WO2005109982A2

WO2005109982A2 - Breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005109982A2
Application number: PCT/BR2005/000087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Cesar Hodara
Original assignee: Alberto Cesar Hodara
Priority date: 2004-05-18
Filing date: 2005-05-18
Publication date: 2005-11-24
Also published as: WO2005109982A3; BRPI0401543A

Abstract

Breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus, promoting flotation and/or complementary oxygenation in emergency situations by aspiration of the air stored in an inflatable structure. The lifebuoy apparatus comprises an inflating device (100) including a compressed air flask (120); an aspiration device (200) of the air contained in an inflatable structure and an inflatable structure (300) comprising a waterproof bag adaptable to clothes (400), said inflatable structure (300) having means for fixation of the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus.

Description

BREATHING RECYCLING LIFEBUOY APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a lifebuoy apparatus with breathing recycling capability. More specifically the invention relates to an apparatus promoting flotation and/or complementary oxygenation in emergency situations, by aspiration of the air stored in an inflatable structure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Asphyxia is characterized by breathing difficulty leading to lack of oxygen in the organism. Obstruction of the breathing ways can be caused by drowning, atmospheric oxygen deficiency, and the like. Lack of oxygen can provoke sequels in 3 to 5 minutes, if the subject is not conveniently assisted. In case of emergencies, e. g., when the subject is water-submerged or in unbreathable environment, it is necessary, quickly, to provide the organism with oxygen, thus providing an additional time for the rescue of the subject in danger . However, a fast action can be prejudiced in situations where the subject is agitated and extremely mind- confused. The lack of air or breathing difficulty leads to panic or even unconsciousness . In aquatic environments, as a protection, the use of inflatable lifebuoys is recommended, having functions like promoting the flotation and, so, saving lives due the fact of maintaining the head above the water surface, avoiding asphyxia caused by water obstruction of the breathing tract . One of the major death causes in the sea is the violent shock of the subject against the water, leading to the unconsciousness and submersion of the head and, so, drowning. The use of a lifejacket capable to maintain the head on the surface of the water prevents drowning. The use of a lifejacket use can prolong the survival in the water for much more time . The brazilian patent application PI0102839 discloses a multiple multi-use inflatable lifebuoy including an inflatable recipient having a cavity like a tunnel or chamber passing through the said recipient, the cavity having, inside, a fixation device to fasten and maintain the subject totally safe and protected, during the rescue, and devices to inflate and/or empty the recipient as well as to discharge highly expansible gases inside the said recipient. The brazilian patent application PI9600469 discloses an anti-drowning safety device, adaptable to clothes, including a waterproof thermoplastic inflatable jacket wrapped to form a thick belt attached by a velcro fastener or similar to the waistline of the clothes, said safety device including a small compressed air reservoir having a needle valve commanded by a pin solidary to a rod, whose movement causes inflatation of the jacket . Therefore, the technical literature discloses several devices allowing fast inflatation of an inflatable structure. However, including a device allowing inflatation of a structure to promote the flotation of a subject in emergency situations, as well as providing complementary oxygenation by way of aspiration of the air stored in the inflatable structure . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus comprising an inflatable device including a compressed air flask; a device for aspiration of the air contained in an inflatable structure, and an inflatable structure including a waterproof bag adaptable to the clothes, said inflatable structure having means for fixation of the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus to the user. The present invention describes an lifebuoy apparatus that guarantees flotation and complementary oxygenation in emergency situations . The present invention describes an lifebuoy apparatus that includes an inflatable structure with an inflating device and an aspiration device, both working automatically, semi- automatically or manually, through the flowing a compressed air, oxygen or mixture of gases in flasks . Furthermore, the present invention describes a lifebuoy apparatus adaptable to clothes, like belts, coats, neopren clothes, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A shows a frontal view of the inflating device, and Fig. IB shows a rear view of the same device. Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the device with breathing recycling system, and Figs. 2B and 2C show detailed section views of a sodium lime filter and a mouthpiece sealing valve. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the aspiration device and the inflatable device adapted to the clothes . Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the aspiration device having the sodium lime filter and the inflatable device adapted to the clothes . Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the aspiration device having the sodium lime filter, a compressed air flask and the inflatable device adapted to the clothes, and Fig.

5A illustrates a schematic view of working of the compressed air flask. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the aspiration device, inflating device and inflatable device adapted to the clothes . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For the purposes of the present invention, sodium lime is a close mixture of sodium hydroxide with quick-lime manufactured in porous pieces used in the absorption of acid gases as well as in gas protective masks . The breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus of the present invention promotes flotation and complementary oxygenation, with suitable use in situations where there is asphyxia and/or the flotation is necessary. For flotation, an inflatable structure (300) maintains the head and nose above the water, avoiding death for drowning in case of an eventual unconsciousness . In all embodiments of the present invention, the lifebuoy apparatus includes an inflatable structure (300) comprising a waterproof bag adaptable to the clothes (400) like coats, neopren clothes, and the like, said inflatable structure (300) having attachment means for the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus . In a first embodiment of the present invention, the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus includes an aspiration device_. (200) and an inflatable structure (300) , as shown in Fig. 3 ■ The aspiration device (200) comprises a flexible cylindrical main body, said aspiration device (200) having on the outside a fixation flange (220) and a retractable pin (240) . In an alternative form, the aspiration device (200) has on the outside an anatomical mouthpiece (210) and a safety valve (230) . The anatomical mouthpiece (210) comprises an external salient structure and it includes a valve (211) disposed on the inner portion of the aspiration device (200) , said valve (211) preventing the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300), as shown in Fig. 2B. The fixation flange (220) allows the fixation of the aspiration mechanism (200) to the inflatable structure (300) , said flange (220) providing a communication way between the inner space of the inflatable device (300) and the aspiration device (200) . The safety valve (230) disposed on the end of the aspiration device (200) is automatically or manually activated. In the automatic form, the safety valve eliminates the excess of pressure inside the inflatable structure (300) . In the manual form, the safety valve is activated by the user, thus promoting the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The retractable pin (240) disposed on the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) puts the valve (211) mechanically in action and said valve hinders the mouthpiece (210) . The retractable pin (240) , when pressed by the user, moves the valve (211) . The movement of the valve (211) delivers the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or it allows the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing. The aspiration device (200) is attached to the inflatable structure (300) by perforation of the surface of the inflatable structure (300) and joining of the fixation flange (220) . In this first embodiment, the user blows air to the interior of the inflatable structure (300) through the mouthpiece (210) . The aspiration of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) occurs through the liberation of the valve (211) activated by the pin (240) . In a second embodiment of the invention, the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus comprises an aspiration device (200) with sodium lime filter (250) and an inflatable structure (300), as shown in Fig. 4. The aspiration device (200) comprises a flexible cylindrical main body, said aspiration device (200) having on the outside an anatomical mouthpiece (210) , a fixation flange (220) , a safety valve (230) and a retractable pin (240) . Inside the aspiration device (200) there is a sodium lime filter (250) . The anatomical mouthpiece (210) comprises an external salient structure and a valve (211) disposed in the inner portion of the aspiration device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The fixation flange (220) allows the fixation of the aspiration mechanism (200) to the inflatable device (300) , said flange (220) providing a communication way between the inner space of the inflatable device (300) and the aspiration device (200) . The safety valve (230) located on the end of the aspiration device (200) is automatically or manually activated. In the automatic form, the safety valve eliminates the excess of pressure inside the inflatable structure (300) . In the manual form, the safety valve (230) is activated by the user, thus promoting the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) in situations where the air is not necessary anymore . The retractable pin (240) placed on the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) puts the valve (211) mechanically in action and said valve closes the mouthpiece (210) . The retractable pin (240) , when pressed by the user, moves the valve (211) . The movement of the valve (211) delivers the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or it allows the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing. The sodium lime filter (250) located in the internal area of the aspiration device (200) retains the carbon dioxide produced by breathing and contained in the inflatable structure (300) , allowing the exit of oxygen through the mouthpiece (210) . • The aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) is attached to the inflatable structure (300) by perforation of the surface of the inflatable structure (300) and joining of the fixation flange (220) . In this second embodiment, the user blows air to the interior of the inflatable structure (300) through the mouthpiece (210) . The aspiration of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) occurs through the liberation of the inner valve (211) by the pin (240) . The air retained in the inflatable structure (300) passes through the sodium lime filter (250) where the carbon dioxide is retained and the oxygen is liberated to be aspirated through the mouthpiece (210) . In a third embodiment, the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus includes an aspiration device (200) , an compressed air flask (120) having a working mechanism and an inflatable structure (300), as shown in Fig. 5. The aspiration device (200) comprises a flexible cylindrical main body, said aspiration device (200) having on the outside an anatomical mouthpiece (210) , a fixation flange (220) , a safety valve (230) and a retractable pin (240) . Inside the aspiration device (200) there is a sodium lime filter (250) which retains the carbon dioxide generated by breathing and contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The anatomical mouthpiece (210) comprises an external salient structure and a valve (211) disposed in the inner portion of the aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The fixation flange (220) allows the fixation of the aspiration mechanism (200) to the inflatable device (300) , said flange (220) providing a communication way between the inner space of the inflatable device (300) and the aspiration device (200).. • The safety valve (230) disposed in the end of the device aspiration (200) is automatically or manually activated. In the automatic form, the safety valve eliminates the exceeding pressure inside the inflatable structure (300) . In the manual form, the safety valve (230) is activated by the user, thus promoting the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The retractable pin (240) placed on the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) puts the valve (211) mechanically in action and said valve closes the mouthpiece (210) . The retractable pin (240) , when pressed by the user, moves the valve (211) . The movement of the valve (211) delivers the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or it allows the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing. The sodium lime filter (250) located in the internal area of the aspiration device (200) retains the carbon dioxide in the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) , allowing the exit of oxygen through the mouthpiece (210) . Referring to Fig. 5A, the compressed air flask (120) including a working mechanism comprises a flask (120) having a flange (130) for fixation to the inflatable structure (300) , an eccentric axis (122) working manually by a strap (123) , said eccentric axis (122) pressing a needle (124) which perforates the nozzle of the flask (120) thus delivering gas inside the inflatable structure (300) . Alternatively, the flask (120) contains oxygen or a mixture of breathable gases so the aspiration device (200) does not need a sodium lime filter for retention of carbon dioxide. For attachment to the inflatable structure (300) , the aspiration device (200) is joined by a fixation flange (220) . In this third embodiment, the user puts the flask (120) in action, delivering compressed air to the inflatable structure (300), promoting flotation on water. If complementary oxygenation is necessary, the aspiration of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) occurs through the liberation of the inner valve (211) activated by the pin (240) . The air retained in the inflatable structure (300) passes through the sodium lime filter (250) where the carbon dioxide is retained and the oxygen is liberated to be aspirated through the mouthpiece (210) . Optionally, the sodium lime filter (250) is suppressed from the aspiration device (200) in case of use of a flask (120) containing oxygen or mixture of breathable gases. In a fourth embodiment, the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus comprises an inflating device (100) , an aspiration device (200) and an inflatable structure (300) , as shown in Fig. 6. The inflating mechanism (100) comprises an armored box (110) lodging a microprocessor (not shown) , a programmable timer (not shown) and a micro-motor (not shown) fed by battery, a compressed air flask (120) , a triggering strip (112) having a safety pin (113) , a spring (114) and a fixation flange (130) , as shown in Figs. 1A and IB. On the external surface of the armored box (110) there is a pressure sensor (111) , as illustrated in Fig 1A. When the pressure sensor (111) suffers external pressure it activates a microprocessor (for simplification, not shown) , said microprocessor activating a programmable timer. The programmable timer puts the micro-motor in action which unlocks a spring (114) that pushes the triggering strip (112) locked by the safety pin (113) and it moves a needle that perforates the nozzle of the flask (120) , delivering gas and causing inflatation of the inflatable structure (300) . A flange (130) allows the fixation of the inflating device (100) to the inflatable structure (300) , said flange (130) providing a communication way between the inner space of the inflatable device (300) and the discharge area of the flask

(120) . Optionally, the inflating device (100) is manually activated by the user by manipulation of the triggering strip (112) , causing the rupture of the nozzle of the flask (120) and inflatation of the inflatable structure (300) . The inflating device (100) is attached to the inflatable structure (300) through a flange (130) providing connection between the inflating device (100) and the internal area of the inflatable structure (300) in order to fill the said structure with compressed air, oxygen or other breathable gases. The aspiration device (200) has a flexible cylindrical main body, said aspiration device (200) device (200) including outside an anatomical mouthpiece device (200) including externally an anatomical mouthpiece (210) , a fixation flange (220) , a safety valve (230) and a retractable pin (240) . The anatomical mouthpiece (210) comprises on the outside a salient structure and a valve (211) disposed in the inner portion of the aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The fixation flange (220) allows the attachment of the aspiration device (200) to the inflatable structure (300) , said flange (220) providing a communication way between the inner space of the inflatable device (300) and the aspiration device (200) . The safety valve (230) disposed in the end of the device aspiration (200) is automatically or manually activated. In the automatic form, the safety valve eliminates the excess of pressure inside the inflatable structure (300) . In the manual form, the safety valve (230) is activated by the user, thus promoting the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) . The retractable pin (240) placed on the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) activates mechanically the valve (211) and said valve closes the mouthpiece (210) . The retractable pin (240) , when pressed by the user, moves the valve (211) . The movement of the valve (211) delivers the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or it allows the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing, as shown in Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C. Optionally, the sodium lime filter (250) is suppressed from the aspiration device (200) in case of use of a flask (120) containing oxygen or mixture of breathable gases. ^• In this embodiment, when the pressure sensor (111) suffers external pressure or it is manually activated, said sensor activates a microprocessor (for simplification, not shown) , said microprocessor activating a programmable timer. The programmable timer activates the micro-motor which unlocks a spring (114) that pushes the triggering strip^" (112) and moves a needle that perforates the nozzle of the flask (120) , delivering gas and causing inflatation of the inflatable structure (300) . If complementary oxygenation is necessary, the aspiration of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) occurs through the aspiration device (200) , with liberation of the inner valve (211) which delivers oxygen through the mouthpiece (210) . The lifebuoy apparatus can be attached to the frontal area of a lifejacket, with the inflating device (100) and the aspiration device (200) positioned in an easy access area for manual manipulation and aspiration, as shown in Figs. 3 to 6. The lifebuoy apparatus allows the subject to float and to aspirate the air contained in an inflatable structure (300) , thus providing better rescue conditions and avoiding death by asphyxia. The lifebuoy apparatus is preferably used in emergencies, such as situations where flotation and complementary oxygenation are necessary, or only oxygenation, in cases of possible asphyxia due to gases or smoke. Alternatively, the lifebuoy apparatus can be used in medicine, working as a small portable oxygen-awning for subjects with acute breathing deficiency, asthma crisis, lung emphysema crisis, and the like. The compressed air or oxygen flask (120) can be replaced by a chemical plant accomplishing oxygen synthesis, e. g., through the reaction: 2KC10₃ - 2KC1 + 30₂ Δ + Catalyst (Mn0₂)

Claims

C L A I M S What is Claimed is: 1. A lifebuoy apparatus with breathing recycling capability comprising: a) an aspiration device (200) including a fixation flange -(220) for fixation of the aspiration device (200) to the inflatable structure (300) ; and a retractable pin (240) located in the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) , said retractable pin (240) activating mechanically a valve (211) which hinders the mouthpiece (210) , delivering the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or allowing the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing;, b) an inflatable structure (300) .

2. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aspiration device (200) includes an external anatomical mouthpiece (210) , with a valve (211) located in the inner portion of the aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) , and a safety valve (230) disposed in the end of the aspiration device (200) .

3. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus comprising: a) an aspiration device (200) including an external anatomical mouthpiece (210) with a valve (211) disposed in the inner portion of the aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) ; a fixation flange (220) for fixation of the . aspiration mechanism (200) to the inflatable structure (300) ; a safety valve (230) disposed in the end of the aspiration device (200) ; a retractable pin (240) located on the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) , said retractable pin (240) activating mechanically the valve (211) which hinders the mouthpiece (210) delivering the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or allowing the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing; a sodium lime filter (250) disposed in the internal area of the aspiration device (200) retaining the carbon dioxide in the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) , allowing the exit of oxygen through the mouthpiece (210) ; c) an inflatable structure (300) .

4. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus comprising: a) an aspiration device (200) including an external anatomical mouthpiece (210) with a valve (211) placed in the inner portion of the aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) ; a fixation flange (220) for fixation of the aspiration mechanism (200) to the inflatable structure (300) ; a safety valve (230) disposed on the end of the aspiration device (200) ; a retractable pin (240) located in the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) , said retractable pin (240) activating mechanically the valve (211) which hinders the mouthpiece (210) , delivering the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or allowing the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing; a sodium lime filter (250) located in the internal area of the aspiration device (200) retaining the carbon dioxide contained in the inflatable structure (300) , allowing the exit of oxygen through the mouthpiece (210) ; b) a compressed air flask (120) having a working mechanism, including a flask (120) having a flange (130) for fixation to the inflatable structure (300) and an eccentric axis (122) working manually by a strap (123) , said eccentric axis (122) pressing a needle (124) which perforates the nozzle of the flask (120) thus delivering gas inside the inflatable structure (300) ; c) an inflatable structure (300) .

5. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus comprising: a) an inflating device (100) including an armored box (110) having on its external surface a pressure sensor (111) , said armored box (110) lodging a microprocessor which activates a programmable timer that puts a micro-motor in action; "a spring (114) that pushes a triggering strip (112) locked by the safety pin (113) and it moves a needle that perforates the nozzle of the flask (120) , delivering gas and causing inflatation of the inflatable structure (300) ; a compressed air flask (120) ; a fixation flange (130) allowing attachment of the inflating mechanism (100) to the inflatable structure (300) ; b) an aspiration device (200) including an external anatomical mouthpiece (210) with a valve (211) disposed in the inner portion of the aspiration or inflation blowing device (200) , said valve (211) hindering the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) ; a fixation flange (220) for fixation of the aspiration mechanism (200) to the inflatable structure (300) ; a safety valve (230) disposed on the end of the aspiration device (200) ; a retractable pin (240) located in the end of the aspiration device (200) and close to the mouthpiece (210) , said retractable pin (240) activating mechanically the valve (211) which hinders the mouthpiece (210) , delivering the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) for user's aspiration or allowing the air entrance in the inflatable structure (300) through blowing; a sodium lime filter (250) located in the internal area of the aspiration device (200) retaining the carbon dioxide contained in the inflatable structure (300) , allowing the exit of oxygen through the mouthpiece (210) ; c) an inflatable structure (300) .

6. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inflating device (100) is manually activated by the user through manipulation of the triggering strip (112) , thus causing rupture of the nozzle of the flask (120) and inflatation of the inflatable structure (300) .

7. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 2 to 4, wherein the flask (120) contains oxygen.

8. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 2 to 4, wherein the flask (120) contains a mixture of breathable gases.

9. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the safety valve (230) is automatic or manually activated, in the automatic form the safety valve (230) eliminates the excess of pressure in the inflatable structure (300) and in the manual form the safety valve (230) is activated by the user, thus promoting the exit of the air contained in the inflatable structure (300) .

10. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the inflatable structure (300) includes a waterproof bag adaptable to clothes (400) , said inflatable structure (300) having means for fixation of the breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus .

11. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 9, wherein the lifebuoy apparatus provides flutuation to a subject and said subject can aspirate the air contained in an inflatable structure (300) .

12. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 10, wherein the lifebuoy apparatus is used in situations where flotation and complementary oxygenation are necessary, or only oxygenation in cases of possible asphyxia due to gases or smoke .

13. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 11, wherein the lifebuoy apparatus is used as a small portable oxygen-awning for subjects with acute breathing deficiency, asthma crisis, lung emphysema crisis, and the like.

14. A breathing recycling lifebuoy apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 12, wherein the lifebuoy apparatus has a chemical plant accomplishing oxygen synthesis .