Lightweight personal rescue tube flotation device

Abstract

A compact lightweight personal flotation device is described that permits a user to swim with little drag or encumbrance following deployment, said flotation device comprising a streamlined inflatable float, one or more inflation means such as an oral inflation tube or a compressed gas cartridge/inflator system, a tether to secure the float to the user's body or clothing, and an optionally detachable line attaching the two ends of the float to allow the float to be looped over the body of the user and used hands-free in the manner of a life ring.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to personal flotation devices and particularly to a compact lightweight personal flotation device that permits a user to swim following deployment, said flotation device comprising a streamlined inflatable float, one or more inflation means such as an oral inflation tube or a compressed gas cartridge / inflator system, a tether to secure the float to the user's body or clothing, and an optionally detachable line attaching the two ends of the float to allow the float to be looped over the body of the user and used hands-free in the manner of a life ring. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] The standard inflatable life jacket or life vest, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,128,423 by Manson, provides sufficient buoyancy in water to keep the user afloat. It fits about the user's torso in the manner of a garment and includes expandable compartments inflated by oral inflation...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0037] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides effective hands-free flotation to a user in the manner of a life ring following deployment, yet it can be carried conveniently on a bathing suit, wetsuit, or other clothing without impeding normal activity.

[0038] Another advantage of the present invention is that following deployment it can be towed by a swimmer with little drag or interference with the swimmer's motion, thus allowing for true self-rescue by the swimmer.

[0039] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is simple to operate, test, and re-use, thus facilitating consumer acceptance of the device.

Problems solved by technology

Although the effectiveness of such jackets is indisputable, life jackets are only effective when they are worn.

While relatively lightweight inflatable life vests now exist, even these are hot and uncomfortable to wear over clothing (e.g., for fishermen and boaters), thus discouraging usage.

For swimmers, surfers, divers, and others voluntarily in the water, existing personal flotation devices are too bulky to be carried conveniently in the uninflated state.

Furthermore, existing personal flotation devices—typically life vests—impede swimming motions by the user once the inflation device has been deployed, thereby limiting the user's ability to swim to safety.

Inflatable rescue tubes are known but these are bulky and heavy even when uninflated, and are not suitable for use as self-rescue devices for swimmers.

These all fall short of their intended use for one or more of the following reasons: 1) They are not truly compact; 2) they are too complicated to manufacture or operate reliably; 3) They impede swimming once deployed; 4) they require the user to hold onto the float at all times.

The aforementioned art fails to provide a compact inflatable personal flotation device that can be used for hands-free flotation in the manner of a life ring, yet which, in the inflated state, allows a user to swim with little interference or drag while towing the device with the tether, and thus effect true self-rescue.

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