Pocket-sized, emergency flotation device with status indicator
US6004177A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C9/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention features a pocket-sized, portable, flotation device that folds into a storage or carrying case, which is the size of a cellular phone. It can be carried upon a person in a shirt pocket or clipped to a waistline belt. The flotation device includes a life vest with a collar having separate cells, each of which is substantially sealed from adjacent cells to prevent deflation of the adjacent cells through puncture to one of the cells. The collar of the life vest inflates, cell by cell, allowing the user to position the vest over his or her head during inflation. The carrying case has a body and a detachable, arch-shaped cover, constructed so that a tether can be inserted into the cover and the device automatically activated by pulling the cover from the body. Moreover, the case includes a belt loop through which the belt of the user can be inserted. The handle can be hollow, to form a loop into which the tether (attached to the life vest itself) can be threaded. The handle can be adapted to receive a separate belt worn by the user or to receive a belt integral with the case itself. The case includes a window through which a user can visually determine the status o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.