Personal flotation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a personal flotation device (1) comprising: - a bladder (10) - a compartment (5) comprising a wall (9) and at least one retractable shutter (7), said wall (9) delimiting a housing (11) and comprising at least one opening (8) passing through and opening onto the housing (11), said compartment (5) comprising a first configuration in which the opening (8) is closed by the shutter (7) and a second configuration in which the shutter (7) is retracted and releases the opening (8), - a triggering device (6) configured to trigger a filling of the bladder (10), said triggering device (6) being housed in the housing (11), - a detector (3) configured to determine whether the personal flotation device (1) is connected to a complementary safety system,- a control system (4) configured to control the shutter (7) between the first and second configuration depending on the determination made by the detector (3). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Personal flotation device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present innovation relates to the field of personal flotation devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of “active” personal flotation devices. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many personal flotation devices have already been proposed and are commonly marketed.

[0003] To date, there are two categories of devices intended to prevent drowning, namely so-called "passive" products and so-called "active" products. So-called "passive" products are configured to help the wearer float without requiring any specific action for their operation. For example, armbands or life jackets have fixed parts whose density is lower than that of water and thus allow the wearer to float without any specific action. These products are generally intended for children, babies, water sports enthusiasts or offshore pleasure boaters. They already prevent drowning and help save lives. However, these products are not optimal because they remain bulky, not very ergonomic and not very pleasant to wear (feeling of humidity, tan lines, etc.). In addition, the wearer of such a product will tend to remove it often and therefore put themselves in danger.

[0004] So-called "active" products comprise a manual or automatic triggering system when certain external conditions are met in order to allow flotation. For example, inflatable life jackets with triggers are known, generally intended for offshore pleasure craft and professionals (merchant navy, aircraft pilots, etc.). In general, the inflation of the life jacket can be triggered by a percussion system, i.e. by the release of a striker. These systems consist of a pierceable container of pressurized fluid and a perforation device movable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow the release of the pressurized fluid. There are two main types of percussion systems: the perforation device can be held in a retracted position relative to the container of pressurized gas by means of a material whose resistance decreases when exposed to water.Exposure to water thus allows the release of the perforating device from its withdrawn position and thus the release of the pressurized fluid (as described in document ES2529126). Alternatively, the percussion system may comprise a hydrostatic system. comprising a valve, opening under the action of external pressure during submersion. Once the valve is open, there is a system made of a water-degradable material as presented previously (as described in document US 5921835). These devices then cause the release of the compressed gas stored in the container (usually carbon dioxide) which inflates the flotation vest. The quantity released depends on the weight of the individual wearing it.

[0005] These devices, however, have the disadvantage of being irreversible, i.e. they are triggered as soon as water and / or a pressure equivalent to a 10 cm water column is detected.

[0006] These triggering conditions further complicate the storage of such vests. Indeed, the stored vests are subject to the hazards of storage and ambient humidity, or even to water splashes, which can cause the vests to inflate unexpectedly.

[0007] In addition, these active vests have the function of preventing the risk of drowning while limiting the feelings of discomfort and encumbrance associated with passive products. However, their automatic triggering prevents users from getting wet and swimming of their own volition. Statement of the invention

[0008] An aim of the invention is to propose a personal flotation device which is safe for its wearer, that is to say which is capable of allowing him to float when the wearer needs it, which is more ergonomic while allowing him to bathe "voluntarily", without however presenting the disadvantages of active vests, and in particular the problems linked to their untimely triggering.

[0009] For this purpose, according to a first aspect of the invention, a flotation device is proposed. Personal flotation device comprising: - a bladder - a compartment comprising a wall and at least one retractable shutter, said wall delimiting a housing and comprising at least one through opening and opening onto the housing, said compartment comprising a first configuration in which the opening is closed by the shutter and a second configuration in which the shutter is retracted and releases the opening, - a triggering device configured to trigger a filling of the bladder, said triggering device being housed in the housing, - a detector configured to determine whether the personal flotation device is connected to a complementary safety system, - a control system configured to control the shutter between the first and second configuration depending on the determination made by the detector.

[0010] Certain preferred but non-limiting features of the personal device of flotation according to the first aspect are the following, taken individually or in combination: - the compartment comprises an additional shutter and the wall comprises an additional through opening opening onto the housing, the additional shutter being configured to close the additional opening in the first configuration and to be retracted and release the additional opening in the second configuration of the compartment; - the at least one shutter comprises a flap hinged on the wall and / or mounted on guide rails and movable in translation relative to the at least one opening; - the wall at least one partition, the at least one through opening being formed in the partition, and in which the compartment comprises an upper part and a lower part separated by the partition, a plurality of through orifices being formed in the wall so as to open into the upper part of the compartment; - the personal flotation device further comprises a pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure applied to the personal flotation device; - the pressure sensor comprises a hydrostatic device or a flexible membrane switch; - the trigger device comprises a cellulose-based striker; - the detector comprises at least one complementary security system presence detector, for example a contactor; and / or - the personal flotation device further comprises a wired or wireless communication interface connecting the presence detector and the control system.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of filling a bladder of a personal flotation device according to the first aspect comprising the following steps: - S10: determine whether the personal flotation device is connected to the supplementary safety system; - IF 1: if an additional safety system is connected to the personal flotation device, place the compartment in the first configuration in which the at least one opening is closed by the at least one shutter; - S12: if no additional safety system is connected to the personal flotation device, place the compartment in the second configuration in which the at least one shutter is retracted and the at least one opening is released.

[0012] Optionally, the filling method further comprises, prior to step S10, a step S9 of determining the pressure applied to the personal flotation device, step S10 only being implemented when the pressure determined in step S9 is greater than a predetermined threshold. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0013] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0014] [fig.l]

[0015] [fig.l] schematically illustrates a flotation device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0016] [fig.2]

[0017] [Fig. 2] is a flowchart of steps of a method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] With reference to [fig.l], a personal flotation device 1 comprises a bladder 10, a compartment 5 comprising a wall 9 and at least one retractable shutter 7. The wall 9 delimits a housing 11 and comprises at least one opening 8 passing through and opening onto the housing 11. The compartment 5 comprises a first configuration in which the at least one opening 8 is closed by the shutter 7 and a second configuration in which the at least one shutter 7 is retracted and releases the corresponding opening 8. The personal flotation device 1 comprises a trigger device 6 configured to trigger a filling of the bladder 10, said trigger device 6 being housed in the housing 11.

[0020] The personal flotation device 1 further comprises a detector 3 configured to determine whether the personal flotation device 1 is connected to a complementary safety system and a control system 4 configured to control the shutter 7 between the first and second configuration depending on the determination made by the detector 3.

[0021] The personal flotation device 1 may comprise a life jacket. In particular, the life jacket may comprise a harness configured to be worn by a wearer.

[0022] The bladder 10 may be configured to be filled with a fluid of density lower than the density of water in order to help the wearer float. In one embodiment, the fluid comprises a compressed gas. The bladder 10 is then configured to be inflated by this gas in the event of triggering by the triggering device 6

[0023] The wall 9, which delimits the housing 11, is formed of several partitions 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e. The shutter 7 is mounted on one of the partitions 9a of the wall 9 of the compartment 5 between a retracted position, in which it allows access to the housing 11, and a closing position, in which it closes the opening 8 and prevents any access to the housing 11. In one embodiment, the flotation device comprises two shutters 7, 7', each shutter 7, 7' being mounted on a corresponding partition 9a, 9b of the wall 9 between a retracted position, in which the shutter 7, 7' allows access to the housing 11, and a closing position, in which the shutter 7, 7' closes a corresponding opening 8, 8' and prevents access to the housing 11. Preferably, the partitions 9a, 9b carrying the shutters 7, 7' and the associated openings 8, 8' are generally opposite (face to face).

[0024] In one embodiment, the partition 9a in which one of the openings 8 is formed delimits the compartment 5 into an upper portion 5a and a lower portion 5b (“upper” and “lower” being defined herein with respect to the orientation of the personal flotation device 1 when worn by a person), the lower portion 5b comprising the housing 11. A series of through-holes 12 is further formed in the wall 9. Preferably, the through-holes are formed in the upper portion 5a of the compartment 5. For example, the through-holes 12 are formed in three of the partitions delimiting the upper portion 5a of the wall 9. The through-holes 12 may for example comprise perforations.

[0025] In the following, the invention will be more particularly described in the case where the flotation device comprises two shutters 7, 7' each closing a corresponding opening 8, 8'. This is however not limiting, the invention applying mutatis mutandis with a single shutter closing a single opening.

[0026] The compartment 5 is configured to fill with water via the through-holes 12 formed in the wall 9 when the device is immersed in water. As will become apparent in the following, the through-holes 12 ensure that the housing 11 is filled with water via the upper part 5a of the compartment 5 as soon as the compartment 5 is immersed, thus avoiding any risk of the openings 8, 8' being blocked due to an impurity or foreign body present in the water.

[0027] The compartment 5 may be of substantially parallelepipedal section. In this case, the wall 9 of the compartment 5 comprises six partitions 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e extending opposite each other two by two as well as, where appropriate, the partition 9a separating the upper part 5a and the lower part 5b of the compartment 5. This is however not limiting, the compartment 5 being able to alternatively comprise a different number of partitions.

[0028] In one embodiment, the shutters 7, 7' may each comprise a flap, for example a substantially flat plate, which is hinged to the partition 9a, 9b of the wall 9 of the compartment 5 between the closed position and the retracted position. Alternatively, the shutter 7, 7' may be slidably mounted on the associated partition 9a, 9b between the closed position and the retracted position. For example, the com compartment 5 may comprise guide rails mounted on an external or internal face of the partition 9a, 9b, the shutter 7, 7' being slidably mounted on said rails.

[0029] Advantageously, the partition 9b on which the shutter 7' is mounted faces the partition 9a on which the shutter 7 is mounted so that water can enter the housing 11 regardless of the position of the wearer of the personal flotation device 1.

[0030] The triggering device 6 is configured to trigger the filling of the bladder 10 with a fluid, for example compressed gas. This triggering device 6 is housed in the housing 11.

[0031] The triggering device 6 may be a striker device. A triggering device 6 with a striker may for example comprise a container comprising a fluid, for example compressed gas. This container is connected to the bladder 10 so that, when the container is opened or pierced, the fluid which is contained in the container is in fluid communication with the bladder 10.

[0032] The triggering device 6 may further comprise a perforation device movable between a retracted position, in which the perforation device is at a distance from the container, and a piercing position, in which the perforation device perforates the container so as to allow the release of the fluid contained in the container. The triggering device 6 may comprise a return member connected to the perforation device. This return member is retained in a first position in which it retains the perforation device in its retracted position. When the return member is released, it automatically moves into a second position where it pushes the perforation device into its piercing position. In particular, the percussion triggering device 6 may comprise a support made of a water-sensitive material, for example cellulose.This support is configured to maintain the return member in its first position. When water comes into contact with the part, the material constituting the support degrades upon contact with the water, which releases the return member which pushes the perforation device and brings it into its second position in order to pierce the fluid container. The triggering system being connected to the bladder 10, the release of the fluid contained in the container allows the bladder 10 to inflate. On the other hand, if the part made of a water-sensitive material is not degraded, the bladder is not triggered to inflate. Reference may in particular be made to document ES2529126 for more details concerning this type of triggering device.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the percussion device may further be hydrostatic and include a valve configured to open when the pressure external to the device exceeds a predetermined threshold, equivalent to a water column of ten centimeters. Opening this valve allows water to enter the device, which then comes into contact with the support and degrades it, which triggers the perforation of the container by the perforation device. Reference may be made to document US 5921835 for further details.

[0034] The fact that the triggering device 6 is located in the sealed housing 11 with the openings 8, 8' closable by the shutters 7, 7' makes it possible to control the triggering of the triggering device 6, by controlling the access by water to the triggering device 6.

[0035] Indeed, when the compartment 5 is in its first configuration and the shutters 7, 7' close the openings 8, 8' of the compartment 5, water cannot penetrate into the housing 11. The support made of water-sensitive material therefore does not deteriorate and maintains the perforation device in its retracted position. Thus, a step SU, of the method as described below, of closing the openings 8, 8' of the compartment 5, makes it possible to prevent the bladder 10 from swelling.

[0036] On the other hand, when the compartment 5 is in its second configuration, the shutters 7, 7' are retracted and release the openings 8, 8'. A step S12, of the method as described below, of placing the shutters 7, 7' in the second configuration, allows the water to penetrate into the housing 11 and come into contact with the support and possibly degrade it, thus releasing the perforation device which perforates the container and releases the fluid to inflate the bladder 10.

[0037] The control system 4 is configured to control the shutters 7, 7' between the first and second configuration depending on the determination made by the detector 3 indicating the presence or absence of the additional safety system.

[0038] In one embodiment, the piloting system 4 is for example electric. In particular, the personal flotation device 1 may comprise a wired or wireless communication interface connecting the detector 3 to the piloting system 4.

[0039] In particular, the control system 4 is electrically controlled by the detector 3 which controls the electrical power supply of the control system 4 and transmits an electric current to it or not. The transmission of an electric current from the detector 3 to the control system 4 causes the shutters 7, 7' to move from the closed position to the retracted position (or vice versa).

[0040] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the control system 4 is for example mechanical. The physical connection of an additional safety system can, by mechanical means, allow the triggering of the control system 4 which results in the movement of the shutters 7, 7' in order to release the openings 8, 8' of the compartment 5.

[0041] The detector 3 is configured to determine whether the personal flotation device 1 is connected to the supplemental safety system.

[0042] The complementary safety system is configured to assist the wearer to avoid drowning. The complementary safety system may comprise any known assistance device. In particular, the complementary safety system may comprise at least one of the following devices: a swimming belt comprising a link to the personal flotation device 1, baby armbands comprising a link to the personal flotation device 1, a lifeline on an ocean-going boat comprising a link to the personal flotation device 1, a manual trigger system for a wearer who considers himself to be in difficulty or any other system comprising a link to the personal flotation device 1.

[0043] The link between the complementary security system and the personal flotation device 1 may comprise any suitable connection means, wired or wireless.

[0044] In a first embodiment, the detector 3 may comprise a presence detector 3, for example a limit switch 3. The limit switch 3 makes it possible to cut off or establish the current when it is actuated by a movable member. For example, the switch 3 may comprise a body, a control head and an electrical contact. The head is electrically connected to the control system 4 and is movable relative to the body between a detection configuration, in which the head is pressed against the electrical contact and electrically connects the electrical contact and the control system 4, and a release configuration, in which the head is at rest and extends away from the electrical contact, thus disconnecting the electrical contact and the control system 4. The movement of the head may be rectilinear or angular.Preferably, the switch 3 further comprises a return member configured to automatically return the head from its detection configuration to its release configuration.

[0045] Thus, in the case where no additional safety system is connected to the personal flotation device 1, the head is at rest, in its release configuration, which opens the electrical loop of the switch 3, thus preventing any electrical current from passing to the control system 4. The control system 4 then places the compartment 5 in its second configuration, where the shutters 7, 7' are retracted and release the openings 8, 8'. The housing 11 then fills with water as soon as it is immersed in the water thanks to the through-holes 12 and the openings 8, 8'. On the other hand, in the case where an additional safety system is fixed on the flotation device 1, for example by means of a female fastener (respectively, a male fastener) configured to engage in an additional male fastener (respectively, a female fastener), the closing of the fasteners has the effect of closing the switch 3.The head of the switch 3 is in fact placed in the detection configuration, where it rests against the electrical contact and closes the electrical loop, thus connecting the electrical contact to the control system 4. The . control system 4 then receives the information that compartment 5 must be placed in its first configuration, where the shutters 7, 7' close the openings 8, 8', thus preventing the entry of water into the housing 11.

[0046] In the event of the additional safety device of the personal flotation device 1 being released, the head of the switch 3 automatically switches from its detection position to its release position thanks to the return member.

[0047] In a second embodiment, the detector 3 comprises a contactor. The contactor makes it possible to open and close a switch upon receipt of an electrical signal. In one embodiment, the contactor comprises a coil, a return spring, several poles, a magnetic circuit consisting of a fixed conductive magnet and a movable conductive magnet, a phase shift ring and open or closed auxiliary contacts. The contactor has at least two configurations: a first configuration where the contacts are closed by bringing into contact the fixed and movable conductive magnets which stick together under the action of a magnetic field greater than a predetermined threshold, thus connecting the electrical contact to the control system 4. This magnetic field is created by the coil when it is traversed by an electric current greater than a predetermined threshold.In a second configuration, the contacts are opened by the absence of contact between the fixed and mobile conductive magnets, the coil being traversed by an electrical current of intensity lower than the predetermined threshold, the magnetic field created by the coil is not sufficient to stick the fixed and mobile conductive magnets.

[0048] Thus, in the case where the additional safety system is connected to the flotation device 1, the coil is traversed by an electric current greater than the predetermined threshold and the electrical contact is therefore connected to the control system 4. The latter then receives the information according to which the compartment 5 must be placed in its first configuration, where the shutters 7, 7' close the openings 8, 8' and prevent the entry of water into the housing 11. On the other hand, in the case where the additional safety system is not connected to the flotation device 1, no current passes through the coil of the contactor which detaches the conductive magnets, thus preventing any electric current from passing to the control system 4. The control system 4 then places the compartment 5 in its second configuration, where the shutters 7, 7' are retracted and release the openings 8, 8'.The housing 11 then fills with water when it is immersed via the through-holes 12 and the openings 8, 8'.

[0049] The detector 3 may, furthermore, be associated with a pressure sensor 2 configured to determine a pressure applied to the personal flotation device 1. The pressure sensor 2 is connected to the detector 3 and has the function of activating or deactivate the detector 3 by ensuring continuity or interruption of the power supply to the latter. When the detector 3 is deactivated, the control system 4 places the shutter 7 in its first configuration where the shutters 7, 7' close the openings 8, 8'. The triggering device 6 cannot therefore be triggered.

[0050] The pressure sensor 2 may for example comprise a hydrostatic device. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 2 may comprise a flexible membrane switch. Thus, when a pressure greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted on the flexible membrane of the switch, the membrane flexes and the electrical contact is established. The electrical current is then transmitted to the detector 3. As long as the pressure exerted on the membrane of the pressure sensor 2 is greater than the threshold, the passage of current to the detector 3 remains established. On the other hand, if the pressure exerted on the membrane is less than the threshold, the electrical contact is interrupted and the electrical current is no longer transmitted to the detector 3.

[0051] As we will see later, the use of a pressure sensor 2 makes it possible to carry out an initial detection of risks and thus to only request the rest of the device in the event of the actual presence of risks. In addition, by carrying out the continuity or interruption of the electrical power supply to the detector 3, the pressure sensor 2 makes it possible to save the battery of the flotation device 1.

[0052] With reference to [fig.2], a method of filling a bladder 10 of a personal flotation device 1, for example of such a flotation device 1, may comprise the following steps.

[0053] During a step S10, the method comprises determining the connection of the personal flotation device 1 to a complementary security system.

[0054] In the case where an additional safety system connected to the personal flotation device 1 is detected, during a step SU, the compartment 5 is placed in its first configuration, in which the openings 8, 8' are closed by the shutters 7, 7'. Step SI 1 thus makes it possible to prevent the triggering device 6 from being triggered because the water cannot circulate in the housing 11.

[0055] In the case where no additional safety system is detected during step S10, the compartment 5 is placed during a step S12 in its second configuration, in which the shutters 7, 7' are retracted and the openings 8, 8' are released. If necessary, during a step S13, the triggering device 6 can be triggered and fill the bladder 10 when water fills the housing 11

[0056] Where appropriate, the method may further comprise a step S9 of determining the pressure applied to the personal flotation device 1. In this embodiment, steps S10 and S11 are therefore only implemented when the pressure determined in step S9 is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0057] In one embodiment, step S1 1 is implemented if the pressure de completed in step S9 is less than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, step S10 is only implemented if the pressure determined in step S9 is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0058] The pressure detection thus makes it possible to carry out an initial detection of risks and to only activate the rest of the device in the event of the actual presence of risks. In addition, by ensuring continuity or interruption of the electrical power supply to the detector 3, the pressure sensor 2 makes it possible to save the battery of the flotation device 1.

Claims

Claims

1. Personal flotation device (1) comprising: - a bladder (10) - a compartment (5) comprising a wall (9) and at least one retractable shutter (7), said wall (9) delimiting a housing (11) and comprising at least one opening (8) passing through and opening onto the housing (11), said compartment (5) comprising a first configuration in which the opening (8) is closed by the shutter (7) and a second configuration in which the shutter (7) is retracted and releases the opening (8), - a trigger device (6) configured to trigger a filling of the bladder (10), said trigger device (6) being housed in the housing (11), - a detector (3) configured to determine whether the personal flotation device (1) is connected to a complementary safety system,- a control system (4) configured to control the shutter (7) between the first and second configuration depending on the determination made by the detector (3), - at least one detector (3) of the presence of a complementary security system, and - a wired or wireless communication interface connecting the presence detector (3) and the control system (4).,

2. Personal flotation device according to claim 1 wherein the compartment (5) comprises an additional shutter (7') and the wall (9) comprises an additional through opening (8') opening onto the housing (11), the additional shutter (7') being configured to close the additional opening (8') in the first configuration and to be retracted and release the additional opening (8') in the second configuration of the compartment (5).

3. Personal flotation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one shutter (7, 7') comprises a flap hinged on the wall (9) and / or mounted on guide rails and movable in translation relative to the at least one opening (8, 8').

4. A personal flotation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wall (9) comprises at least one partition (9a), the at least one through opening (8) being formed in the partition (9a), and wherein the compartment (5) comprises an upper part (5a) and a lower part (5b) separated by the partition (9a), a plurality of through holes (12) being formed in the wall (9) so as to open into the upper part (5a) of the compartment (5).

5. A personal flotation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pressure sensor (2) configured to determine a pressure applied to the personal flotation device (1).

6. A personal flotation device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the pressure sensor (2) comprises a hydrostatic device or a flexible membrane switch.

7. A personal flotation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the triggering device (6) comprises a cellulose-based striker.

8. Personal flotation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the detector (3) of the presence of the complementary safety system comprises a contactor.

9. Method for filling a bladder (10) of a personal flotation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 comprising the following steps: - S10: determining using a presence detector (3) whether the personal flotation device (1) is connected to the complementary safety system; - S11: if a complementary safety system is connected to the personal flotation device (1), placing the compartment (5) in the first configuration in which the at least one opening (8, 8') is closed by the at least one shutter (7, 7'); - S12: if no complementary safety system is connected to the personal flotation device (1), placing the compartment (5) in the second configuration in which the at least one shutter (7, 7') is retracted and the at least one opening (8, 8') is released.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, prior to step S10, a step S9 of determining the pressure applied to the personal flotation device (1), step S10 being implemented only when the pressure determined in step S9 is greater than a predetermined threshold.

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