Jacket for shipping with recovery function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a jacket 10 as a rescue and recovery device for shipping, wherein the jacket 10 has a waterproof thermal layer 20, wherein the jacket 10 has an inflatable buoyancy aid 30, wherein the jacket 10 has an integrated carrying strap 40, wherein the jacket 10 has at least one location reporting device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a jacket which is suitable for permanent wear, but is used as a rescue and recovery device in the event of an accident.

[0002] Challenges are particularly evident on board a submarine, even though they generally apply more or less analogously to surface vessels. Therefore, the problems encountered in a submarine will be addressed here and in the following.

[0003] If an evacuation occurs on board a submarine, a rapid evacuation from the interior is necessary. During this time, a crew member must take a life-saving device, put it on, and get on deck. This can be particularly difficult for people already in the conning tower, as personal life-saving devices are not usually stored in this area, which lies outside the pressure hull, and going below deck to retrieve a personal life-saving device is out of the question. Therefore, it would be helpful if the life-saving device was suitable for everyday use. Furthermore, the life-saving device should of course help if the person has to enter the water and, accordingly, the life-saving device should support subsequent extrication from the water.

[0004] For all of these necessary tasks, there are rescue devices, such as life jackets or harnesses for helicopter rescue. However, the disadvantage is that each individual rescue device requires time to put on, and certain rescue devices must be put on while on dry land, meaning they can't be put on properly in the water, for example.

[0005] Submarine rescue suits are also common for submarines. However, these are typically designed for underwater exit, i.e., from a submerged submarine, and not for evacuation from a (still) afloat submarine.

[0006] A survival suit is known from US 4 137 586 A.

[0007] A wetsuit is known from Machovec: OC8000 HR. 16.10.2021. URL: https: / / web.archive.org / web / 20211016000631 / https: / / www.machovec.com / catalog / oc80 00hr.htm, archived in https: / / archive.org / on 16.10.2021 [accessed on 25.06.2024].

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a life-saving device for a submarine which, on the one hand, allows daily wearing, i.e. is not significantly restrictive in normal use, and, on the other hand, allows quick donning, preferably also complete donning is only possible in the water.

[0009] This object is achieved by the jacket having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0010] The jacket according to the invention serves as a rescue and recovery device for shipping. It is important that the jacket is only one piece and can be put on quickly and easily, but is also suitable for everyday use as a normal jacket, for example, when people are serving on the conning tower of a submarine. The jacket has at least two layers: a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a water-repellent layer, preferably made of a water-repellent, flexible plastic. The second layer has a waterproof, thermal layer. The first layer can also consist of several fabric layers. For example, a plastic fabric and a water-repellent, but vapor-permeable second fabric and a third inner fabric made of a thermally insulating plastic fabric.The second layer can essentially consist of a waterproof, flexible plastic, such as foamed polychloroprene (neoprene) or natural rubber (Yulex®, Naturprene®). The second layer can also have multiple textile layers; for example, the water-absorbing, flexible plastic can be laminated with protective fabric on the inside and outside. Cooling down in water is one of the main problems. At the same time, hypothermia reduces blood flow to the extremities, making thermal protection particularly important for the body, which can be efficiently achieved with a jacket. The jacket has an inflatable buoyancy aid. An inflatable buoyancy aid is, for example, an inflatable hollow body, such as those used in a life jacket or the like.Because it's inflatable, the pack size can be kept small, thus optimizing usability for daily use. The jacket features an integrated carrying strap. This strap allows a helicopter rope, for example, to be directly clipped in, allowing the jacket to distribute the force directly to the person. It's therefore essential that a carrying harness is firmly integrated into the jacket and doesn't have to be put on separately. The jacket features at least one location reporting device. This location reporting device makes it easier to locate a person in the water.

[0011] The jacket combines a whole range of features that are important and beneficial throughout the rescue and recovery chain, making it quick and easy to put on by only wearing one jacket. This allows the jacket to be easily put on on the way out. Another advantage is that additional features that the jacket may have can also be used later, for example, after reaching the deck or even in the water. On the other hand, the jacket can also be worn for everyday use without causing any significant hindrance.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inflatable buoyancy aid and the integrated carrying strap are connected to each other. Thus, the force of the inflatable buoyancy aid acts evenly across the integrated carrying strap.

[0013] According to the invention, the jacket has a breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus only needs to have a rudimentary function, for example to supply breathable air for 5 minutes in order to be able to leave a submarine if the air is no longer breathable, for example due to a fire. Preferably, the breathing apparatus is detachably connected to the jacket, for example in a pocket of the jacket or the like. This enables easy maintenance, testing, and refilling. The advantage is that the previous and complex system of an emergency breathing air system with regular hooking into the air supply is no longer necessary, which in turn significantly speeds up exiting. Preferably, the breathing apparatus has 50 to 500 liters of uncompressed breathing air. For example, the breathing apparatus has a 1-liter supply at 300 bar (equivalent to 300 liters of uncompressed breathing air).For example, the breathing apparatus can be reduced to a size of less than 30 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter. To reduce weight, the breathing apparatus is preferably made of a composite material. The mouthpiece is preferably kept simple for space reasons and can be supplemented, for example, by a simple nose clip. Likewise, complex pressure regulation can preferably be dispensed with. This distinguishes the breathing apparatus from conventional self-contained breathing apparatus, which are comparatively large and therefore cannot be integrated into a jacket. The aim is not to provide long-term supply, such as that required for firefighting or diving, but rather only very short-term and rudimentary supply to enable escape while maximizing freedom of movement and minimizing weight and complexity.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the waterproof thermal layer has a neck cuff and two arm cuffs. The arm cuffs are preferably made of elastic material, which does not have to be identical to the waterproof, flexible plastic. Additionally, mechanical fasteners can be integrated into the arm cuffs, ensuring a tight fit and, optionally, adaptability to different sizes. This creates a seal. Even if the jacket is first put on in the water, the water remains trapped inside, warms to body temperature, but is then not replaced by cold water from the outside. This minimizes heat loss.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the waterproof thermal layer has a crotch protector. The crotch protector is preferably incorporated into the jacket in such a way that it can be pulled out of the back of the jacket and passed between the legs, and then attached to the front of the jacket. This improves thermal protection in the water, particularly protecting the core area from cooling down as much as possible. The crotch protector is designed to ensure a close fit to the waterproof thermal layer on the body, particularly in the pelvic area. This can be achieved, for example, by also making the crotch protector from elastic material that needs to be stretched slightly when connecting it.A part of the integrated carrying strap can be attached to the crotch protector, which is also closed at the same time or in addition to closing the crotch protector, so that the person does not slip out of the jacket when being lifted.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket comprises gloves. The gloves are preferably arranged in a patch pocket, for example, a pocket on each sleeve, and are preferably connected to the jacket via a flexible connection, for example, a strap.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the location reporting device is selected from the list comprising signal light, radio transmitter, and satellite transmitter. Particularly preferably, all three location reporting devices are integrated. This significantly facilitates the location of a person floating in the water. The location reporting device is preferably triggered manually, since automatic triggering while carrying the device on the tower carries the risk of unnecessary triggering.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the arms of the jacket feature lashing straps. This makes it possible to offer a good fit for the wearer despite a smaller number of sizes. In particular, this prevents the jacket from riding up, which is important for the inflatable buoyancy aid to maintain its optimal position, especially around the neck and throat.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connection point for the integrated carrying strap is covered with a Velcro fastener. The connection point is sensibly located on the chest, where a hook, for example from a rescue helicopter, can be clipped in. However, to ensure that the connection point does not get in the way during normal use, it is advantageous if it is covered, which reduces the risk of getting caught on the connection point. The connection point usually consists of one or two strap ends reinforced with a metal ring. Ideally, the chest strap is extended by two additional loops which can then be placed around the legs. This ensures that the rescue is as horizontal as possible, which minimizes the risk of death during rescue.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket has a pair of goggles, in particular diving goggles, arranged in a pocket. The diving goggles can be connected to the jacket via a flexible connection. The goggles can be used not only in the water but also when escaping from a smoke-filled room.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the inflatable buoyancy aid has only a manual inflation function. While it is common practice and often useful for life jackets to automatically inflate upon contact with water, if the jacket is intended for everyday use, for example, on the conning tower of a submarine or even inside a wrecked submarine, a buoyancy aid with an automatic deployment mechanism would result in unwanted and inappropriate deployments, which contradicts the idea behind the jacket. Therefore, a purely manual deployment is advantageous.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket has a rescue handle on the back connected to the integrated carrying strap. This not only improves rescue from the water, but can also be used to transport an injured person, for example, through a hatch. The direct connection to the integrated carrying strap ensures optimal force distribution and durability.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the waterproof thermal layer is made of neoprene or comprises neoprene. Neoprene substitutes, such as those used in diving or surfing suits, can also be used. Silicone can also be used as a waterproof thermal layer. Thermal protection for the wearer in the water is essential. The thickness of the thermal layer is 0.5 to 3 mm. The waterproof thermal layer can essentially consist of a waterproof, flexible plastic, for example, foamed polychloroprene (neoprene) or natural rubber (Yulex®, Naturprene®). The waterproof thermal layer can also comprise multiple textile layers; for example, the water-absorbing, flexible plastic can be laminated with protective fabric on the inside and outside.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket has an expandable leg warmer. The warmer completely encloses the legs and feet. The warmer is pulled over everything, including shoes. In order to reduce the warmer to a minimum pack size, a very thin, flexible material is preferably chosen for the warmer. Since cooling down via the extremities is less important in the water, this minimal level of protection is sufficient. On the other hand, the integrated expandable warmer is very advantageous because it does not have to be put on completely while dry, like a submarine rescue suit, but can be unfolded and put on in the water if necessary. This saves valuable time during the evacuation. The expandable warmer preferably has a longitudinally arranged zipper on each leg and at least one lashing strap.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket has a hood made of a waterproof thermal layer. This hood is preferably provided in addition to a regular hood, which typically protects against wind or rain. The hood, on the other hand, is intended to slow cooling in the water.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the waterproof thermal layer is designed as a removable inner lining.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the jacket is connectable to a packed one-man life raft. Due to its size, the jacket is preferably not always connected to a one-man life raft, as this would make daily use extremely difficult and practically impossible. This can be useful when putting on the jacket during an evacuation, allowing both hands to be free, especially for climbing ladders easily, quickly, and safely.

[0028] The jacket according to the invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 jacket Fig. 2 jacket with rolled-out trousers Fig. 3 waterproof thermal layers

[0029] In Fig. 1 shows an exemplary jacket 10. The jacket 10 has a waterproof thermal layer 20, which is designed in the form of a removable inner lining and in Fig. 3. The waterproof thermal layer 20 ends in two arm cuffs 21 and a neck cuff 22, which fit snugly against the body and thus provide a relatively good seal. To ensure thermal insulation of the core body in the crotch area, the waterproof thermal layer 20 has a crotch protector 23, which Fig. 1 is still stowed in the back of the jacket, but can be pulled out if necessary, passed between the legs, and attached to the front of the jacket 10. This allows the jacket 10 to provide very good thermal protection for the core body if the person has to enter the water, which in turn extends survival time. To further improve this, the jacket 10 has two glove pockets 70, which contain gloves, preferably made of the same material as the waterproof thermal layer 20. Likewise, the jacket 10 has a hood 90, preferably made of the same material as the waterproof thermal layer 20. This also further improves the thermal protection.

[0030] The jacket also features an inflatable buoyancy aid 30, i.e., an integrated life jacket. The larger portion on the chest promotes a supine position, thus preventing drowning, even if the person loses consciousness due to hypothermia, for example. Preferably, the inflatable buoyancy aid 30 is only manually inflated, preferably using a triggerable gas supply. Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable buoyancy aid 30 can also be inflated via a mouthpiece.

[0031] Furthermore, the jacket has an integrated carrying strap 40, which Fig. 3 can be seen on the removable inner lining. On the outside of the jacket, this is covered in particular by the carrying strap cover 41, which is provided with a Velcro fastener. The carrying strap cover 41 can thus be easily opened in order, for example, to hook a hook lowered from a rescue helicopter into the connection points of the carrying strap 40. This facilitates rescue from the water, whereby the cover with the carrying strap cover 41 reduces the risk of getting caught on the carrying strap 40 in daily use. Furthermore, two additional, lashing straps can be attached to the chest strap in order to place them around the legs of the person being rescued. This enables horizontal rescue and reduces the risk of death in rescue.

[0032] The jacket 10 also has location reporting devices, namely a radio transmitter 51 and a signal light 52. The radio transmitter 51 can also be used to transmit one's own position, for example, determined via GPS. The signal light 52 then assists in on-site location.

[0033] In addition, the jacket 10 has a breathing apparatus 60, which, for example, has a 1-liter gas cylinder at 300 bar and can thus provide approximately 300 liters of breathable air. This is sufficient to leave a submarine much more quickly without the use of an emergency breathing system if the air inside the submarine is unbreathable or only partially breathable. The air supply is designed for a period of approximately 5 minutes, assuming physical exertion (running, climbing). Furthermore, the air supply allows for short-term submersion in water.

[0034] The jacket 10 has further features. Due to the inflatable buoyancy aid 30 and the carrying strap 40, the zipper 91 is only designed for the lower part and makes it easier to put on. The lashing straps 80 on the arms and the belt 92 allow adjustment to the individual, in particular to ensure the best possible fit of the inflatable buoyancy aid 30 when inflated. Furthermore, the jacket 10 has leg loops 101 to allow the removal of legwear 100. The legwear 100 is in the unfolded state in Fig. 2. Zippers 91 allow the leg warmers 100 to be pulled over previously worn trousers and shoes, even in the water if necessary. The leg warmers 100 are preferably made of very thin plastic material to allow for a small pack size. Here, the focus is less on the thermal insulation provided by the leg warmers 100 themselves. To adjust the leg warmers 100 to the wearer, each leg has two lashing straps 80.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the waterproof thermal layer 20 in the form of a removable inner lining. First, the carrying strap 40 is more clearly visible and how it is designed to hold the person when, for example, they are being transported via a rope into a rescue helicopter. It is also clear how a suit is formed, closed by the neck seal 22, arm seals 21, and crotch protection 23, which is made of neoprene, for example, and thus protects the body as effectively as possible from hypothermia. Reference symbol 10 Jacket 20 waterproof thermal layers 21 Arm cuff 22 Neck cuff 23 crotch protection 30 inflatable buoyancy aids 40 carrying strap 41 Carrying strap cover 51 radio transmitters 52 signal light 60 breathing apparatus 70 glove pocket 80 lashing straps 90 hood 91 Zipper 92 belt 100 trousers 101 Legwear loop

Claims

[1] Jacket (10) as a rescue and recovery device for shipping, wherein the jacket (10) has at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is a water-repellent layer, wherein the second layer has a water-resistant thermal layer (20), wherein the jacket (10) has an inflatable buoyancy aid (30), wherein the jacket (10) has an integrated carrying strap (40), wherein the jacket (10) has at least one location reporting device, characterized by that the jacket (10) has a breathing apparatus (60). [2] Jacket (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the breathing apparatus (60) has 50 to 500 l of uncompressed breathing air. [3] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the waterproof thermal layer (20) has a neck cuff (22) and two arm cuffs (21). [4] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the waterproof thermal layer (20) has a crotch protection (23). [5] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the jacket (10) has gloves. [6] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the location reporting device is selected from the list comprising signal light (52), radio transmitter (51), satellite transmitter. [7] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the arms of the jacket (10) have lashing straps (80). [8] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connection point for the integrated carrying strap (40) is covered with a Velcro fastener. [9] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the jacket (10) has glasses arranged in a pocket. [10] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the inflatable buoyancy aid (30) has only a manual inflation function. [11] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the jacket (10) has a handle on the back for rescue connected to the integrated carrying strap (40). [12] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the waterproof thermal layer (20) is made of neoprene or has neoprene. [13] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the jacket (10) has a foldable leg cuff, whereby the legwear (100) completely covers the legs and feet. [14] Jacket (10) according to claim 13, characterized by that the unfoldable leg cuff has a longitudinally arranged zipper and at least one lashing strap per leg. [15] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the jacket has a hood (90) made of a waterproof thermal layer (20). [16] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the waterproof thermal layer (20) is designed as a removable inner lining. [17] Jacket (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the jacket (10) can be connected to a packed one-man life raft.

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