Throwable emergency response automatic inflatable personal flotation device
US7128629B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C9/08
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is provided in a substantially baton-shaped configuration having a handle that is easily and effectively thrown and a flotation bladder at one end of the handle. A cylinder of carbon dioxide is disposed inside the handle. An inflator assembly is operatively connected to the cylinder to automatically activate upon contact with water so as to release pressurized gas and rapidly fill the flotation bladder. A water dissolvable mechanism can be utilized as the operable mechanism for the inflator assembly. Preferably, the cylinder is disposed in a support tube and the handle is made out of insulating material to thermally insulate and protect the cylinder from cold and hot temperatures and contact with objects while stored or transported.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.