WO2004069648A1

WO2004069648A1 - Inflation system for inflatable life jackets

Info

Publication number: WO2004069648A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/000143
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Glasa
Original assignee: P & P Utveckling Ab
Priority date: 2003-02-05
Filing date: 2004-02-04
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Also published as: DE20301788U1; EP1590234A1

Abstract

The invention refers to an inflation system for inflatable life jackets, which stores liquid gas in the low pressure range and which, using an integrated opening mechanism, brings the liquid gas into the gaseous phase via a large outlet opening by means of the spontaneous volume expansion of the liquid gas, and thus brings the life jacket to be inflated to the usage size, characterized in that the outer casing of the gas reservoir and the recess for the integrated manual or automatic opening mechanism or both in combination, is integrally designed.

Description

TITLE

INFLATION SYSTEM FOR INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an inflation system for inflatable life jackets, which stores liquid gas in the low pressure range and which, using an integrated opening mechanism, brings the liquid gas into the gaseous phase via a large outlet opening by means of the spontaneous volume expansion of the liquid gas, and thus brings the life jacket to be inflated to the usage size.

BACKGROUND ART

Inflation systems for life jackets which use carbon dioxide gas for inflation are known. This gas is inexpensive and is basically harmless to humans. It is disadvantageous that the storage of gas of these systems in the high pressure range of up to approximately 150 bar at 45 °C is possible only in the form of relatively heavy steel bottles. These bottles are configured in a cartridge-like manner and are welded closed following filling with gas since considerably higher gas pressures occur at a high storage temperature, e.g. at 70 °C. In life jackets, the weight of these cartridges is three to five times heavier than the actual gas filling. These cartridges are opened by means of an additional opening mechanism in which a needle-like steel point pierces the wall of the cartridge. Even though only a small opening is attained, a force of approximately 300 N is necessary. The opening mechanisms are therefore correspondingly large and heavy. A further major disadvantage is that the CO₂ gas has a small molecular structure and can diffuse over time through the so-called gas-tight material of the inflated life jacket used.

This can lead to major problems if the person to be rescued is unconscious for a long period of time in the water. It is furthermore not possible to see whether there is actually any gas in the cartridge. It may therefore occur that owing to a simple mistake, a cartridge which has already been used or a cartridge which has emptied of its own accord owing, for example, to rust formation, is assigned to the automatic inflation system.

The small opening cross-section of the cartridge opening at low operating temperatures represents a further disadvantage. Icing occurs during use owing to the high pressure difference to the cartridge and the chambers of the automatic opening system, which considerably increases the filling times of the life jacket.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The object of this invention is to eliminate the disadvantages described above and to create a secure and very cost-effective inflation system which is also simple in terms of use and function.

The development of new propellant gases which are just as harmless to humans and the environment as conventional gases (e.g. CO₂) results in a completely new system solution for the present invention as compared to known systems. This is due, in part, to the fact that a system which uses gas in the low pressure range results in much more favourable static requirements for all the components of an automatic inflation system, correspondingly enabling a simpler and more cost-effective manufacture.

The inlet openings can be much larger so that inflation of the life jacket is fully functional even at extremely low temperatures. By using a liquid gas in the low pressure range as the filling, the opening mechanism, be it manual or automatic, - i.e. water activated systems in the case of faint-proof life jackets - is directly integrated in the casing of the gas reservoir. This means that there is no need for a separate opening mechanism.

The invention is therefore also to be seen as a so-called single use automatic inflation system. The casing is made of a transparent material and allows the fill level of the gas to be seen with the naked eye. Further advantages of the invention are revealed by the following description and embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will below be described further in connection with a number of drawings where:

Fig. 1 schematically shows the floating body of a life jacket having the novel inflation system;

Fig. 2 schematically shows the essential elements of the invention in full section and as a side view;

Fig. 3 schematically shows an automatic inflation system;

Fig. 4 schematically shows a sketch of a receptacie;

Fig. 5 schematically shows an embodiment having a locking profile according to one embodiment;

Figs. 6 schematically shows a receptacle which is welded in a gas-tight manner into the textile wall of the floating body of the life jacket;

Fig. 7 schematically shows a cross section view of the receptacle in figure 6 along the line C-C;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a cross section view, as part of a full section, of the automatic inflation system which has been locked in place in the receptacle of the life jacket having a manual and automatic opening system; Fig. 9 schematically shows cross section view of a part of a full section where the construction of an integrated, so-called automatic opening unit is shown in an inactivated state;

Fig. 10 schematically shows cross section view of a part of a full section where the construction of an integrated, so-called automatic opening unit is shown in an activated state;

Fig. 11 schematically shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment in which a so-called tear off closure is provided as the opening mechanism;

Fig. 12 schematically shows a cross sectional side view of figure 11 along the line C-C.

Fig. 13 schematically shows a cross section view of a part of a full section using molecular sieves, when the unit is inactivated, and where;

Fig. 14 schematically shows a cross section view of a part of a full section using molecular sieves, when the unit is activated.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows the floating body (1 ) of a life jacket having the novel inflation system (2, 3) and a manually operated opening cord with a grip ring (4). In most cases, the life jackets are also equipped with an oral inflation device (5), however, this is irrelevant in this case.

Fig. 2 shows the essential elements of the invention in full section and as a side view. A manually operated inflation system is represented herein. The main casing (1 ) is integrally produced from transparent plastic and can additionally be lined, if required, in the filling space with an inert SiO₂ layer (3), which is also transparent, or a glass container (3) is surrounded by the main casing made of plastic. A profile (2) is moulded to the casing for a simple and secure locking in a recess on the floating body. The gas reservoir with the filling (4) is provided with a closure part (6) which serves to open the gas reservoir. The effect of the closure part is similar to known plastic sparkling wine stoppers. The closure part is protected against unintentional opening and the pressure drag of the gas by means of a shearing pin (7). If the closure part is removed from the narrow section (10), the gas enters the life jacket to be inflated via the opening (5). A simple rubber seal (8) around the shaft of the opening part prevents the gas from escaping from the main casing during filling of the floating body. Fig. 4 shows a sketch of a receptacle (4) which, in most cases, is made of a flexible PUR material and is welded to the floating body (3).

This receptacle can be produced extremely simply and cost-effectively. It can be seen that the locking profile (2) of the automatic inflation system in Fig. 3 snaps into the recesses (5) in Fig. 4. The opening hole to the floating body (6) is covered by the opening of the main casing (5) in Fig. 2 when the inflation device is locked in place. The receptacle (4) in Fig. 4 is preferably provided with a simple non-return valve for the gas in case the automatic system is accidentally removed from the inflated floating body. So that all the gas enters the floating body, a simple rubber seal, which is not shown here, is provided, according to the prior art, on one of the two surfaces of the through-flow openings labelled as reference number (5) in Fig. 2 and as reference number (6) in Fig. 4. These seals can have a simple design since the liquid gas used has a large molecular structure. Specifically newly developed gases were used for testing the invention and these gases are also used in medicinal technology.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment having a locking profile (2) formed in a different manner. Figs. 6 schematically shows a receptacle (4) which is welded in a gas-tight manner into the textile wall (5) of the floating body of the life jacket. Fig. 7 schematically shows a cross section view of the receptacle in figure 6 along the line C-C. This method is general prior art. The opening (6) to the life jacket is surrounded by an O-ring. The manner in which the inflation system is locked into the receptacle can be easily seen from Figs. 5 to 7. This type of secure yet detachable engagement is known, for example, from belt fastenings in sports items such as rucksacks etc.

Fig. 8 shows, as part of a full section, the automatic inflation system (1) which has been locked in place in the receptacle (2) of the life jacket having a manual and automatic opening system. The gas chamber is closed with an axially moveable closure tappet (6) which comprises a sealing collar (7) formed in the upper region. This type of gas-tight closure acts in a similar manner to, for example, known plastic stoppers for sparkling wines. Since the gas has a very large molecular structure, there is a very good tightness. In the lower region, a ring-shaped closure piece (10) is firmly pressed in by the locking recesses (11) of the outer casing and coaxially guides the closure tappet. The closure tappet has two recess collars (8, 14). The closure tappet is incorporated in the closure position in a clamped manner such that it is axially moveable only with a predetermined force, with which the closure piece (7) is removed from the gas chamber and the gas can then flow through the opening (17).

This shows the mode of operation for manual opening. A pressure spring (9) is compressed at the left-hand side of the part of the full section of the automatic inflation system (1), and a water-soluble blocking member (12) is pressed into the closure piece (10), this being shown as a half-section.

By means of this addition, a combined automatic and manual inflation unit can be simply and cost-effectively achieved without changing the current parts of the manual opening unit. This is described again in a similar embodiment with Figs. 9 and 10. The part of the full section of the receptacle (2) in Fig. 8 shows a seal (13) around the inlet bore of the floating body and a simple non-return valve (14) in the form of a moveable rubber part according to simple prior art. In the part of the full section seen in Figs. 9 and 10, the construction of an integrated, so-called automatic opening unit is shown in the activated and inactivated state. These mechanisms react when immersed in water. This means that should the user of the life jacket be injured or unconscious when entering the water, the automatic inflation system will be automatically activated. The closure tappet (2) can be seen, which comprises a recess (4), lying on a blocking member (7) which is clamped in the housing. A pre-stressed pressure spring (5) lies between a formed profile of the casing (6) and a recess (3) on the opening tappet. The blocking member (7) is mostly made of pressed, ground cellulose which withstands the pressure of the spring in the dry state. If the blocking member comes into contact with water it dissolves (8) and the opening tappet is removed from the closure area of the reservoir opening by means of the spring pressure. The gas flows through the opening (10) into the life jacket. The spring forces and the resistance of the blocking member are only approximately 35 N in the dry state owing to the low pressure gas. Manual operation by pulling out the closure part (2) is also simultaneously possible since the required manual strength for manual opening may be up to approximately 120 N.

Fig. 11 schematically shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment in which a so-called tear off closure (2) is provided as the opening mechanism.

Fig. 12 schematically shows a cross sectional side view of figure 11 along the line C-C. In the partial section of Fig. 11 , the simple seal described above in the form of a flat seal or an O-ring (7) around the opening (3), which lies congruent with the opening (6) in Fig. 4 of the receptacle when locked in the receptacle (4) in Fig. 4, is easily recognisable.

Figures 13 and 14 teach the use of molecular sieves. Both figures show cross-sectional views of the opening mechanism of an embodiment of a manually operated hand release. When subject to extremely low ambient temperatures, the transition of gas from liquid state to gaseous state will take longer time since thermal energy is necessary for the phase transition. In one embodiment of the invention an integrated heat source is fitted in the casing. The heat source comprises a so called molecular sieve comprising small absorbent particles, for example, made from Zeolite granulate. The heat is generated due to absorption of gas flowing through the molecular sieve and due to the degree of moisture in the gas. In one embodiment of the invention a predetermined quantity of the absorbent material is arranged between the outlet opening of the liquid gas reservoir and the inlet opening of the life jacket, which absorbent material is arranged to be through flown by the liquid gas upon actuation of the system When the gas reservoir is opened the liquid gas flows through the molecular sieve before it reaches the life jacket through the outlet opening. Furthermore, due to the high degree of moisture in the liquid gas the heat energy may be very high. The heat energy generated in the molecular sieve enhances the transition of the liquid gas into a gaseous state, even during extremely low ambient temperatures.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment where the system is closed and thus not actuated. The absorbent material (5) is embedded in a capsule like housing

(6). The System comprises an opening tappet (2) with a sealing collar (37) at its one end, which sealing collar (37) seals an opening (35) to a liquid gas reservoir (36). The housing has a first and a second opening (31 , 32) lodging the opening tappet (2). The opening tappet (2) has about the axis two coaxial recess profiles (3, 4). A part of the area (33) between the profiles (3, 4) seals the absorbent capsule (6) by circumferential alignment of the tappet (2) against the parts of the housing (6) defining the first opening (31 ) when the opening tappet (2) is not actuated. Furthermore, a second area (34) of the tappet at a distance from the second profile (4) seals the absorbent capsule (6) by circumferential alignment of the tappet (2) against the part of the housing (6) defining the second opening (32) when the opening tappet is not actuated. This hinders the absorbent material from a premature contact with the moisture content of the ambient air via the outlet opening (9) of the system. When the opening tappet is not actuated, the first recess profile (3) is placed outside the housing (6) and the second recess profile (4) is placed inside the housing (6).

Fig. 14 shows the system actuated by an axial displacement of the opening tappet (2) such that the recess profiles (3, 4) unseals the absorbent capsule by the recess profiles (3, 4) being displace to a position juxtaposed the first and the second opening (a, b) in the housing (6). In this position the recess profiles (3, 4) create a first and a second channel (7, 8) between the absorbent material (5) and the opening tappet (2). The first channel (7) is in direct flow communication with the first opening (31 ) in the housing (6), and the second channel (8) is in direct flow communication with the second opening (32) in the housing (6). When the system is actuated the liquid gas (the liquid gas is depicted in Fig. 13 and denoted 1 ) starts to transform from liquid state to gaseous state, but some liquid gas flows through the opening (35) of the liquid gas reservoir (36) through the first opening (31) in the first channel (7) and then through the absorbent material where it is heated such that the liquid gas transitions into a gaseous state. The gas then flows to and through the opposing second opening (32) via the second channel (8), such that the gas reaches the outlet opening (9).

Claims

1. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets, which stores liquid gas in the low pressure range and which, using an integrated opening mechanism, brings the liquid gas into the gaseous phase via a large outlet opening by means of the spontaneous volume expansion of the liquid gas, and thus brings the life jacket to be inflated to the usage size, characterised in that the outer casing of the gas reservoir and the recess for the integrated manual or automatic opening mechanism or both in combination, is integrally designed.

2. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to claim 1 , characterised in that the gas reservoir and the integrated manual or automatic opening mechanism are connected to each other in one piece.

3. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer casing comprises a profile for a clamp-like locking of an adaptation part which is fixedly connected with the floating body.

4. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filling reservoir of the gas space is made from a transparent material.

5. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gas reservoir is made of plastic and comprises a glass-like inner coating.

6. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer casing surrounds a glass body in which the liquid gas is accommodated.

7. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer casing completely or partially surrounds a metal gas reservoir in which the liquid gas is accommodated.

8. An inflation system for inflatable life jackets according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an automatic opening system which is activated upon contact with water is fixedly connected to the outer casing.

9. An inflation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a predetermined quantity of an absorbent material (5) is arranged between the outlet opening (35) of the liquid gas reservoir and the inlet opening (9) of the life jacket, which absorbent material (5) is arranged to be through flown by the liquid gas upon actuation of the system.