AU4894000A

AU4894000A - Safety suit

Info

Publication number: AU4894000A
Application number: AU48940/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Geoffrey Mark Ferries; Murray Howard Wallace
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-08-04
Filing date: 2000-07-31
Publication date: 2001-04-05

Description

Al P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT u Name of Applicants: Actual Inventors Address for service is: Geoffrey Mark FERRIES and Murray Howard WALLACE Geoffrey Mark FERRIES and Murray Howard WALLACE WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Safety Suit" Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): PQ2051 and PQ4326 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- 'Safety Suit' Field Of The Invention The present invention relates to a safety suit. More particularly, the safety suit of the present invention is worn whilst engaging in activities in and around water.

Background Art Unfortunately, water related deaths occur frequently. Many of these deaths could be prevented by the wearing of life jackets, or similar flotation devices. For some aquatic activities, the wearing of life jackets is mandatory. However for many, wearing a life jacket is inconvenient, impractical or sometimes merely unfashionable. For example, activities which require submerging such as bathing or snorkeling render the use of a life jacket impractical, yet a participant in such activities may readily find themselves in a situation where a life jacket would prove life saving.

Further, aquatic activities such as surfing, windsurfing and bathing have 15 generated a culture in which aesthetic considerations are very important, if not paramount. Accordingly, any safety device that is obtrusive or appears unattractive will meet appreciable resistance, despite any benefits.

eeee° Additionally, circumstances under which a water related death might occur often arise rapidly and spontaneously, taking even highly experienced swimmers unawares. Accordingly, a safety device that is sufficiently unobtrusive to be worn at all times whilst in or about the water is highly advantageous.

Australian Patent Application 36018/71 (Aquasport Pty Ltd) discloses a wet suit with an integral buoyancy member in its upper part. The buoyancy member of the embodiment described therein comprises a portion of nitrile foam, although closed-cell foams or air cells are envisaged.

-3- Whilst fulfilling the safety requirements of a life jacket, the wet suit of Australian Patent Application 36018/71 is not suitable for applications such as snorkeling or bathing generally, where the positively buoyant member would virtually prevent the wearer from submerging.

Further, the bulk of the buoyant member is likely to make the wetsuit of Australian Patent Application 36018/71 unattractive to persons engaging in aquatic activities where a life jacket is not required, such as bathing or surfing. A culture exists around such activities where aesthetic considerations are extremely important, if not paramount.

Australian Petty Patent 593511 (Pinhorn) describes a body suit incorporating a breast plate formed of a highly buoyant material, under which is located an inflatable swim bladder, adapted to be manually inflated by way of a tube.

Further swim bladders are envisaged, although such are positioned about the body of the user with a view to controlling the buoyancy of a body surfer assuming a prone position in the water, and have negligible safety value.

•go• It is one object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the problems of the prior art, by providing a safety suit that does not inhibit sub- S°surface activity to the same extent as the prior art, whilst at the same time being aesthetically acceptable.

20 The preceding discussion of the background to the present invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

-4- Disclosure Of The Invention In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a safety suit comprising a suit portion tailored to cover at least a portion of the torso of a wearer, an inflatable buoyancy assembly, and an inflation means, wherein the inflation means is adapted to inflate the inflatable buoyancy assembly, and the suit portion maintains the inflatable buoyancy assembly in position about the pectoral and back regions of the wearer.

The inflatable buoyancy assembly may comprise one or more inflatable buoyancy cells.

oooo 10 In one form of the invention, the inflation means is provided in the form of a gas cartridge assembly, comprising a cartridge of compressed gas in communication .with the inflatable buoyancy assembly, and an actuation means operatively interconnected with the cartridge of compressed gas such that actuation of the actuation means causes release of the compressed gas from the cartridge and :15 inflation of the inflatable buoyancy means.

Conveniently, the compressed gas may be provided in the form of carbon dioxide.

Preferably, the cartridge of compressed gas is releasably secured to the suit, being positioned about the suit such that it does not inhibit the comfort or freedom of movement of the wearer. Preferably still, the gas cartridge is positioned about the back of the wearer. Further and still preferably, the gas cartridge is releasably secured to the suit by way of a corrosion resistant releasable fastener. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the corrosion resistant releasable fastener is provided in the form of a hook and loop type fastener, such as VELCRO®.

Preferably, the gas cartridge is concealed from view by way of a cartridge concealment means. In one form of the invention, the cartridge concealment means is provided in the form of two or more complementary components of a portion of hook and loop type fastener material, such as VELCRO®, wherein the gas cartridge is concealed between the complementary components, with one of said components being fixed to the suit. Conveniently, the corrosion resistant releasable fastener and the concealment means are integral.

Preferably, the actuation means is positioned about the suit such that the actuation means would be readily accessible to the wearer whilst wearing the suit. Preferably still, the actuation means is positioned at or about a pectoral region of the wearer.

Preferably, the actuation means comprises a toggle, operatively interconnected to the gas cartridge by way of a length of line. Preferably still, the toggle is concealed from view by way of a toggle concealment means. In one form of the invention, the toggle concealment means is provided in the form of two or more complementary components of a portion of hook and loop type fastener material, such as VELCRO®, wherein the toggle is concealed between the complementary components, and one of said components is fixed to the suit. In a highly specific form of the invention, the toggle is provided in the form of a ring.

oo o The safety suit of the present invention may further comprise a deflation valve, in communication with the inflatable buoyancy assembly. The deflation valve may be provided with a safety cap, to prevent accidental actuation thereof.

20 In an alternative form of the invention, the inflation means is provided in the form of an oral inflation device. Preferably, the oral inflation device comprises a mouthpiece, in communication with the inflatable buoyancy assembly by way of a length of tubing. In one form of the invention, the oral inflation device is positioned such that it would be readily accessible to the wearer whilst wearing the suit. Preferably, the oral inflation device is positioned at or about a pectoral region of the wearer.

In an alternate form of the invention, the oral inflation device is positioned such that it would be very difficult for the wearer to access the oral inflation device whilst wearing the suit. It is envisaged that this feature of this form of the -6invention would enable parents to control the level of buoyancy of a safety suit worn by a child.

In a further form of the invention, the inflation means comprises both an oral inflation device, and a gas cartridge assembly.

In one form of the invention, the deflation valve is positioned such that it would be readily accessible to the wearer whilst wearing the suit. In an alternative form of the invention, the deflation valve is positioned such that it would be very difficult for the wearer to access the deflation valve whilst wearing the suit.

Where the deflation valve is positioned such that it would be very difficult for the 10 wearer to access the deflation valve whilst wearing the suit, the deflation valve is preferably fitted with a safety cap in the form of a childproof cap of known type. It is envisaged that this feature of this form of the invention would enable parents to control the level of buoyancy of a safety suit worn by a child.

In one form of the invention, the suit portion is provided in the form of a wetsuit, 15 such as those commonly used by surfers, windsurfers, water skiers or divers. In oooo an alternative form of the invention, the suit portion is provided in the form of an item of swimwear, or a sun suit, such as those formed of LYCRA®. In a further oform of the invention, the suit portion is provided in the form of a pair of water resistant overalls, such as those commonly used by rock and beach fishermen.

20 Brief Description of The Drawings The safety suit of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to two embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a front view of a safety suit in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention suit, showing a suit portion adapted to cover a torso of a wearer, an inflatable buoyancy assembly, an oral inflation device, and a deflation valve; -7- Figure 2 is a front view of a safety suit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a suit portion adapted to cover a torso of a wearer, an inflatable buoyancy assembly, a ring toggle and a length of wire; Figure 3 is a rear view of the safety suit of Figure 2 showing a cartridge of compressed gas in communication with the length of wire; Figure 4 is a rear view of a safety suit in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a front view of the safety suit of Figure 4; *go.

10 Figure 6 is a front view of a safety suit in accordance with a fourth •embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a rear view of the safety suit of Figure 6.

Best Mode(s) For Carrying Out The Invention In Figure 1 there is shown a safety suit 10 in accordance with a first embodiment ,15 of the present invention. The safety suit 10 comprises a suit portion 12, adapted to cover the torso of a wearer (not shown), an inflatable buoyancy assembly in S the form of a single air cell 14, an inflation means in the form of a oral inflation device 16, and a deflation valve 18.

The air cell 14 is fixed within the suit portion 12, which maintains the air cell 14 in position over the pectoral and back regions of the wearer. The oral inflation device 16 comprises a mouthpiece 20 and a length of tubing 22 wherein the mouthpiece 20 is in communication with the single air cell 14 by way of the length of tubing 22. The oral inflation device 16 is positioned on the upper pectoral region of the wearer, such that it is readily accessible by the wearer whilst wearing the safety suit The deflation valve 18 is also positioned on the upper pectoral region of the wearer, such that it is readily accessible by the wearer whilst wearing the safety suit 10. The deflation valve 18 is in communication with the single air cell 14, allowing regulation of the pressure thereof, and thus regulation of the buoyancy of the safety suit 10, and the wearer.

In use, the wearer may inflate the air cell 14 to the desired pressure by way of the oral inflation device 16 before entering the water. The pressure may be regulated at any time by way of the deflation valve 18.

Alternatively, the wearer may enter the water with the air cell 14 completely 10 deflated, only inflating such by way of the oral inflation device 16 if required.

00.0 The location of the air cell 14 over the pectoral and back regions of the wearer "offers several advantages. Firstly, the arm movements of the wearer are in no 0 way restricted as is the case with buoyancy devices positioned along the sides of the wearer, even when the air cell 14 is inflated. Further, from an aesthetic 15 perspective, the minimal though additional bulk of the air cell 14 beneath the •.000 safety suit 10 is positioned to be flattering for wearers of either sex, avoiding the resistance associated with devices situated around the sides and/or belly regions 9*oo of the wearer. Finally, the positioning of the air cell 14 is such that the wearer is 0000 caused to float upright, an extremely important safety consideration.

0 20 In Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a safety suit 24 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The safety suit 24 is substantially identical to the safety suit 10, and like numerals are used to denote like parts. However, the oral inflation device 16 of the safety suit 10 is replaced with a gas cartridge assembly 26.

The gas cartridge assembly 26 comprises a cartridge of compressed carbon dioxide 28, in communication with the air cell 14 and operatively interconnected with an actuation means in the form of a ring toggle 30 by way of a length of line 32.

-9- The cartridge 28 is releasably secured to the suit portion 12 about the back of the wearer, such that the cartridge 28 does not interfere with the comfort or inhibit the freedom of movement of the wearer, as can best be seen in Figure 3. The ring toggle 30 is positioned about the upper pectoral region of the wearer, such that it is readily accessible to the wearer whilst wearing the safety suit 24.

Accordingly, the length of line 32 operatively interconnecting the ring toggle and the cartridge 28 passes over the shoulder of the wearer, within the suit portion 12.

The cartridge 28 is releasably secured to the suit portion 12 and concealed from view by way of an integral releasable fastener and cartridge securing means in the form of first and second complementary portions of VELCRO® 34 and 36.

ooThe first portion of VELCRO 34 is fixed to the suit portion 12, with the second °o*O portion 36 being attached to the first portion 34 by an edge thereof to create a flap arrangement, the cartridge 28 being releasably secured and concealed between the first and second portions 34 and 36.

Further, the ring toggle 30 is concealed by way of an toggle concealment means in the form of first and second complementary portions of VELCRO® 38 and The first portion of VELCRO® 38 is fixed to the suit portion 12, with the second o portion 40 being attached to the first portion 38 by an edge thereof to create a flap arrangement, the ring toggle 30 being concealed between therebetween.

0 In use, the safety suit 24 is typically worn with the air cell 14 in a deflated state.

When the wearer becomes concerned for his or her safety, the second portion of VELCRO® may be removed from the first portion 38 exposing the ring toggle The wearer may then pull on the ring toggle 30, causing the length of line 32 to act on the gas cartridge 28. The gas cartridge 28 releases its contents into the air cell 14, causing such to rapidly inflate.

It is envisaged that the gas cartridge 28 be of a single use variety, being readily accessed and replaced by the second portion of VELCRO® 36 from the first portion 34.

In Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a safety suit 42 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The safety suit 42 is substantially identical to the safety suit 10, and like numerals are used to denote like parts. However the safety suit 42 is adapted for use by children, with the oral inflation device 16 and deflation valve 18 being positioned to be difficult for the wearer to access whilst wearing the suit 42. Further, the deflation valve 18 is provided with a safety cap (not shown) to prevent accidental deflation of the air cell 14. The suit portion 12 is styled to be worn by a male child.

In use, a parent inflates the air cell 14 of the safety suit 42 to the desired level by way of the oral inflation device 16. The safety cap prevents the wearer from deflating the air cell 14.

In Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a safety suit 44 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The safety suit 44 is substantially identical to the safety suit 42, and like numerals are used to denote like parts. However, 15 the suit portion 12 is styled to be worn by a female child.

ooo.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are co are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

oo.

*O°

Claims

1. A safety suit comprising a suit portion tailored to cover at least a portion of the torso of a wearer, an inflatable buoyancy assembly, and an inflation means, wherein the inflation means is adapted to inflate the inflatable buoyancy assembly, and the suit portion maintains the inflatable buoyancy assembly in position about the pectoral and back regions of the wearer.

2. A safety suit according to claim 1 wherein the inflatable buoyancy assembly comprises one or more inflatable buoyancy cells. *o

3. A safety suit according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inflation means is provided in the form of a gas cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge of compressed gas in communication with the inflatable buoyancy :i assembly, and an actuation means operatively interconnected with the cartridge of compressed gas, whereby actuation of the actuation means •go° causes release of the compressed gas from the cartridge and inflation of the inflatable buoyancy means.

4. A safety suit according to claim 3 wherein the compressed gas is provided in the form of carbon dioxide.

A safety suit according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the cartridge of compressed gas is releasably secured to the suit, being positioned about the suit such that it does not inhibit the comfort or freedom of movement of the wearer.

6. A safety suit according to claim 5 wherein the cartridge of compressed gas is positioned on the back of the wearer.

7. A safety suit according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the cartridge of compressed gas is releasably secured to the suit by way of a corrosion resistant releasable fastener. -12-

8. A safety suit according to claim 7 wherein the corrosion resistant releasable fastener is provided in the form of a hook and loop type fastener, such as VELCRO®.

9. A safety suit according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the cartridge of compressed gas is concealed from view by way of a cartridge concealment means.

A safety suit according to claim 9 wherein the cartridge concealment means is provided in the form of two or more complementary components of a portion of hook and loop type fastener material, the gas cartridge being 10 concealed between the complementary components, with one of said :components being fixed to the suit.

*11. A safety suit according to 10 wherein the corrosion resistant releasable fastener and the concealment means are integral.

12. A safety suit according to any one of claims 3 to 11 wherein the actuation means is positioned about the suit such that the actuation means is readily V* accessible to a wearer whilst wearing the suit.

13. A safety suit according to claim 12 wherein the actuation means is positioned at or about a pectoral region of the wearer.

14. A safety suit according to any one of claims 3 to 13 wherein the actuation means comprises a toggle, operatively interconnected to the gas cartridge by way of a length of line.

A safety suit according to claim 14 wherein the toggle is concealed from view by way of a toggle concealment means.

16. A safety suit according to claim 15 wherein the toggle concealment means is provided in the form of two or more complementary components of a portion of hook and loop type fastener material, and the toggle is concealed between -13- the complementary components, with one of said components being fixed to the suit.

17. A safety suit according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the toggle is provided in the form of a ring.

18. A safety suit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the safety suit further comprises a deflation valve, in communication with the inflatable buoyancy assembly.

19. A safety suit according to claim 18 wherein the deflation valve is positioned such that it would be readily accessible to a wearer whilst wearing the suit. 10

20. A safety suit according to claim 18 wherein the deflation valve is positioned such that it would be very difficult for the wearer to access the deflation valve whilst wearing the suit.

21. A safety suit according to claim 20 wherein the deflation valve is provided with a safety cap, to prevent accidental actuation thereof.

22. A safety suit according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the inflation means is provided in the form of an oral inflation device.

23. A safety suit according to claim 22 wherein the oral inflation device comprises a mouthpiece, in communication with the inflatable buoyancy assembly by way of a length of tubing.

24. A safety suit according to either claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the oral inflation device is positioned such that it would be readily accessible to a wearer whilst wearing the suit.

A safety suit according to claim 24 wherein the oral inflation device is positioned at or about a pectoral region of the wearer. -14-

26. A safety suit according to claim 22 or 24 wherein the oral inflation device is positioned such that it would be very difficult for a wearer to access the oral inflation device whilst wearing the suit.

27. A safety suit according to any one of claims 22 to 26 wherein the inflation means further comprises a gas cartridge assembly.

28. A safety suit according to any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the suit portion is provided in the form of a wetsuit.

29. A safety suit according to any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the suit portion is provided in the form of an item of swimwear, or a sun suit. 10

30. A safety suit according to any one of claims 1 to 27 wherein the suit portion is provided in the form of a pair of water resistant overalls. 00

31. A safety suit substantially as described herein with reference to Figurel, Figure 2 and 3, Figure 4 and 5, or Figure 6 and 7. .o.o 0 Dated this THIRTY FIRST day of JULY 2000. GEOFFREY MARK FERRIES and MURRAY HOWARD WALLACE Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant