WO2005049384A1

WO2005049384A1 - Self-inflatable devices used in the form of floats and/or impact energy absorbers

Info

Publication number: WO2005049384A1
Application number: PCT/FR2004/002991
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georges Kach
Original assignee: Georges Kach
Priority date: 2003-11-20
Filing date: 2004-11-22
Publication date: 2005-06-02
Also published as: FR2862603A1; WO2005049384B1; FR2862603B1

Abstract

The invention relates to self-inflatable devices usable in the form of floats and/or impact energy absorbers. The self-inflatable floats are attached to a boat structure and can be rapidly inflated by the atmosphere pressure in the case of emergency, thereby producing a sufficient surplus buoyancy in order to reduce a risk of sinking and save the boat and the users thereof. Said self-inflatable floats are designed in such a way that they are easily compacted, can have different shapes and sizes and are provided with numerous options which enable the floats to be used for many purposes for maritime, road, railway and air transport. Each self-inflatable float consists on an envelop (2), an elastic compression unit (3) and a control unit (4), wherein the elastic compression unit (3) is completely flattenable like a helicoidal compression spring exposed to a load, the envelop (2) contains said elastic compression unit by enveloping it all around, comprises an opening (8) and is embodied in such a way that it is soft and impermeable for any fluid, gas or liquid such as air, fresh water, sea water, petrol, oil etc, the control unit (4) makes it possible to manage the passage of any fluid through the opening (8) between the external side of said envelop and the inside space thereof and vice versa and can be open and closed.

Description

The present invention relates to self-inflatable devices capable of being used as floats and / or shock energy absorbers. These devices can have many applications in the fields of maritime, road, rail and air transport. They could be found in the form of a buoy, a set of floats integrated into a system lifting a load, a set of floats integrated into the anti-sinking safety system of a boat or a ship, a set of floats integrated into an anti-pollution boom, a set of floats integrated into the safety system of an aircraft, a set of shock energy absorbers integrated into the bumpers of vehicles and / or other parts of their bodies (doors, roof, chassis) of a set of shock energy absorbers integrated into a safety system against shocks of a ship or boat, a set of shock energy absorbers integrated into a road safety system installed on the edges of a road, a set of shock energy absorbers integrated into a self-inflating mattress for campers , a set of shock energy absorbers integrated into a vest or a Anti-shock suit for riders or bikers. We could also find these self-inflating devices in the form of an advertising medium or an educational toy for children. Thanks to atmospheric pressure, these devices can be inflated quickly. They can have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as well as many options to meet the needs of different applications.

STATE OF THE ART - EXISTING MATERIAL - TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Self-inflatable floats are known where each float comprises an integrated pyrotechnic device and capable of generating a gas under pressure inside a flexible membrane to make it inflate such as an AirBag. After each use, part of the pyrotechnic device of the float must be replaced. In addition, its membrane becomes fragile and risks exploding the next time it is used. Thus, this type of float can only be used a limited number of times.

There are self-inflating anti-pollution booms, each composed of a cylindrical float attached to a weighted skirt with a chain, the float automatically inflates to atmospheric pressure when the boom is deployed. The cylindrical float comprises an impermeable and flexible envelope, circular hoops regularly spaced and openings with their plugs regularly spaced along the envelope for the admission and expulsion of air when they are open. Each hoop is positioned perpendicular to the axis of the envelope and delimits a complete section. When the openings are opened and the chain is stretched, the envelope unfolds and fills with air. The openings are then closed so that the float becomes watertight so that it can float and keep the skirt and the chain close to the surface of the water. Thus, the assembly can be used as a dam. When deflated, these dams are bulky and occupy a fairly large storage volume.

In terms of impacts, car manufacturers distinguish three categories of impacts, namely: high speed impacts corresponding to a frontal impact of the car against a rigid obstacle at a speed of 56 km / h, “Danner” impacts or “Insurance” at 15 km / h against a fixed wall and “parking” shocks at 8 km / h. To these three categories has just been added the "Pedestrian" shock which limits the possible risks caused to a pedestrian and in particular at the knee.

During a “Danner” impact, the chassis of a vehicle and in particular its side members must not be deformed plastically so that the costs induced by this frontal impact can remain limits. Thus, bumpers often include an impact energy absorber whose essential role is to take up the forces transmitted during an impact and to absorb most of the energy, by deforming, before the affect the side members or the chassis of the vehicle. At the first shock "Danner" the shock energy absorber deforms and can no longer perform its initial function if other shocks occur again (case of a pileup).

During a side impact on a door, the protective elements deform plastically at the first impact and will no longer be able to protect passengers if other impacts occur again (case of a pileup). In addition, the intrusion space during a lateral impact is thin. This makes side impact very risky and the safety conferred by the side impact absorbers insufficient.

There are self-inflating mattresses for campers. These mattresses have an air chamber, a layer of foam convoluted inside and an air intake and / or expulsion valve. When the mattress is in the compressed state and the valve is opened, the foam spreads the walls of the mattress, creates a vacuum inside the air chamber and sucks the ambient air inwards. Thus, the mattress inflates and when the valve is closed, it becomes ready for use. This type of mattress however remains limited in thickness to 4 or 5 cm and does not provide a good level of comfort when the ground, on which it will be laid, has a lot of roughness or pebbles. In addition, these mattresses are slow to inflate and slow to deflate (5 to

10 πiinutes).

There are self-inflating anti-shock vests intended for riders to protect them during a fall. They inflate quickly thanks to a compressed air capsule, integrated into the vest, which can be actuated by means of a cable connecting the safety system of its trigger to the seal of the horse. As soon as the rider falls from the horse, the cable tightens and the trigger on the capsule strikes the latter to quickly send the compressed air inside the air chamber of the anti-shock vest to make it inflate. This type of vest gives the rider who wears it limited protection. Indeed, it sometimes happens that the impact zone between the rider and the ground corresponds to the region of the capsule, in which case the cavaher risks having serious injuries due to the fact that the capsule itself is made of rigid material and undeformable. In addition, in the event that the air chamber of the vest strikes a sharp element on the ground, said air chamber can be torn and the compressed air escapes quickly by rendering said vest inoperative.

THE INVENTION One of the main objectives of the invention is to provide light and space-saving self-inflating floats when they are compressed or deflated in order to reduce their storage volume and facilitate their transport.

Another object of the invention is to provide self-inflating devices which automatically inflate to atmospheric pressure during their deployment. Another objective of the invention is to propose self-inflating devices of very varied shapes and volumes in order to be able to respond to a large number of applications. Another objective of the invention is to propose self-inflating devices which are fairly robust and which can be used for a long time and which withstand a very large number of inflation-deflation cycles. Another objective of the invention is to propose self-inflatable floats of spherical or cylindrical shape which will be used as floats in order to allow the crew of a ship experiencing waterways, following an accident, quickly establish a sufficient buoyancy reserve, without normally the volume available on board the ship is reduced by permanent buoyancy reserves. So, it suffices to have on board the ship one or more rescue floats, according to my patent application FR0312267 of October 21, 2003, and a certain quantity of these new self-inflating devices of spherical or cylindrical shape. Another objective of the invention is to propose a new self-inflating cylindrical device which can be used in the manufacture of a new anti-pollution barrier which is not bulky when it is deflated or compressed and which can be stored folded or wound on a reel . Another objective of the invention is that the passage from the compressed or deflated state to the inflated state of the device is simple, rapid and poses no risk to its user in order to be able to face an emergency by making it possible to react as soon as possible. Another objective of the invention is that the transition from the inflated state to the compressed state of the device is simple, rapid and without any risk for people. Another objective of the invention is that the air intake or expulsion opening is easy to use and remains in its closed state without being able to deform or reopen under the action of water or well under the action of the waves.

Another objective of the invention is to propose self-inflatable devices characterized by their simplicity of manufacture. Another objective of the invention is to provide self-inflatable devices characterized by their small thickness or bulk when they are in the compressed state.

Another object of the invention is to provide self-inflatable devices characterized by a good amplitude of swelling from the compressed state to the inflated state. Another objective of the invention is to propose self-inflatable devices characterized by their capacity to absorb a good part of the energy of several repetitive shocks. Another objective of the invention is to provide self-inflatable devices characterized by their ability to be used as shock energy absorbers and which can be integrated into a road protection system installed on the edges of a road or also integrated in crash guards, doors, roof, chassis, or other elements of the vehicle that may receive an intrusion during an accident. Another object of the invention is to provide self-inflatable devices characterized by their ability to be used as shock energy absorbers and which can be integrated into self-inflatable mattresses, the riders' anti-shock vests. , protective suits for bikers, anti-shock mats for sports activities, and other protective equipment for people. Another objective of the invention is to propose a safety system for ships and boats which integrate a set of self-inflatable floats according to the invention in order to increase the buoyancy reserve of ships and boats and to reduce the risks of sinking. Another objective of the invention is to propose a security system for vehicles which incorporates a set of self-inflating shock energy absorbers according to the invention and which modifies the characteristics of said energy absorbers as a function of the situation in which the vehicle finds itself in terms of speed, relative speed with respect to an obstacle, type of driving, detection of an immediate impact, evolution of the situation all around the vehicle. Another objective of the invention is that the shock energy absorber according to the invention can be used as a self-inflatable float according to the same invention. This will increase the buoyancy reserve of vehicles fitted with it to make them unsinkable in certain cases. Which could be useful during a flood. Another objective of the invention is that the self-inflatable float according to the invention is insensitive to corrosion and to sea water.

Another objective of the invention is to achieve the other objectives in a simple and economical manner.

The self-inflatable device according to the invention makes it possible to achieve all of these objectives and to remedy the drawbacks of existing self-inflatable floats and to shock energy absorbers. According to a first configuration, it in fact comprises an envelope, an elastic compression means and a control means such as: - the elastic compression means is an elastic helical compression spring, or else a pantograph compressible thanks to an elastic traction spring which tends to stretch out said pantograph, the compression spring has a certain number of turns (or turns) distributed between its two ends, the size of the turns follows a monotonous progression, increasing or decreasing, going from one end to the other so that the spring can flatten completely to take the form of a flat spiral when it is placed on a horizontal flat support and that it is subjected to a load greater than or equal to a minimum load allowing its flattening, called load minimum flattening, which is specific to said spring,

the envelope contains the elastic compression means and the envelope completely from all sides, said envelope has an opening, said envelope is flexible and impermeable to any fluid, gas or liquid, such as: air, gas, vapor, water , seawater, petroleum, oil, etc.

the control means makes it possible to manage the passage through the opening of the envelope of any fluid, gas or liquid, between the exterior of the envelope and its interior and vice versa, then this passage can take place when opens said control means and cannot occur when said control means are closed.

This device can be put in a stable compressed state or in a stable inflated state. At the start, the device is delivered in the compressed state with its closed control means, so it occupies a very small volume. The air pressure inside the compressed device is lower than ambient atmospheric pressure because the spring tends to lengthen and increase the volume of the amount of air therein. To make it pass to the inflated state, the user opens the control means to let the ambient air enter inside the envelope in order to balance the internal and external pressures, which allows the spring to lengthen and spread the walls of the envelope. Finally, as soon as the spring reaches its maximum height or the device reaches its maximum inflation, the user closes the control means so that the device becomes completely impermeable to any fluid to be used as a float capable of displacing a certain amount water or shock energy absorber capable of absorbing a compressive force. To change the device from the inflated state to the compressed state, the user opens the control means and then compresses the device using his hands or any other means to expel the air from the inside from the envelope to the outside thereof and finally it closes the control means so that the device can remain in a compressed state. The user also has the possibility of using a “domestic” or “professional” type vacuum cleaner to suck the air contained in the device. To do this, simply open the device's control means and place the vacuum cleaner hose close to the opening. When inflated and because the size of the turns follows a monotonous progression, such a device can have one of the following shapes: cone, truncated cone, pyramid, truncated pyramid, spherical segment, hemisphere, heap of sand, tetrahedron , truncated tetrahedron, ... According to particular embodiments:

The size of the turns can follow a monotonous convex progression where the spring is curved outwards.

The size of the turns can follow a progression increasing first and then decreasing.

The size of the turns can follow a progression decreasing first and then increasing. The size of the turns can follow a series of monotonous progressions.

The shape of each of the turns, when the spring is completely flattened, can correspond to a plane curve composed of several straight segments.

The control means may further comprise a valve for the compression or for the decompression of the device. The device can additionally comprise two plates each attached to one of the ends of the spring.

One of the plates can integrate the control means.

The device may also include straps connecting the two plates.

The straps can be attached to the different turns. The device may include straps each receiving two opposite sides of the same turn in order to prevent the turns from becoming entangled.

The device may further include a safety system for maintaining the spring in the compressed state.

The device may include several springs which can flatten completely. The device can have an elongated cylindrical shape and include several regularly spaced springs which can flatten completely.

The envelope can be made from several facets, some of which are flexible.

The appended drawings illustrate the invention and allow a better understanding of it:

Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6a show several views of the same device having the shape of a truncated cone where:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the device in the inflated state, FIG. 2 represents a front view of the spring (3) alone,

FIG. 3 represents a sectional view of the device in the inflated state,

- Figure 4 shows a top view of the flattened spring,

FIG. 5 represents a sectional view of the device in the compressed state,

- Figure 6a shows a view of the control means (4).

FIG. 6b represents a view of a control means (4) composed of a tube and an adjustable valve.

Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 show several views of the same device having the shape of a hemisphere where:

FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of the device in the inflated state,

FIG. 8 represents a front view of the spring (3) alone,

FIG. 9 represents a top view of the flattened spring (3),

- Figure 10 shows a sectional view of the device in the inflated state, - Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the device in the compressed state. FIGS. 12a and 12b represent two views of the same device having the shape of a sphere where:

- Figure 12a shows a front view of the spring (3) alone, - Figure 12b shows a sectional view of the device in the inflated state.

FIG. 13 represents a sectional view of a spherical device in the inflated state where the spring is attached to the envelope using straps, FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 represent several views of the same device having the shape of a straight cylinder where:

FIG. 14 represents a perspective view of the device in the inflated state,

FIG. 15 represents a front view of the spring (3) alone,

- Figure 16 shows a sectional view of the device in the compressed state.

Figures 17, 18 and 19 show several views of the same device having the shape of a truncated cone where:

- Figure 17 shows a sectional view of the device in the inflated state comprising two protective plates (20) and (21), - Figure 18 shows a sectional view of the device in the compressed state,

- Figure 19 shows a close and partial view of the two plates.

FIG. 20 represents a close-up and partial view of the two plates in a case where the latter give access to the outside of the device.

Figures 21, 22, and 23 show several views of the same device in the form of a straight cylinder where:

FIG. 21 represents a perspective view of the device in the inflated state,

FIG. 22 represents a sectional view of the device in the inflated state and having protective plates and external straps (24),

- Figure 23 shows a sectional view along the plane P perpendicular to the compression axis, it shows the positioning of the external straps.

Figures 24 and 25 show several views of the same device having the shape of a sphere where:

FIG. 24 represents a front view of the spring showing the position of the internal straps (25),

- Figure 25 shows a sectional view of the device in the inflated state and having external straps.

Figures 26, 27, 28a, 28b and 29 show several views of a security system fitted to the same device where:

FIG. 26 represents a perspective view of the security system from outside the device, FIG. 27 represents a sectional view of the security system blocked and where the device is in the compressed state,

FIG. 28a represents a sectional view of the unlocked security system,

FIG. 28b represents a sectional view of the unlocked security system, along a plane perpendicular to the previous figure, - Figure 29 shows a sectional view of the unlocked security system and where the device is inflating. Figures 30, 31 and 32 show several views of a control means integrated into the plate (20) where: - Figure 30 shows a perspective view of the control means from outside the device, - Figure 31 represents a sectional view of the control means in the closed position and where the device is in the compressed state, 0 - FIG. 32 represents a sectional view of the control means in the open position and where the device is inflating . Figures 33, 34, 35 and 36 show several views of a security system and a control means integrated into the two plates where: 5 - Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the security system and the control means from outside the device, - Figure 34 shows a sectional view of the blocked security system and the control means in the closed position and where the device is in the compressed state, - Figure 35 shows a sectional view of the unlocked security system and control means in the closed position and where the device is in the compressed state, - Figure 36 shows a sectional view of the unlocked security system and the control means in the open position and where the device is inflating. Figures 37 and 38 show several views of the same device having the shape of a large parallelepiped £ 5 where: - Figure 37 shows a perspective view of the device, - Figure 38 shows a sectional view of the device inflated and containing several springs (3). Figures 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 show several views of the same device in the form of a long cylinder where: - Figure 39 shows a perspective view of the device, - Figure 40 shows a view in section of the device in the inflated state and containing several springs (3), - Figure 41 shows, in a sectional view of a section of the envelope, a spring (3)> 5 seen from the front, attached to the walls of the envelope using straps (99), - Figure 42 shows, in a sectional view of a section of the envelope, a spring (3) seen from the front, attached to the envelope to the 'using two plates themselves attached to the walls of the envelope, - Figure 43 shows a top view of half of a spring (3) compressed and taking 0 the form of a circular planar spiral, Figures 44a and 44b show two views of the same spring (3) where: - Figure 44a shows a top view of half of the spring (3) when it is included mé and taking the form of a rectangular planar spiral such that each of the turns is composed of 5 straight segments with rounded vertices. - Figure 44b shows the spring (3) seen from the front and having a circle profile. Figures 45a and 45b show two views of the same spring (3) where: - Figure 45a shows a top view of half of the spring (3) when it is compressed 0 and taking the form of a flat spiral oval. - Figure 45b shows the spring (3) seen from the front and having a circle profile.

FIGS. 46, 47 and 48 represent several views of the same anti-pollution floating dam having a device having the shape of a long cylinder where: - FIG. 46 represents a perspective view of the dam,

FIG. 47 represents a sectional view, along a section of the dam, showing a spring (3) attached to the walls of the envelope by means of plates itself attached to the walls of the envelope,

- Figure 48 shows a sectional view, along a section of the dam, showing a spring (3) attached to the walls of the envelope using straps (99).

Figure 49 shows a partial view of a device having a ring as a means of attachment. FIG. 50 represents a partial view of a device fixed on a support.

Figure 51 shows a sectional view of a device with a single-stage pantograph.

Figure 52a shows a sectional view of a device with a two-stage pantograph and wheels.

Figure 52b shows a perspective view of a two-stage pantograph and wheels.

Figure 53 shows a sectional view of a device with a pantograph and sliding axis.

Figure 54 shows a perspective view of a trapezoidal device.

Figure 55 shows a partial section with hermetic fixing system of the envelope.

Figure 56a shows a perspective view of a car with a shock absorbing device installed on a door. Figure 56b shows a sectional view of a bumper incorporating the device of the invention.

Figure 57 shows a side view of a boat with a safety system made up of several floats.

Figure 58 shows a sectional view of a device attached to the structure of the boat.

In the following description, the elastic compression means and the compression spring which represents it will often be confused and will be designated by the same number (3).

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6a, the self-inflatable device (1) is composed of an envelope (2), of an elastic compression means (3) installed inside the envelope and a control means (4) such as:

- The elastic compression means (3) is a conical helical compression spring comprising a number of turns, including a turn (10) at one of its ends and a turn (11) at the other end, the spring section is round and constant and the size of the turns follows an increasing progression from the turn (10) to the turn (11). When the spring (3) is placed on a horizontal plane support, its compression axis (100) is vertical and it is not subjected to any stress, its height is H0 and on a sectional view, the external shape of the spring which is called "the profile of the spring" resembles a trapezoid. By applying a load greater than or equal to a minimum flattening load of its own, the spring is completely flattened and all the turns fit into each other to form a flat spiral. Then the height of the spring reaches its minimum value H2 which is none other than the diameter of the section of the spring.

- The envelope (2) is flexible and impermeable to any fluid, it follows the external shape of the spring (3) by completely enveloping it on all sides to form a conical volume having a height Hl. The envelope has an opening (8), the control means (4) is composed of a threaded connection (5) having a flange (59) at one of its ends and a channel (9) passing through it. end to end, with a threaded plug (6) and a circular seal (7). The flange (59) adheres to the envelope (2) all around the opening (8) in a sealed manner, using an adhesive or any other means or process. Thus the only passage of air to enter or exit the envelope is the channel (9) when the plug (6) is unscrewed (open position). When the cap is screwed on (closed position) and the seal (7) is compressed, no fluid can enter or leave the interior of said device.

In an environment where a constant temperature and a stable atmospheric pressure prevails, this self-inflatable device can be placed in a stable compressed state, a stable inflated state or in any intermediate state. Inflated state and self-inflating effect

When the device is taken in a compressed state and the cap is manually unscrewed, the air is drawn towards the inside of the envelope so that the air pressures inside and outside the envelope can balance. This frees the elastic compression means, here the spring, from the stresses exerted by the envelope and allows it to lengthen thanks to its elasticity by spreading in its movement the walls of the envelope until it finds its height Hl as well as its final shape which is that of a truncated cone. Then, the cap is screwed on again so that the device becomes again tight against any fluid (air, water, ...) to be used as a float or shock energy absorber. Compressed state

To change the device from the inflated state to the compressed state, the cap is unscrewed to create a passage for air to escape from the inside to the outside of the envelope. The device is compressed or a vacuum is created next to the opening (8) using a vacuum cleaner to evacuate from the interior of the device a large amount of air. Then screw the cap back on to prevent air from entering again so that the device can remain in its compressed and space-saving state. Just after the cancellation of all the constraints which served to compress the device, the elastic or spring compression means tends to lengthen and increase the interior volume of the envelope. This decreases the air pressure inside the envelope because the amount of air therein and which is constant follows Mariotte's law (PN = NRT = Constant). The device finds a stable compressed state when the forces applied to the envelope by the external atmospheric pressure on one side and by the spring and the air pressure inside the envelope on the other side s' balance. Intermediate states Between the inflated state and the compressed state of the device, there are an infinity of stable intermediate states where the device can be put, by tightly screwing the cap back on before the device is fully inflated or compressed.

Typical materials that can be used to make the envelope are flexible and resistant plastic (reinforced PNC film), rubber or high-tenacity polyester. For the manufacture of the spring one can use one of the following materials: steel, stainless steel, hard and resistant plastic, alloy, composite, ... The section of the spring may not be round or constant. It can be square, rectangular, oval, etc. For the manufacture of the control means, one of the following materials may be used: hard or semi-hard resistant plastic, alloy, composite, etc. The seal will be made of rubber for example. During its manufacture, the envelope can have any type of treatment making it possible to protect it such as: PNC, anti-UN, anti-corrosion, ... Also, a metal spring can be ground at the ends and treated anti-corrosion. In the embodiment according to Figure 6b, the control means (4) is composed of a flexible tube (12) and an adjustable valve (13), said tube has a flange (14) at one of its end and said adjustable valve is fixed to the other end of said tube, said rim of said tube adheres to the envelope (2) all around the opening (8) in a sealed manner, using a glue or any other means or process. The adjustable valve (13) is composed of a threaded connection (15) with a conical base, a threaded plug (16) having holes (17) and a conical piston (18) attached to the threaded plug as when '' we screw the cap, the conical piston closes the passage which connects the valve to the tube and that when we unscrew the cap, the piston gradually opens the passage so that air can circulate, via the tube, between the outside and inside the device and vice versa. The adjustable valve makes it possible to remotely adjust and control the swelling or compression (deflation) of said device.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a spring, the size of the turns of which follows an increasing convex progression (spring domed towards the outside) in going from the turn (10) to the turn (11). In a sectional view, the external shape of the spring, called the spring profile, corresponds to a half-disc. In this case the volume of the envelope corresponds to a hemisphere. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 12a and 112b, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a spring having its two extreme turns (10) and (11) of small sizes such as starting from one of these ends towards each other, the size of the turns follows a progression that first increases to a maximum intermediate turn (this is the largest of the turns) and then decreases. In a sectional view, the profile of the spring corresponds to a circle and the device takes the form of a sphere. Also, the turns take the form of two superimposed spirals when the device is compressed.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a compression spring such that, going from one of its ends towards the other, the size of the turns follows a progression first increasing to a maximum intermediate turn (this is the largest of the turns) and then decreasing so that said spring can flatten completely when placed on a horizontal plane support and subjected to a load greater than or equal to a minimum flattening load of its own. Then, said spring takes the form of two superimposed spirals. Such a device can have one of the following forms: spherical segment, double pyramid (two pyramids superimposed and inverted), double cone (two superimposed and inverted cones), barrel, ovoid,

In the embodiment according to FIG. 13, the device comprises straps (99) which link certain turns of the spring (3) to the envelope (2) in order to prevent said spring from moving freely inside said envelope. The straps (99) can be made of rubber or resistant nylon and kept pressed on the inside of the envelope using an adhesive or any other product or process such as HF welding for example. Here they play the role of a means of attachment and can be replaced by adhesive tapes with the NELCRO system for example.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a compression spring of bi-conical shape such that the two turns (10) and (11) have close dimensions . In addition, starting from one of the ends of the spring to the other, the size of the turns follows a progression which decreases at first to an intermediate minimum turn (it is the smallest of the turns) and then increasing . When the device is in the compressed state, said spring takes the form of two superimposed spirals. When the device is inflated, the envelope of the device delimits a greater cylindrical volume than that delimited by the bi-conical spring.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a compression spring such that, going from one of its ends towards the other, the size of the turns follows a progression first decreasing to a minimum intermediate turn (this is the smallest of the turns) and then increasing so that the said spring can flatten completely when placed on a horizontal plane support and subjected to a load greater than or equal to a nainimal flattening load of its own. Then, said spring takes the form of two superimposed spirals. Such a spring resembles a bi-conical spring. In the inflated state, the device takes one of the following forms: truncated cylinder, prism, truncated prism, parallelepiped, cube, rhombohedron, ...

In an embodiment not illustrated, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a compression spring such that, going from one of its ends towards the other, the size of the turns follows a series of several progressions monotonous with M changes in type of progression, increasing-decreasing or decreasing-increasing, so that said spring can flatten completely when placed on a horizontal plane support and subjected to a greater or equal load at its own minimum flattening load. Then, said spring takes the form of (M + 1) superimposed spirals. M being an integer greater than or equal to 2.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 44a and 44b, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a compression spring such that each of its turns corresponds to a curve composed of 5 straight segments with rounded vertices. In an embodiment not shown, the elastic compression means (3) of the device is a compression spring such that each of its turns corresponds to a curve composed of Ν straight lines with rounded vertices. Ν being an integer greater than or equal to 3. In the embodiment of the device according to Figures 17, 18 and 19, the elastic compression means (3) is a conical compression spring. The device also includes the following elements:

- a plate (20) attached to part of the turn (10) using several inks (22), - a plate (21) attached to part of the turn (11) using several inks (23), the plates (20) and (21) are such that when said device is compressed, the turn (10) is found completely pressed against the plate (20) and the turn (11) is found completely pressed against the plate (21). The two plates are positioned outside the spring (3) and inside the envelope (2). They are intended to protect the envelope against any excessive pressure that the spring (3) can exert on the envelope, especially at its points or ends. Each plate can be made of a rigid material such as steel or stainless steel and preferably rigid or semi-rigid plastic in order to lighten the device. They can be attached to the envelope (2) using an adhesive or any other means or process.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 20, the envelope (2) additionally comprises an opening (81) giving access from outside the device to a projecting part (82) of the plate (20), the latter adheres to the envelope (2) all around the opening (81) in a sealed manner, using an adhesive or any other means or method, the excess thickness of the projecting part (82) makes it possible to protect said envelope at the edges of the opening (81). Likewise, the envelope (2) also has an opening (83) giving access from the outside of the device to a projecting part (84) of the plate (21), the latter adheres to the envelope (2) while around the opening (83) in a sealed manner, using an adhesive or any other means or method, the increased thickness of the protruding part (84) makes it possible to protect said envelope at the edges of the '' opening (83)

In the embodiment according to Figures 21, 22 and 23, the device (1) has the shape of a cylinder. Its elastic compression means (3) is a bi-conical spring, said device further comprises external straps (24) each connecting the two plates (20) and (21) while remaining outside the spring (3) and inside F of the envelope (2). These external straps are intended to support the casing (2) against external pressures because any external stress applied to the side walls of said device tends to make these side walls fit inside the device by driving the straps with them. These straps will attempt to bring the two plates (20) and (21) closer together by compressing the spring which will resist by distancing said plates and by stretching said straps. Thus, the deformation of the side walls of said envelope is reduced.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 24 and 25, the device (1) of spherical shape comprises external straps (24) attached to the different turns at the strap-turn intersections and internal straps (25) each connecting two opposite sides of a maximum intermediate turn. Thus, said external straps are intended in addition to limit the relative spacings of the different turns and to reduce the deformation of the spring (3) when said device is in the inflated state. Said internal straps are intended to prevent the turns from becoming entangled when the device is compressed. The straps can be made of rubber or a flexible and very resistant fabric based on nylon for example. The external straps can be attached to the turns using a NELCRO type band system.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 49, the self-inflatable device comprises at least one attachment means composed of a ring (88) linked to the projecting part (84) of the plate (21). The ring makes it possible to attach said plate and consequently said device with the aid of a cord. Similarly, an attachment means can be linked to the projecting part (82) of the plate (20).

In the embodiment according to FIG. 50, the self-inflatable device comprises at least one fixing means composed of a blind threaded hole (89) made in the projecting part (84) of the plate (21). The threaded hole (89) makes it possible to fix the said plate and consequently the said device using a bolt on any type of support. Likewise, the projecting part (82) of the plate (20) may include a fixing means such as a blind threaded hole made in said plate.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 26, 27, 28a, 28b and 29 the device incorporates a security system comprising a circular opening (85) made in the projecting part (82), a rod (35) attached to the plate ( 21) on the inner side and having the shape of a "T", a circular flange (36) adhering to the plate (20), on the inner side, and holding in place a plug (30) and a fixed circular seal (37) in a circular slot (38) formed in said circular rim, said plug partially penetrates into the opening (85) and comprises an external slot (31), an internal slot (32) and two hooks (33), said circular seal ensures the tightness of the security system which makes it possible to mechanically link the two plates. The security system can be used when the device is in a compressed state. Said security system would prevent the spring from stretching in case the casing had just been pierced or torn accidentally. This would avoid serious problems when you have a large stock of compressed devices. This security system mechanically links the two plates (20) and (21). When the external slot (31) of the plug is positioned perpendicular to the axis AA ', the rod (35) can be inserted into the internal slot (32) of the plug (30) or move away from it (Figures 28a, 28b and 29). But, when this same external slot is in the axis AA ′, the rod (35) can no longer either insert into the internal slot (32) if it was outside said internal slot, or move away from it if the elongated rod (35) was trapped by the hooks (33) (Figure 27). A simple coin or a screwdriver can be used to turn the plug (30). It suffices to introduce it into the external slot (31) and to rotate it in one direction or the other so that the plug (30) can rotate with its two hooks (33) and its internal slot (32). To compress such a device, simply proceed by following the following steps:

- put the external slot in a position perpendicular to the axis AA ', - open the device control means,

- evacuate a good part of the indoor air by compressing the device or by sucking in air using a vacuum cleaner,

- turn the plug (30) so that its slot (31) is found in the axis AA ',

- close the device control means. Thus, the compressed device can be stored securely.

To make it swell, simply proceed by following the following steps:

- turn the plug (30) so that its slot (31) is found perpendicular to the axis AA ',

- open the device control means,

- give the device time to inflate, - close the device's control means when it returns to its final swollen form.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 30, 31 and 32, the device is such that the openings (8) and (81) of the envelope (2) merge and that its control means consists of a circular opening threaded (86) formed in the projecting part (82) of the plate (20), with a circular rim (42) forming part of the plate (20), on the inside, of a circular seal (43) fixed in a circular slot (44) formed in said circular rim and of a threaded plug (40) comprising an external slot (41) and several orifices (45) near its periphery such that said threaded plug can penetrate into the threaded opening (86), guided by its thread, to compress said circular seal. The circular seal (43) ensures the tightness of the control means when said threaded plug is well screwed, then, no fluid (gas or liquid) can infiltrate through this control means. The holes (45) allow air to pass between the interior and exterior of said device, in one direction as in the other, when said threaded plug is well unscrewed. A simple coin or a screwdriver can be used to turn the threaded plug (40). It suffices to introduce it into the external slot (41) and to rotate it clockwise to close this control means or in the opposite direction to open this control means.

In the embodiment according to Figures 33, 34, 35 and 36, the device has the same configuration as that which has just been described. In addition, the plates (20) and (21) incorporate a security system which makes it possible to link them mechanically and which comprises elements in common with the control means. Thus, the threaded plug (40) of the control means further comprises an internal slot (32) and two hooks (33). The plate (21) comprises a rod (35) located inside the envelope (2) and having the shape of a "T".

To compress such a device, simply proceed by following the following steps:

- open the device control means by unscrewing the threaded plug (40) so that the external slot (41) is found perpendicular to the axis AA ′ in order to prepare the security system,

- screw the threaded plug (40) so that the circular seal (42) is compressed and its slot is in the axis AA ', - Thus, the compressed device can be stored safely.

To inflate such a device, it suffices to proceed by following the following steps: - unscrew the threaded plug (40) while bringing the two plates together so that its external slot (41) is found perpendicular to the axis AA 'and that the circular joint is no longer compressed,

- give the device time to inflate,

- screw the threaded plug (40), until the seal (42) is well compressed, as soon as the device has regained its final volume,

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43, the self-inflatable device comprises several control means (4) and its elastic compression means (3) comprises several springs such as:

the envelope (2) has several openings (8) and has the shape of a long pipe closed at its two ends,

- there are as many control means as there are openings (8) and each control means is associated with a single opening (8),

- the springs (3) are distributed inside the envelope (2) so that when said envelope is well inflated, the compression axes of said springs are parallel to each other and peφendicular to the axis of the envelope . Thus, each of these axes is located in a section of said envelope

- Each of the springs (3) is attached to the envelope: - either using an attachment means such as one or more straps (99) each receiving a turn of the spring (3) in question at said envelope, - either using a plate (20) or a plate (21) attached to said envelope. Thus, each spring (3) plays the role of a hoop intended to separate the walls of a section of the envelope (2). Each of the springs (3) has a spherical shape, this gives the device the shape of a cylinder of revolution when said device is inflated. Certain plates (20) can each integrate a control means as described above. Also, the plates (20) and (21) attached to a spring (3) can integrate a security system with or without means of control as described above. To switch this device from the compressed state to the inflated state, it suffices to deploy the envelope (2), to unlock all the security systems when they exist, to open one or more means of control, to pull the envelope lengthwise so

'0 to optimize its deployment and finally to close all the control means when all the springs (3) are sufficiently elongated and that said device has reached its maximum volume. To switch said device from the inflated state to the compressed state, it suffices to open some of the control means, to evacuate a large part of the indoor air by sucking it in using a vacuum cleaner or by compressing the springs (3) and the casing, blocking the safety systems when they exist, and finally closing all the control means when all the springs (3) have been completely compressed and that said device has reached its minimum volume. This type of device can be used for many applications including that of self-inflating anti-pollution floating booms.

In the form of reshuffling according to FIGS. 46, 47 and 48, the device (1) which has just been described is used in the manufacture of a self-inflating anti-pollution floating boom. Said device is attached in a leaktight manner to a skirt (91) ballasted by a chain (93) installed in a sheath (92), said sheath is attached to said skirt. Such a dam can be

25 compressed and stored while phantasm. To be able to wind it on a reel it suffices that the springs (3) used have a small depth relative to the dimensions of the section of the envelope (2) according to the configuration of FIGS. 44a and 44b or else according to the configuration of the FIGS. 45a and 45b. This type of dam saves storage space while gaining flexibility, ease of use and while avoiding the problems that can be caused by the successive phs of the envelope of the conventional cylindrical device with hoops. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 37 and 38, the self-inflatable device comprises several control means (4) and its elastic compression means (3) comprises several springs such as: - the envelope (2) comprises several openings (8) and in the shape of a parallelepiped with a rectangular base and top, - There are as many control means as there are openings (8) and each control means is associated with a single opening ( 8) 0 - the springs (3) are distributed inside the envelope (2) such that when said envelope is well inflated, the compression axes of all of said springs are perpendicular to the base of said envelope, - each of the springs (3) is attached to the base of said envelope, to the top of said envelope or to both at the same time: 5 - either using a fastening means such as one or more straps (99) each connecting a turn of the spring (3) in question to said envelope, - either using a plate (20) or a plate (21) attached itself to said envelope. When a spring (3) relaxes, it spreads the base of the envelope (2) from its top. To make said device go from the compressed state to the inflated state, it suffices to deploy the envelope (2), to unlock all the security systems when they exist, to open one or more of the control means, to pull on the said envelope in the length and width directions in order to optimize its deployment and finally to close all the control means when all the springs (3) are sufficiently extended and that said device has reached its maximum volume. To switch said device from the inflated state to the compressed state, it suffices to open some of the control means, to compress the springs (3), to block the safety systems when they exist, and finally to close all the control means when all the springs (3) have been completely compressed and said device has reached its minimum volume. Such a device can be used in the manufacture of a self-inflating device of large dimensions (width and length).

In a form of réahsation not illustrated, the self-inflatable device is similar to that which has just been described where the envelope (2) has the shape of a right prism with a base and a polygonal apex.

In a form of réahsation not illustrated, the section of the spring (3) corresponds to a rectangle or a square.

In a configuration not illustrated, the control means (4) comprises a valve system with a retarder and a pneumatic valve. The valve system with a retarder makes it possible to manage and program the opening and closing of the control means by controlling a valve in order to open the access between the interior and the exterior of the device or to close it for all fluid, gas or liquid. The pneumatic valve makes it possible to increase or decrease the pressure of the gas (air or other gas) inside the envelope (2) using pneumatic means.

In a configuration not illustrated, the elastic compression means (3) is composed of an articulated pantograph associated with elastic traction means and / or with elastic torsion means such as: - the pantograph is composed of a certain number arms hinged together using a number of axes and can retract to reduce its dimensions or lengthen to increase its dimensions, - elastic traction means such as traction springs or elastic bands connect each of them two elements of the pantograph, arm or axis, of either an element of the pantograph to the envelope (2) or else to one of the plates (20) or (21) so that they favor together the elongation of said pantograph and resist its shrinking, - the elastic torsion means such as torsion springs are each fixed around an axis of the pantograph so that they together promote the elongation of said pantograph and resist shrinking.

In the form of reshuffling according to FIG. 51, the elastic compression means of the self-inflatable device is composed of a pantograph system (200) with one stage and a tension spring (206) such as: - the pantograph consists of a pair of scissors composed of two arms (201) to and (202) articulated in the center using a pin (209), the arm (201) consists of two half-arms (231) and (232), the arm (202) is composed of two half-arms (233) and (234),

- the tension spring is connected to the half-arms (232) and (233).

When the device is compressed, the pantograph is flattened and the half-arms (232) and (234) are almost in contact, likewise for the half-arms (231) and (233) and the spring is tensioned. As soon as the control means is opened, the spring tends to bring the half-arms (232) and (233) closer together and the pantograph is deployed. The pantograph + tension spring assembly behaves like a compression spring whose axis is, in this particular case, almost perpendicular to that of the tension spring. One could also replace the tension spring by at least one elastic band in order to obtain the same result. One could also replace the tension spring by a torsion spring fixed at the level of the axis (209) so that the half-arms (231) and (233) are found separated from one another and obtain the same effect.

[0 In the form of réahsation according to Figures 52a and 52b, the elastic compression means of the self-inflating device is composed of a pantograph system (200) with two stages, four wheels (205) and a spring traction (206) such as: - the pantograph comprises four pairs of articulated scissors, two by two, located in two L5 parallel planes rehesée by the axes (209), each pair of scissors is composed of two arms (201) to and (202) articulated in the center by means of axes (209), said pantograph is fixed on the plates (20) and (21) on the same side using fixing elements (204), - the wheels (205) allow the pantograph to shorten or lengthen without rubbing on the plates, they are fixed on the ends of four arms of the pantograph and come

20 roll on the plates (20) and (21). - The spring (206) tends to lengthen the pantograph inside the envelope (2), it rehe half arm (232) to half arm (233). Thus, the new assembly composing the elastic compression means behaves like a compression spring which has a large range of movement. The tension spring can also attach a half-arm 232 to a fixing element (204) or to a plate and obtain the same result. Several tension springs could be placed in order to increase the power of the elastic compression means. One could also replace the tension springs by elastic bands. The tension springs could also be replaced by at least one torsion spring fixed at an axis (209) and obtain the same effect. One could also replace the tension springs by at least one compression spring which rehe half an arm (232) or (234) to one of the plates while remaining outside the pantograph to obtain the same effect. 35 In the embodiment according to FIG. 53, each wheel is replaced by a guide system along an axis (208) fixed on a plate by means of a sheath (207) fixed itself on the end of a half-arm (232) or (234). 0 In the embodiment according to Figures 54 and 55, the device has the shape of a trapezoid. The sectional view of the plate (20) shows a U-shaped profile and the envelope (2) is fixed, all around said plate by means of a rigid profile (211), a rubber band (210) and bolts (212). Rigid rods (214) are attached to the envelope by means of strips (213) welded or glued to said envelope. These rods allow the device to compress without damaging said envelope such as a bellows. In the embodiment according to FIG. 56a, the device of the invention is an impact energy absorber integrated in a car door. The device control means can be managed by a dedicated security system which decides to trigger the inflation of the 0 device (or of the devices present) according to several parameters such as speed of the vehicle, detection of a very likely side impact, observed impact, road condition (snow, sleet, rain) ...

In the embodiment according to FIG. 56b, the device of the invention is a shock energy absorber integrated in a car bumper, it is inserted between a rigid beam (222) and the skin of the bumper. shock (223), the pipe (215) rehe the interior of the device to a security system (not shown) which manages the control means of the device to make it more or less elastic according to different parameters. If it fully opens the control means, the air can circulate freely from the inside to the outside and vice versa. The device is flexible and its degree of elasticity almost corresponds to that of its means of elastic compression. If it completely closes the control means, the device becomes very rigid. Between the two extreme states there are an infinite number of possible settings. The advantage of this type of device is that it allows the use of standard tension springs which do not need a material axis to guide them (as is the case with compression springs) in order to counter compression forces. The device is not bulky and provides very attractive adjustment flexibility and a large amplitude of elongation.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 57 and 58, several floats according to the invention are fixed to the hull of a boat and each connected by a pipe (215) to a central control means (216) which makes it possible to manage the air movement to or from the device depending on the situation and condition of the boat. Each device (1) is fixed to the structure of the boat (220) using fixings (217), the pipe (215) connects the interior of the device to the central control means (216). Each of the devices (1) further comprises a protection means (219) fixed to one of the two plates. It is used to protect the device from weather and seawater, while hiding it. A good safety system for a boat comprises several floats, according to the invention, fixed to the structure of said boat outside and / or inside. Each float must be connected to a central control means. There can be several means of central control on the same boat. Some central control means independently manage each of the floats connected to them, in which case all the pipes (215) are independent. Others manage all the floats connected to them in the same way and all at the same time in which case all the pipes (215) take the same conduit to the central control means.

We can also consider the case of totally independent floats and which have their own means of control. They can be used by sea rescue teams who would fix them or attach them to the structure of a ship or boat in difficulty. Then their control means can be triggered remotely to inflate to atmospheric pressure.

In an embodiment not illustrated, a device according to the invention could contain at least one other device according to the same invention which will be connected to the outside using its own control means. When the first device is inflated and its control means closed, the second device can also be inflated by acting on its control means from the outside. This results in the generation of a suφression inside the first device. The advantage of this combination lies in the possibility of properly inflating this multiple device. In a form of rehsation not illustrated, the device according to the invention takes the form of a flexible surface having a certain thickness such as a flexible foam plate. Said device comprises a large number of elastic compression means such that the compression axis of each is perpendicular to the surface of said device in its own area. The interest of such a device is to be able to make vests or protective suits for cavahers, bikers ...

Claims

claims

1) Self-inflatable device characterized in that it is composed of an envelope (2), an elastic compression means (3) and a control means (4) such as: - the compression means elastic is a helical compression spring which has a number of turns distributed between its two ends including a turn (10) at one of its ends and a turn (11) at the other end, the size of the turns follows a monotonous progression, increasing or decreasing, going from one end to the other so that the spring can flatten completely to take the form of a flat spiral when it is placed on a horizontal plane support and that it is subjected to a load greater than or equal to a minimum flattening load which is specific to it,

- the envelope (2) contains the spring (3) by completely enveloping it on all sides and has an opening (8), said envelope is flexible and impermeable to any fluid such as: air, gas, fresh water, water sea, petroleum, oil ... - the control means (4) makes it possible to manage the passage through the opening (8) of any fluid, gas or liquid, between the exterior and the interior of said envelope and conversely, then this passage can take place when said control means is opened and cannot occur when said control means are closed, said device can be put in a stable compressed state or in a stable inflated state, to pass said device from the compressed state to the inflated state, said control means are opened to allow ambient air to enter inside said envelope and as soon as said spring reaches its maximum height or said device can no longer inflate furthermore, said control means are closed in order to that said device becomes impermeable again to be used as a device capable of displacing a certain amount of water, to change said device from the inflated state to the compressed state, said control means are opened and then said device is compressed using hands or any other means to expel air from the interior of said envelope to the outside thereof and finally closing said control means so that said device can remain compressed to be stored or transported , said device can have one of the following shapes: cone, truncated cone, pyramid, truncated pyramid, spherical segment, hemisphere, heap of sand, tetrahedron, ...

2) Self-inflatable device according to claim 1 characterized in that going from one end to the other of the spring (3) the size of the turns follows a progression first increasing to a maximum intermediate turn and then decreasing so that said spring can flatten completely and take the form of two superimposed spirals when it is placed on a horizontal plane support and subjected to a load greater than or equal to a minimum flattening load which its own, said device can have one of the following forms: sphere, spherical segment, double pyramid, double cone, barrel, ovoid, ...

3) Self-inflatable device according to claim 1 characterized in that going from one end to the other of the spring (3) the size of the turns follows a progression decreasing first to a minimum intermediate turn and then increasing so that said spring can flatten completely and take the form of two superimposed spirals when it is placed on a horizontal plane support and subjected to a load greater than or equal to a minimum flattening load which its own, said spring resembles a bi-conical spring and said device can have one of the following shapes: cylinder, truncated cylinder, prism, truncated prism, parallelepiped, cube, rhombohedron, ... 4) Self-inflatable device according to claim 1 characterized in that going from one end to the other of the spring (3) the size of the turns follows a series of several monotonic progressions with M changes in type of progression, increasing -decreasing or decreasing-increasing, so that said spring can flatten completely and take the form of M + l) supeφosed spirals when placed on a horizontal plane support and subjected to a greater or equal load at its own minimum flattening load, M being an integer greater than or equal to 2. 5) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each turn of the spring (3) corresponds to a curve composed of N straight lines with rounded vertices, N being an integer greater than or equal to 3.

6) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means (4) is composed of a threaded connection (5) having a flange (59) at one of its ends and a channel (9) passing through it from one end to the other, with a threaded plug (6) and a circular joint (7), said flange of said connector adheres to the envelope (2) all around the opening (8) in a sealed manner, using an adhesive or any other means or method, thus, said control means are opened by unscrewing said plug and said control means are closed by screwing said plug up 'to compress said seal.

7) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the control means is composed of a flexible tube (12) and an adjustable valve (13), said tube has a flange ( 14) at one of its ends and said adjustable valve is fixed to the other end of said tube, said flange of said tube adheres to the envelope (2) all around the opening (8) in a sealed manner, using an adhesive or any other means or method, said adjustable valve manages and regulates the passage of any fluid between the outside and inside of said device and vice versa through said tube, said control means makes it possible to remotely control the swelling and compression of said device.

8) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (3) is connected to the envelope (2) by means of attachment means such as straps (99) binding certain turns to said envelope, this prevents said spring from moving freely inside said envelope.

9) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a plate (20) attached to a part of the turn (10) with attachment means such as inks (22 ) and a plate (21) attached to a part of the turn (11) with attachment means such as inks (23), that said plates are positioned outside the spring (3) and inside of the envelope (2), whether or not they are attached to said envelope using attachment means and that they are such that when said device is compressed, the coil (10) is found completely pressed against the plate (20) and the turn (11) is found completely pressed against the plate (21), said plates are intended to protect the envelope (2) by distributing the forces that the spring (3) can exert on said envelope.

10) Self-inflatable device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises external straps (24) each receiving the two plates (20) and (21) while remaining outside the spring (3), internal straps (25) each receiving two opposite sides of a maximum intermediate turn and that said external straps are attached or no to the turns of the spring (3), said external straps are intended to support the casing (2) against external pressures as well as to limit the relative spacings of the various turns and said internal straps are intended to prevent the turns from intermingle when the spring (3) is compressed in the case of a spherical device for example.

11) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 9 to 10 characterized in that the envelope (2) further comprises an opening (81) giving access from the outside of said device to a projecting part (82) of the plate (20), that said plate adheres to said envelope all around the opening (81) in a sealed manner, the increased thickness of the protruding part (82) makes it possible to protect said envelope at the edges of the opening (81).

12) Self-inflatable device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the envelope (2) further comprises an opening (83) giving access from the outside of said device to a projecting part (84) of the plate (21), that said plate adheres to said envelope all around the opening (83) in a sealed manner, the extra thickness of the protruding part (84) makes it possible to protect said envelope at the edges of the opening (83).

13) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 11 to 12 characterized in that at least one of the two plates (20) or (21) further has on its projecting part and accessible from outside said device one or more attachment or fixing means, the attachment means such as a ring makes it possible to attach said plate and consequently said device using a cord, the fixing means such as a threaded hole makes it possible to fix said plate and therefore said device using a bolt on any type of support. 14) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 11 to 13 characterized in that it incorporates a security system comprising a circular opening (85) formed in the projecting part (82), a rod (35) attached to the plate (21) on the inside and having the shape of a "T", a circular flange (36) adhering to the plate (20), on the inside, and holding in place a plug (30) and a circular seal ( 37) fixed in a circular slot (38) formed in said circular rim, and that said plug partially penetrates into the opening (85) and comprises an external slot (31), an internal slot (32) and two hooks (33) , said circular seal seals the security system which allows to mechanically her two plates when said device is compressed. 15) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 11 to 13 characterized in that the two openings (8) and (81) of the envelope (2) merge and that its control means consists of a threaded circular opening (86) formed in the projecting part (82) of the plate (20), of a circular rim (42) forming part of the plate (20), on the inside, of a fixed circular joint (43) in a circular slot (44) formed in said circular rim and a threaded plug (40) comprising an external slot (41) and several orifices (45) near its periphery such that said threaded plug can penetrate into the threaded opening (86), guided by its thread, in order to compress said circular seal, the latter makes it possible to ensure the tightness of the control means when said threaded plug is well screwed while said orifices allow air to pass between the inside and outside of said device, in one direction as in the other, when said threaded plug is well unscrewed.

16) Self-inflatable device according to the preceding claim characterized in that it further comprises a rod (35) attached to the plate (21) on the inner side and having the shape of a "T", and that the threaded plug (40) additionally has an internal slot (32) and two hooks (33), thus, the plates (20) and (21) integrate at the same time the control means and a security system. 17) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control means comprises a valve system with a retarder and a pneumatic valve, said valve system with a retarder makes it possible to manage and program the opening and closing the control means, while the pneumatic valve makes it possible to increase or decrease the pressure of the gas inside the envelope (2) using pneumatic means. 0 18) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises several springs (3) and several control means (4) such that: the casing (2) comprises at least one opening (8) and has the form of '' a long pipe closed at its two ends, the springs (3) are distributed inside the envelope (2) so that when said envelope is well inflated, the compression axes of all of said springs are parallel and each of these axes is located in a section of said envelope, each of the springs (3) is linked to the envelope:

; 0 either using a fastening means such as one or more straps (99) each receiving a turn of the spring (3) in question on said envelope, or using a plate (20 ) or a plate (21) attached to said casing, there are as many control means as there are openings (8), each control means is associated with a single opening (8),

5 to switch said device from the compressed state to the inflated state, it suffices to deploy the envelope (2), to unlock all the security systems when they exist, to open one or more control means, pull the envelope lengthwise in order to optimize its deployment and finally close all the control means when all the springs (3) are sufficiently extended and that said device has reached its maximum volume,

0 to switch said device from the inflated state to the compressed state, it suffices to open some of the control means, to compress the springs (3) and / or to suck in air using 'a vacuum cleaner, to block the safety systems when they exist, and finally to close all the control means when all the springs (3) have been completely compressed and that said device has reached its minimum volume, 5 said device can be used in the manufacture of a self-inflating anti-pollution floating boom, it suffices to attach it in a leaktight manner to a weighted skirt with a chain, such a boom can be compressed and stored by phantom or by winding it on a drum. 19) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 characterized in) that it comprises several springs (3) and several control means (4) such that: the envelope (2) comprises at least one opening (8) and in the form of a straight prism with a polygonal base and apex, the springs (3) are distributed inside the envelope (2) so that when said envelope is well inflated, the compression axes of all of said springs are peφendicular at the base of said envelope, each of the springs (3) is linked to the base of said envelope, at the top of said envelope or to both at the same time: either using a fastening means such as one or more straps (99) each connecting a turn of the spring (3) in question to said envelope, either using a plate (20) or a plate ( 21) attached to said envelope, there are as many control means as there are openings (8), each control means is associated with a single opening (8), when a spring (3) relaxes, it spreads the base of the envelope (2 ) from its top, to switch said device from the compressed state to the inflated state, it suffices to deploy the envelope (2), to unlock all the security systems when they exist, to open one or more control means, to pull on said envelope in the length and width directions in order to optimize its deployment and finally to close all the control means when all the springs (3) are sufficiently extended and that said device has reaches its maximum volume, to switch said device from the inflated state to the compressed state, it suffices to open some of the control means, to compress the springs (3) and / or to suck the air in. using a vacuum cleaner, blocking security systems where they exist, and finally d e close all the control means when all the springs (3) have been completely compressed and said device has reached its minimum volume, said device can be used in the manufacture of a large self-inflating device.

20) Self-inflatable device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 characterized in that some of its elastic compression means (3) are each composed of an articulated pantograph associated with elastic traction means and / or elastic torsion means such as: - the pantograph is made up of a certain number of arms articulated together using a certain number of axes and can retract to reduce its dimensions or lengthen to increase its dimensions , - the elastic traction means such as tension springs or elastic bands each connect two elements of the pantograph, arm or axis, or an element of the pantograph (arm or axis) to the envelope (2) or well to one of the plates (20) or (21) so that they together promote the elongation of said pantograph and resist its shrinking, - the elastic torsion means such as torsion springs are each fixed around d ' an axis of the pantograph so that they together promote the elongation of said pantograph and resist its shrinking.

21) Self-inflatable device according to the preceding claim characterized in that the elastic compression means of the self-inflatable device is composed of an articulated pantograph system (200) having at least one stage, four wheels (205) and d '' a tension spring (206) such as:

- each stage of the pantograph has two pairs of articulated scissors located in two parallel planes connected using the axes (209), each pair of scissors is composed of two arms (201) and (202) articulated using the axes (209)

- said pantograph is fixed on the plates (20) and (21) on the same side using fixing elements (204),

- The wheels (205) are fixed on the ends of four arms of the pantograph and come to roll on the plates (20) and (21).

- The spring (206) connects an arm (201) to arm (202).

22) Self-inflatable device according to the preceding claim characterized in that at least one wheel is replaced by a guide system using a ghssant sheath along an axis, said axis is fixed on a plate. 23) Self-inflatable devices according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they are used as independent floats or else as floats fixed to the structure of a ship or a boat and connected to central control means to constitute a security system for the ship or boat.

24) Self-inflatable devices according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that they are used as shock energy absorbers integrated into the structure of a vehicle and connected to control means for constitute a safety system for the protection of the vehicle and its passengers during an impact.

25) Self-inflatable devices according to any one of claims 1 to 22 characterized in that they are integrated in self-inflatable mattresses and / or vests and / or protective suits for riders or bikers. 26) Self-inflatable devices according to any one of claims 1 to 22 characterized in that they are used as educational toys for children.

27) Self-inflatable device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains inside its envelope another self-inflatable device according to the invention and connected to the outside such as its control means is accessible from outside the first device.