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US20130171894A1 - Safety Device and Inflating Apparatus Therefor - Google Patents

Safety Device and Inflating Apparatus Therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130171894A1
US20130171894A1 US13/823,197 US201113823197A US2013171894A1 US 20130171894 A1 US20130171894 A1 US 20130171894A1 US 201113823197 A US201113823197 A US 201113823197A US 2013171894 A1 US2013171894 A1 US 2013171894A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
inflating
valve
product
actuator
inflatable bladder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/823,197
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David John Ashard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zactill Intellectual Property Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Zactill Intellectual Property Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2010904182A external-priority patent/AU2010904182A0/en
Application filed by Zactill Intellectual Property Pty Ltd filed Critical Zactill Intellectual Property Pty Ltd
Assigned to ZACTILL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PTY LTD reassignment ZACTILL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PTY LTD ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ASHARD, DAVID JOHN, MR.
Publication of US20130171894A1 publication Critical patent/US20130171894A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/081—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like having compartments comprising elements which are filled with gas by deployment, e.g. sponge-like elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/18—Inflatable equipment characterised by the gas-generating or inflation device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/20—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/24—Arrangements of inflating valves or of controls thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C2009/0023—Particular features common to inflatable life-saving equipment
    • B63C2009/0029—Inflation devices comprising automatic activation means, e.g. for puncturing gas-generating cartridges
    • B63C2009/0041—Inflation devices comprising automatic activation means, e.g. for puncturing gas-generating cartridges activated by presence of water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C2009/0023—Particular features common to inflatable life-saving equipment
    • B63C2009/007—Inflation devices comprising manual activation means, e.g. for puncturing gas-generating cartridges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C2009/131—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist specially adapted for being attachable to a single arm or wrist
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/087—Body suits, i.e. substantially covering the user's body ; Immersion suits, i.e. substantially completely covering the user
    • B63C9/105—Body suits, i.e. substantially covering the user's body ; Immersion suits, i.e. substantially completely covering the user having gas-filled compartments
    • B63C9/1055—Body suits, i.e. substantially covering the user's body ; Immersion suits, i.e. substantially completely covering the user having gas-filled compartments inflatable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/11—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses
    • B63C9/125—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments
    • B63C9/1255—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments inflatable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C9/15—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments
    • B63C9/155—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments inflatable

Definitions

  • the invention concerns a safety device, particularly a safety device for keeping a user afloat in a body of water during an emergency situation.
  • the invention further concerns an inflating apparatus for use in the safety device.
  • a rip current is a strong channel of water which flows seaward from the shore, typically through the surf line. It can occur at any time, causing a swimmer to be taken deep into the ocean. Typically swimmers caught in a rip current will find that they are unable to fight the current, with the result that they have no alternative but to stay afloat for a prolonged period of time while awaiting the arrival of help. Victims of such currents, however, succumb when they become exhausted from treading water before any help can arrive.
  • a major danger associated with the sport of rock fishing is that of being swept by an unusually large wave while fishing from a rock platform.
  • the main problem confronting a fisherman swept to sea in such a situation is to stay afloat while searching for a suitable place from which to climb from the water.
  • Such devices include, for example, lifejackets having bladders filled with a buoyant material such as foam. Those lifejackets are, however, cumbersome to wear and are not appropriate for recreational bathers swimming in the surf, or for persons engaging in a range of other types of water recreational activities.
  • a safety device including:
  • an inflating apparatus for in use inflating the inflatable bladder with an inflating product;
  • the inflating apparatus comprising:
  • an inflating product compartment for storing the inflating product
  • an actuator for rupturing the frangible valve to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment to the inflatable bladder.
  • an inflating apparatus to be placed in fluid communication with an inflatable bladder, the inflating apparatus comprising:
  • an inflating product compartment for storing an inflating product
  • an actuator for rupturing the frangible valve to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment
  • inflating product flowing from the inflating product compartment inflates the bladder.
  • the article is a garment or an accessory for attachment to a limb of the user.
  • the garment includes a first attachment formation and the inflating apparatus a second attachment formation, in use the first and second attachment formations co-operating to secure the inflating apparatus to the garment.
  • the garment is produced from material having thermal insulation properties for providing thermal insulation to a user immersed in water.
  • the garment is produced from material shielding the user against ultraviolet rays from the sun.
  • the garment is a rash guard.
  • the garment is a wetsuit.
  • the garment is produced from spandex, nylon, polyester or neoprene.
  • the garment includes a visibility enhancing coloured section for facilitating enhanced visibility of the user when floating in a body of water.
  • the coloured section is of a fluorescent material.
  • the accessory includes a band for attachment to a limb of the user.
  • the inflatable bladder is produced from rubber, latex or a plastics material.
  • the inflating apparatus is in use secured to a shoulder portion or a wrist portion of the garment.
  • the inflating apparatus includes a refilling valve through which the inflating product compartment is in use replenished with inflating product.
  • the inflating product is CO 2 , liquid nitrogen, hydrogen or a CFC.
  • the safety device includes a conduit for providing fluid communication between the inflating product compartment and the inflatable bladder.
  • the conduit is flexible.
  • the conduit is produced from rubber, a plastics material, silicon or latex.
  • conduit and/or the inflating apparatus include a fluid permeable barrier.
  • the fluid permeable barrier comprises a mesh.
  • the frangible valve includes one or more zones of weakness.
  • the frangible valve is produced from glass, acrylic resin, copper, polymethyl methacrylate (commonly known as “perspex”) or a plastics material.
  • the actuator includes a strap, attached to a rupture member, whereby application of a force to the strap will cause the rupture member to rupture the frangible valve.
  • the rupture member is provided by having a portion of the conduit enclose the frangible valve such that in use a force applied to the strap causes the conduit to flex, thereby rupturing the frangible valve.
  • the rupture member is produced of a water-expandable material.
  • the inflating apparatus further includes an automated actuator for rupturing the frangible valve.
  • the automated actuator is in communication with a programmable module wherein the automated actuator is activated under control of the programmable module.
  • the programmable module is in electric communication with a sensor assembly wherein the programmable module in use activates the automated actuator responsive to information received from the sensor assembly.
  • the sensor assembly comprises a water sensor, a pressure sensor or both a water sensor and a pressure sensor.
  • the automated actuator comprises an electromagnet and a rupture member.
  • the rupture member includes biasing means.
  • the biasing means comprises a spring.
  • the programmable module is in electric communication with a polarity reverse module for changing the polarity of the electromagnet, wherein in use a change in polarity of the electromagnet will cause the rupture member to move under the influence of the biasing means to rupture the valve.
  • the programmable module signals a change in polarity to the polarity reverse module responsive to information received from the sensor assembly.
  • the inflating apparatus includes an information display.
  • the safety device includes a proximity device.
  • the water-expandable material is water-expandable foam.
  • the safety device includes a non-return valve for deterring inflating product escaping from the inflatable bladder and returning to the inflating product compartment.
  • the safety device includes a plurality of inflatable bladders.
  • the safety device includes an auxiliary inflating arrangement whereby a user may use exhaled breath to supplement inflating product in the inflatable bladder.
  • the safety device includes signalling means for in use signalling the location of the user during an emergency situation, typically an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
  • EIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
  • the signalling means includes lighting means, typically a battery operated light emitting diode (LED).
  • lighting means typically a battery operated light emitting diode (LED).
  • the signalling means includes a siren.
  • the signalling means includes a GPS unit.
  • a safety device kit including:
  • an inflating apparatus for in use inflating the inflatable bladder with an inflating product;
  • the inflating apparatus comprising:
  • an inflating product compartment for storing the inflating product
  • an actuator for in use rupturing the frangible valve to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment to the inflatable bladder.
  • a safety device including:
  • an inflating apparatus for in use inflating the inflatable bladder with an inflating product, the inflating apparatus comprising:
  • an inflating product compartment for storing an inflating product
  • valve assembly for deterring flow of the inflating product from the inflating product compartment
  • an actuator for opening the valve assembly to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment to the inflatable bladder
  • a sensor assembly operatively associated with the actuator, wherein the actuator in use opens the valve assembly responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly thereby allowing inflating product to flow form the inflating product compartment.
  • an inflating apparatus to be placed in fluid communication with an inflatable bladder, the inflating apparatus comprising:
  • an inflating product compartment for storing an inflating product
  • valve assembly for deterring flow of the inflating product from the inflating product compartment
  • an actuator for opening the valve assembly to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment to inflate the inflatable bladder
  • a sensor assembly operatively associated with the actuator, wherein the actuator in use opens the valve assembly responsive to measurements taken by the sensor assembly to allow inflating product to flow to the inflatable bladder.
  • the sensor assembly of the third and fourth aspects comprises a water sensor, a pressure sensor or both a water sensor and a pressure sensor.
  • the actuator of the third and fourth aspects comprises a servo motor.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment safety device
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment inflating apparatus for use in the safety device of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment safety device
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a portion of a third embodiment inflating apparatus
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment inflating apparatus.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a portion of a fifth embodiment inflating apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a safety device, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10 .
  • the safety device 10 serves to keep a user afloat in a body of water during an emergency situation, for example in the case of the user having fallen overboard from a sea vessel.
  • the safety device 10 includes an article to be worn by a user, here in the form of a garment 12 , specifically a rash guard.
  • the garment 12 of this embodiment is produced from polyester. Polyester is suitable as it firstly provides thermal insulation to the user while immersed in water and secondly provides protection against ultraviolet rays from the sun.
  • the garment 12 further includes a visibility enhancing coloured section 14 , produced from a fluorescent material.
  • a visibility enhancing coloured section 14 provides enhanced visibility of the user floating in a body of water. This feature serves to assist rescue teams in spotting the user while they search a particular body of water.
  • An inflatable rubber bladder 16 is secured to a torso region of the garment 12 .
  • the safety device 10 also includes an inflating apparatus 18 .
  • the inflating apparatus 18 includes an inflating product compartment 20 , shown in FIG. 2 , for holding an inflating product for, in use, inflating the inflatable bladder 16 during an emergency situation.
  • the inflating apparatus 18 is secured to a wrist portion of the garment 12 as shown.
  • the inflating apparatus 18 could, of course, be attached to a number of positions on the garment 12 .
  • the specific location of the inflating apparatus 18 on the garment 12 will be a function of where it will interfere least with the recreational activities in which the user will engage when in the water.
  • the inflating product compartment 20 holds inflating product in the form of CO 2 ,
  • FIG. 2 A schematic representation of the first embodiment inflating apparatus 18 is provided in FIG. 2 .
  • the inflating apparatus 18 firstly includes the inflating product compartment 20 in which the inflating product is stored.
  • the inflating apparatus 18 further includes a refilling valve 19 through which the inflating product compartment 20 can be replenished with inflating product.
  • the inflating apparatus 18 is placed in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder 16 via a rubber conduit 22 .
  • the inflating product is, however, prevented from flowing from the inflating product compartment 20 to the inflatable bladder 16 until a frangible valve, generally indicated by the reference numeral 24 , is ruptured as discussed below.
  • a frangible valve generally indicated by the reference numeral 24
  • the inflating product is allowed to flow from the inflating product compartment 20 of the inflating apparatus 18 , through the conduit 22 and to the inflatable bladder 16 .
  • the frangible valve 24 comprises a tubular glass body 26 .
  • the tubular body 26 has a closed end 28 and an open end 30 placed in fluid communication with a mouth 32 of the inflating product compartment 20 .
  • the connection between the inflating product compartment 20 and the tubular body 26 is such that no inflating product escapes at the interface of the open end 30 and the mouth 32 .
  • the closed end 28 of the tubular body 26 deters the flow of inflating product from the inflating product compartment 20 into the conduit 22 .
  • the inflating apparatus 18 includes an actuator 34 for rupturing the valve 24 .
  • the actuator 34 firstly comprises a rupture member 36 , here provided in the form of a portion of the flexible conduit 22 which encloses the tubular body 26 as shown.
  • the actuator 34 further includes a strap 38 which is at its one end wound about the rupture member 36 .
  • the user pulls on the strap 38 , thereby exerting a force on the strap.
  • This force causes the rupture member 36 to flex.
  • Such flexing imparts a bending moment on the tubular body 26 of the frangible valve 24 .
  • Continued flexing of the rupture member 36 causes the tubular body 26 , and as a result the frangible valve 24 to rupture.
  • Rupturing of the frangible valve 24 allows the inflating product to escape the inflating product compartment 20 via the conduit 22 resulting in the bladder 16 becoming inflated.
  • the conduit 22 includes a fluid permeable barrier 40 in the form of a mesh.
  • the conduit includes a connector formation 42 , here a quick-release connector.
  • a snap-lock connector can also be employed.
  • the article to be worn by a user is provided in the form of an accessory, having a watch 52 , which can be attached to a limb of the user.
  • the safety device 50 further includes a band 54 which can extend around a limb of the user.
  • the safety device 50 also includes an inflating apparatus 18 for storing an inflating product in an inflating product compartment 20 .
  • the inflating apparatus 18 includes a number of holes 56 , the purpose of which will become apparent from the description which follows.
  • the safety device 50 also includes a frangible valve 24 housed within the inflating apparatus 18 .
  • the safety device 50 further includes an inflatable bladder 16 which is secured to an outer surface of the band 54 .
  • the actuator 34 of the safety device does not include a strap. Rather, the actuator 34 includes a water-expandable material 58 comprising water-expandable compressed foam.
  • a water-expandable material 58 comprising water-expandable compressed foam.
  • water enters the inflating apparatus 18 through the holes 56 .
  • the water-expandable foam 58 will absorb such water, thereby being caused to expand.
  • Continued expansion of the foam 58 will cause the frangible valve 24 to be ruptured in a manner similar to that of the safety device 10 .
  • inflating product flows from the inflating product compartment 20 to inflate the bladder 16 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a portion of a third embodiment inflating apparatus 60 .
  • the inflating apparatus 60 includes an automated actuator 34 . 1 having a rupture member 36 .
  • the automated actuator 34 . 1 includes a magnet 62 in electric communication with a programmable module 64 , the programmable module having a polarity reverse module.
  • the automated actuator 34 . 1 also includes biasing means, here in the form of a spring 37 .
  • the rupture member 36 is placed proximate a frangible valve 24 located within a flexible conduit 22 .
  • the conduit 22 is in fluid communication with a non-illustrated inflatable bladder.
  • the inflating apparatus 60 includes a battery power source 66 , here a nickel-cadmium battery, for driving electronic components of the inflating apparatus, an information display 68 and a proximity device 70 , the purpose of which is discussed below.
  • a battery power source 66 here a nickel-cadmium battery
  • the inflating apparatus 60 includes a sensor assembly 72 , here in the form of an electronic water sensor, to detect when the safety device has been immersed in water.
  • the magnet 62 comprises first and second magnetic components 62 . 1 and 62 . 2 , the first magnetic component 62 . 1 comprising an electromagnet and the second magnetic component 62 . 2 comprising a permanent magnet.
  • the magnetic components 62 . 1 and 62 . 2 have opposite polarities resulting in those components being attracted to one another and located in a non-illustrated first position wherein they are located adjacent one another.
  • a compressive force is applied to the spring 37 causing it to become biased.
  • the magnitude of the magnetic force holding the components 62 . 1 and 62 . 2 are of sufficient strength to deter the spring 37 from pushing them apart.
  • the polarity reverse module is activated to cause the polarity of the first magnetic component 62 . 1 to be reversed.
  • the magnetic components now have similar polarities, they repel one another. Accordingly, as the force biasing the spring 37 is removed, the spring will return to its unbiased state. Due to the fact that the spring 37 was located in a biased condition, return of the spring to an unbiased state causes the second magnetic component 62 . 2 and, as a result, the rupture member 36 to undergo an amount of acceleration.
  • the inflating apparatus 60 includes another actuator 34 , provided in the form of a strap which operates on similar principles to the strap of the first embodiment safety device described above.
  • the programmable module 64 is pre-programmed to provide a number of modes of operation, those being: (i) a safe mode, (ii) an off mode, (iii) a remote mode, (iv) a manual mode and (v) a proximity mode.
  • the safety device In the safe mode the safety device will cause the frangible valve 24 to be ruptured upon the water sensor 72 detecting the presence of water. In the off mode a user is allowed to swim and the water sensor 72 will not trigger rupturing of the frangible valve 24 . However, should the user find himself/herself in distress, the actuator 34 can still be used to rupture the frangible valve 24 in order to inflate the bladder. In the remote mode a user can also swim without the valve being ruptured.
  • the programmable module includes a receiver module for receiving signals from a remote signalling means. That mode thus allows, for example, a child to swim and a parent to cause the valve to be ruptured when the child is in distress. Rupture is achieved by the parent activating a remote signalling means to communicate with the programmable module via the receiving module.
  • the proximity mode operates via the proximity device 70 and serves as signalling means to alert an operator that the user of the safety device has moved beyond a set distance from a remote device held by the operator. That mode can, for example, be employed to alert parents inside a house that a child playing outside has moved outside a set range. The parent can then take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the child.
  • the safety device includes an information display 68 , in this embodiment provided in the form of a number of non-illustrated light emitting diodes (LEDs).
  • the LEDs in use serve, for example to indicate (i) the selected mode of the safety device, (ii) low battery charge and (iii) low levels of inflating product within the inflating product compartment.
  • the remote signalling means may also include indicating means to alert an operator that the valve has been ruptured and that the user of the safety device may be in distress.
  • the safety device to be attached to the inflating apparatus 60 also includes an auxiliary inflating arrangement whereby a user may use his breath to supplement its inflatable bladder. The user could also inflate the bladder via the auxiliary inflating arrangement, should the inflating apparatus malfunction and fail to inflate the bladder.
  • FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment inflating apparatus 78 .
  • the inflating apparatus 78 is similar in operation to the above described embodiments in that it includes a frangible valve 24 and an inflating product compartment 20 for holding inflating product.
  • the inflating apparatus 78 also includes an actuator 34 whereby a force exerted thereon by a user will rupture the frangible valve 24 to allow inflating product to flow from the inflating product compartment 20 via a conduit 80 into an outlet conduit 82 .
  • a mesh 40 is provided for deterring shards of the ruptured valve 24 from being fed into the conduit 80 .
  • the outlet conduit 82 is sealed-off with a seal 84 when not in use. In use the outlet conduit 82 is connected to a non-illustrated conduit via a conventional snap-lock, the conduit being in fluid communication with a bladder.
  • the inflating apparatus 78 includes two holding compartments 86 and 88 which are sealed with water sealing caps 90 and 92 .
  • the first holding compartment 86 houses an electronic module 94 which is in communication and opperatively associated with a sensor assembly 93 .
  • the sensor assembly 93 includes a proximity sensor, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), an electronic water sensor, a mechanical water pressure sensor with a countdown timer, a low battery alarm, a remote activation function, a service alert and a sensor activation function.
  • the electronic module 94 is powered by a battery 96 housed within the second holding compartment 88 .
  • a further battery 98 is housed within a sealed chamber 97 , and acts as a back-up for the battery 96 .
  • a strap 100 on the actuator 34 includes a switch 102 for activating and de-activating the electronic module 94 .
  • the inflating apparatus 78 differs from the above described embodiments in that it includes an automated actuator 34 . 2 which comprises a servo motor.
  • the servo motor 34 . 2 is powered by the battery 98 .
  • the servo motor 34 . 2 is attached to a valve assembly 104 .
  • the valve assembly includes a valve 103 , for locating inside an opening 105 , a pin 106 and a release 108 .
  • the valve assembly 104 serves to deter inflating product for leaking from the inflating product compartment 20 into the chamber 97 and into the outlet tube 82 .
  • the pin 106 is attached to the servo motor 34 . 2 .
  • the valve 103 Upon activation of the servo motor 34 . 2 , the valve 103 will be extracted from its sealing position while the pin 106 will cause the release valve 108 , here in the form of a schrader valve, to be depressed, allowing inflating product to flow to the outlet conduit 82 via the chamber 97 .
  • the actuator 34 . 2 will cause inflating product to flow to the bladder without destruction of the frangible valve.
  • a filling valve 110 is provided for replenishing the inflating product compartment 20 with inflating product.
  • the filling valve 110 is accessed when the sealed chamber 97 is opened by removing a cover 21 .
  • a feature of the frangible valve 24 is that it is transparent and acts as a sight glass to enable a user to view the level of a coloured inflating product in order to determine whether the inflating product compartment 20 requires replenishment.
  • Activation of the servo motor 34 . 2 occurs responsive to activation parameters being detected by the sensor assembly 93 .
  • Activating the inflating apparatus 78 via the switch 102 will, for example, enable the electronic water sensor to activate the servo motor 34 . 2 upon the water sensor detecting water. However, if the inflating apparatus 78 is de-activated by the switch 102 , the mechanical pressure sensor will still activate the inflating apparatus 78 . This will occur if a predetermined depth under water is detected. Upon detection of the predetermined depth, the countdown timer is activated. As soon as the timer reaches a set time interval, the servo motor 34 . 2 is activated, allowing inflating product to flow through the outlet conduit 82 , as discussed above, to an inflatable bladder of a safety device. Should the user, however, resurface before lapsing of the set time interval, the countdown timer will reset itself to deter the bladder from being inflated.
  • the proximity sensor of the inflating apparatus may find application is when a dockworker enters a specific area, for example a wharf area, where a signal can be communicated to the proximity device, allowing it to activate the inflating apparatus. However, once the dockworker exits the wharf area, the proximity sensor will cause the inflating apparatus to be deactivated. Of course, the mechanical pressure sensor will still cause inflating product to be released to an inflatable bladder, if the dockworker was to fall into the water with the inflating apparatus in a deactivated state.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a fifth embodiment inflating apparatus 120 .
  • the frangible valve 24 of the inflating apparatus 120 comprises two valve members 122 and 124 , each having a threaded portion 126 to engage corresponding threaded sections 128 of the inflating apparatus 120 .
  • Each valve member 122 and 124 comprises a frangible tube 130 of polymethyl methacrylate.
  • Each tube has a closed end 132 and an open end 134 .
  • the open end of each tube 130 is secured within one of the threaded portions 126 with a suitable adhesive.
  • the adhesive serves to seal the tubes 130 within the valve members 122 and 124 so that a fluid can not pass between the outside wall of the tubes and inner surfaces of the valve members 122 and 124 .
  • the tubes 130 are enclosed within a rubber conduit 136 to provide for fluid communication between the inflating product compartment 20 and the outlet tube 82 .
  • the rubber conduit 136 has a concertina shape which facilitates ease of assembly by providing that the conduit can be manipulated to be put in place when the frangible tubes 130 are in position.
  • An actuator strap 34 is provided for flexing the conduit 136 to rupture the tubes 130 thereby allowing inflating gas to flow from the inflating product compartment 20 through the conduit 136 to the outlet tube 82 from where it is fed to an inflatable bladder.
  • the inflating apparatus 120 further includes a sight glass 127 by which a user can determine whether the apparatus is to be replenished with inflating product.
  • the safety device 10 includes a container.
  • the container includes a tube by which a user can extract liquid held in the container.
  • the container will be secured to the garment, preferably the back of the garment.
  • the safety device includes a signalling means for signally the location of the user during an emergency situation.
  • signalling means include lighting means, typically a battery operated LED, a siren or GPS signalling unit.
  • the garment is provided in the form of a wetsuit.
  • the garment is produced from spandex.
  • the garment is produced from nylon.
  • the garment is produced from neoprene rubber.
  • the inflatable bladder is produced from latex.
  • the inflatable bladder is produced from a plastics material.
  • the safety device includes a plurality of inflatable bladders to ensure that the safety device keeps the user afloat despite one or more of the inflatable bladders becoming punctured while the user awaits rescue.
  • the inflating product is liquid nitrogen.
  • the inflating product is a CFC.
  • the frangible valve includes one or more zones of weakness.
  • the frangible valve is produced from a thermoplastic acrylic resin, commonly sold under the trade name perspex.
  • the frangible valve includes a copper body including one of more scored sections for providing zones of weakness.
  • a safety device kit which can, for example, be retrofitted to a rash guard.
  • the kit includes an inflatable bladder, which can be secured to the rash guard, and an inflating apparatus as discussed above.
  • the kit also includes an attachment arrangement for facilitating attachment of the safety device to a user, for example a clipping arrangement whereby the safety device can be attached to a garment worn by the user.
  • an attachment arrangement for facilitating attachment of the safety device to a user, for example a clipping arrangement whereby the safety device can be attached to a garment worn by the user.
  • the inflatable bladder includes a non-return valve to deter inflating product from escaping the inflatable bladder and returning to the inflating product compartment.
  • the accessory includes a compass.
  • the inflating product is hydrogen.
  • the inflating apparatus is secured to a shoulder portion of the garment.
  • a water sensor is provided that can be connected to a neck portion of a garment worn by a user, the sensor being in electrical communication with the inflating apparatus. In use the water sensor will cause the inflating apparatus to be activated when the water sensor detects the presence of water on the neck portion of the garment.
  • the frangible valve is produced from a plastics material.
  • conduit 22 is produced from a plastics material.
  • the safety device includes an auxiliary inflating arrangement whereby a user may use his breath to supplement the inflating product in the bladder.
  • the auxiliary inflating arrangement includes a blow tube having a non-return valve.
  • a safety device can be constructed with different combinations of the above described valves and actuators.
  • the frangible valve of FIG. 6 can for example be employed in the inflating apparatus of FIG. 5 instead of the frangible valve shown therein.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
US13/823,197 2010-09-16 2011-09-16 Safety Device and Inflating Apparatus Therefor Abandoned US20130171894A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2010904182A AU2010904182A0 (en) 2010-09-16 Safety Device
AU2010904182 2010-09-16
AU2010905429A AU2010905429A0 (en) 2010-12-09 Safety device
AU2010905429 2010-12-09
AU2011902502 2011-06-24
AU2011902502A AU2011902502A0 (en) 2011-06-24 Safety device and inflating apparatus therefor
PCT/AU2011/001195 WO2012034185A1 (en) 2010-09-16 2011-09-16 Safety device and inflating apparatus therefor

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2011/001195 A-371-Of-International WO2012034185A1 (en) 2010-09-16 2011-09-16 Safety device and inflating apparatus therefor

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/793,789 Continuation-In-Part US20150360759A1 (en) 2010-09-16 2015-07-08 Safety Device and Inflating Apparatus Therefor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20130171894A1 true US20130171894A1 (en) 2013-07-04

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ID=45830876

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US13/823,197 Abandoned US20130171894A1 (en) 2010-09-16 2011-09-16 Safety Device and Inflating Apparatus Therefor

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20130171894A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP2616320A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN103201166A (zh)
AU (1) AU2011301785B2 (zh)
BR (1) BR112013006877A2 (zh)
CA (1) CA2811146A1 (zh)
NZ (1) NZ608015A (zh)
WO (1) WO2012034185A1 (zh)
ZA (1) ZA201302151B (zh)

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JP2018530088A (ja) * 2015-08-24 2018-10-11 ブルーアーク・ファイナンス・アーゲー 水難事故から守るため、特に溺者等を早期に発見するための装置及び方法
US11155325B2 (en) 2019-02-06 2021-10-26 Boost Ideas, Llc Water safety garment, related apparatus and methods

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CH710820B1 (fr) * 2015-03-05 2020-02-14 Hublot Sa Geneve Dispositif de flottaison pour montre-bracelet.
EP3303118A4 (en) * 2015-06-02 2019-02-13 Ecocraft Systems Pty Ltd PERSONAL SECURITY DEVICE
CN106628061B (zh) * 2017-03-03 2018-03-27 武汉科技大学 一种水下救援装置
IT201800002348A1 (it) * 2018-02-02 2019-08-02 Alpinestars Res Srl Indumento predisposto con un dispositivo di protezione gonfiabile e relativo metodo per la regolazione dei modi operativi del dispositivo di protezione gonfiabile
CN108528662B (zh) * 2018-05-03 2023-09-26 昆明理工大学 一种基于嵌入式控制系统的落水自救装置
CN109159872A (zh) * 2018-09-04 2019-01-08 朱虹斐 防漏气救生圈
CN212951063U (zh) * 2020-09-10 2021-04-13 广州市信安智囊科技有限公司 水上救生装置
CN116280320B (zh) * 2023-03-16 2025-10-14 常州市小域智能科技有限公司 一种落水自动充气助浮设备

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JP2018530088A (ja) * 2015-08-24 2018-10-11 ブルーアーク・ファイナンス・アーゲー 水難事故から守るため、特に溺者等を早期に発見するための装置及び方法
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA201302151B (en) 2014-01-29
NZ608015A (en) 2015-07-31
AU2011301785A1 (en) 2013-03-28
BR112013006877A2 (pt) 2019-09-24
CN103201166A (zh) 2013-07-10
EP2616320A1 (en) 2013-07-24
WO2012034185A1 (en) 2012-03-22
AU2011301785B2 (en) 2015-07-23
CA2811146A1 (en) 2012-03-22

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