Lifesaving equipment

Abstract

To create a simple and low-cost life-saving device that can stabilize the user's floating posture. [Solution] The inflatable body 1 is positioned only in the inflatable area 1A that covers the front side F of the user when inflated. The cord-like body 4 is provided with a first connecting portion 41 and a second connecting portion 42 that are connected to a belt. The belt is provided with a first belt-side connecting portion 31 that connects to the first connecting portion 41, and a second belt-side connecting portion 32 that is positioned away from the first belt-side connecting portion 31 and connects to the second connecting portion 42. The second connecting portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 are configured to be detachable, separating from each other when the inflatable body 1 is deflated and connecting to each other when the inflatable body 1 is inflated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a life-saving device including a floating bag body that changes its state between an inflated state and a contracted state, a case that houses the floating bag body in the contracted state, and a belt to which the case is attached and wrapped around the waist of a user.

Background Art

[0002] An example of such a life-saving device is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3508930 (Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The life-saving device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a life jacket (3) as a floating bag body that changes its state between an inflated state and a contracted state. The life jacket (3) is housed in a waist port (a case) (4) in the contracted state, and pops out from the waist port (4) and becomes inflated in response to the user getting wet. The user can float near the water surface by the buoyancy of the inflated life jacket (3).

[0004] Here, in the life-saving device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the life jacket (3) is connected to the waist belt (5) at one location via a connecting belt (13). If the life jacket (3) is connected to the waist belt (5) only at one location, it is usually difficult to stabilize the floating posture of the user. However, the life jacket (3) in Patent Document 1 compensates for the stability of the floating posture by its shape arranged from the front side to the rear side of the user. However, in order to realize the stability of the user's floating posture by the shape of the floating bag body, repeated experiments and delicate designs are required for the shape, resulting in increased research and development costs and the likelihood of high costs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] In light of the above circumstances, there is a need to develop a simple and low-cost life-saving device that can stabilize the user's floating posture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A life-saving device comprising: a float that changes between an inflatable and a deflated state; a case that houses the float in its deflated state; and a belt to which the case is attached and which is wrapped around the user's waist, The inflatable body is positioned only in the inflatable area that covers the front of the user when inflated. A cord-like body is provided to support the aforementioned float and, in the inflated state, is positioned to surround the outer edge of the inflated area when viewed in the front-to-back direction. The cable-like body comprises a first connected portion and a second connected portion that are connected to the belt, The belt is provided with a first belt-side connecting portion that connects the first connected portion, and a second belt-side connecting portion that is positioned away from the first belt-side connecting portion and connects the second connected portion. The second connected portion and the second belt-side connecting portion are configured to be detachable, separating from each other in the contracted state and connecting to each other in the expanded state.

[0008] In this configuration, the inflatable float is positioned only in the inflatable area that covers the front of the user. That is, the float only inflates in front of the user, and there are no particular restrictions on its shape. Therefore, the float can be made into a simple shape, which can reduce costs. Despite the simple shape of the float, the cable-like structure that supports it is connected to the belt at two points, the first belt-side connection and the second belt-side connection, so that the inflatable float can be stably supported, and consequently, the user's floating posture can be easily stabilized. Furthermore, the second connected part and the second belt-side connection, which constitute one of the two connection points, are configured to be detachable, so they can be separated from each other when the float is deflated. Therefore, when storing the deflated float in the case, the float and the cable-like structure that supports it can be appropriately stored inside the case, using the connection point between the first connected part and the first belt-side connection, which is the other connection point that is always connected, as a reference. Thus, with a simple configuration that only requires switching between connecting and disconnecting the second connected portion and the second belt-side connected portion, it is possible to achieve stable support of the inflatable body and proper storage of the deflated body. As described above, this configuration makes it possible to realize a life-saving device that can stabilize the user's floating posture in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the usage status of life-saving equipment [Figure 2] A diagram showing the bloated float contained within the case. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the swim bladder in an inflated state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Life-saving devices are used, for example, in bodies of water such as the sea or rivers, and help to bring a user to the surface in the event of an emergency (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "in the event of an emergency"), such as when a user wearing a life-saving device accidentally falls into the water. The embodiments of life-saving devices will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the life-saving device 100 comprises a flotation device 1 that changes between an inflated state and a deflated state, a case 2 that houses the flotation device 1 in its deflated state, a belt 3 to which the case 2 is attached and which is wrapped around the user's 9 waist 90, and a rope-like body 4 that supports the flotation device 1. Figure 1 shows the user 9 using the life-saving device 100, with the flotation device 1 in its inflated state. Figure 2 shows the flotation device 1 in its deflated state housed in the case 2. Figure 3 shows the flotation device 1 popping out of the case 2 and in its inflated state.

[0013] User 9 can use the life vest 100 by wearing a belt 3 around their waist 90. A case 2 containing a deflated flotation device 1 is attached to this belt 3. If user 9 falls into the water, the flotation device 1 will inflate outside the case 2, providing buoyancy to user 9 and allowing them to float near the water's surface.

[0014] In the life-saving device 100 disclosed herein, the flotation device 1 inflates only at the front F of the user 9. In other words, the flotation device 1 does not inflate at the rear B of the user 9. More specifically, the flotation device 1 does not have a portion that inflates at the rear B of the user 9. Therefore, the user 9 is in a position where the front F of their body (such as the chest and abdomen) is pulled above the water surface, allowing them to float near the water surface in a backward-leaning posture. This backward-leaning posture near the water surface is an ideal posture for the user 9 to breathe easily and is also a favorable posture for waiting for rescue. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the user 9 can achieve a more stable backward-leaning posture near the water surface by holding the flotation device 1, which inflates at the front F of their body, with both arms.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the belt 3 is provided with a buckle 30. The buckle 30 is configured to connect the belt 3 in a connected state.

[0016] As described above, the case 2 is attached to the belt 3. The case 2 is configured to accommodate the floating bag body 1 in a contracted state.

[0017] The case 2 is provided with an opening / closing part 20 through which the floating bag body 1 can enter and exit. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing part 20 is configured using a surface fastener. Thereby, it is easy to accommodate and eject the floating bag body 1 with respect to the case 2. In particular, in an emergency where an urgent response is required, the ejection of the floating bag body 1 from the case 2 can be made smooth.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the attachment position of the case 2 with respect to the belt 3 is arranged at any position of the right waist 90R and the left waist 90L of the user 9 in a state where the user 9 wears the belt 3. In the illustrated example, the case 2 is arranged at the position of the right waist 90R of the user 9.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the case 2 is fixedly attached to the belt 3 in a non-detachable manner. For example, the case 2 may be sewn to the belt 3. However, it is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the case 2 may be connected to the belt 3 by buttons or the like and be detachable.

[0020] In the present embodiment, a first belt-side connection part 31, which is a part for connecting the cable body 4 (see FIG. 3) to the belt 3, is arranged inside the case 2. That is, in the present embodiment, inside the case 2 fixedly arranged at the right waist 90R of the user 9, the first belt-side connection part 31 for connecting one end part (a first connected part 41 described later) of the cable body 4 is arranged. Therefore, one end part of the cable body 4 is fixedly arranged at the right waist 90R of the user 9 together with the case 2.

[0021] The second belt-side connecting portion 32, which is another portion for connecting the cable body 4 to the belt 3, is arranged on the side where the first belt-side connecting portion 31 is not arranged, among the right waist portion 90R and the left waist portion 90L of the user 9, when the user 9 wears the belt 3. In the illustrated example, the second belt-side connecting portion 32 is arranged at the position of the left waist portion 90L of the user 9. Thereby, the other end portion (the second connected portion 42 described later) of the cable body 4 connected to the second belt-side connecting portion 32 can be arranged at the left waist portion 90L of the user 9.

[0022] The inflation area 1A where the inflated buoyant body 1 is arranged is set on the front side F of the user 9. The inflation area 1A is arranged so as to cover the front side F of the user 9. The inflation area 1A is set so as to cover at least the chest 92 of the user 9. That is, the buoyant body 1 will be arranged at least near the chest 92 of the user during the inflated state. Thereby, it is possible to make it easier to float the user 9 in a reclined posture (see FIG. 1). Incidentally, if the inflation area 1A is set from the chest 92 to the abdomen of the user 9, it is preferable because the floating posture of the user 9 can be stabilized.

[0023] Next, the description will be continued mainly referring to FIG. 3 showing the inflated buoyant body 1.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the life-saving device 100 is provided with a cable body 4 for supporting the buoyant body 1. The cable body 4 is connected to the belt 3 and is configured to support the buoyant body 1. The cable body 4 is housed inside the case 2 together with the contracted buoyant body 1 and is arranged outside the case 2 together with the inflated buoyant body 1.

[0025] The cable body 4 includes a first connected portion 41 and a second connected portion 42 that are connected to the belt 3. In the present embodiment, one end portion of the cable body 4 is the first connected portion 41 and the other end portion is the second connected portion 42.

[0026] The belt 3 is provided with a first belt-side connecting portion 31 that connects to the first connected portion 41 of the cord-like body 4, and a second belt-side connecting portion 32 that is positioned away from the first belt-side connecting portion 31 and connects to the second connected portion 42.

[0027] In this embodiment, with the user 9 wearing the belt 3, the first belt-side connecting portion 31 is positioned on the user 9's right waist 90R (or left waist 90L), and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 is positioned on the user 9's left waist 90L (or right waist 90R). That is, when the float bladder 1 is inflated, the first connected portion 41, which is one end of the cord-like body 4 that supports the float bladder 1, is positioned on the user 9's right waist 90R, and the second connected portion 42, which is the other end of the cord-like body 4, is positioned on the user 9's left waist 90L. As a result, the buoyancy of the float bladder 1 acts in a balanced manner on both the user 9's right waist 90R and left waist 90L, making it easier to further stabilize the user 9's floating posture.

[0028] The second connected portion 42 of the cord-like body 4 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 of the belt 3 are configured to be detachable, separating from each other when the float bladder 1 is contracted and connecting to each other when the float bladder 1 is inflated. In this embodiment, the second connected portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 are configured to be separated and connected to each other using a buckle.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the cord-like body 4 is housed in the case 2 together with the retracted float body 1 (see Figure 2). Therefore, when the cord-like body 4 is housed in the case 2, it is connected to the belt 3 only at the connection point between the first connected portion 41 and the first belt-side connecting portion 31. Consequently, in this case, the other connection points, the second connected portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32, are separated.

[0030] On the other hand, in the event of an emergency, if the flotation device 1 and the cable-like body 4 are ejected from the case 2, the cable-like body 4 will be connected not only at the connection point between the first connected portion 41 and the first belt-side connecting portion 31, which are always connected, but also at the connection point between the second connected portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32. The connection between the second connected portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 is performed manually by the user 9.

[0031] As mentioned above, when the floatation bladder 1 is inflated, the first connected portion 41 of the cord-like body 4 and the first belt-side connected portion 31 of the belt 3 are positioned on either the right waist 90R or the left waist 90L of the user 9 (in this example, the right waist 90R), while the second connected portion 42 of the cord-like body 4 and the second belt-side connected portion 32 of the belt 3 are positioned on either the right waist 90R or the left waist 90L of the user 9 (in this example, the left waist 90L).

[0032] The inflation area 1A is set to cover the front side F of the user 9, and the cord-like body 4 is positioned so as to surround the outer edge of the inflation area 1A when viewed from the front or back, with the second connected portion 42 connected to the second belt-side connecting portion 32 (inflated state of the float 1). The float 1 is positioned only in the inflation area 1A when inflated.

[0033] Thus, in the life-saving device 100 according to this disclosure, the inflatable buoyancy aid 1 is positioned only in the inflatable area 1A that covers the front side F of the user 9. In other words, the buoyancy aid 1 inflates only in front of the user 9, and there are no particular restrictions on its shape. Therefore, the buoyancy aid 1 can be made into a simple shape, and costs can be reduced.

[0034] In this embodiment, the float 1 is formed as a single unit when inflated. In this specification, "single unit" refers to a shape that is uniform overall and does not have any distinctive features such as protrusions or constrictions (parts where the volume is smaller) locally. With this configuration, compared to the case of using a flotation device that is vest-shaped or ring-shaped, which are commonly seen in life-saving devices, the shape of the float 1 does not require meticulous design to properly float the user 9, making it easier to reduce research and development costs and manufacturing costs and achieve low costs. In this embodiment, the float 1 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front to back when inflated.

[0035] Furthermore, despite the simple shape of the inflatable bladder 1, the cord-like body 4 supporting the bladder 1 is connected to the belt 3 at two points: a first belt-side connecting part 31 at the right waist 90R and a second belt-side connecting part 32 at the left waist 90L. Therefore, the inflatable bladder 1 can be stably supported, and consequently, the user's 9 floating posture can be easily stabilized.

[0036] Furthermore, by positioning the inflated float 1 only in the inflated area 1A that covers the front of the user 9 F, it is possible to pull the parts of the user 9's front F, such as the chest 92, upward towards the water surface. Therefore, it is easier to achieve an ideal backward-leaning posture for the user 9 while floating.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cord-like body 4, when the float bladder body 1 is inflated, comprises a first extending portion 41a extending upward from the first connected portion 41 ("towards the head of the user 9", the same applies hereinafter), a second extending portion 42a extending upward from the second connected portion 42, and a connecting portion 43 connecting the upper end of the first extending portion 41a and the upper end of the second extending portion 42a. In other words, the cord-like body 4 is formed in an arch shape, starting at the first connected portion 41 and ending at the connected second connected portion 42.

[0038] The expansion area 1A is located inside the cord-like body 4 when viewed in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the first extension portion 41a and the float body 1 (specifically the right-side R portion of the float body 1) are connected by an extension suture portion 41b formed along the first extension portion 41a. Similarly, the second extension portion 42a and the float body 1 (specifically the left-side L portion of the float body 1) are connected by an extension suture portion 42b formed along the second extension portion 42a. Thus, even if the float body 1 is a single, solid shape that generates a large buoyancy, the float body 1 is linearly connected to the cord-like body 4, and the connection between the cord-like body 4 and the float body 1 is able to withstand the large buoyancy generated in the float body 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the inflatable body 1 is inflated, a holding portion 5 is provided on the upper side of the inflatable body 1 to hold the upper part of the user's 9 upper body. With this configuration, the inflatable body 1 is supported at three points: the holding portion 5, the first belt-side connecting portion 31, and the second belt-side connecting portion 32. Therefore, the inflatable body 1 can be further stabilized by three-point support.

[0040] In this embodiment, the holding part 5 is configured to be placed around the user's neck 93. This configuration allows the buoyancy of the float bladder 1 to act on the user's neck 93, making it easier to keep the user's head above the water surface. Consequently, the user can more easily maintain a posture that facilitates breathing.

[0041] As explained above, the float bladder 1 inflates only in the inflatable area 1A located in front of user 9, allowing user 9 to float near the water surface in a backward-leaning posture.

[0042] In this embodiment, the life-saving device 100 includes an inflation unit 6 that changes the state of the flotation device 1 from a contracted state to an inflated state.

[0043] The inflation unit 6 comprises an air filling device 61 and a cylinder 62. The air filling device 61 is configured to supply compressed air or other gas contained in the cylinder 62 to the float bladder 1. In this example, the operation of the air filling device 61 is performed by the user 9. It may also be performed automatically when a water entry detection device (not shown) detects the user 9. In the illustrated example, the inflation unit 6 includes an auxiliary air supply pipe 63 to supplement the amount of air supplied to the float bladder 1 by the air filling device 61. The auxiliary air supply pipe 63 may be configured, for example, to supply the user 9's exhaled breath to the float bladder 1.

[0044] As the inflatable body 1 inflates in the expansion area 1A located in front of the user 9 (F), the front surface of the inflatable body 1 is more easily exposed above the water surface. In this embodiment, a reflector 10 is provided on the front surface of the inflatable body 1. Since the inflatable body 1 is formed as a single unit, the portion exposed above the water surface tends to be large, and the reflector 10 can be provided on the front surface of the inflatable body 1, which is such an exposed portion, making it easier to make the user 9 waiting for rescue near the water surface more visible.

[0045] According to the life-saving device 100 described above, it is possible to properly stabilize the user's floating posture in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0046] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0047] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the opening and closing part 20 of case 2 is constructed using hook and loop fasteners. However, it is not limited to such an example. The opening and closing part 20 may be constructed using, for example, a zipper or buttons.

[0048] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first belt-side connecting portion 31, which is the part that connects the cable-like body 4 to the belt 3, is located inside the case 2. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example. The first belt-side connecting portion 31 may be located outside the case 2.

[0049] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the second connected portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 are configured to be separated and connected to each other using a buckle. However, the invention is not limited to such an example. The second connected portion 42 and the second belt-side connecting portion 32 may be configured to be separated and connected to each other using, for example, a button.

[0050] (4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the holding part 5 is configured to hang around the neck 93 of the user 9. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example. The holding part 5 may be configured, for example, to allow each of the user 9's arms to be inserted.

[0051] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the operation of the inflation device 61 is performed by the user 9. However, the invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the operation of the inflation device 61 may be performed automatically when a water entry detection device (not shown) detects the user 9.

[0052] (6) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can also be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0053] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0054] A life-saving device comprising: a float that changes between an inflatable and a deflated state; a case that houses the float in its deflated state; and a belt to which the case is attached and which is wrapped around the user's waist, The inflatable body is positioned only in the inflatable area that covers the front of the user when inflated. A cord-like body is provided to support the aforementioned float and, in the inflated state, is positioned to surround the outer edge of the inflated area when viewed in the front-to-back direction. The cable-like body comprises a first connected portion and a second connected portion that are connected to the belt, The belt is provided with a first belt-side connecting portion that connects the first connected portion, and a second belt-side connecting portion that is positioned away from the first belt-side connecting portion and connects the second connected portion. The second connected portion and the second belt-side connecting portion are configured to be detachable, separating from each other in the contracted state and connecting to each other in the expanded state.

[0055] In this configuration, the inflatable float is positioned only in the inflatable area that covers the front of the user. That is, the float only inflates in front of the user, and there are no particular restrictions on its shape. Therefore, the float can be made into a simple shape, which can reduce costs. Despite the simple shape of the float, the cable-like structure that supports it is connected to the belt at two points, the first belt-side connection and the second belt-side connection, so that the inflatable float can be stably supported, and consequently, the user's floating posture can be easily stabilized. Furthermore, the second connected part and the second belt-side connection, which constitute one of the two connection points, are configured to be detachable, so they can be separated from each other when the float is deflated. Therefore, when storing the deflated float in the case, the float and the cable-like structure that supports it can be appropriately stored inside the case, using the connection point between the first connected part and the first belt-side connection, which is the other connection point that is always connected, as a reference. Thus, with a simple configuration that only requires switching between connecting and disconnecting the second connected portion and the second belt-side connected portion, it is possible to achieve stable support of the inflatable body and proper storage of the deflated body. As described above, this configuration makes it possible to realize a life-saving device that can stabilize the user's floating posture in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0056] In the inflated state, it is preferable that the first connected portion and the first belt-side connected portion are positioned on either the user's right or left waist, and the second connected portion and the second belt-side connected portion are positioned on the other of the user's right or left waist.

[0057] With this configuration, the buoyancy of the float acts in a balanced manner on both the user's right and left hips, making it easier to further stabilize the user's floating posture.

[0058] In the inflated state, it is preferable that a holding portion is provided on the upper side of the float to hold the upper part of the user's upper body.

[0059] In this configuration, the inflated float is supported at three points: the holding portion, the first belt-side connecting portion, and the second belt-side connecting portion. Therefore, the inflated float can be further stabilized by three-point support.

[0060] The aforementioned holding part is preferably configured to be worn around the user's neck.

[0061] With this configuration, the user can properly handle the inflatable buoyancy aid by simply connecting the second connected portion on the cord-like body to the second belt-side connected portion on the belt, and then placing the holding portion around their neck.

[0062] It is preferable that a reflector is provided on the front surface of the float.

[0063] The inflatable buoyancy device, inflated in the inflatable area in front of the user, is easily exposed above the water surface due to buoyancy. With this configuration, a reflector is provided on the front of the buoyancy device exposed above the water surface, making it easier to spot the user waiting for rescue, for example. [Industrial applicability]

[0064] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a life-saving device comprising a float that changes between an inflated state and a deflated state, a case for housing the float in the deflated state, and a belt that is wrapped around the user's waist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100: Lifesaving equipment 1: Swimming bladder 10:Reflector 1A: Expansion area 2: Case 3: Belt 31: First belt side connecting section 32: Second belt side connection part 4: funicular body 41:First connected part 42:Second connected part 5: Holding part 9:User 90: Waist 90L: Left waist 90R: Right waist 93:Neck F:Front side

Claims

1. A life-saving device comprising: a float that changes between an inflatable and a deflated state; a case that houses the float in its deflated state; and a belt to which the case is attached and which is wrapped around the user's waist, The inflatable body is positioned only in the inflatable area that covers the front of the user when inflated. A cord-like body is provided to support the aforementioned float and, in the inflated state, is positioned to surround the outer edge of the inflated area when viewed in the front-to-back direction. The cable-like body comprises a first connected portion and a second connected portion that are connected to the belt, The belt is provided with a first belt-side connecting portion that connects the first connected portion, and a second belt-side connecting portion that is positioned away from the first belt-side connecting portion and connects the second connected portion. The second connected portion and the second belt-side connecting portion are configured to be detachable, separating from each other in the contracted state and connecting to each other in the expanded state. A life-saving device characterized by the following features.

2. In the inflated state, the first connected portion and the first belt-side connected portion are positioned on either the user's right or left waist, and the second connected portion and the second belt-side connected portion are positioned on the other of the user's right or left waist. The life-saving device according to feature 1.

3. In the inflated state, a holding portion is provided on the upper side of the float to hold the upper part of the user's upper body. The life-saving device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned holding part is configured to be worn around the user's neck. The life-saving device according to feature 3.

5. A reflector is provided on the front surface of the aforementioned float. A life-saving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images