WO2003029074A1 - Appareil de sauvetage - Google Patents

Appareil de sauvetage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003029074A1
WO2003029074A1 PCT/GB2002/004426 GB0204426W WO03029074A1 WO 2003029074 A1 WO2003029074 A1 WO 2003029074A1 GB 0204426 W GB0204426 W GB 0204426W WO 03029074 A1 WO03029074 A1 WO 03029074A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
chamber
inflatable
article
gas
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2002/004426
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richards Paul
Original Assignee
Richards Paul
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Richards Paul filed Critical Richards Paul
Publication of WO2003029074A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003029074A1/fr

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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

Definitions

  • This invention relates life-saving apparatus, and especially to such apparatus including an inflatable article.
  • life-saving apparatus in the form of a life jacket to be worn by a person, especially in an emergency, but it will be appreciated that it is applicable in its broadest aspects to other forms of life-saving apparatus.
  • Life-saving apparatus in the form of an inflatable life jacket is used primarily by persons on board a ship or a boat.
  • One disadvantage of contemporary self-inflating life jackets is that the tapes by which they are fastened around the trunk of the user in order to prevent the inflatable portion from moving upwards relative to the body, may be forced, particularly when not correctly fitted, above the head of the user, thus becoming ineffective as a means of flotation and potentially also causing neck injury or concussion.
  • such devices generally use compressed carbon dioxide gas that is contained under high pressure in a separate steel cylinder, and the life jacket is inflated through a manifold, after having been triggered by an operating head.
  • buoyancy chambers of the jacket may not be inflated as a result of ice accumulating in the manifold, or as a result of a leaky seal. Furthermore, when such articles are stored for long periods they can be subject to delamination.
  • Inflatable life jackets for use in emergencies on aircraft are normally stored in containers and use compressed carbon dioxide gas that is contained under high pressure in a separate steel cylinder, and the life jacket is inflated through a manifold, having been triggered by an operating head.
  • An oral mouthpiece is provided for topping up the lifejacket after or upon exiting the aircraft.
  • These jackets are also subject to the disadvantage of their securing tapes discussed above. It is one object of the present invention to provide a life-saving apparatus that comprises an inflatable article contained in an enclosure that is more reliable and safer than existing apparatus.
  • life-saving apparatus comprising an inflatable article contained in an enclosure, and a mouthpiece extending from the article, wherein the inflatable article has at least one inflatable chamber and a closable inlet for inputting a gas into the inflatable chamber, the inflatable article being removably located within the enclosure, wherein, when the article is positioned inside the enclosure, the inlet extends from the inflatable chamber to a position accessible from the exterior of the enclosure, and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with the exterior of the chamber whereby, subsequent to inflation of the article, gas from within the chamber can be supplied to the mouthpiece for use by the user of the apparatus.
  • life-saving apparatus comprising an inflatable article contained in an enclosure, and a mouthpiece extending from the article, wherein the inflatable article is removably located within the enclosure and comprises at least one inflatable chamber containing a predetermined quantity of gas capable of substantially inflating the chamber to its operating state, and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with the exterior of the chamber whereby, subsequent to inflation of the article, gas from within the chamber can be supplied to the mouthpiece for use by the user of the apparatus.
  • the chamber of the inflatable article may be filled with a gas whilst the article is still stored within the enclosure. No separate gas cylinder is required.
  • the inflatable chamber may be filled with gas using a conventional foot pump, or air line, at the place of intended use, for example where the apparatus is being prepared for storage on a ship or aircraft.
  • the inflatable chamber of the article constrained by the enclosure already has a predetermined quantity of gas therein.
  • That quantity is sufficient substantially to inflate the chamber to its operating condition, once released from the enclosure. Since the volume of the enclosure may be made greater than the volume of a conventional compressed gas cylinder, the pressure of the gas within the enclosure can be significantly less than that of conventional cylinders, thereby improving safety.
  • such an inflatable article in its enclosure is provided in combination with a mouthpiece, so that gas, usually air, from the inflated article may be used, generally in a temporary manner, by the wearer of the inflated article to provide a short term supply of clean air.
  • gas usually air
  • This is particularly advantageous when the intended use of the life saving apparatus is in an aircraft.
  • the aviation industry is particularly concerned with the safe and quick evacuation of passengers from an aircraft cabin in the event of an accident or other emergency in which smoke, for example acrid or poisonous fumes from burning upholstery, may be filling the aircraft cabin as passengers are trying to escape therefrom.
  • Aviation law requires that the cabin should be evacuated within ninety seconds, and clearly choking fumes are a significant hazard in achieving this.
  • the life-saving apparatus of the present invention allows the user to be provided with a buoyancy aid, which at the same time can provide a short term clean air supply through the mouthpiece, thus facilitating escape in a smoke-filled environment.
  • the mouthpiece comprises a face mask with means for securing it to the head of the user, and a breather tube extending between the inflatable chamber and the face mask.
  • the life-saving apparatus is also preferably provided with means for securing it to the body of the user.
  • the securing means are advantageously provided by webbing straps, preferably arranged to pass around the neck and between the legs of the body, so as to ensure that the inflatable chamber remains in place, usually around the neck so as to support the head of the user.
  • the inflatable chamber may then conveniently be contained in the enclosure which itself is fitted to the securing means, for example the webbing straps.
  • a pressure indicator is provided on the inflatable chamber, and advantageously protruding therefrom, so that the serviceability of the apparatus can conveniently be checked, visually or by touch, for example before deployment in a real emergency. If required, a specific pressure indicator can be incorporated, which again would allow checking of the condition of the equipment locally and in a convenient manner.
  • the inflatable chamber, or chambers are packed inside an enclosure in the form of a cylindrical textile enclosure having a longitudinal opening seam.
  • a one way valve fitted to the inflatable chamber would pass through the enclosure to receive compressed air for pre-charging the inflatable article.
  • the enclosure is preferably provided with a quick release device, thereby allowing the inflatable article to free itself from the enclosure and to expand to its operational size.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of the apparatus with its securing means folded away;
  • Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus with its securing means extended;
  • Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus before deployment when fitted to a user;
  • Figure 4 is a rear view corresponding to Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a front view corresponding to Figure 3, after deployment of the inflatable article of the apparatus;
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the release mechanism for the enclosure of the inflatable article.
  • Figure 7 is an exploded view of the enclosure release mechanism.
  • the life-saving apparatus is exemplified by a life jacket 2 that has a buoyancy chamber 4 ( Figure 5) contained within a cylindrical textile enclosure 6 formed into a generally U-shape.
  • the textile enclosure 6 is secured to strap webbing 8 that has two upper limbs 10 for disposing the enclosure 6 around the neck 12 of a user and a lower harness portion 14 that fits around the waist and legs of the user.
  • the size of the webbing 8 is adjustable by a pair of buckles 16.
  • a one way valve 18 projects outwardly through the enclosure 6 on one side thereof, whilst a breather tube 20 extends from the buoyancy chamber 4 out through the enclosure 6 on the other side, and leads to a face mask 22.
  • Compressed air is fed into the constrained buoyancy chamber 4 through the valve
  • the quantity and pressure of air in the chamber 4 is such as to provide sufficient buoyancy for the user.
  • the air pressure within the constrained chamber 4 would be around 100 psi.
  • the enclosure 6 for the buoyancy chamber 4 is provided with a release mechanism 24.
  • the enclosure 6 opens, and allows the buoyancy chamber 4 to expand under the influence of its pre-charged air so as to fit snuggly around the neck 12 of the user, supporting the head 26.
  • the webbing 8 by means of its harness portion 14 securely restrains the buoyancy chamber 4, still attached to the backing portion of the webbing 8, around the user.
  • the face mask 22 is free for securing around the head 26 of the user so that he may breathe air from within the chamber 4 if required.
  • FIGs 6 and 7 show in expanded detail the operation of the release mechanism 24 to allow the enclosure 6 to open and the buoyancy chamber 4 thereby to expand.
  • the enclosure 6 is folded over on itself at each of its elongate edges, with tongues 26 being formed along one edge and co-operating grooves 28 along the other.
  • a rod 30, carrying the release ring 24 is pushed through the interengagements thereby formed, so as to close the enclosure 6 around the buoyancy chamber 8, prior to its inflation through the valve 18. It will be appreciated that by pulling on the ring 24 and withdrawing the rod 30, the enclosure 6 is allowed to open thus allowing the buoyancy chamber to expand whilst still being retained to the underlying portion of the webbing 8.
  • life jacket 2 may be contained within a protective cover, folded up, and can be opened to its configuration shown in Figure 2 and securely fitted by the user whilst still seated.
  • re-charging of the life jacket 2 can be done locally at minimum cost, whereas with conventional life self-inflating life jackets, the cost of re-charging with a new gas cylinder is high which tends to discourage use in training.
  • charging of the buoyancy chamber with air, or other suitable gas can be carried out just prior to use of the apparatus, or at an earlier stage in preparation for subsequent use. It is also envisaged that the chamber may also be inflated by mouth. The latter aspect finds particular application for the apparatus in aircraft, where a compact arrangement can easily be stored, under a seat, for example.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de sauvetage, qui comprend un gilet de sauvetage gonflable (2) disposé dans une enveloppe (6). Le gilet de sauvetage présente un orifice d'entrée (18) pour recevoir un gaz de gonflage, ou contient une quantité appropriée de gaz servant à gonfler le gilet de sauvetage après retrait de l'enveloppe (6). Un embout buccal (22) ou un masque prolonge le gilet de sauvetage et permet à l'usager de respirer le gaz du gilet de sauvetage gonflé, par exemple dans une atmosphère enfumée. L'appareil de sauvetage de l'invention peut être entreposé dans un avion pour être utilisé dans des cas d'urgence, par exemple.
PCT/GB2002/004426 2001-10-01 2002-10-01 Appareil de sauvetage WO2003029074A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0123524.1 2001-10-01
GB0123524A GB0123524D0 (en) 2001-10-01 2001-10-01 Life-saving apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003029074A1 true WO2003029074A1 (fr) 2003-04-10

Family

ID=9923017

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2002/004426 WO2003029074A1 (fr) 2001-10-01 2002-10-01 Appareil de sauvetage

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0123524D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003029074A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005109982A2 (fr) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Alberto Cesar Hodara Appareil destine a recycler l'air contenu dans une bouee de sauvetage
EP1614620A3 (fr) * 2004-07-05 2006-04-19 Robert E. Stewart Dispositif respiratoire flottant de sauvetage
WO2007016632A2 (fr) * 2005-08-02 2007-02-08 Simonson Peter M Ensemble de sauvetage
WO2008017116A1 (fr) * 2006-08-09 2008-02-14 Gregorich, Thomas Gilet de sauvetage
GB2445227A (en) * 2006-11-23 2008-07-02 Promiles Lifejacket
GB2487738A (en) * 2011-02-01 2012-08-08 Yuan-Chun Lin An inflatable life saving grabbing device
SE2130365A1 (sv) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-16 Harry Flam Flythjälp för skridskoåkare för att komma upp ur vak

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB103662A (en) 1916-01-21 1917-12-06 Henry Alonzo House Improvements in Driving Belts.
US1608264A (en) * 1926-01-13 1926-11-23 Figlietti Germano Life preserver
US3248746A (en) * 1963-07-06 1966-05-03 Bernhardt Appbau G M B H & Co Life jacket, especially for flying personnel
GB2277906A (en) * 1993-04-26 1994-11-16 Crewsaver Limited Inflatable personal flotation devices
US5911612A (en) * 1997-09-08 1999-06-15 Ero Industries, Inc. Foldable, inflatable flotation device with improved retention means

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB103662A (en) 1916-01-21 1917-12-06 Henry Alonzo House Improvements in Driving Belts.
US1608264A (en) * 1926-01-13 1926-11-23 Figlietti Germano Life preserver
US3248746A (en) * 1963-07-06 1966-05-03 Bernhardt Appbau G M B H & Co Life jacket, especially for flying personnel
GB2277906A (en) * 1993-04-26 1994-11-16 Crewsaver Limited Inflatable personal flotation devices
US5911612A (en) * 1997-09-08 1999-06-15 Ero Industries, Inc. Foldable, inflatable flotation device with improved retention means

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005109982A2 (fr) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Alberto Cesar Hodara Appareil destine a recycler l'air contenu dans une bouee de sauvetage
WO2005109982A3 (fr) * 2004-05-18 2009-04-02 Alberto Cesar Hodara Appareil destine a recycler l'air contenu dans une bouee de sauvetage
EP1614620A3 (fr) * 2004-07-05 2006-04-19 Robert E. Stewart Dispositif respiratoire flottant de sauvetage
WO2007016632A2 (fr) * 2005-08-02 2007-02-08 Simonson Peter M Ensemble de sauvetage
WO2007016632A3 (fr) * 2005-08-02 2007-04-05 Peter M Simonson Ensemble de sauvetage
WO2008017116A1 (fr) * 2006-08-09 2008-02-14 Gregorich, Thomas Gilet de sauvetage
GB2445227A (en) * 2006-11-23 2008-07-02 Promiles Lifejacket
GB2445227B (en) * 2006-11-23 2011-11-23 Promiles Inflatable lifejacket comprising an inflatable vest assembled around a non-inflatable frontal strip
GB2487738A (en) * 2011-02-01 2012-08-08 Yuan-Chun Lin An inflatable life saving grabbing device
SE2130365A1 (sv) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-16 Harry Flam Flythjälp för skridskoåkare för att komma upp ur vak

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0123524D0 (en) 2001-11-21

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