GB592457A - Pneumatic structure - Google Patents

Abstract

592,457. Inflating 1ifesaving devices. WINGFOOT CORPORATION. May 1, 1945, No. 11020. Convention date, Nov. 20, 1944. [Class 77] [Also in Group XXXIII] A pneumatic structure comprises at least two individually inflatable compartments, the walls of which are connected to form a fluidtight enclosure between said compartments the arrangement being such that when the, structure is deflated it assumes a flat condition with the adjacent walls of said compartments contacting one another and that on inflation of said compartments said walls become spaced from one another to produce a partial vacuum in the enclosure and air may be drawn into said enclosure through a valved inlet providing at least partial self-inflation of the enclosure. As applied to a life vest, Figs. 1 and 4, each compartment 2, 3 is formed between plies 4 and 5 of rubberised fabric material with internal webs 9 so disposed as to leave a space at either end for'the passage of inflating fluid, said compartments being inflated by gas cartridges 11, or through valved connections 21. After inflation of the compartments 2 and 3. opening a further valved connection 29 results in partial selfinflation of the enclosure 10, which inflation may be completed orally. The invention may be applied to inflatable rubber boats and similar structures.