Life-saving appliance attachment arrangement

Abstract

A life-saving appliance is adapted to allow an article to be coupled thereto. The life-saving appliance includes an outer layer (12) of material having an attachment area (10) with two spaced apart openings (16A, 16B) and a sheet (18) of material that is fixed to an interior surface (20) of the outer layer at the periphery of the attachment area. The two spaced apart openings are configured to receive a strip (14A) of material for attachment to the article. A first end of the strip passes through a first of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer, and a second end of the strip passes through a second of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer. The article is attached to the strip, thereby coupling the article to the life-saving appliance.

Description

[0001] LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCE ATTACHMENT ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a life-saving appliance adapted to allow an article to be coupled thereto . The present invention also relates a method of coupling an article to a life-saving appliance . The life-saving appliance may, for example , be a submarine escape suit , lifej acket , or single or multiple seater liferaft .

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] It is known to attach an article to a life-saving appliance by permanently fixing the article to the life-saving appliance - such as by welding or using adhesive . For example , it is known to attach articles to a lifesaving appliance - such as a submarine escape suit , lifej acket , or single or multiple seater liferaft - by using adhesive ; however, this makes it difficult or impossible to change the article used with the lifesaving appliance .

[0006] It is also known to attach an article to a life-saving appliance by releasably attaching the article to the life-saving appliance , but many of such known arrangements may allow unintended detachment of the article and / or may be complicated to use .

[0007] Single seat or multi-seater inflatable liferafts are important safety equipment . The liferafts are inflated by activating a release of gas from a compressed gas cylinder attached to the liferaft but can be orally topped up as well .

[0008] Single seat liferafts can be kept ready for deployment in various ways , such as :

[0009] • A single seat liferaft that is stowed on the underside of an ej ection seat in a fast j et aircraft . When the aircrew member ej ects from the aircraft in the seat , the liferaft remains attached to the aircrew member and when they land on water the liferaft can be inflated and the aircrew member climbs into it .

[0010] • A single seat life raft that is worn folded down into a small pack which is attached to the survival suit on the hip of a submariner ( see EP2066557 for "Submarine Escape Suit Assemblies" in the name of Survitec Group Ltd ) , when used as part of the SEIE ( Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment ) . After leaving the submarine escape chamber and when the survivor surfaces , they can then inflate the life raft and climb into it .

[0011] • A single seat liferaft that is worn as a back-pack by aircrew and other such persons , that , following the escape from a ditched aircraft , the survivor can then inflate the liferaft and climb into it .

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a life-saving appliance adapted to allow an article to be coupled thereto , the life-saving appliance including an outer layer of material having an attachment area with two spaced apart openings and a sheet of material that is fixed to an interior surface of the outer layer at the periphery of the attachment area , the two spaced apart openings being configured to receive a strip of material for attachment to the article , wherein a first end of the strip passes through a first of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer, and a second end of the strip passes through a second of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer .

[0014] By configuring the life-saving appliance as defined above , the strip may be connected to the life-saving appliance in such a way that the strip can be subsequently disconnected from the life-saving appliance without damaging the life-saving appliance . The article , which may be coupled to the life-saving appliance by the strip may therefore conveniently be changed as required . Further coupling of the article to the life-saving appliance may be a straightforward process that can be performed without special equipment .

[0015] The sheet of material that is fixed to the interior surface of the outer layer at the periphery of the attachment area may be fixed so as to form a continuous fluid-tight seal around the periphery of the attachment area . In one embodiment the lifesaving appliance is inflatable and outer layer and sheet form at least part of an inflatable chamber, the fluid-tight seal preventing escape of fluid and thereby enabling inflation of the life-saving appliance .

[0016] Reinforcing portions may be fixed around peripheries of the openings . This may strengthen the openings and reduce the likelihood of the outer layer tearing .

[0017] The life-saving appliance may be provided in combination with the strip, and opposite ends of the strip may be connected together at a region between the two spaced apart openings . This may securely attach the strip to the life-saving appliance . If the article is attached to a strip secured it this way, the article may be securely attached to the life-saving appliance by the strip . The region between the two spaced apart openings at which the opposite ends of the strip are connected together may be on the interior surface of the outer layer . This may reduce the likelihood of the strip ends becoming inadvertently detached from one another . The opposite ends of the strip may be releaseably attachable to one another . This may enable the article ( and strip ) to be removed from the life-saving appliance so that articles can be used with the life-saving appliance interchangeably .

[0018] If the region between the two spaced apart openings at which the opposite ends of the strip are connected together is on the interior surface of the outer layer and the life-saving appliance is inflatable , inflation of the life-saving appliance may advantageously press the sheet against the interior surface of the outer layer, thereby clamping the connected opposite ends of the strip therebetween and reducing the likelihood of the strip ends becoming inadvertently detached from one another .

[0019] The life-saving appliance may be inflatable . The life-saving appliance may be a submarine escape suit , lifej acket or single or multiple seater liferaft .

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of coupling an article to a life-saving appliance , wherein the life-saving appliance includes an outer layer of material having an attachment area with two spaced apart openings and a sheet of material that is fixed to an interior surface of the outer layer at a periphery of the attachment area, the method including passing a first end of a strip of material for attachment to the article through a first of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer, and a second end of the strip through a second of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer .

[0021] Opposite ends of the strip may be connected together at a region between the two spaced apart openings . The region between the two spaced apart openings at which the opposite ends of the strip are connected together may be on the interior surface of the outer layer .

[0022] The outer layer and sheet may form at least part of an inflatable chamber, and the method may include inflating the inflatable chamber such that the inflation exerts a pressure that presses the sheet towards the interior surface of the outer layer thereby clamping or squeezing or trapping a portion of the strip between the two spaced apart openings .

[0023] The method may further include attaching the article to the strip to thereby couple the article to the life-saving appliance . The article may be permanently or releasably attached to the strip .

[0024] The article may be an accessory for the life-saving appliance . Conveniently, embodiments of the invention allow the accessories used with the life-saving appliance to be readily changed . The accessory may, for example , be a handle , a stabilising water pocket , a strobe light pocket or an inflation system pocket .

[0025] According to various embodiments of the invention :

[0026] • This system may utilise touch and close tape , Velcro® tape , or hook and loop tape sewn or glued back-to-back . This system may utilise other releasable fastening technology for the strip such as press studs .

[0027] • The attachment method may ensure the security of attachment .

[0028] • The strip may be Velcro® One-Wrap tape may be 25mm wide black 'One-Wrap' tape , cut at 100mm long .

[0029] • The overlap of the tape may be made behind the region between the two spaced apart openings to prevent inadvertent opening .

[0030] • The arrangement may provide a strong modular attachment of articles to life-saving appliances .

[0031] • The arrangement may be used to enable easy attachment of subassemblies to a single seater liferaft .

[0032] • No adhesive application may be required to attach the article to the life-saving appliance .

[0033] • Sub-assemblies / articles can be manufactured separately and to meet customer requirements .

[0034] • Sub-assemblies / articles can be easily replaced during service life if required without the need for specialised tooling or storage and mixing of adhesives .

[0035] • Inflation of the life-saving appliance further enhances the security of attachment e . g . by squeezing the ends of the tape / strip together .

[0036] • A modular approach means customer specific parts can be easily attached and replaced .

[0037] The term "life-saving appliance" should be interpreted in a broad sense . The life-saving appliance may be any device referred to in the International Life-saving Appliance (LSA) Code . The life-saving appliance may be any safety, survival and lifesaving equipment , appliance and apparel . The life-saving appliance may be a Submarine-Escape Suit that has the attachment areas to attach crotch straps , adj ustment harnesses and equipment pockets , etc to the suit using the strips .

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] For a better understanding of the present invention an embodiment will now be described by way of example , with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0040] Figure 1 shows a side view of a liferaft ;

[0041] Figure 2 shows an overhead plan view of a liferaft with the canopy removed with a person present ;

[0042] Figure 3 shows an overhead plan view a liferaft with the canopy removed;

[0043] Figure 4 shows a cross-section taken along line B-B of Figure 3 ;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a cross-section taken along line A-A of Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 6 shows a cross-section taken of an attachment area of a liferaft , along line C-C of Figure 7 ;

[0046] Figure 7 shows a patrial view of a liferaft at an attachment area of a liferaft ;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a patrial view of a liferaft at an attachment area of a liferaft and including a coupling strip ;

[0048] Figure 9 shows an example coupling strip ; Figure 10 shows a patrial view of a liferaft at an attachment area of a liferaft , including a coupling strip with an article attached thereto ;

[0049] Figure 11A and 11B show two views an example of an article for coupling to the liferaft , this example being a handle ;

[0050] Figure 12 shows the handle of Figure 11 coupled to a liferaft ;

[0051] Figure 13 shows an example of an article for coupling to the liferaft , this example being a water pocket ;

[0052] Figure 14 shows the water pocket of Figure 13 coupled to a liferaft ;

[0053] Figure 15 shows an example of an article for coupling to the liferaft , this example being a strobe light pocket ;

[0054] Figure 16 shows the strobe light pocket of Figure 15 coupled to a liferaft ;

[0055] Figure 17 shows an example of an article for coupling to the liferaft , this example being a gas cylinder pocket ;

[0056] Figure 18 shows the gas cylinder pocket of Figure 17 coupled to a liferaft ; and

[0057] Figure 19 shows a side view of a liferaft with multiple article coupled thereto .

[0058] In the drawings , like elements are generally designated with the same reference signs .

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The invention is applicable to various types of devices . In the embodiment described below the device is a life-saving appliance , specifically a single seater liferaft but it should be appreciated that the invention is not so restricted .

[0061] Figures 1 to 5 show an example single seater liferaft L . The liferaft includes an inflatable buoyancy tube 1 , a floor 2 (which can be single layer or two layer and inflatable ) and a canopy 3 (which can be single layer or two layer and inflatable ) . The canopy 3 may be provided with a transparent window 4 .

[0062] The liferaft canopy 3 and floor 2 may comprise a single layer of material that consists of a textile supporting sheet ( for example nylon or polyester ) coated or laminated on the interior surface with a sheet of flexible , air impermeable polymer such as neoprene or polyurethane .

[0063] The floor 2 in this embodiment has two layers of material ( that each may consist of a textile supporting sheet ( for example nylon or polyester ) coated or laminated on the interior surface with a sheet of flexible , air impermeable polymer such as neoprene or polyurethane . An inflatable floor is made by welding together the two layers at certain points "X" ( see Figure 4 ) to create a "quilted" or "pillow" effect when inflated . The polyurethane coating can be welded together with a high frequency, or ultrasonic , welding system. The floor layers can be stitched and then sealed at their peripheries by taping them together or they can be welded together .

[0064] The liferaft canopy 3 may be made by also welding together two layers at certain points "Y" ( see Figures 1 and 4 ) to create a "quilted" or "pillow" effect when inflated . The layers of the canopy 3 may have a similar composition to the layers of the floor 2 ) . The canopy 3 layers can be stitched and then sealed at their peripheries by taping them together or they can be welded together .

[0065] Figure 4 shows the inflatable buoyancy tube 1 that is , for example , made up from textile substrate coated internally with a thermoplastic polymer ( such as polyurethane ) to make it airtight . The floor 2 is attached to a lower part of the buoyancy tube 1 , and the canopy 3 is attached to an upper part of the buoyancy tube 1 . Both the floor 2 and the canopy 3 are typically inflatable to give additional insulation to the occupant . To assemble the liferaft , multiple seams are sealed denoted by "Z" .

[0066] An inflation system typically uses compressed carbon dioxide that is released into the inflatable chambers of the buoyancy tube 1 , the floor 2 and the canopy 3 via an inflation valve .

[0067] The inflatable chambers of the buoyancy tube 1 , the floor 2 and the canopy 3 may be fitted with oral inflation valves , such that they can be "topped up" by mouth .

[0068] Figure 6 shows an attachment area 10 formed on an outer layer 12 of the liferaft . The outer layer 12 may be part of the tube 1 , floor 2 or canopy 3 . The term "outer layer" is used to distinguish the layer with the attachment area 10 from any other internal layers ( if provided ) , such as an inner layer of a quilted canopy or floor . As mentioned above , the floor 2 and / or the canopy 3 may be formed of a single layer, which would be the "outer layer" . Any reference to an "outer layer" does not imply the presence of any further layers .

[0069] The attachment area 10 is provided to allow a strip 14 of material , indicated by dashed line 14A in Figure 6 , to be attached to the liferaft . The strip of material is configured to be connected to an article , such as a sub-assembly of the liferaft , so that the article is connected to the liferaft by the attachment of the strip to the liferaft . The strip of material may be permanently or releasably connected to the article

[0070] Two spaced apart openings 16A and 16B are formed in the outer layer 12 within the attachment area 10 . As shown in Figure 7 , the openings 16A and 16B may be generally rectangular or oval in shape . The openings 16A and 16B may be rounded rectangular openings ( i . e . rectangles with rounded corners ) .

[0071] A sheet or patch of material 18 is fixed to an interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 at the periphery of the attachment area 10 . The exterior surface of the outer layer 12 is an uncoated face of the outer layer 12 . The sheet of material 18 may fixed by weld 19 to the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 or attached by any other suitable means such as adhesive . The sheet of material 18 is generally circular in this embodiment with the weld 19 being a circular weld around the periphery of the sheet of material 18 . The weld 19 may create a visible circular indentation 22 in the outer layer 12 , as shown in Figure 7 . The weld 19 is generally circular in this embodiment , although other shapes may be used without affecting functionality .

[0072] In the embodiment , the sheet of material 18 is fixed to the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 so as to form a fluid- tight seal so that fluid within the tube 1 , floor 2 or canopy 3 ( of which the outer layer 12 is a part ) cannot escape through the openings 16A and 16B . The openings 16A and 16B therefore do not prevent the tube 1 , floor 2 or canopy 3 form being inflated .

[0073] A reinforcement patch 24 may optionally be fixed to the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 in a region around the openings 16A and 16B to reduce the likelihood of the outer layer 12 tearing . The reinforcement patch 24 may be fixed to the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 be welds 26 . The position of the reinforcement patch 24 is shown by the dashed line 24A in Figure 7 . The reinforcement patch 24 is generally circular in this embodiment , although other shapes may be used . The reinforcement patch 24 has openings at positions corresponding to the openings 16A and 16B in the outer layer 12 so as not to obstruct the openings 16A and 16B .

[0074] Figure 8 shows the strip 14 of material attached to the attachment area 10 . The two spaced apart openings 16A and 16B are configured to receive the strip 14 , wherein a first end of the strip 14 passes through a first 16A of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet 18 and the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 , and a second end of the strip 14 passes through a second 16B of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet 18 and the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 . In the embodiment the first and second ends of the strip 14 overlap in a region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B, as indicated by the dashed line 14A in Figure 6 .

[0075] The openings 16A and 16B may be any shape that is suitable for receiving the strip 14 of material and are not restricted to the shapes shown or described .

[0076] The first and second ends of the strip 14 are attached together by any suitable means . The first and second ends of the strip 14 may be releasably attachable to one another . For example , the first and second ends of the strip 14 may have hook and loop surfaces that attach to one another or may each have co-operating press studs that releasably attach to one another .

[0077] The article may be attached to the strip 14 by any suitable means . The article may be releasably attached to the strip 14 by any suitable means . For example , the outward facing region 30 of the strip 14 that overlies the exterior of the outer layer in the region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B may have a hook and loop surface that attaches to a corresponding hook and loop surface of the article . In an alternative example , the outward facing region 30 of the strip 14 that overlies the exterior of the outer layer in the region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B may have one or more press studs that attaches to corresponding one or more press studs of the article .

[0078] The article may be permanently attached to the strip 14 by any suitable means . For example , the article may be attached to the strip 14 by adhesive , by welding or by stitching . Optionally, the entire strip 14 may have hook and loop surfaces on both sides . For example , the strip 14 may be formed of VELCRO® brand ONE-WRAP® self -gripping fastener , that has a back-to-back hook and loop system . VELCRO brand ONE-WRAP straps wrap around obj ects to be bundled or controlled, and then the remaining strap tip attaches back onto itself for a neat and secure closure without the need for extra fastenings . The ONE-WRAP selfgripping fastener is reusable and flexible .

[0079] The strip 14 may have the form shown in Figure 9 . The strip 14 may be generally rectangular and flexible so that it can be folded around in a loop as shown in Figures 6 and 8 . The strip 14 may be 100mm long and 25mm wide , although other dimensions and shapes may of course be used according to the circumstances , size of the liferaft , size of the article , size and shape of the openings 16A and 16B , etc .

[0080] Figure 10 shows an example of an article 40 attached to the strip 14 . The inward facing surface 42 of the article 40 may have a hook and loop surface that attaches to hook and loop surface of the outward facing region 30 of the strip 14 , to connect the article 40 to the strip 14 . The article 40 may be releasably connected to the strip 14 so that it can be changed easily . As the strip 14 is secured to the attachment area 10 of the liferaft , the article is coupled to the liferaft .

[0081] The article 40 in some embodiments may not have a hook and loop surface . The article 40 may include a loop formation through which the strip 14 passes before the opposite ends of the strip 14 are attached to one another under the region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B , the article being coupled to the liferaft by engagement of the loop formation with the strip 14 . Such a loop formation may be used instead of a hook and loop surface of the article .

[0082] The article may include a connecting strap around which the strip 14 passes before the opposite ends of the strip 14 are attached to one another under the region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B, the article being coupled to the liferaft by engagement of the strip 14 with the connecting strap . Such a loop formation may be used instead of a hook and loop surface of the article .

[0083] The article 40 may be attached to the strip 14 by welding, by adhesive or by stitching , for example . If the article 40 is permanently connected to the strip 14 it may still be changed easily as the strip may be releasably attached to the liferaft . When the strip 14 is secured to the attachment area 10 of the liferaft , the article is coupled to the liferaft .

[0084] A method of coupling the article to the liferaft includes passing a first end of the strip 14 of material for attachment to the article through a first 16A of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet 18 and the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 , and a second end of the strip 12 through a second 16B of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet 18 and the interior surface 20 of the outer layer 12 . The first and second ends of the strip 14 and then attached to one another . The article may then be attached to the strip , or the article may have previously been attached to the strip , attachment of the strip to the liferaft thereby coupling the article to the liferaft .

[0085] The liferaft may be provided with a plurality of attachment areas 10 , the number of which may depend on the nature and the number of articles to be coupled to the liferaft . The attachment areas may be on the buoyancy tube 1 , floor 2 and / or on the canopy 3

[0086] The article for coupling to the liferaft may be of any type .

[0087] In one example , the article may be a handle 50 such as a boarding handle for assisting the user to board the liferaft , as shown in Figures 11A and 11B . Such a handle 50 comprises a flexible strap 52 and a one of the strips 14 at each end for connection to respective attachment areas 10 on the liferaft , as described above . The flexible strap 52 is grippable by a user . The flexible strap 52 may be sewn onto the strips 14 or attached by any other suitable means . Figure 12 shows the handle 50 coupled to the liferaft by its strips 14 being connected at respective attachment areas 10 .

[0088] In another example , the article may be a stabilising water pocket 60 as shown in Figure 13 . The water pocket 60 has a box-like structure with two openings 62 at the top to allow water to enter and leave . The water pocket 60 can be attached to the buoyancy tube 1 to help to stabilise the liferaft on the water surface . Preferably a water pocket 60 is provided on each opposite side of the liferaft . The water pocket 60 comprises a connecting region 64 at each of the four top corners . The connecting regions 64 at each corner provide a connecting strap 66 between two through-holes 68 in the connecting region 64 . As shown in Figure 14 , the water pocket 60 is attached to the liferaft by aligning the connecting regions 64 with the attachment areas 10 so that the through holes 68 of the connecting regions 64 align with the openings 16A and 16B of the attachment areas 10 and looping one of the strips 14 around both the region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B and the connecting strap 66 of the water pocket 60 to thereby couple the water pocket 60 to the liferaft . Two opposite connecting regions 64 of the water pocket 60 may be coupled to one attachment area 10 .

[0089] In another example , the article may be a strobe pocket 70 for storing a strobe light , as shown in Figure 15 . A strobe pocket strap 72 may be attached to the strobe pocket 70 and may include a hook and loop region 74 for attachment to a corresponding hook and loop region of the outward facing region 30 of the strip 14 to couple the strobe pocket 70 to the liferaft . As shown in Figure 16 , the strobe pocket 70 may be attached to the canopy 3 when an attachment area is provided on the canopy 3 . In another example , as shown in Figures 17 and 18 , the article may be a cylinder pocket 80 that comprises a sheet of flexible material 82 that forms a generally cylindrical pocket 84 for accommodating an inflation gas cylinder and operating mechanism 86 for inflating the liferaft . The cylinder pocket 80 further comprises an elongated ( e . g . rectangular ) material patch 88 having a connecting region 90 at each of the four corners . The connecting regions 90 at each corner provide a connecting strap 92 between two through-holes 94 in the connecting region 90 . The cylinder pocket 80 is attached to the liferaft by aligning the connecting regions 90 with four attachment areas 10 so that the through holes 94 of the connecting regions 90 align with the openings 16A and 16B of the attachment areas 10 and looping one of the strips 14 around both the region 28 between the openings 16A and 16B and the connecting strap 92 of the cylinder pocket 80 to thereby couple the cylinder pocket 80 to the liferaft . Two opposite connecting regions 90 of the cylinder pocket 80 may be coupled to one attachment area 10 . The cylinder pocket 80 may also be provided with an ( e . g . generally disc shaped) antichafing patch 96 .

[0090] Figure 19 shows the liferaft with multiple articles attached thereto , including the handle 50 , the stabilising water pocket 60 , the strobe pocket 70 and the cylinder pocket 80 . It should be understood that the attachment region 10 can be used to couple many different types of article to the liferaft other than the article described .

[0091] Although the invention has been described with reference to an embodiment where the device to which the article is attached is a life-saving appliance in the form of a liferaft , it should be appreciated that the device could be any other type of device . The device may be a lifesaving appliance such as a submarine escape suit , lifej acket , or single or multiple seater liferaft . The device may have another application that is not lifesaving . If the device / lif e-saving appliance ( or part thereof ) is inflatable , the outer layer 12 and the sheet 18 may form at least part of an inflatable chamber . When the inflatable chamber is inflated this may press the sheet 18 against the outer layer 12 . Advantageously, this may clamp the attached opposite ends of the strip 14 between the sheet 18 against the outer layer 12 thereby preventing, or at least reducing the likelihood, that the opposite ends of the strip 14 become unintentionally detached .

[0092] The invention is also applicable to devices / lif e-saving appliances ( or parts thereof ) that are not inflatable . For example , a single layer canopy 3 is not itself inflatable . However, an article may be advantageously attached to the canopy 3 by the attachment area 10 described above . The sheet 18 prevents water from entering the interior of the canopy through the openings 16A and 16B .

[0093] In the embodiments , hook and loop fasteners are used to provide releasable attachment . Other types of fasteners , such as press studs , may be used as an alternative .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A life-saving appliance adapted to allow an article to be coupled thereto , the life-saving appliance including an outer layer of material having an attachment area with two spaced apart openings and a sheet of material that is fixed to an interior surface of the outer layer at the periphery of the attachment area, the two spaced apart openings being configured to receive a strip of material for attachment to the article , wherein a first end of the strip passes through a first of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer, and a second end of the strip passes through a second of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer .2 . The life-saving appliance of claim 1 , wherein the sheet of material that is fixed to the interior surface of the outer layer at the periphery of the attachment area is fixed so as to form a continuous fluid-tight seal around the periphery of the attachment area .3 . The life-saving appliance of claim 2 , wherein the lifesaving appliance is inflatable and the outer layer and the sheet form at least part of an inflatable chamber .4 . The life-saving appliance of claim 1 , 2 or 3 , including reinforcing portions fixed around peripheries of the openings .5 . The life-saving appliance of any one of claims 1 to 4 , in combination with the strip, wherein opposite ends of the strip are connected together at a region between the two spaced apart openings .6 . The life-saving appliance of claim 5 , wherein the region between the two spaced apart openings at which the oppositeends of the strip are connected together is on the interior surface of the outer layer .7 . The life-saving appliance of any one of claims 5 to 6 , wherein the opposite ends of the strip are releasably attachable to one another .8 . The life-saving appliance of claim 7 , wherein the opposite ends of the strip include hook and loop fastening regions .9 . The life-saving appliance of any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the article configured to be releasably attached to the strip .10 . The life-saving appliance of claim 9 , wherein the article includes a hook and loop fastening region for releasably attachment to the strip .11 . The life-saving appliance of any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the lifesaving appliance is submarine escape suit , life j acket , or single or multiple seater liferaft .12 . A method of coupling an article to a life-saving appliance , wherein the life-saving appliance includes an outer layer of material having an attachment area with two spaced apart openings and a sheet of material that is fixed to an interior surface of the outer layer at a periphery of the attachment area , the method including passing a first end of a strip of material for attachment to the article through a first of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer, and a second end of the strip through a second of the two spaced apart openings and between the sheet and the interior surface of the outer layer .13 . The method of claim 12 , including connecting opposite ends of the strip together at a region between the two spaced apart openings .14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the region between the two spaced apart openings at which the opposite ends of the strip are connected together is on the interior surface of the outer layer .15 . The method of claim 12 , 13 or 14 , wherein the outer layer and sheet form at least part of an inflatable chamber, and including inflating the inflatable chamber such that the inflation exerts a pressure that presses the sheet towards the interior surface of the outer layer thereby clamping a portion of the strip between the two spaced apart openings .

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