WO2003029074A1

WO2003029074A1 - Life-saving apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2003029074A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/004426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richards Paul
Original assignee: Richards Paul
Priority date: 2001-10-01
Filing date: 2002-10-01
Publication date: 2003-04-10
Also published as: GB0123524D0

Abstract

Life saving apparatus comprises an inflatable life jacket (2) that is contained within an enclosure (6). The life jacket has an inlet (18) for receiving gas for inflation, or it may contain a suitable quantity of gas for inflating the life jacket upon removal from the enclosure (6). A mouthpiece (22) or mask leads from the life jacket so that the user may breathe the gas from the inflated life jacket, for example, when in a smoke-contained atmosphere. The life saving apparatus may be stored for emergency use in an aircraft, for example.

Description

Life-Saving Apparatus

This invention relates life-saving apparatus, and especially to such apparatus including an inflatable article.

The invention will be further described with reference in particular to life-saving apparatus in the form of a life jacket to be worn by a person, especially in an emergency, but it will be appreciated that it is applicable in its broadest aspects to other forms of life-saving apparatus.

Life-saving apparatus in the form of an inflatable life jacket is used primarily by persons on board a ship or a boat. One disadvantage of contemporary self-inflating life jackets is that the tapes by which they are fastened around the trunk of the user in order to prevent the inflatable portion from moving upwards relative to the body, may be forced, particularly when not correctly fitted, above the head of the user, thus becoming ineffective as a means of flotation and potentially also causing neck injury or concussion. Furthermore, such devices generally use compressed carbon dioxide gas that is contained under high pressure in a separate steel cylinder, and the life jacket is inflated through a manifold, after having been triggered by an operating head. This system is prone to failure, in that the buoyancy chambers of the jacket may not be inflated as a result of ice accumulating in the manifold, or as a result of a leaky seal. Furthermore, when such articles are stored for long periods they can be subject to delamination.

Inflatable life jackets for use in emergencies on aircraft are normally stored in containers and use compressed carbon dioxide gas that is contained under high pressure in a separate steel cylinder, and the life jacket is inflated through a manifold, having been triggered by an operating head. An oral mouthpiece is provided for topping up the lifejacket after or upon exiting the aircraft. These jackets are also subject to the disadvantage of their securing tapes discussed above. It is one object of the present invention to provide a life-saving apparatus that comprises an inflatable article contained in an enclosure that is more reliable and safer than existing apparatus.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided life-saving apparatus comprising an inflatable article contained in an enclosure, and a mouthpiece extending from the article, wherein the inflatable article has at least one inflatable chamber and a closable inlet for inputting a gas into the inflatable chamber, the inflatable article being removably located within the enclosure, wherein, when the article is positioned inside the enclosure, the inlet extends from the inflatable chamber to a position accessible from the exterior of the enclosure, and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with the exterior of the chamber whereby, subsequent to inflation of the article, gas from within the chamber can be supplied to the mouthpiece for use by the user of the apparatus.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided life-saving apparatus comprising an inflatable article contained in an enclosure, and a mouthpiece extending from the article, wherein the inflatable article is removably located within the enclosure and comprises at least one inflatable chamber containing a predetermined quantity of gas capable of substantially inflating the chamber to its operating state, and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with the exterior of the chamber whereby, subsequent to inflation of the article, gas from within the chamber can be supplied to the mouthpiece for use by the user of the apparatus.

Essentially, the inflatable article contained in the enclosure is disclosed in pending

International Patent Application No. PCT/GB01/03662, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

In accordance with the earlier International Patent Application, the chamber of the inflatable article may be filled with a gas whilst the article is still stored within the enclosure. No separate gas cylinder is required. This allows the article to be comparatively lightweight, and to be produced in an inexpensive manner. Since the article can be supplied and transported with no gas in the chamber, the problems often associated with transporting compressed gas cylinders are avoided, as are the costs associated therewith. The inflatable chamber may be filled with gas using a conventional foot pump, or air line, at the place of intended use, for example where the apparatus is being prepared for storage on a ship or aircraft. In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the inflatable chamber of the article constrained by the enclosure already has a predetermined quantity of gas therein. That quantity is sufficient substantially to inflate the chamber to its operating condition, once released from the enclosure. Since the volume of the enclosure may be made greater than the volume of a conventional compressed gas cylinder, the pressure of the gas within the enclosure can be significantly less than that of conventional cylinders, thereby improving safety.

In accordance with the present invention, such an inflatable article in its enclosure is provided in combination with a mouthpiece, so that gas, usually air, from the inflated article may be used, generally in a temporary manner, by the wearer of the inflated article to provide a short term supply of clean air. This is particularly advantageous when the intended use of the life saving apparatus is in an aircraft. It will be appreciated that the aviation industry is particularly concerned with the safe and quick evacuation of passengers from an aircraft cabin in the event of an accident or other emergency in which smoke, for example acrid or poisonous fumes from burning upholstery, may be filling the aircraft cabin as passengers are trying to escape therefrom. Aviation law requires that the cabin should be evacuated within ninety seconds, and clearly choking fumes are a significant hazard in achieving this.

The life-saving apparatus of the present invention, however, allows the user to be provided with a buoyancy aid, which at the same time can provide a short term clean air supply through the mouthpiece, thus facilitating escape in a smoke-filled environment.

Advantageously, the mouthpiece comprises a face mask with means for securing it to the head of the user, and a breather tube extending between the inflatable chamber and the face mask. The life-saving apparatus is also preferably provided with means for securing it to the body of the user. The securing means are advantageously provided by webbing straps, preferably arranged to pass around the neck and between the legs of the body, so as to ensure that the inflatable chamber remains in place, usually around the neck so as to support the head of the user. The inflatable chamber may then conveniently be contained in the enclosure which itself is fitted to the securing means, for example the webbing straps.

It will be appreciated that having the inflatable chamber pre-charged with compressed air, allows for a much simpler system, in which there is no need for high pressure carbon dioxide gas cylinders, manifolds and operating heads.

Advantageously, a pressure indicator is provided on the inflatable chamber, and advantageously protruding therefrom, so that the serviceability of the apparatus can conveniently be checked, visually or by touch, for example before deployment in a real emergency. If required, a specific pressure indicator can be incorporated, which again would allow checking of the condition of the equipment locally and in a convenient manner.

Advantageously, the inflatable chamber, or chambers, are packed inside an enclosure in the form of a cylindrical textile enclosure having a longitudinal opening seam. A one way valve fitted to the inflatable chamber would pass through the enclosure to receive compressed air for pre-charging the inflatable article. The enclosure is preferably provided with a quick release device, thereby allowing the inflatable article to free itself from the enclosure and to expand to its operational size.

An embodiment of a life-saving apparatus, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the apparatus with its securing means folded away; Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus with its securing means extended; Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus before deployment when fitted to a user; Figure 4 is a rear view corresponding to Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a front view corresponding to Figure 3, after deployment of the inflatable article of the apparatus;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the release mechanism for the enclosure of the inflatable article; and

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the enclosure release mechanism.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the life-saving apparatus is exemplified by a life jacket 2 that has a buoyancy chamber 4 (Figure 5) contained within a cylindrical textile enclosure 6 formed into a generally U-shape. The textile enclosure 6 is secured to strap webbing 8 that has two upper limbs 10 for disposing the enclosure 6 around the neck 12 of a user and a lower harness portion 14 that fits around the waist and legs of the user. The size of the webbing 8 is adjustable by a pair of buckles 16.

A one way valve 18 projects outwardly through the enclosure 6 on one side thereof, whilst a breather tube 20 extends from the buoyancy chamber 4 out through the enclosure 6 on the other side, and leads to a face mask 22.

Compressed air is fed into the constrained buoyancy chamber 4 through the valve

18, to a pressure such that when the chamber 4 is allowed to expand freely, as hereinafter described, the quantity and pressure of air in the chamber 4 is such as to provide sufficient buoyancy for the user. Typically, the air pressure within the constrained chamber 4 would be around 100 psi.

The enclosure 6 for the buoyancy chamber 4 is provided with a release mechanism 24.

Referring particularly to Figure 5, upon activation of the release mechanism 24 by the user, the enclosure 6 opens, and allows the buoyancy chamber 4 to expand under the influence of its pre-charged air so as to fit snuggly around the neck 12 of the user, supporting the head 26. It will be appreciated that the webbing 8, by means of its harness portion 14 securely restrains the buoyancy chamber 4, still attached to the backing portion of the webbing 8, around the user. The face mask 22 is free for securing around the head 26 of the user so that he may breathe air from within the chamber 4 if required.

Figures 6 and 7 show in expanded detail the operation of the release mechanism 24 to allow the enclosure 6 to open and the buoyancy chamber 4 thereby to expand. The enclosure 6 is folded over on itself at each of its elongate edges, with tongues 26 being formed along one edge and co-operating grooves 28 along the other. After insertion of the tongues 26 into the respective groups 28, a rod 30, carrying the release ring 24 is pushed through the interengagements thereby formed, so as to close the enclosure 6 around the buoyancy chamber 8, prior to its inflation through the valve 18. It will be appreciated that by pulling on the ring 24 and withdrawing the rod 30, the enclosure 6 is allowed to open thus allowing the buoyancy chamber to expand whilst still being retained to the underlying portion of the webbing 8.

It will be appreciated that the life jacket 2 may be contained within a protective cover, folded up, and can be opened to its configuration shown in Figure 2 and securely fitted by the user whilst still seated.

It will be also be appreciated that re-charging of the life jacket 2 can be done locally at minimum cost, whereas with conventional life self-inflating life jackets, the cost of re-charging with a new gas cylinder is high which tends to discourage use in training. Furthermore, charging of the buoyancy chamber with air, or other suitable gas, can be carried out just prior to use of the apparatus, or at an earlier stage in preparation for subsequent use. It is also envisaged that the chamber may also be inflated by mouth. The latter aspect finds particular application for the apparatus in aircraft, where a compact arrangement can easily be stored, under a seat, for example.

Claims

1. Life-saving apparatus comprising an inflatable article contained in an enclosure, and a mouthpiece extending from the article, wherein the inflatable article has at least one inflatable chamber and a closable inlet for inputting a gas into the inflatable chamber, the inflatable article being removably located within the enclosure, wherein, when the article is positioned inside the enclosure, the inlet extends from the inflatable chamber to a position accessible from the exterior of the enclosure, and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with the exterior of the chamber whereby, subsequent to inflation of the article, gas from within the chamber can be supplied to the mouthpiece for use by the user of the apparatus.

2. Life-saving apparatus comprising an inflatable article contained in an enclosure, and a mouthpiece extending from the article, wherein the inflatable article is removably located within the enclosure and comprises at least one inflatable chamber containing a predetermined quantity of gas capable of substantially inflating the chamber to its operating state, and wherein the mouthpiece is in communication with the exterior of the chamber whereby, subsequent to inflation of the article, gas from within the chamber can be supplied to the mouthpiece for use by the user of the apparatus.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a face mask with means for securing it to the head of the user, and a breather tube extending between the chamber and the face mask.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable article is a life-jacket with means for securing it to the body of the user.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the securing means is arranged to extend around the neck and between the legs of the user.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable article is shaped to fit around the neck of the user.

7. Apparatus according to claim 2, or any one of claims 3 to 6 when dependent thereon, wherein the enclosure is arranged to restrict inflation of the inflatable chamber to its operating state.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure is arranged to cause gas within the inflatable chamber to be pressurised.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure is made from a fabric.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the enclosure comprises a release mechanism for allowing deployment of the inflatable article.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a pressure indicator for indicating the pressure of gas within the inflatable chamber.