WO2005023639A1 - Dispositif de flottaison - Google Patents

Dispositif de flottaison Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005023639A1
WO2005023639A1 PCT/AU2004/001210 AU2004001210W WO2005023639A1 WO 2005023639 A1 WO2005023639 A1 WO 2005023639A1 AU 2004001210 W AU2004001210 W AU 2004001210W WO 2005023639 A1 WO2005023639 A1 WO 2005023639A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bladder
passage
flotation
pouch
gas
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/001210
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Hanson
Original Assignee
John Hanson
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
Priority claimed from AU2003904868A external-priority patent/AU2003904868A0/en
Application filed by John Hanson filed Critical John Hanson
Publication of WO2005023639A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005023639A1/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
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C9/15—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments
    • B63C9/155—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments inflatable

Definitions

  • FLOTATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a flotation device particularly but not exclusively for use by persons including children but applicable also to animals.
  • BACKGROUND ART There have been in the past a number of occurrences of drownings in surf conditions where swimmers or bathers may be inexperienced in such conditions and/or are swimming or bathing in an area which is not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers. Drownings also often occur as a result of boating accidents. There is thus a need for a device which will assist persons including children in these situations and in particular which will support a person in the water at least temporarily. A number of different forms of personal flotation device are currently available.
  • the present invention aims to provide a flotation device which is relatively compact and may be simply and effectively worn or carried by a user to provide protection against drowning.
  • the present invention in a further aspect aims to provide a device which is relatively simply to actuate.
  • the present invention in another aspect aims to provide a flotation device which is automatically actuated.
  • the present invention thus provides in one aspect a flotation device comprising an inflatable bladder; a gas container containing a compressed gas for inflating said bladder, said bladder being sealed to said container and having a first position in which said bladder is uninflated and a second position in which said bladder is inflated, and means for maintaining the bladder in said first position preventing escape of gas from said container into said bladder.
  • a gas flow or release passage suitably provides communicating between the gas container and the bladder, the bladder when maintained in the first position normally preventing the passage closing means opening the gas flow passage, and wherein the bladder when moved or being allowed to move away firom the first position permits the passage closing means to open the passage and allow inflation of the bladder
  • the gas container comprises a tubular body or other elongated hollow body defining therein a gas chamber.
  • the gas flow passage is provided at one end of the tubular body and the one end of the tubular body projects into the bladder.
  • the passage closing means normally close the gas release passage and maintaining means are provided to prevent the passage closing means opening the passage.
  • the maintaining means are suitably associated with the bladder, the maintaining means normally maintaining the bladder in the first position preventing the passage closing means opening the passage.
  • the passage closing means comprises a sealing plug and the maintaining means normally prevent displacement of the sealing plug from the passage.
  • the maintaining means when released permits the sealing plug to be displaced from the passage under the influence of the pressure of gas within the chamber.
  • the gas release passage is provided in a first end member which is formed integrally with at least part of the tubular body at the one end thereof.
  • the first end member may be a separate member located within the tubular body.
  • clamp means arc suitably provided for clamping and sealing the one end of the tubular body to the first end member.
  • the clamp means may comprise an annular crimping member or ferrule which clamps and seals the one end of the tubular body to the first end member.
  • the sealing plug includes a body which suitably includes sealing means preferably in the form of one or more O-rings located in an annular groove or grooves in the body which seal the body of the sealing plug in the passage.
  • the retaining means cooperate with the sealing plug to normally prevent displacement of the sealing plug from the passage whereby to maintain the sealing plug sealed in the passage.
  • the maintaining means may comprise a strap or flap which is positioned at the end of the gas release passage and preferably extends at least partially across the passage to normally prevent displacement of the sealing plug.
  • a stop member suitably of disclike form is preferably associated with the strap to assist in maintaining the sealing plug within the passage.
  • the stop member may be attached to the strap or be free of the strap.
  • the flotation device may be located in a pouch to hold the bladder in the first position and the flotation device in a non-actuated state.
  • the flotation device may be secured to a belt or strip of material such as webbing for attachment to the user.
  • the belt or strip may be arranged to be attached around the user's waist.
  • the pouch may be arranged on and extend longitudinally of the belt or strip, the pouch at least partially containing the gas container and bladder.
  • the pouch is open at at least one end to allow the gas container to be inserted into the one end and project therefrom.
  • the maintaining means suitably is provided at the opposite end of the pouch and most preferably extends at least partially across the opposite end of the pouch.
  • the maintaining means when in the form of a strap or flap is formed integrally with the pouch and has its free end attached as by sewing, adhesives or quick release means such as by complementary hook and loop material to the opposite side of the pouch and thereby extend substantially diametrically across the opposite end of the pouch.
  • the strap or flap may be attached at one end such as by sewing or adhesives to one side of the pouch and attached at its opposite end to the other side of the pouch by sewing, adhesives or quick release means such as by complementary hook and loop material.
  • supplementary releasable attaching means may be provided to attached the flap to the pouch.
  • the pouch may be defined by a piece of fabric suitably a synthetic fabric, a plastics material, or other pliable material which is secured to the belt or strip of material.
  • the fabric piece is sewn or otherwise attached along or adjacent at least one longitudinal edge of belt or webbing. Most preferably opposite marginal portions of the fabric piece are attached to or adjacent opposite longitudinal edges of the belt or strip of material to form a sleeve. So that the flotation device and bladder securely remain attached to the user during and after bladder inflation, the tubular body may be attached to the belt or strip of material by any suitable attachment means.
  • a portion of the tubular body is attached to the belt by any suitable fastening arrangement such as a ring clamp which captures the tubular body to the belt or strip of material.
  • the ring clamp is suitably located adjacent the other end of the tubular body.
  • the ring clamp may also clamp the mouth of the bladder to the tubular body.
  • the personal flotation device may also be made so as to be capable of automatic actuation when exposed to moisture such as when the device is submerged in water.
  • the maintaining means is formed of or associated with water or moisture sensitive means, the maintaining means allowing release of the bladder and movement away from its first position when the device is exposed to water such as submerged within water.
  • the water or moisture sensitive means may comprise water soluble means or other means which break down when exposed to water such as a water or moisture absorbent paper.
  • water or moisture absorbent papa- may directly or indirectly hold the bladder in the inactivated first position preventing displacement of the sealing plug but break down when exposed to water to free the bladder and thus the retaining means to permit the sealing plug to open the passage.
  • the paper may be in the form of a band which is held across the end of the pouch.
  • the band may be releasably attached to the pouch such as by press studs or magnetic fasteners.
  • the device includes a charging valve to enable charging of the chamber with propellant gas.
  • the charging valve suitably is provided in the first or a further end member for example by being threaded into the end member.
  • the charging valve is contained in a further end member at the other end of the tubular body.
  • the further end member is suitably integrally formed with at least part of the tubular body.
  • the further end member may comprise a separate member located within the other end of the tubular body.
  • clamp means are suitably provided for clamping and sealing the other end of the tubular body to the further end member.
  • the clamp means may comprise an annular crimping member or ferrule which clamps and seals the other end of the tubular body to the further end member.
  • the tubular body is suitably formed so as to be capable of being held against the user's body and cause minimal discomfort or inconvenience.
  • the tubular body may comprise a length of hose, typically flexible hose.
  • the hose may be transparent or translucent or include a transparent or translucent section.
  • the tubular body may be a relatively rigid tubular member such as a moulded tubular member.
  • the tubular body may be curved longitudinally to sit neatly against the body of the user.
  • the bladder suitably includes a mouth which is sealed to the tubular body.
  • the bladder may be attached to the tubular body by any suitable arrangement such as adhesives.
  • the mouth of the bladder may be held by an O-ri ⁇ g or clamping ring which peripherally clamps the mouth of the bladder around the tabular body.
  • the inflatable bladder may be formed of any suitable thin flexible or pliable material substantially impervious to the propellant or gas.
  • the bladder may be formed of plastics material, such as a thin vinyl material, a latex rubber, or neoprene.
  • the bladder elastically expands with expansion of the propellant gas when released from the chamber.
  • the bladder may be of any shape or configuration.
  • the flotation device may also be incorporated in a vest or other article of clothing to be worn by a person or animal.
  • the vest may have inner and outer panels between which the flotation device is located and attached.
  • the flotation device in the vest may be an automatic actuable device or manually act ⁇ able device.
  • the vest may include opposite straps which may be interconnected to form a loop for receipt of the head of the person or animal. At least one corresponding edge of the inner and outer panels may be releasably interconnected such as by hook and loop material to enable separation of the panels and access to the flotation device and the components thereof.
  • the flotation device is releasably connected to the vest to allow removal and replacement thereof.
  • the flotation device may be mounted on a strap or the like which is connectable to the vest on the inside thereof.
  • the vest may include one or more belts to enable securing of the vest to the body of the wearer.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the belt from the inside showing the flotation device supported within the pouch;
  • Fig. 4 illustrates in longitudinal sectional view the flotation device and associated pouch prior to actuation and inflation of the inflatable bladder,
  • Fig. 5 is an end view of the body of the device in the direction A of Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the device of Fig. 5 in an actuated state with the inflatable bladder partially inflated;
  • Fig. 7 is an underside view of the pouch of the device in the position of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 illustrates the manner of use of the device of the invention with the bladder inflated;
  • Fig. 9 illustrates the flotation device according to another embodiment of the invention modified for automatic inflation;
  • Fig. 10 is a side view of the device of Fig.
  • Fig. 1 1 illustrates a flotation vest incorporating a flotation device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 12 illustrates the floatation vest of Fig. 11 with the front panel removed and lying flat
  • Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the flotation device of the flotation vest in the region B of Fig. 11
  • Fig. 14 illustrates an alternative flotation device according to another embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of flotation device supported on a belt
  • Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view of the device and belt
  • Fig. 17 illustrates the belt from the inside showing the flotation device prior to enclosure in its pouch.
  • a personal flotation device 10 including a tubular gas containing body 11 and associated inflatable bladder 12 (shown in dotted outline in Fig. 3) which are received within a sleeve-like pouch 13 which is provided on the inner side of a belt 14 and extends longitudinally thereof.
  • the belt 14 is attached to the user typically around the waist of the user using conventional snap buckles, one part 15 of which is shown in Fig. 3.
  • the pouch 13 is formed by a generally rectangular piece 16 of fabric or plastics material secured to the belt 14 at 17 and 18 adjacent the opposite longitudinal edges of the belt 14 typically by sewing.
  • a release strap or flap 1 comprising an extending tongue of the piece 16 is looped around one open end of the pouch 13 and is releasably attached to the lower side of the pouch 13 by means of complementary parts 20 and 21 of hook and loop material (such as that known under the trade mark Velcro) on the flap 19 and on the lower side of the pouch 13 respectively.
  • the part 21 of the hook and loop material on the lower side of the pouch 13 may be provided with a longitudinally extending slit 22 (shown expanded in Fig. 7) and shown unexpended in dotted outline.
  • the end of the flap 19 is looped at 23 to form a pull tab to facilitate gripping.
  • a disc-like member 24 is also provided on the strap or flap 19 and is attached thereto.
  • the disc-like member 24 may be in the form of a stud or the like.
  • the member 24 may be free of and separate from the flap 19.
  • the member 24 may be a plastics member, a metal disc or other form of member.
  • the flap 19 additionally includes at its free end, one part 25 of a press-stud 26 for complementary engagement with the other part 27 of the stud 25 provided on the underside of the pouch 13. This provides for improved security to prevent inadvertent operation as described further below.
  • the press- stud 26 may be replaced by any other form of fester such as a magnetic fastener.
  • the flap 19 in an alternative arrangement may be attached to the pouch 13 simply by sewing, by releasable adhesives or other releasable attachment means. As shown more clearly in Figs.
  • the tubular gas containing body 11 comprises an elongated hollow tubular member defining an internal gas chamber 28 and is preferably formed of a transparent material.
  • the member 28 may be flexible or may be relatively rigid and moulded so as to be of a curved configuration to lie closely against the body of a wearer in use.
  • the member 28 may be moulded in two parts which are joined together after moulding.
  • One end of the member 28 is dosed by a first generally cylindrical end member 29 which may be formed integrally with the tubular body 11 or fixed thereto by adhesives or clamped by an external crimping ring or ferrule.
  • a conventional one-way valve 30 which is screw threaded into the end member 29 and communicates with the chamber 28 so that propellant gas may be charged into the chamber 28.
  • the opposite end of the tubular body 11 is also closed by a second generally cylindrical end member 1 which also may be formed integrally with the tubular boy 11 or fixed thereto by adhesives or an external crimping ring or ferrule.
  • An axially extending gas passage 32 extends through the end member 31 and a sealing plug or valve member 33 is normally located in the passage 32, the sealing plug 33 having a generally cylindrical body portion 34 arranged for longitudinal movement within the passage 32, the body portion 34 carrying at least one O-ring 35 in an annular groove extending around the body portion 34.
  • the body portion 34 is of a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the passage 32 so as to be movable longitudinally therein but is sealed in the passage 32 by the O-ring 35.
  • the rear side of the plug 33 is relieved at 36 to prevent jamming of the plug 33 in the passage 32.
  • the inflatable bladder 12 which is preferably formed of a lightweight impervious material suitably vinyl or plastics is provided for inflation by the propellant gas in the chamber 28.
  • the mouth 37 of the bladder 36 surrounds and is sealed against the outer wall of the tubular body 11 by virtue of the elasticity of the material of the bladdesr 12 such that the end of the body 11 containing the end member 31 and scaling plug 33 is located within the bladder 12.
  • an adhesive may be used to secure the mouth 37 to the periphery of the tubular body 11.
  • a ring-like clamp 38 may be provided to scalingly clamp the mouth 37 of the bladder 12 to the body 1 .
  • the bladder 1 also extends over the end member 31 and across the outer end of the passage 32.
  • the flap 1 may either before or after placement of the tubular body 11 into the pouch 13 be looped around the end of the pouch 13 and secured by the complementary hook and loop material 20 and 21 and the press stud 26 to the underside of the pouch 13.
  • the flap 19 will thus hold the bladder 12 in a folded or uninflated position against the tubular body 11 whilst the member 24 will act as a stop to assist in preventing displacement of the plug 33 from the passage 32.
  • a further ring-like clamp 39 (see Figs. 1 and 3) can then be applied about the belt 14 and tubular body 11 to positively secure the tubular body 11 to die belt 14.
  • the tubular body 11 is provided with an annular groove 40 at the end member 29 in which the clamp 39 can locate (as shown in dotted outline in Fig. 4).
  • the device 10 carried by the belt 14 is adapted to be worn by a user 41 by securing the belt 14 around the waist of the user 41. The user 41 may then wear the belt 14 and device 10 whilst swimming and the device 10, because of its si2c and location, will provide little impediment to swimming or movement of the user 41.
  • the user 41 may disconnect the press-stud parts 25 and 27 so that the loop 23 on the end of the flap 1 is readily available to be grasped and pulled by the user 41.
  • the user 41 may simply grasp the loop 23 and pull it downwardly as indicated by the arrow X in Fig. 5.
  • This will disconnect the complementary hook and loop fasteners parts 20 and 21 to break the connection between the flap 19 and the underside of the pouch 13.
  • the internal gas pressure within the chamber 28 will then be sufficient to displace the plug 33 outwardly against the wall of the bladder 12 which is no longer held in position by the strap 19 and member 24.
  • the plug 33 will thus be forced into the bladder 12 and open the passage 32 as shown in Fig.
  • the slit 22 provided on the underside of the pouch 13 will because of the disconnection of the strap 19 be allowed to open up laterally upon expansion of the bladder 12 as indicated in Fig, 7. This will further assist in permitting rapid outward expansion of the bladder 12.
  • the bladder 12 will thus be inflated at the front of the user 41 who may with one or both hands hold the inflated bladder 12 against the body so as to receive buoyant support until rescued or he or she is able to make their own way to safety. At the same time the inflated bladder 12 remains securely fixed to the user 41 by the connection of the tubular body 11 to the belt 14 by means of the clamp 39.
  • a modified flotation device 42 according to a further embodiment of the invention designed for automatic inflation.
  • the device 42 is of substantially the same configuration as die device 10 used in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 7 and like components have been given like numerals.
  • the pouch 13 does not include the tongue-like strap 1 .
  • a band 43 of paper such as tissue paper or other water or moisture affected or absorbent material is provided, the band 43 being connected by press studs 44 and 45 to the upper and lower sides of the pouch 13 respectively so that the band 43 is looped over the end of the pouch 13. This will maintain the bladder 12 in position against the end of tubular body 11 preventing displacement of the plug 33.
  • the band 43 may be provided or associated with a disc-like member 24 such as a stud to assist in maintaining the bladder 12 against the end of the tubular body 11 and the plug 33 in position preventing escape of gas.
  • the band 43 of paper may be secured to the pouch 11 in any other manner. For example, it may be secured to the pouch at one end by sewing, adhesives or other festening arrangement and secured at its other end to the pouch 13 by a stud or other fastener such as a magnetic fastener.
  • a stud or other fastener such as a magnetic fastener.
  • the pouch 13 may he formed to break or split under the force of the inflating bladder 12 for example by providing slots or slits along the pouch 13 or otherwise providing a weakened section in the pouch 13.
  • the devices 42 of the invention may also be incorporated in vest 46 as shown in
  • Figs. 11 and 12 to be worn by a user typically a child.
  • the vest 45 may be adapted for use by a domestic animal such as a cat or dog.
  • the vest 46 includes inner and outer panels 47 and 48 of a pliable material such as neoprene which are formed with opposite integral neck straps 49 and 50 which are adapted to be connected to form an opening 51 to receive the head of the wearer.
  • the straps 49 and 50 are provided with complementary fasteners 52 and 53 which may comprise complementary parts of a hook and loop festener or complementary strap elements which enable the size of the head opening 51 to be varied as required.
  • the panels 47 and 48 of the vest 46 are joined together along their outer edges 54 such as by sewing and along their inner edges 55 by a releasable festener such as a hook and loop fasteners.
  • the panels 47 and 48 may be joined together by alternative fasteners such as by a zipper or zippers or spaced stud connectors along their outer and/or inner edges 54 and 55.
  • a flotation device 42 Located between the panels 47 and 48 is a flotation device 42 of the type described above. In this case however, an inflatable bladder 56 in an uninflated state approximates the shape of the panels 46 and 47 and lies flat between the panels 47 and 48.
  • the mouth 56 of the bladder 54 is sealed to the tubular body 11 of the device 42 which is positioned in ⁇ W> of the neck straps 49 and mounted on a webbing strap 58 (see Fig. 13).
  • a sleeve-like pouch 59 into which the tubular body 11 and mouth 57 of the bladder 56 are inserted is secured to the webbing strap 58 by sewing along opposite side edges as before.
  • the paper band 43 is attached to one side of the pouch 59 such as by a press or magnetic stud 44 and looped around the end of the body 11 to be attached to opposite side of the pouch 59 again by a press or magnetic stud 45 such that the material of the bladder 12 adjacent the mouth is held firmly against the end of the body 11 to prevent displacement of the plug 33.
  • a strip 60 of fabric may be secured to the outer side of the paper band 43 such as by sewing.
  • the webbing strap 58 is provided with an extending portion 61 at its end opposite the bladder 12 and is provided with complementary parts of a press stud 62.
  • the inner panel 47 of the vest 46 is provided with a loop 63 in the neck strap 49 to which the extending portion 61 of the webbing strap 58 may be secured by the looping it back upon itself after passing it under the loop 63 and then joining the parts of the press stud 62 together. After the device 42 is secured in position, the panels 47 and 48 may be joined together by means of the complementary hook and loop fastener along the edge 55.
  • the outer panel 48 of the vest 46 is provided with at least one belt 64 similar to the belt 12 of Fig. 1 which is secured such as by sewing to the layer 48, the belt 64 terminating in opposite ends with complementary connectors 65 and 66.
  • the vest 46 may thus be worn by the user such as a child with the opening 51 receiving the child's head and the belt 64 being attached around the body of the child.
  • the vest 46 is submerged in water such as if a child wearing the vest 46 falls from a boat or into a swimming pool, the water will act on the band 43 which normally holds the bladder 12 in position preventing displacement of the plug 33.
  • the band 43 will thus break down or disintegrate and thus permit automatic actuation of the device 42 allowing gas to escape from the chamber 28-
  • the bladder 56 will thus be inflated between the panels 47 and 48 to provide buoyancy to the wearer.
  • the vest 46 may be provided with a further strap 67 similar to the strap 64 so that the vest opening 51 may received the animal's neck and further so that the vest 46 may be securely attached to the body of the animal by means of the spaced straps 64 and 67.
  • a further strap 68 may be provided between the straps 64 and 67 and secured to the front layer 48 beneath the straps 64 and 67 to form a loop which serves as a hand grip to enable an animal to be retrieved should it fall into water.
  • the strap 68 may be extended beyond the strap 64 and terminate in a buckle or eyelet 69 for attachment to a lead for walking of the animal.
  • the vest 46 may also include an alarm transmitter of a known type which is actuated when exposed to water.
  • An alarm receiver may be provided in a convenient location such as in a dwelling so that should a child or animal wearing the vest 46 fell inadvertently into a pool or other body of water, an alarm signal will automatically be transmitted for receipt by the alarm receiver to alert persons in the dwelling.
  • the vest 46 is typically used with an automatic inflation device, it may also be used in connection with a manually operated inflation device 10 of the type described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.
  • the outer panel 48 of the vest 46 is provided with a slit- or slot-like opening 70 through which the loop 23 projects or is accessible.
  • the loop 23 may be simply grasped by hand and pulled to release the bladder 56 and allow its inflation in the above described manner.
  • the inflated bladder 56 and spent device 10 or 42 may be simply removed from the vest 46 by separating the panels 47 and 48 layers along the edge 55 and detaching the press stud 62 to allow removal of the device 10 or 42 to be replaced by a further device 10 or 42.
  • the vest 46 may be in various configurations other than that illustrated and that the devices 10 and 42 may be incorporated in other forms of clothing.
  • the device 10 may mounted on a webbing strap 71 in the manner shown in Fig. 14 in the same manner in which the device 10 is mounted on a belt 14 as described with reference to Fig. J .
  • opposite ends of the strap 71 are provided with the two parts of press studs 72 and 73 so that the ends may be folded back upon themselves and joined together by the studs 72 and 73.
  • An end of the strap 71 may thus be looped around a belt band or any convenient attachment point on another article of clothing to which the device 10 is to be attached.
  • FIGs. 15 to 17 illustrate a further embodiment of personal flotation device 74 according to the invention similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 7 and in which like components have been given like numerals.
  • the pouch 75 in this case is fotmed by a generally rectangular flap 76 of fabric or plastics material secured along one edge at 77 adjacent the upper longitudinal edge of the belt 14 typically by sewing.
  • the opposite end of the flap 76 is provided with a portion 78 of hook and loop material which is attached such as by sewing to the inner side of the flap 76 and which is adapted for cooperation with a complementary portion 79 of hook and loop material provided on the outside of the belt 14.
  • the flap 76 thus may be looped on the rear side of the belt 12 and attached by the
  • the pouch 75 can be substantially closed at one end by an elongated tongue 80 of material extending from one side of and integral with the flap 76, the tongue 80 being provided with an opening or hole 81 adjacent its free end for a purpose which will hereinafter become apparent.
  • the tongue 80 further includes on its outer side a portion 82 of hook and loop material adapted for cooperation with a complementary portion 83 of hook and loop material on the inner side of the flap 76.
  • a gripping tab 84 is attached along one edge (normally its upper edge) adjacent the free end 85 of the flap 76.
  • the gripping tab 84 may be formed of or include a light reflective material.
  • the gripping tab 84 may be lifted by hand and pulled outwardly and downwardly as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1 .
  • a pocket 86 is provided along the upper longitudinal edge of the belt 14 and aligned with the flap 76 to receive and overlie the free end 85 of the flap 76 and gripping tab 84.
  • the tubular gas containing body 11 is as above secured to the belt 14 by a clamp 39 and the bladder 12 is folded back on the body 11.
  • a free retention or stop member 87 of disc-like form is provided at the end of the tubular body 11 to assist in normally maintaining the plug 33 in the passage 31.
  • the tongue 80 is folded over the end of the tubular body 11 and over the stop member 87 to lie along the body 11.
  • the end of the bladder 12 is also inserted into the aperture 81 in the tongue 80.
  • the flap 76 is then folded over the body 11 and bladder 12 so that the complementary hook and loop fasteners 82 and 83 cooperate and so that the hook and loop fastener 78 engages with the complementaiy festener 79 on the front of the belt 14.
  • the device 74 is thus in the position of Fig.
  • the tab 844 may be grasped and pulled downwardly and outwardly as indicated by die arrows in Fig, 16 to disengage the complementary hook and loop portions 78 and 79.
  • This disengaging movement will also through the cooperating hook and loop portions 82 and 83 on the flap 76 and tongue 80 pull the tongue 80 and thus the bladder 12, through the engagement between the tongue end and hole 82 away from the tubular body 11.
  • This then loosens the bladder 12 which will allow the plug 33 against to displace the retention member 87 and open the passage 32 which permits the propellant in the tubular body 11 to expand as a gas and escape from the boy 11 through the passage 32 into the bladder 12 to effect inflation thereof.
  • the tubular bodies 11 are preferably transparent or translucent so that they may be viewed by a user to check whether they contain the gas or propellant which in the compressed state is in a liquid form.
  • the bladder 12 whilst shown as of a balloon shape in the embodiment of Figs.l to 7 may be of any other shape or configuration.
  • the preferred gas stored in the capsule is preferably a propellant gas however other gases may be employed. Any other suitable means may be provided for releasably securing the device 10 (or 42) to the user 42.
  • Such means may comprise buckles, clips or other fasteners.
  • the device 10 may be simply hand carried for use in other situations for example where sailing or boating or attached to another part of the body.
  • a quick ⁇ elease fastener may be provided to normally hold the bladder in the position but which when released will allow rapid bladder inflation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de flottaison (10) comprenant une vessie gonflable (12), un corps tubulaire allongé (11) définissant une chambre (28) contenant un gaz comprimé destiné à gonfler la vessie (12), cette vessie (12) étant fixée de manière étanche au corps tubulaire (11) de sorte à entourer une extrémité du corps tubulaire (11), un passage de libération de gaz (32), ainsi qu'un bouchon d'étanchéité (33) logé dans ce passage (32), ce bouchon (33) étant retenu dans le passage (32) de manière à empêcher le gaz de s'échapper et d'entrer dans la vessie (12). Le corps tubulaire (11) et la vessie (12) sont disposés dans une poche (13) et une sangle libérable (19) retient la vessie (12) contre l'extrémité du corps (11) de sorte que le bouchon (33) ne puisse pas sortir du passage (32).
PCT/AU2004/001210 2003-09-08 2004-09-08 Dispositif de flottaison WO2005023639A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003904868A AU2003904868A0 (en) 2003-09-08 Flotation device
AU2003904868 2003-09-08
AU2003906122A AU2003906122A0 (en) 2003-11-06 Flotation device
AU2003906122 2003-11-06

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WO2005023639A1 true WO2005023639A1 (fr) 2005-03-17

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PCT/AU2004/001210 WO2005023639A1 (fr) 2003-09-08 2004-09-08 Dispositif de flottaison

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WO (1) WO2005023639A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8113897B2 (en) 2007-10-31 2012-02-14 John Hanson Flotation aid
US8124839B2 (en) 2005-06-08 2012-02-28 Ceres, Inc. Identification of terpenoid-biosynthesis related regulatory protein-regulatory region associations
WO2012063019A1 (fr) * 2010-11-11 2012-05-18 United Moulders Limited Dispositif de gonflage à contenant sous pression et moyen de contrôle visuel de la présence du contenant
US8222482B2 (en) 2006-01-26 2012-07-17 Ceres, Inc. Modulating plant oil levels
US10604766B2 (en) 2008-02-15 2020-03-31 Ceres, Inc. Drought and heat tolerance in plants
US11174491B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2021-11-16 Ceres, Inc. Modulating light response pathways in plants, increasing light-related tolerances in plants, and increasing biomass in plants

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001044044A1 (fr) * 1999-12-14 2001-06-21 Enztech Developments Ltd Dispositif de flottaison individuel

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001044044A1 (fr) * 1999-12-14 2001-06-21 Enztech Developments Ltd Dispositif de flottaison individuel

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8124839B2 (en) 2005-06-08 2012-02-28 Ceres, Inc. Identification of terpenoid-biosynthesis related regulatory protein-regulatory region associations
US8222482B2 (en) 2006-01-26 2012-07-17 Ceres, Inc. Modulating plant oil levels
US11174491B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2021-11-16 Ceres, Inc. Modulating light response pathways in plants, increasing light-related tolerances in plants, and increasing biomass in plants
US11926836B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2024-03-12 Ceres, Inc. Modulating light response pathways in plants, increasing light-related tolerances in plants, and increasing biomass in plants
US8113897B2 (en) 2007-10-31 2012-02-14 John Hanson Flotation aid
US10604766B2 (en) 2008-02-15 2020-03-31 Ceres, Inc. Drought and heat tolerance in plants
US11530417B2 (en) 2008-02-15 2022-12-20 Ceres, Inc. Drought and heat tolerance in plants
US11578337B2 (en) 2008-02-15 2023-02-14 Ceres, Inc. Drought and heat tolerance in plants
US11946060B2 (en) 2008-02-15 2024-04-02 Ceres, Inc. Drought and heat tolerance in plants
WO2012063019A1 (fr) * 2010-11-11 2012-05-18 United Moulders Limited Dispositif de gonflage à contenant sous pression et moyen de contrôle visuel de la présence du contenant

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