
Priority date: 2000-02-08
Filing date: 2001-02-08
Publication date: 2001-08-16

Abstract

An inflatable anchor device which when inflated between two solid objects provides an anchor point (5) to which a rope or line may be fastened. The device comprises internal bladder (2), outer casing (1), valve (3) and anchor point (5). The device provides restraint for rock fishermen and emergency personnel etc. and can also be used as a life buoy.

Description

INFLATABLE ANCHOR DEVICE

The present invention relates generally to a method and device for the secure anchoring of a tether line or rope in areas where the opportunity to tie a line "around" or "to" an object is unavailable.

From a general aspect, not limiting the inventions uses, the present invention provides a method and device which, when inflated between two solid objects provides an anchor point to which a line or rope may be fastened. This line or rope may be used for any number of purposes, the most visual example would be that of a person "rock fishing". In this situation it is most often difficult to find a convenient post or small enough rock to tie a tether line around, as a result, people fishing in dangerous situations untethered risk being washed into the ocean with fatality being one possibility. The present invention because of its method, allows an anchor point to be secured and a line or rope fastened to this anchor and to the person fishing, providing a restraint where no traditional method of restraint would be possible. This restraint, although not preventing the person tethered from being knocked down by a wave, will prevent them from going into the water.

Additionally, the present invention provides an anchor point for use by emergency personnel while attending calls for assistance in dangerous situations around the coast line. For example, an ambulance officer called to attend a fall victim in a dangerous position on rocks by the ocean. The ambulance officer may, using the present invention secure both patient and self quickly and effectively, the officer can then tend to the medical requirements of the patient or wait for assistance to arrive, comfortable in the knowledge that neither will be washed into the sea.

The apparatus, is light weight, compact and easily carried through difficult terrain. The method involves the inflation of a flexible, airtight device (figure 1) , within a space between two immovable objects, for example: large rocks. The width of the space must be less than the thickness of the device, when the device is fully inflated (dimensions on device) .

The device has a valve 3, enabling the connection of a method, mechanical or otherwise, by which the device may be inflated or deflated, For example: a bicycle hand pump or compressed air bottle or cartridge. The device has a fastening point 5, to which a tether line may be attached by tying or any other appropriate method. The tether line may be wound around a spring loaded drum device, allowing automatic retraction of the line as the user steps backwards. Preferably the invention will be used in conjunction with an appropriate belt or harness worn by the user.

To best describe the method for use of the invention the rock fishing example is still appropriate. The person intending to fish, upon reaching their desired fishing position simply places the inflatable device, in a deflated condition, into any small fissure or crevice in or between rocks and with the valve (3) and the fastening point (5) protruding inflates using whichever inflation method they have available. One end of the tether line being used should be securely fastened to the belt or harness being worn while the other end is passed through fastening point (5) and tied off leaving the length of line between the anchor device and the person fishing shorter than the distance to any danger areas where a fall may result. The device may be deflated, moved and re-inflated in a different position if the user wishes to try their luck at a different location.

Although "not" a rescue device, the present invention may if needed be inflated and thrown, attached to a line, to somebody who may have fallen into the ocean. The device being of bright colour and floating makes it readily seen and caught hold of, and may offer a small amount of additional flotation.

Claims

Variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefor, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive .THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method utilising an inflatable device ( figure 1) being of any practical size and/or shape, preferably using, but not limited to, a woven outer casing with a bladder or airtight lining which, when used according to the method herein described provides a secure "anchor", primarily for, but not limited to, use in areas where traditional methods of fastening are unavailable.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, of providing the means (3) through which the device may be inflated or deflated by any method, mechanical and/or otherwise.

3. A method in accordance with any preceding claim of providing, within the design of any device utilising the method, a secure point/method to/by which a tether or security line may be attached.

Revised 6 February 2001

BRUCE MOFFATT 8 Kingfisher Road Port Macquarie NSW 2444