WO2003070326A2

WO2003070326A2 - Thermal protective lifejackets

Info

Publication number: WO2003070326A2
Application number: PCT/DK2003/000323
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lisbeth Jensen
Original assignee: Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S
Priority date: 2002-12-20
Filing date: 2003-05-15
Publication date: 2003-08-28
Also published as: AU2003223935A8; AU2003223935A1; WO2003070326A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermal protective lifejacket comprising at least one elastic layer (2) adapted to fit around at least a torso of a wearer and a plurality of buoyancy elements (3). Furthermore, the buoyancy elements (3) are attached to the elastic layer (2) to provide a lifejacket (1) which can be compactly packed during storage.

Description

THERMAL PROTECTIVE LIFEJACKETS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a thermal protective lifejacket comprising at least one elastic layer adapted to fit around at least a torso of a wearer and a plural- ity of buoyancy elements.

Background Art

Lifejacket are used with the purpose of preventing a person from drowning by giving a wearer in emergency situa- tions sufficient buoyancy to keep the nose and mouth clear of the water. A lifejacket which is approved according to the Marine Directive 96/98/EC, which is the industrial standard for lifesavings equipment at sea, furthermore require that the lifejackets are constructed in such a way that it supports an unconscious wearer in a position where the mouth and nose are clear of the water at all times.

In many situations it is necessary to have a one-size lifejacket for growing ups and one for kids, for example in an emergency situation on a ship or aircraft where many people have to put on a lifejacket on very short time .

Some tragic accident in cold sea for instance the Baltic Sea has show urgent necessities of not only give the person a lifejacket with good buoyancy but also minimize the heat loss of the wearer caused by the low water temperature . A known prior-art document relating to a isothermal life- jacket is described in publication EP-A-29,771. Another known prior-art document also relating to thermal life- jacket is described in publication WO 01/21475.

The known thermal lifejackets have sophisticated constructions having for instance inflatable buoyancy means as well as different arrangement for connecting the buoyancy means to the thermal layer. Due the construction of these lifejackets they frequently have to have maintenance services, if they are to be used on commercial ships, such as ferries. This provides a huge economic burden on the owner of the ships, due to the costs related to the maintenance services of many lifejackets. In addition, due to the sophisticated construction they are not being simple to unpack and to take on and thereby to use.

Furthermore, the known lifejackets available on the mar- ket have the disadvantage, that they can not be packed compactly, which have the consequence that they take up a lot of space, when they are not in use. Accordingly, they can not be stacked and stored closely on board the ships .

In addition, the known lifejackets having thermal protection have the disadvantages, that they are very difficult for a wearer to put on, having the consequence, that in extreme stressed emergency situations the wearer will not be able to put the lifejacket on in sufficient short time.

Additionally, the known lifejackets have the disadvantage that the position of the buoyancy means can be displaced in relation to the size of the wearer, whereby the optimal buoyancy may be lost for certain sizes of the wearer.

Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is to wholly or partially overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art. It is more specifically an object of the present invention to provide a thermal protective lifejacket with good thermal isolating.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal protective lifejacket with good buoyancy and which is constructed in such a way that it secures that an unconscious persons is turned in a position where mouth and nose are clear of the water.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a thermal protective lifejacket, which is capable to fit a wide range of sizes of a wearer.

It is as well an object of the invention to provide a thermal protective lifejacket, which an untrained person within a short period of time easily and correctly can put on .

It is another object of the present invention to provide a thermal protective lifejacket, which can be packed to a small volume.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a thermal protective lifejacket, which is relative cheap. The above objects, as well as other objects, advantages and features which will become evident from the following description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by the buoyancy elements are attached to the elastic layer to provide a lifejacket which can be compactly packed during storage.

Hereby is obtained thermal protective lifejacket wherein the elastic layer gives thermally protection in itself or/and by reducing the flow of water around the torso of the wearer. By reducing the flow of water, the water which is entered between the elastic layer and the torso will be warmed up by the body temperature of the wearer whereby the body of the wearer not is exerted with high cold influences as by the known lifejackets. Thereby is the survival possibilities of a wearer in cold water essentially improved.

Furthermore, by having the buoyancy elements attached to the elastic layer it is obtained that the thermal protective lifejacket can be put on quickly and compactly packed, thus enabling it to stored efficiently. This is especially important in respect to ferries or cruisers, where a large number of lifejackets are necessary.

The term "elastic layer" is in the context of this specification to be construed as being a layer which is flexible, i.e. which can fit around different sizes of the torso of the wearer. The layer is made of an elastic or flexible material or in a combination of elastic material such as elastic rubber layer, a textile or knitwear. The term "torso" is in the context of this specification to be construed as being head, neck, armpit and groin of the wearer. Said areas are the most vital parts of the human body and are subject for most thermal loss.

The term "compactly packed" is in the context of this specification to be construed as being packed in such a manner that there substantially is no space between the elements in the packaging. When compactly packed, the thermal protective lifejacket have a solid or dense cubic form as well as a geometric shape which facilitate efficiently stacking and storing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the buoyancy elements may be arranged to enable a compact packing at least partly around the elastic layer.

The buoyancy elements may comprise at least one front part and one neck part, whereby efficiently buoyancy is obtained. During use the front part of the buoyancy element will provide buoyancy for the upper torso of the wearer and the neck part will give support as well as buoyancy for the head of the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the buoyancy elements may comprise at least two separately front parts and one neck part .

In an expedient embodiment according to the invention the buoyancy element front part (s) and the neck part during storage may be folded over one another. Whereby a simply and easy way of making the compact packaging of the thermal protective lifejacket is obtained. Advantageously, according to the invention, the buoyancy elements furthermore may comprise at least one extra buoyancy element in connection to the first front part(s) . Hereby is obtained, that the wearer of the thermal protective lifejacket will be applied additional buoyancy, whereby the wearer will be positioning higher in the water in relation to the surface. The wearer will furthermore obtain a more horizontal floating position in the water.

The buoyancy elements may furthermore comprise two extra buoyancy elements in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In an expedient manner according to the invention the extra buoyancy elements and the neck part may be folded over the front part (s) during storage, thus obtaining a substantially compact form, due to the fact that the buoyancy elements essentially wraps the elastic layer.

The buoyancy elements may preferably be made of solid buoyancy material, whereby an inexpensive thermal protective lifejacket is obtained, which furthermore does not need the maintenance services as often as the inflatable buoyancy lifejackets.

In expedient manner according to the invention the thermal protective lifejacket in packed condition may have a substantially cubic or square form, enabling it to be stacked in storage rooms. By having a substantially cubic or square form it is obtained, that the thermal protective lifejacket simple may be stored or stacked in the designated areas, and thereby less room or space is being used.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention a closure means may be arranged in the elastic layer, preferably a zip or a Velcro® tape. Hereby is obtained, that the wearer more easily can put on the thermal protective lifejacket. Under the closure means a sealing means or a flap may be arranged which will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Advantageously according to the invention, a belt or strap may also be arranged around the lifejacket and securely attached on the back of the lifejacket. Enabling a tight and secure fixation of the thermal protective life- jacket to the torso of the wearer, independently of the size of the wearer.

According to the invention, the closure means may be ar- ranged at the front of the lifejacket, whereby a life- jacket, which is simple for wearer to put on. It is extremely important that the lifejacket is easy and simple to use for the wearer, due to the fact that when the lifejacket are to be used it is often during stressed situations, i.e. emergencies etc. In these situation it is important, that the wearer is familiar with the life- jacket and know how to put it on, this is obtained by designing the thermal protective lifejacket according to the invention as a normal jacket having a closure in the front. Tests have shown, that by having the closure in the front a wearer can take it on, substantially at the same hurry as by more conventionally lifejackets, not having the elastic layer, which have been surprising for the skilled person.

Furthermore, the front parts of the buoyancy elements may be arranged on each side of the closure means to maintain the buoyancy in correct position. Furthermore, the buoyancy elements may also protect the closure means.

Advantageously according to the invention snap attachment means, such as for instance Velcro® tape, may be arranged between the front parts of the buoyancy elements. In packed position the attachment means provides a locking of the buoyancy elements when not in use, whereby it is compact packed, furthermore it is simple to separate the elements when the jacket is to be used.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention a hood may be arranged in connection to the thermal protective lifejacket, so as to thermal protect the head of the wearer.

Advantageously, the buoyancy elements may be adapted to wrap the elastic layer during storage.

According to the invention the buoyancy elements may be securely attached to the elastic layer, whereby a secure fixation as well as positioning of the buoyancy elements in relation to the wearer, independently of the size of the wearer, is obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention and its advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which by way of example illustrate currently preferred embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows the thermal protective lifejacket according to the invention seen from the front,

Fig. 2 shows the thermal protective lifejacket according to the invention seen from the back,

Fig. 3 also shows the thermal protective lifejacket according to the invention seen from the back,

Fig. 4 shows the thermal protective lifejacket according to the invention seen from the front

Fig. 5 shows the thermal protective lifejacket according to the invention in a packed situation, and

Fig. 6 shows in detailed view a part of the thermal pro- tective lifejacket according to the invention.

All figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omit- ted or merely suggested.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

In Fig. 1 is a thermal protective lifejacket 1 according to the invention shown. The thermal protective lifejacket 1 comprises in this embodiment an elastic layer 2 and a plurality of buoyancy elements 3. The buoyancy elements 3 comprises two front parts 4, 5, a neck^' part (not shown) as well as two extra buoyancy elements 6, 7. Furthermore a belt 8 or strap is arranged around the elastic layer 2 and the buoyancy elements 4, 5, thereby enabling the wearer to adjust the lifejacket 1 to his or her size. The belt 8 may advantageously be arranged with snap buckle 9, said buckle 9 may expediently be of the type having an insert part, which easily can be coupled with a receiver part, identically to the type of buckles which are being used to rucksacks or the like. With this type of buckle the length of the belt 8 may simple be adjusted by a pull in the belt 8, whereby the lifejacket is adjusted to the size of the wearer.

Furthermore, a so-called "crotch strap" is arranged at the lower part of the elastic layer 2, whereby the lower part of the torso of the wearer, i.e. the crotch, is thermal protected. Advantageously is the strap 10 made of the same material as the elastic layer 2. The strap 10 also have the advantage that it secures that the thermal protective lifejacket 1 not is gliding up of the torso of the wearer.

According to the invention, the elastic layer 2 may be made of an elastic material or in a combination of elas- tic material such as elastic rubber layer, a textile or knitwear. The elastic layer could particularly be made of a material, which provide not only thermal insulation but which also adds buoyancy to the lifejacket, such as for instance Neoprene .

To thermal protect the head of the wearer is a hood 12 arranged in connection to the thermal protective life- jacket 1. In connection to the front of the elastic layer 2 there is furthermore arranged a closure means, in this embodiment a zip 11, whereby the wearer may put the lifejacket 1 on as a normal jacket.

During use, the thermal protective lifejacket 1 is put on as a normal jacket, where after the hood 12 is pulled over the head of the wearer. Subsequently, the lifejacket is closed via the closure means 11 and the belt 8 is closed in the front and is accordingly adjusted. Finally, the strip 10 is led through the legs of the wearer and attached to the belt 8, and subsequently adjusted to the length of the wearer.

According to the invention the buoyancy elements 3 may be made of solid buoyancy material and comprise a foam element preferably a closed cell foam element, which is preferably enclosed in a cover. The foam panel may for example be Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) , polyolefin (PO) , polyurethane (PU) , polyethylene (PE) , nitril rubber foam or a mixture of these materials, preferably PE . The buoyancy element not only provide buoyancy to the lifejacket 1 but also a thermal protection.

In Fig. 2 is the thermal protective lifejacket 1 shown seen from the back. From this view is the neck part 13 of the buoyancy elements shown. In this embodiment is the neck part 13 shown in a upraised position. Furthermore is the belt 8 securely attached to the back of the elastic layer 2. The belt 8 is in this embodiment attached to the elastic layer in three separate places as well as is led and held in position by belt straps. In Fig. 3 is the neck part 13 shown in correct position wherein it provides buoyancy to the upper body and head of the wearer. Advantageously, the front parts and the neck part 13 of the buoyancy elements are connected.

In Fig. 4 is shown how the strap 10 is attached to the belt 8 in expedient manner. A further advantage of the strap 10 is that by attaching the strap 10 to the belt 8 it is obtained that lower part of the elastic layer 2 also is adjusted to the size of the wearer, and thereby securing that only a small amount of water is entering the thermal protective lifejacket 1.

In an other embodiment according to invention may the elastic layer also covers the extremities such as arms and legs, whereby the entire body of the wearer is thermal protected.

In Fig. 5 is the thermal protective lifejacket shown in a packed situation. In this embodiment is the elastic layer 2 essentially wrapped by the front parts 4, 5, the neck part 13 and the extra buoyancy elements 6, 7, so as to provide a substantially square form, enabling it to eas- ily be stacked in storage rooms. By having a substantially square form it is obtained that the thermal protective lifejacket simple may be stored or stacked in the designated areas, and thereby less room or space is being used.

In other embodiments according to the invention may the packed lifejacket have other geometric forms, however, it is essential that the form provides a possible stacking of the lifejackets. Furthermore, the extra buoyancy elements 6, 7 and the neck part 13 may be formed with inclined end surfaces so as the end surfaces in the folded position of the lifejacket is arranged to lie close to each other, and thereby provide a substantially square form, as shown in Fig. 5.

In order to keep the lifejacket 1 compact packed during storage there may be arranged snap attachment means be- tween the front parts as well as between the end surfaces of the neck part and the extra buoyancy element, such as for instance Velcro® tape.

In Fig. 6 is in detailed view shown a part of the thermal protective lifejacket 1 according to the invention. The front part 4 of the buoyancy element is attached to elastic layer 2 adjacent to the zip 11. Furthermore, the extra buoyancy element 6 may also be attached to the elastic layer in the same manner. By this secure attachment it is obtained that the buoyancy elements always is held in position, so as to provide that the lifejacket is self righting when being used, i.e. that the wearer will be positioning in water having mouth and nose clear of the water at all times.

Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A thermal protective lifejacket comprising at least one elastic layer (2) adapted to fit around at least a torso of a wearer and a plurality of buoyancy elements

(3) , characterized in that the buoyancy elements (3) are attached to the elastic layer (2) to provide a lifejacket

(1) which can be compactly packed during storage.

2. The thermal protective lifejacket according to claim 1, wherein the buoyancy elements (3) are arranged to enable a compact packing at least partly around the elastic layer (2) .

3. The thermal protective lifejacket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the buoyancy elements (3) comprises at least one front part (4, 5) and one neck part (13) .

4. The thermal protective lifejacket according to any one of the claims 1 to 3 , wherein the buoyancy elements (3) comprises at least two separately front parts (4, 5) and one neck part (13) .

5. The thermal protective lifejacket according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the buoyancy element front part (s) (4, 5) and the neck part (13) during storage can be folded over one another .

6. The thermal protective lifejacket according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein the buoyancy elements (3) furthermore comprise at least one extra buoyancy element (6, 7) in connection to the first front part (s) (4, 5) .

7. The thermal protective lifejacket according to claim

6, wherein the buoyancy elements (3) comprises two extra buoyancy elements (6, 7) .

8. The thermal protective lifejacket according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the extra buoyancy elements (6, 7) and the neck part (13) can be folded over the front part (s) (4, 5) during storage.

9. The thermal protective lifejacket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the buoyancy elements (3) are made of solid buoyancy material .

10. The thermal protective lifejacket according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lifejacket (1) in packed condition has a substantially cubic or square form, enabling it to be stacked in storage rooms.