EP0176533A1 - Individual salvage device - Google Patents

Individual salvage device

Info

Publication number
EP0176533A1
EP0176533A1 EP19850901473 EP85901473A EP0176533A1 EP 0176533 A1 EP0176533 A1 EP 0176533A1 EP 19850901473 EP19850901473 EP 19850901473 EP 85901473 A EP85901473 A EP 85901473A EP 0176533 A1 EP0176533 A1 EP 0176533A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hollow conduit
rescue device
belt
conduit
pocket
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19850901473
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Monique née AMIEL MARIOTTO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0176533A1 publication Critical patent/EP0176533A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C9/15—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments
    • B63C9/155—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments inflatable

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an individual rescue device intended to equip a person, such as a bather, yachtsman, passenger or boat staff, water skier, marine platform worker ... in order to ensure, when necessary, his safety when it is accidentally or voluntarily submerged in water.
  • the invention relates to a device of the type comprising a flexible pocket arranged to be inflated when ordered by a pressurized gas in order to constitute a volume of fluidity.
  • Known devices of this type generally include a small bottle of compressed gas under high pressure, which is connected to the inflatable flexible bag by means of a perforating member making it possible to perforate, on order, the closing head. .
  • This bottle is fixed on a strap which is called to surround the waist of the user: in certain cases, it is the inflatable pocket itself which forms a belt.
  • Such devices are described in particular in patent FR 2 050 966 or patent US 2 869 151.
  • the device is very bulky and constitutes an important nuisance for the user; in particular such a device is not adapted to be worn permanently by a bather.
  • the very high pressures necessary make the device dangerous and require bottles with very thick walls, which have the disadvantage of being very heavy.
  • the inflation of the flexible pockets arranged in a belt can cause an unpleasant compression of the size of the user, compression which can sometimes cause discomfort.
  • the reserve used is a reserve of liquefied gas in particular liquefied C0 2 ; these devices, however, have the defects of the last case mentioned above.
  • the pocket which, once inflated, forms the volume of buoyancy is generally situated at the level of the navel or the stomach of the person, that is to say in a position close to the center. of its severity; this pocket is incapable of holding the person stably on the surface of the water, so that his head remains above the surface.
  • US Pat. No. 3,925,838 describes an inflatable collar which is arranged around the neck of a person so as to constitute, after inflation, a volume of buoyancy situated in a good position to ensure that the head of the person is held in place. - above the water surface.
  • a volume of buoyancy situated in a good position to ensure that the head of the person is held in place. - above the water surface.
  • this type of device leads to providing a very loose collar around the neck to limit these risks of strangulation during inflation, but the wearing of such a collar in the non-inflated state is then extremely unpleasant.
  • this necklace cannot be adjusted to the neck of the person wearing it and the risk of strangulation remains for people with a large neck.
  • connection piece between flexible bag and collar must therefore both allow the collar to be filled beforehand by means of pressurized gas and, during use, ensure inflation on command of the bag.
  • the connection endpiece designed in US Pat. No. 3,925,838 to fulfill these two functions is relatively complex and expensive, and notably increases the cost price and the weight of the collar.
  • the present invention proposes to overcome the shortcomings of known devices and to provide a new individual rescue device which poses no risk to the user and is discreet and comfortable.
  • Another objective of the invention is to provide a simple, light and inexpensive device, the implementation of which is simple and easy both for filling under pressure of the gas reserve and, during use, for inflation of the pocket if necessary.
  • the device covered by the invention comprises, on the one hand, a reserve of pressurized gas contained in a sealed hollow conduit capable of withstanding the pressure of the gas without significant deformation, said conduit being closed at one end and having a nozzle for connection at its other end, on the other hand, a flexible pocket having a mouth fixed on the aforementioned connection endpiece so as to be able to be inflated when ordered by pressurized gas in order to constitute a buoyancy volume; in accordance with the present invention, this device is characterized by the combination of the following characteristics:
  • the hollow duct acting as a gas reserve has a length and a circumferential elasticity, adapted to allow it to be arranged as a belt around the waist of a person, with a covering portion of the two ends against one another ,. said ends of the hollow duct are provided with fastening means making it possible to fix them one against the other, with a covering portion of adjustable length,
  • the inflatable bag is arranged so as to be separable from the hollow duct with the only connection being the fixing of its mouth on the connection end piece,
  • said inflatable pocket is associated with attachment means adapted to allow it to be disposed either in a folded position against the hollow duct, or in a position separated from the hollow duct in order to form a loop passing behind the neck of the person, the connection endpiece is provided with maneuverable closure means adapted, on the one hand, to allow prior pressurization of the hollow conduit before fixing the mouth of the pocket on its endpiece connection, on the other hand, to allow the communication between the hollow conduit and the flexible bag to be opened when the latter is in place.
  • two sizes can be provided:. one for adults with a length of hollow conduit forming a belt between ion and 140 cm and a capacity pouch in the inflated state between 5.5 and 10 liters,
  • the other for children with a length of hollow duct forming a belt of between 70 and 100 cm and a capacity pouch in the inflated state of between 3 and 5.5 liters.
  • the flexible pocket is of elongated shape and is fixed along a strap provided with fastening members allowing, either to fix said strap along the hollow conduit forming a belt and against it , or to link together the two ends of the strap independently of the hollow conduit in order to form the loop passing at the back of the person's neck.
  • the flexible pocket advantageously comprises two sections of elongated shape, extending on either side of its mouth, so as to go up along the thorax on one side and the other of the central area thereof when the pocket is arranged along of the previously mentioned loop.
  • connection end piece comprises:
  • a body fitted by its amon end into the hollow conduit and provided at its other downstream end with a cylindrical portion for fixing the mouth of the flexible bag, said body having an upstream axial channel opening at its upstream end, a downstream axial channel opening at its downstream end and upstream and downstream radial channels causing the upstream axial channel and the downstream axial channel respectively to communicate with the periphery of the body,
  • Such arrangements provide a space-saving tip of simple structure, the implementation of which is particularly easy both during the prior pressurization of the hollow conduit forming a belt and during inflation of the bag by the person wearing the device.
  • FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the device according to the invention, with enlargement of a detail,.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view at expanded scale of said device at the connection end-piece,
  • FIG. 3 is a partially developed view of the flexible bag linked to its carrying strap and
  • FIG. 4 is a section through a plane AA ′,
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are axial sections of the connection end piece respectively at rest (closed position) and in the active state (open position),
  • FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the installation of the device and its operation
  • FIG. 10 is a cross section on an expanded scale of the hollow conduit forming a belt
  • Figure 11 is a cross section of a variant of hollow conduit forming a belt.
  • the individual rescue device shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 5 comprises a hollow duct 1 which in the example has a section
  • This semi-rigid type duct is made of synthetic material in order to have an operating pressure approximately between 100 and 250 bars.
  • This conduit can in particular be formed by
  • a composite material of the "NERFLEX” type comprising a layer of polyamide, a braid of polyester fibers and a layer of polyurethane; the external diameter of such a conduit can be chosen equal to 1.4 cm and internal diameter equal to 0.8 cm.
  • Such a duct has an operating pressure of
  • This conduit is adapted to the size of the user in order to be able to surround it.
  • 35 with a covering portion For example, two lengths can be provided, one for children between 70 and 100 cm (especially around 85 cm), the other for adults between 100 and 140 cm (especially around 120 cm).
  • the duct 1 is sealed in a sealed manner one of its ends la; in the case where the duct is specially molded to the desired length, this closure is achieved by a molded wall integrally with the duct. If an already existing conduit is used, this obturation can be achieved by means of a plug fixed at the end of the conduit, in particular by an adhesive adapted to resist the pressure.
  • connection end piece 2 which has the triple function: of allowing the pressurization of the hollow duct beforehand, of closing this duct in the normal state of rest,. and to provide, on command, the transfer of gas to an inflatable flexible bag 3.
  • connection end piece 2 has a body 4 having an upstream end 4a whose external diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of the hollow duct 1. This end is fitted into the duct 1 and bonded therein so as to withstand the pressure.
  • the body is provided with an end piece 5 which is tightly screwed into it.
  • This part is provided with an external rib 5b and an elbow 5a.
  • the inflatable flexible bag 3 which will be described later has a mouth 3a which, in the example, consists of a valve connector 6.
  • the end piece 5 is provided with a thread 5c for fixing, either the valve connection 6 of the bag, or a compressed air bottle head, allowing the hollow duct 1 to be pressurized.
  • the body 4 of the connecting piece is pierced with an upstream axial channel 7 opening at its upstream end, with a downstream axial channel 8 extending in the end piece 5 to open at the downstream end, and upstream 9 and downstream 10 radial channels respectively causing the upstream axial channel 7 and the downstream axial channel 8 to communicate with the periphery of the body.
  • the body 4 has a cylindrical surface which extends over most of its length and carries a movable sleeve 11 capable of sliding externally along this cylindrical surface.
  • This bushing is provided on its bore with an annular groove 11a which extends axially over a distance slightly greater than the distance separating the upstream radial channels 9 and the downstream radial channels 10.
  • the sleeve 11 can thus slide between a closed position ( Figure 5) where the upstream 9 and downstream 10 radial channels are isolated, and an open position ( Figure 6) where said channels open into the groove 11a.
  • Three O-rings such as 12 seal the cylindrical surface of the body 4 and the bore of the movable sleeve 11.
  • the sleeve 11 is provided in its upstream part with an external rib 11b.
  • a spring 13 is disposed around said sleeve and the body 4 between the rib 11b thereof and the rib 5b of the body; this spring biases the bushing towards its open position.
  • a pin 14 is secured around the body (in an external groove formed therein) and blocks the bush 11 in its closed position, serving as a support for the latter in this position.
  • the pin 14 has a loop 14a which is located outside of this sleeve, in order to authorize the withdrawal of said pin by a traction exerted on its loop: the connection end piece is then brought into its open position under the action of the spring 13 and the gas under pressure inflates the flexible bag 3.
  • a calibrated orifice 16 prevents the inflation from being too abrupt (inflation time of the order of 1 to 5 seconds).
  • the closed end 1a thereof can be caused to cover the other end over a variable length depending on the waist size of the user; securing means make it possible to fix these ends one against the other in the appropriate position.
  • These means can very simply be constituted by one or more tabs such as 17, made of flexible material, fixed on one of the ends; each leg is adapted to be able to close on it- even by enclosing the other end.
  • a surface of an attachment material such as "VELCRO" makes it possible to hang the two ends of each tab 17.
  • the flexible pocket 3 which is shown in the partially developed state in the figure comprises two sections of shape elongated 3b and 3c that extend on either side of its mouth 3a.
  • the pouch has a suitable shape for forming, after inflation, two approximately cylindrical volumes.
  • the pocket 3 is fixed along a strap 18 defining two strands which each carry one of the sections of the flexible pocket.
  • the pocket is folded along the strap 18 by longitudinal folds as shown in Figure 4; it is glued to the strap by its part directly applied against it and is held in the folded state by a thin tearable sheath 24.
  • the two strands of the strap 18 are provided with fastening members 19, 20, 21 which allow either to fix these strands along the hollow conduit 1, or to link them together at the back of the neck of the 'user.
  • attachment tabs 19, 20, 21 are provided on each strand, one 19 near the mouth 3a, the other 21 at the end of the strap and the third 20 in position intermediate, near the end of the corresponding pocket section.
  • These attachment tabs are provided as above with attachment surfaces allowing them to close on themselves after having gripped the hollow conduit 1.
  • the attachment tabs 21 located near the ends of the strands also make it possible to fix said ends l 'one on top of the other on the back of the user's neck.
  • the length of the strap 18 is provided sufficient to allow it to go up along the torso of the user and form a loop at the back of the neck (as shown in Figure 8).
  • the length of the sections 3b and 3c of the flexible pouch can be reduced so that these sections go up approximately to the pectorals when the strap is buckled at the back of the neck. If necessary, a greater length can be provided (the sections going up to the base of the neck).
  • each of its strands can be folded back and secured against the hollow duct by means of the tab 21 as shown in detail in FIG. 1.
  • the flexible bag 3 has a capacity in the inflated state of between 3 and 10 liters depending on the destination of the device (between 3 and 5.5 liters for children and between 5.5 and 10 liters for adults).
  • the rescue device described can be worn like a belt as illustrated in FIG. 7. It is devoid of any bottle (in particular of a bottle under high pressure or of large capacity), is very discreet and does not present any risk. for the user.
  • This device can, if necessary, be used from the position of FIG. 7, by ensuring a withdrawal pull on the pin 14.
  • the two pocket sections then inflate along the belt, in front of the hollow duct.
  • the device is arranged in the position shown in Figure 8: the strap 18 is separated from the hollow duct 1 to close it protested to the rear R of the user's neck and form a loop. It should be noted that the attachment tabs 19 located in the vicinity of the mouth of the flexible bag 3 remain attached around the hollow conduit, in order to avoid that traction is exerted directly on this mouth.
  • the pressurized gas from the hollow conduit inflates the two pocket sections (FIG. 9); the holding sheaths 24 are torn and the pocket forms buoyancy volumes capable of holding the user on the surface, the head out of the water.
  • the pin 14 can be replaced by a water-soluble blocking member, which will cause the inflation automatically after immersion.
  • the prior operation of pressurizing the hollow conduit 1 is carried out in a very simple manner through the connection end piece 2 before fitting the flexible bag 3. The end piece being in its active position (pin withdrawn: FIG. 6 ), the head of a pressure tank is screwed into the internal thread 5c.
  • FIG 10 There is shown in Figure 10 the section of the hollow conduit 1 described above, on a scale 4.
  • This conduit may also have an ovalized section as shown at 22 in Figure 11 (same scale).
  • This section can in particular be provided with one (or more) internal stiffening wall 23 which prevents it from deforming.
  • Such a section has the advantage of being flatter and more comfortable to wear (it comes pressing against the size of the user by one of the flattened parts of its section).
  • EXAMPLE i Total length of duct 1 between 100 and. 140 cm and in particular equal to 120 cm,. Surface of its internal section between 0.40 and 1 cm 2 and in particular equal to 0.50 cm 2 ,
  • Capacity of the flexible bag of between 5.5 and 10 liters and in particular equal to 9 liters.
  • EXAMPLE 2 Length of duct 1 between 70 and 100 cm and in particular equal to 85 cm,
  • Capacity of the flexible bag between 3 and 5.5 liters and in particular equal to 4.8 liters.
  • the two pocket sections can optionally be folded down along the same end of the hollow conduit, the two strands of the strap being linked together, after a prior adjustment of their length to fit around the neck of the 'user. After inflation, the strap can then be quickly passed by the user around his neck in order to arrange the pocket in the position of FIG. 9.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif individuel de sauvetage destiné à être disposé autour de la taille d'une personne. Ce dispositif comprend une poche souple (3b, 3c) agencée pour être gonflée à la commande par un gaz sous pression en vue de constituer un volume de flottabilité. Le gaz sous pression est contenu dans un conduit creux étanche (1) adapté pour faire office de ceinture; ce conduit présente une section apte à résister à la pression du gaz; des moyens d'attache (18) sont associés à la poche gonflable pour permettre de la disposer, soit dans une position rabattue contre le conduit creux (1), soit dans une position séparée du conduit creux en vue de former une boucle passant à l'arrière du cou de l'utilisateur.Individual rescue device intended to be placed around the waist of a person. This device comprises a flexible pocket (3b, 3c) arranged to be inflated when ordered by a gas under pressure in order to constitute a buoyancy volume. The pressurized gas is contained in a sealed hollow conduit (1) adapted to act as a belt; this duct has a section capable of withstanding the pressure of the gas; attachment means (18) are associated with the inflatable bag to allow it to be disposed either in a folded position against the hollow duct (1), or in a position separated from the hollow duct in order to form a loop passing through the back of the user's neck.

Description

DISPOSITIF INDIVIDUEL DE SAUVETAGE INDIVIDUAL RESCUE DEVICE
L'invention concerne un dispositif individuel de sauvetage destiné à équiper une personne, telle que baigneur, plaisancier, passager ou personnel de bateau, skieur nautique, ouvrier de plateforme marine... en vue d'assurer en cas de besoin sa sécurité lorsqu'elle se trouve plongée accidentellement ou volontairement dans l'eau. L'invention vise un dispositif du type comprenant une poche souple agencée pour être gonflée à la commande par un gaz sous pression en vue de constituer un volume de f lottabili té.The invention relates to an individual rescue device intended to equip a person, such as a bather, yachtsman, passenger or boat staff, water skier, marine platform worker ... in order to ensure, when necessary, his safety when it is accidentally or voluntarily submerged in water. The invention relates to a device of the type comprising a flexible pocket arranged to be inflated when ordered by a pressurized gas in order to constitute a volume of fluidity.
Les dispositifs connus de ce type comprennent généralement une petite bouteille de gaz comprimé sous pression élevée, qui est reliée à la poche souple gonflable par l'entremise d'un organe de perforation permettant d'en perforer, à la commande, la tête de fermeture. Cette bouteille est fixée sur une sangle qui est appelée à entourer la taille de l'utilisateur : dans certains cas, c'est la poche gonflable elle-même qui forme ceinture. De tels dispositifs sont notamment décrits dans le brevet FR 2 050 966 ou le brevet US 2 869 151. Toutefois, pour obtenir un volume de flottabilité suffisant (au moins égal à 7,5 litres pour un adulte), il est nécessaire, soit de prévoir des bouteilles de capacité relativement élevée, soit de disposer le gaz à de très fortes pressions dans la bouteille (plusieurs centaines de bars). Dans le premier cas, le dispositif est très encombrant et constitue une g "e n e importante pour l'utilisateur ; en particulier un tel dispositif n'est pas adapté pour être porté en permanence par un baigneur. Dans le second cas, les très fortes pressions nécessaires rendent le dispositif dangereux et exigent des bouteilles à parois très épaisses, qui présentent l'inconvénient d'être très lourdes. De plus, le gonflage des poches souples disposées en ceinture peut engendrer une compression désagréable de la taille de l'utilisateur, compression qui parfois peut entraîner des malaises .Known devices of this type generally include a small bottle of compressed gas under high pressure, which is connected to the inflatable flexible bag by means of a perforating member making it possible to perforate, on order, the closing head. . This bottle is fixed on a strap which is called to surround the waist of the user: in certain cases, it is the inflatable pocket itself which forms a belt. Such devices are described in particular in patent FR 2 050 966 or patent US 2 869 151. However, to obtain a sufficient buoyancy volume (at least equal to 7.5 liters for an adult), it is necessary either to provide relatively high capacity cylinders, ie to place the gas at very high pressures in the cylinder (several hundred bars). In the first case, the device is very bulky and constitutes an important nuisance for the user; in particular such a device is not adapted to be worn permanently by a bather. In the second case, the very high pressures necessary make the device dangerous and require bottles with very thick walls, which have the disadvantage of being very heavy.In addition, the inflation of the flexible pockets arranged in a belt can cause an unpleasant compression of the size of the user, compression which can sometimes cause discomfort.
Dans une variante décrite dans le brevet FR n° 2 057 610 ou les brevets US n° 3 148 393 et n° 3 760 442, la réserve utilisée est une réserve de gaz liquéfié notamment de C02 liquéfié ; ces dispositifs présentent toutefois les défauts du dernier cas évoqué ci-dessus.In a variant described in FR patent No. 2,057,610 or US patents No. 3,148,393 and No. 3,760,442, the reserve used is a reserve of liquefied gas in particular liquefied C0 2 ; these devices, however, have the defects of the last case mentioned above.
En outre, dans ces dispositifs connus, la poche qui, une fois gonflée, forme le volume de flottabilité est généralement située au niveau du nombril ou de l'estomac de la personne, c'est-à-dire dans une position proche du centre de gravité de celle-ci ; cette poche est inapte à maintenir stablement la personne à la surface de l'eau, de sorte que sa tête demeure au-dessus de la surface.In addition, in these known devices, the pocket which, once inflated, forms the volume of buoyancy is generally situated at the level of the navel or the stomach of the person, that is to say in a position close to the center. of its severity; this pocket is incapable of holding the person stably on the surface of the water, so that his head remains above the surface.
Par ailleurs, le brevet US n° 3 925 838 décrit un collier gonflable qui est disposé autour du cou d'une personne de façon à constituer après gonflage un volume de flottabilité située en bonne position pour assurer un maintien de la tête de la personne au-dessus de la surface de l'eau. Toutefois, un tel dispositif est extrêmement dangereux, car, en se gonflant, la poche comprime le cou de l'utilisateur avec des risques d'étranglement. Ainsi, ce type de dispositif conduit à prévoir un collier très lâche autour du cou pour limiter ces risques d'étranglement lors du gonflage, mais le port d'un tel collier à l'état non gonflé est alors extrêmement désagréable. De plus, de par sa structure même, ce collier ne peut être ajusté à l'encolure de la personne qui le porte et les risques d'étranglement subsistent pour les personnes à forte encolure. Par ailleurs, la réserve de gaz est située dans le collier lui-même, formé par un conduit creux, et celui-ci doit être préalablement rempli de gaz sous pression (contrairement aux réserves en bouteille qui existent toutes prêtes sur le marché) ; l'embout de raccordement entre poche souple et collier doit donc à la fois permettre le remplissage préalable du collier au moyen du gaz sous pression et, lors de l'utilisation, assurer le gonflage sur commande de la poche. L'embout de raccordement conçu dans le brevet US n° 3 925 838 pour remplir ces deux fonctions est relativement complexe et onéreux, et accroît notablement le prix de revient et le poids du collier.Furthermore, US Pat. No. 3,925,838 describes an inflatable collar which is arranged around the neck of a person so as to constitute, after inflation, a volume of buoyancy situated in a good position to ensure that the head of the person is held in place. - above the water surface. However, such a device is extremely dangerous, because, when inflating, the pocket compresses the neck of the user with the risk of strangulation. Thus, this type of device leads to providing a very loose collar around the neck to limit these risks of strangulation during inflation, but the wearing of such a collar in the non-inflated state is then extremely unpleasant. In addition, by its very structure, this necklace cannot be adjusted to the neck of the person wearing it and the risk of strangulation remains for people with a large neck. Furthermore, the gas reserve is located in the collar itself, formed by a hollow conduit, and this must be previously filled with gas under pressure (unlike the bottled reserves which exist all ready on the market); the connection piece between flexible bag and collar must therefore both allow the collar to be filled beforehand by means of pressurized gas and, during use, ensure inflation on command of the bag. The connection endpiece designed in US Pat. No. 3,925,838 to fulfill these two functions is relatively complex and expensive, and notably increases the cost price and the weight of the collar.
La présente invention se propose de pallier les défauts des dispositifs connus et de fournir un nouveau dispositif individuel de sauvetage qui ne fasse courir aucun risque à l'utilisateur et soit d'un port discret et confortable .The present invention proposes to overcome the shortcomings of known devices and to provide a new individual rescue device which poses no risk to the user and is discreet and comfortable.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est d fournir un dispositif simple, léger et peu onéreux, dont l mise en oeuvre soit simple et facile aussi bien pour l remplissage sous pression de la réserve de gaz que, lors d l'utilisation, pour le gonflage de la poche en cas de besoin.Another objective of the invention is to provide a simple, light and inexpensive device, the implementation of which is simple and easy both for filling under pressure of the gas reserve and, during use, for inflation of the pocket if necessary.
Le dispositif visé par l'invention comprend, d'une part, une réserve de gaz sous pression contenue dans u conduit creux étanche apte à résister à la pression du ga sans déformation notable, ledit conduit étant obturé à un extrémité et possédant un embout de raccordement à son autr extrémité, d'autre part, une poche souple ayant un embouchure fixée sur l'embout de raccordement précité de façon à pouvoir être gonflée à la commande par le gaz sous pression en vue de constituer un volume de flottabilité ; conformément à la présente invention, ce dispositif se caractérise par la combinaison des caractéristiques suivantes :The device covered by the invention comprises, on the one hand, a reserve of pressurized gas contained in a sealed hollow conduit capable of withstanding the pressure of the gas without significant deformation, said conduit being closed at one end and having a nozzle for connection at its other end, on the other hand, a flexible pocket having a mouth fixed on the aforementioned connection endpiece so as to be able to be inflated when ordered by pressurized gas in order to constitute a buoyancy volume; in accordance with the present invention, this device is characterized by the combination of the following characteristics:
. le conduit creux faisant office de réserve de gaz présente une longueur et une élasticité circonf rentiel1e, adaptées pour permettre de le disposer comme ceinture autour de la taille d'une personne, avec une portion de recouvrement des deux extrémités l'une contre 1 ' autre, . lesdites extrémités du conduit creux sont dotées de moyens de solidarisation permettant de les fixer l'une contre l'autre, avec une portion de recouvrement de longueur réglable,. the hollow duct acting as a gas reserve has a length and a circumferential elasticity, adapted to allow it to be arranged as a belt around the waist of a person, with a covering portion of the two ends against one another ,. said ends of the hollow duct are provided with fastening means making it possible to fix them one against the other, with a covering portion of adjustable length,
. la poche gonflable est agencée de façon à être séparable du conduit creux avec comme seule liaison la fixation de son embouchure sur l'embout de raccordement,. the inflatable bag is arranged so as to be separable from the hollow duct with the only connection being the fixing of its mouth on the connection end piece,
. ladite poche gonflable est associée à des moyens d'attache adaptés pour permettre de la disposer, soit dans une position rabattue contre le conduit creux, soit dans une position séparée du conduit creux en vue de former une boucle passant à l'arrière du cou de la personne, l'embout de raccordement est pourvu de moyens d'obturation manoeuvrables adaptés, d'une part, pour permettre la mise sous pression préalable du conduit creux avant fixation de l'embouchure de la poche sur son embout de raccordement, d'autre part, pour permettre d'ouvrir à la commande la communication entre le conduit creux et la poche souple une fois celle-ci en place. Ainsi, comme on le comprendra mieux plus loin, un tel dispositif associe les avantages suivants qui sont déterminants pour le rendre utilisable par toute personne, en toute sécurité :. said inflatable pocket is associated with attachment means adapted to allow it to be disposed either in a folded position against the hollow duct, or in a position separated from the hollow duct in order to form a loop passing behind the neck of the person, the connection endpiece is provided with maneuverable closure means adapted, on the one hand, to allow prior pressurization of the hollow conduit before fixing the mouth of the pocket on its endpiece connection, on the other hand, to allow the communication between the hollow conduit and the flexible bag to be opened when the latter is in place. Thus, as will be better understood below, such a device combines the following advantages which are decisive for making it usable by any person, in complete safety:
- absence de bouteille de gaz comprimé (la réserve de gaz étant constituée par la ceinture elle-même),- absence of compressed gas cylinder (the gas reserve being constituted by the belt itself),
- aucun risque d'é ranglement puisque le dispositif est porté autour de la taille à la manière d'une ceinture sans que le cou soit enserré,- no risk of stowage since the device is worn around the waist like a belt without the neck being clamped,
- aucun désagrément lors du gonflage en raison de l'agencement de la poche gonflable,- no inconvenience during inflation due to the arrangement of the airbag,
- possibilité d'adaptation précise à la taille de la personne qui le porte,- possibility of precise adaptation to the size of the person wearing it,
- volume de flottabilité remontant au niveau du thorax lorsque la poche est disposée le long d'une boucle passant à l'arrière du cou, de sorte que la personne se trouve stablement maintenue à la surface de l'eau, la tête hors de 1 ' eau .- buoyancy volume rising to the level of the thorax when the pocket is arranged along a loop passing at the back of the neck, so that the person is stably maintained on the surface of the water, the head out of 1 water.
En pratique, deux tailles pourront être prévues : . l'une pour les adultes avec une longueur de conduit creux formant ceinture comprise entre ion et 140 cm et une poche de capacité à l'état gonflé comprise entre 5,5 et 10 litres,In practice, two sizes can be provided:. one for adults with a length of hollow conduit forming a belt between ion and 140 cm and a capacity pouch in the inflated state between 5.5 and 10 liters,
. l'autre pour les enfants avec une longueur de conduit creux formant ceinture comprise entre 70 et 100 cm et une poche de capacité à l'état gonflé comprise entre 3 et 5,5 litres.. the other for children with a length of hollow duct forming a belt of between 70 and 100 cm and a capacity pouch in the inflated state of between 3 and 5.5 liters.
Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la poche souple est de forme allongée et est fixée le long d'une sangle dotée d'organes d'attache permettant, soit de fixer ladite sangle le long du conduit creux formant ceinture et contre celui-ci, soit de lier entre-elles les deux extrémités de la sangle indépendamment du conduit creux en vue de former la boucle passant à l'arrière du cou de la personne. La poche souple comprend avantageusement deux tronçons de forme allongée, s'étendant de part et d'autre d son embouchure, de façon à remonter le long du thorax d'u côté et de l'autre de la zone centrale de celui-ci lorsque l poche est disposée le long de la boucle précédemment évoquée.According to a characteristic of the invention, the flexible pocket is of elongated shape and is fixed along a strap provided with fastening members allowing, either to fix said strap along the hollow conduit forming a belt and against it , or to link together the two ends of the strap independently of the hollow conduit in order to form the loop passing at the back of the person's neck. The flexible pocket advantageously comprises two sections of elongated shape, extending on either side of its mouth, so as to go up along the thorax on one side and the other of the central area thereof when the pocket is arranged along of the previously mentioned loop.
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, l'embout de raccordement comprend :According to a preferred embodiment, the connection end piece comprises:
- un corps emmanché par son extrémité amon dans le conduit creux et doté à son autre extrémité aval d'une portion cylindrique pour la fixation de l'embouchure de la poche souple, ledit corps possédant un canal axial amont débouchant à son extrémité amont, un canal axial aval débouchant à son extrémité aval et des canaux radiaux amont et aval amenant respectivement le canal axial amont et le canal axial aval à communiquer avec la périphérie du corps,a body fitted by its amon end into the hollow conduit and provided at its other downstream end with a cylindrical portion for fixing the mouth of the flexible bag, said body having an upstream axial channel opening at its upstream end, a downstream axial channel opening at its downstream end and upstream and downstream radial channels causing the upstream axial channel and the downstream axial channel respectively to communicate with the periphery of the body,
- une dou i l le m ob i l e c ou l i ssan t extérieurement le long du corps et pourvue d'une gorge dans son alésage, ladite douille étant agencée pour pouvoir coulisser entre une position d'obturation où les canaux radiaux amont et aval sont isolés et une position d'ouverture où lesdits canaux débouchent dans la gorge de la douille,a dou il le m ob ilec ou li ssan t externally along the body and provided with a groove in its bore, said socket being arranged to be able to slide between a closed position where the upstream and downstream radial channels are isolated and an open position where said channels open into the groove of the socket,
- des moyens élastiques sollicitant la douille vers sa position d'ouverture,- elastic means urging the sleeve towards its open position,
- et des moyens de blocage amovibles maintenant la douille dans sa position d'obturation.- And removable locking means keeping the socket in its closed position.
De telles dispositions fournissent un embout peu encombrant et de structure simple dont la mise en oeuvre est particulièrement facile tant lors de la mise sous pression préalable du conduit creux formant ceinture que lors du gonflage de la poche par la personne qui porte le dispositif.Such arrangements provide a space-saving tip of simple structure, the implementation of which is particularly easy both during the prior pressurization of the hollow conduit forming a belt and during inflation of the bag by the person wearing the device.
D'au res caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui suit en référence aux dessins annexés qui en présentent à titre d'exemple non limitatif un mode de réalisation et une variante j sur ces dessins qui font partie intégrante de la présente description :Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings which show by way of nonlimiting example an embodiment and a variant j in these drawings which form an integral part of the present description:
. la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble en perspective du dispositif conforme à l'invention, avec agrandissement d'un détail, . la figure 2 est une vue en perspective à échelle dilatée dudit dispositif au niveau de l'embout de raccordement, la figure 3 est une vue partiellement 5 développée de la poche souple liée à sa sangle porteuse et la figure 4 en est une coupe par un plan AA',. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the device according to the invention, with enlargement of a detail,. Figure 2 is a perspective view at expanded scale of said device at the connection end-piece, FIG. 3 is a partially developed view of the flexible bag linked to its carrying strap and FIG. 4 is a section through a plane AA ′,
. les figures 5 et 6 sont des coupes axiales de l'embout de raccordement respectivement au repos (position de fermeture) et à l'état actif (position d'ouverture),. FIGS. 5 and 6 are axial sections of the connection end piece respectively at rest (closed position) and in the active state (open position),
10 . les figures 7, 8 et 9 sont des schémas illustrant la mise en place du dispositif et son fonctionnement,10. FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the installation of the device and its operation,
. la figure 10 est une coupe transversale à échelle dilatée du conduit creux formant ceinture,. FIG. 10 is a cross section on an expanded scale of the hollow conduit forming a belt,
15 . la figure 11 est une coupe transversale d'une variante de conduit creux formant ceinture.15. Figure 11 is a cross section of a variant of hollow conduit forming a belt.
Le dispositif individuel de sauvetage représenté à titre d'exemple aux figures 1 à 5 comprend un conduit creux 1 qui en l'exemple présente une sectionThe individual rescue device shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 5 comprises a hollow duct 1 which in the example has a section
20 circulaire du type de celle représentée à la figurelO. Ce conduit du type semi-rigide est réalisé en matière synthétique afin de posséder une pression de service approximativement comprise entre 100 et 250 bars.20 circular of the type shown in FIG. This semi-rigid type duct is made of synthetic material in order to have an operating pressure approximately between 100 and 250 bars.
Ce conduit peut en particulier être formé parThis conduit can in particular be formed by
25 un matériau composite du type "NERFLEX" comportant une couche de polyamide, une tresse en fibres de polyester et une couche de polyuréthane ; le diamètre externe d'un tel conduit peut être choisi égal à 1,4 cm et de diamètre interne égal à 0,8 cm. Un tel conduit possède une pression de service deA composite material of the "NERFLEX" type comprising a layer of polyamide, a braid of polyester fibers and a layer of polyurethane; the external diameter of such a conduit can be chosen equal to 1.4 cm and internal diameter equal to 0.8 cm. Such a duct has an operating pressure of
30 210 bars entre -40° et +93° C (par pression de service, il faut entendre la pression normale d'utilisation, la pression à ne pas dépasser étant égale à 3 fois la pression de service).30,210 bars between -40 ° and + 93 ° C (by operating pressure means normal operating pressure, the pressure not to be exceeded being 3 times the operating pressure).
La longueur de ce conduit est adaptée à la taille de l'utilisateur en vue de pouvoir ceinturer celle-ciThe length of this conduit is adapted to the size of the user in order to be able to surround it.
35 avec une portion de recouvrement. Par exemple, deux longueurs peuvent être prévues, l'une pour les enfants comprise entre 70 et 100 cm (notamment de l'ordre de 85 cm), l'autre pour les adultes comprise entre 100 et 140 cm (notamment de l'ordre de 120 cm).35 with a covering portion. For example, two lengths can be provided, one for children between 70 and 100 cm (especially around 85 cm), the other for adults between 100 and 140 cm (especially around 120 cm).
40 Le conduit 1 est obturé de façon étanche à une de ses extrémités la ; dans le cas où le conduit es spécialement moulé à la longueur voulue, cette obturation est réalisée par une paroi moulée d'un seul tenant avec l conduit. Si l'on utilise un conduit déjà existant, cette obturation peut être réalisée au moyen d'un bouchon fixé en bout du conduit, notamment par un collage adapté pour résister à la pression.40 The duct 1 is sealed in a sealed manner one of its ends la; in the case where the duct is specially molded to the desired length, this closure is achieved by a molded wall integrally with the duct. If an already existing conduit is used, this obturation can be achieved by means of a plug fixed at the end of the conduit, in particular by an adhesive adapted to resist the pressure.
L'autre extrémité lb du conduit 1 est équipée d'un embout de raccordement 2 qui possède la triple fonction : de permettre la mise sous pression préalable du conduit creux, d'obturer ce conduit à l'état normal de repos, . et d'assurer sur commande le transfert du gaz vers une poche souple gonflable 3.The other end 1b of the duct 1 is equipped with a connection end piece 2 which has the triple function: of allowing the pressurization of the hollow duct beforehand, of closing this duct in the normal state of rest,. and to provide, on command, the transfer of gas to an inflatable flexible bag 3.
Cet embout de raccordement 2 possède un corps 4 ayant une extrémité amont 4a dont le diamètre externe correspond au diamètre interne du conduit creux 1. Cette extrémité est emmanchée dans le conduit 1 et collée dans celui-ci de façon à résister à la pression.This connection end piece 2 has a body 4 having an upstream end 4a whose external diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of the hollow duct 1. This end is fitted into the duct 1 and bonded therein so as to withstand the pressure.
A l'opposé, le corps est doté d'une pièce d'extrémité 5 qui est vissée de façon étanche dans celui-ci. Cette pièce est pourvue d'une nervure externe 5b et d'un coude 5a.In contrast, the body is provided with an end piece 5 which is tightly screwed into it. This part is provided with an external rib 5b and an elbow 5a.
La poche souple gonflable 3 qui sera décrite plus loin est dotée d'une embouchure 3a qui, en l'exemple, est constituée par un raccord à valve 6.The inflatable flexible bag 3 which will be described later has a mouth 3a which, in the example, consists of a valve connector 6.
La pièce d'extrémité 5 est pourvue d'un taraudage 5c pour la fixation, soit du raccord à valve 6 de la poche, soit d'une tête de bouteille d'air comprimé, permettant la mise sous pression du conduit creux 1.The end piece 5 is provided with a thread 5c for fixing, either the valve connection 6 of the bag, or a compressed air bottle head, allowing the hollow duct 1 to be pressurized.
Le corps 4 de l'embout de raccordement est percé d'un canal axial amont 7 débouchant à son extrémité amont, d'un canal axial aval 8 se prolongeant dans la pièce d'extrémité 5 pour déboucher à l'extrémité aval, et de canaux radiaux amont 9 et aval 10 amenant respectivement le canal axial amont 7 et le canal axial aval 8 à communiquer avec la périphérie du corps. Le corps 4 possède une surface cylindrique qui s'étend sur la plus grande partie de sa longueur et porte une douille mobile 11 apte à coulisser extérieurement le long de cette surface cylindrique. Cette douille est pourvue sur son alésage d'une gorge annulaire lia qui s'étend axialement sur une distance légèrement supérieure à la distance séparant les canaux radiaux amont 9 et les canaux radiaux aval 10.The body 4 of the connecting piece is pierced with an upstream axial channel 7 opening at its upstream end, with a downstream axial channel 8 extending in the end piece 5 to open at the downstream end, and upstream 9 and downstream 10 radial channels respectively causing the upstream axial channel 7 and the downstream axial channel 8 to communicate with the periphery of the body. The body 4 has a cylindrical surface which extends over most of its length and carries a movable sleeve 11 capable of sliding externally along this cylindrical surface. This bushing is provided on its bore with an annular groove 11a which extends axially over a distance slightly greater than the distance separating the upstream radial channels 9 and the downstream radial channels 10.
La douille 11 peut ainsi coulisser entre une position d'obturation (figure 5) où les canaux radiaux amont 9 et aval 10 sont isolés, et une position d'ouverture (figure 6) où lesdits canaux débouchent dans la gorge lia. Trois joints toriques tels que 12 assurent l'étanchéité entre la surface cylindrique du corps 4 et l'alésage de la douille mobile 11.The sleeve 11 can thus slide between a closed position (Figure 5) where the upstream 9 and downstream 10 radial channels are isolated, and an open position (Figure 6) where said channels open into the groove 11a. Three O-rings such as 12 seal the cylindrical surface of the body 4 and the bore of the movable sleeve 11.
En outre, la douille 11 est dotée dans sa partie amont d'une nervure externe 11b. Un ressort 13 est disposé autour de ladite douille et du corps 4 entre la nervure 11b de celle-ci et la nervure 5b du corps ; ce ressort sollicite la douille vers sa position d'ouverture.In addition, the sleeve 11 is provided in its upstream part with an external rib 11b. A spring 13 is disposed around said sleeve and the body 4 between the rib 11b thereof and the rib 5b of the body; this spring biases the bushing towards its open position.
Une goupille 14 est assujettie autour du corps (dans une gorge externe pratiquée dans celui-ci) et bloque la douille 11 dans sa position d'obturation, en servant d'appui à celle-ci dans cette position.A pin 14 is secured around the body (in an external groove formed therein) and blocks the bush 11 in its closed position, serving as a support for the latter in this position.
Un fin manchon de protection 15 en matière synthétique souple est disposé autour du corps ? la goupille 14 comporte une boucle 14a qui est située à l'extérieur de ce manchon, afin d'autoriser le retrait de ladite goupille par une traction exercée sur sa boucle : l'embout de raccordement est alors amené dans sa position d'ouverture sous l'action du ressort 13 et le gaz sous pression vient gonfler la poche souple 3. Un orifice calibré 16 évite que le gonflage ne soit trop brusque (temps de gonflage de l'ordre de 1 à 5 secondes).Is there a thin protective sleeve 15 made of flexible synthetic material around the body? the pin 14 has a loop 14a which is located outside of this sleeve, in order to authorize the withdrawal of said pin by a traction exerted on its loop: the connection end piece is then brought into its open position under the action of the spring 13 and the gas under pressure inflates the flexible bag 3. A calibrated orifice 16 prevents the inflation from being too abrupt (inflation time of the order of 1 to 5 seconds).
Par le jeu de l'élasticité circonférentielle du conduit creux, l'extrémité fermée la de celui-ci peut être amenée à recouvrir l'autre extrémité sur une longueur variable fonction du tour de taille de l'utilisateur ; des moyens de solidarisation permettent de fixer ces extrémités l'une contre l'autre dans la position appropriée. Ces moyens peuvent très simplement être constitués par une ou plusieurs pattes telles que 17, en matière souple, fixées sur une des extrémités ; chaque patte est adaptée pour pouvoir se refermer sur elle- même en enserrant l'autre extrémité. Une surface d'un matéria d'accrochage tel que "VELCRO" permet d'accrocher les deu bouts de chaque patte 17. Par ailleurs, la poche souple 3 qui es représentée à l'état partiellement développé à la figure comprend deux tronçons de forme allongée 3b et 3c qu s'étendent de part et d'autre de son embouchure 3a. La poch présente une forme appropriée pour former après gonflage deu volumes à peu près cylindriques.By the play of the circumferential elasticity of the hollow duct, the closed end 1a thereof can be caused to cover the other end over a variable length depending on the waist size of the user; securing means make it possible to fix these ends one against the other in the appropriate position. These means can very simply be constituted by one or more tabs such as 17, made of flexible material, fixed on one of the ends; each leg is adapted to be able to close on it- even by enclosing the other end. A surface of an attachment material such as "VELCRO" makes it possible to hang the two ends of each tab 17. Furthermore, the flexible pocket 3 which is shown in the partially developed state in the figure comprises two sections of shape elongated 3b and 3c that extend on either side of its mouth 3a. The pouch has a suitable shape for forming, after inflation, two approximately cylindrical volumes.
La poche 3 est fixée le long d'une sangle 18 définissant deux brins qui portent chacun un des tronçons de la poche souple. La poche est repliée le long de la sangle 18 par des plis longitudinaux comme le schématise la figure 4 ; elle est collée sur la sangle par sa partie directement appliquée contre celle-ci et est maintenue à l'état replié par une fine gaine déchirable 24.The pocket 3 is fixed along a strap 18 defining two strands which each carry one of the sections of the flexible pocket. The pocket is folded along the strap 18 by longitudinal folds as shown in Figure 4; it is glued to the strap by its part directly applied against it and is held in the folded state by a thin tearable sheath 24.
Les deux brins de la sangle 18 sont dotés d'organes d'attache 19, 20, 21 qui permettent, soit de fixer ces brins le long du conduit creux 1, soit de les lier entre- eux à l'arrière du cou de l'utilisateur.The two strands of the strap 18 are provided with fastening members 19, 20, 21 which allow either to fix these strands along the hollow conduit 1, or to link them together at the back of the neck of the 'user.
En l'exemple, trois pattes d'attache 19, 20, 21 sont prévues sur chaque brin, l'une 19 au voisinage de l'embouchure 3a, l'autre 21 à l'extrémité de la sangle et la troisième 20 en position intermédiaire, à proximité de l'extrémité du tronçon de poche correspondant. Ces pattes d'attache sont pourvues comme précédemment de surfaces d'accrochage permettant de les refermer sur elles-mêmes après avoir enserré le conduit creux 1. Les pattes d'attache 21 situées près des extrémités des brins permettent en outre de fixer lesdites extrémités l'une sur l'autre à l'arrière du cou de 1 ' utilisateur .In the example, three attachment tabs 19, 20, 21 are provided on each strand, one 19 near the mouth 3a, the other 21 at the end of the strap and the third 20 in position intermediate, near the end of the corresponding pocket section. These attachment tabs are provided as above with attachment surfaces allowing them to close on themselves after having gripped the hollow conduit 1. The attachment tabs 21 located near the ends of the strands also make it possible to fix said ends l 'one on top of the other on the back of the user's neck.
La longueur de la sangle 18 est prévue suffisante pour permettre à celle-ci de remonter le long du torse de l'utilisateur et former une boucle à l'arrière du cou (comme le schématise la figure 8). La longueur des tronçons 3b et 3c de la poche souple peut être plus réduite de façon que ces tronçons remontent à peu près jusqu'aux pectoraux lorsque la sangle est bouclée à l'arrière du cou. Le cas échéant, une longueur plus importante peut être prévue (les tronçons remontant jusqu'à la base du cou).The length of the strap 18 is provided sufficient to allow it to go up along the torso of the user and form a loop at the back of the neck (as shown in Figure 8). The length of the sections 3b and 3c of the flexible pouch can be reduced so that these sections go up approximately to the pectorals when the strap is buckled at the back of the neck. If necessary, a greater length can be provided (the sections going up to the base of the neck).
Lorsque la sangle 18 est liée au conduit creux 1, la portion extrême de chacun de ses brins peut être repliée et assujettie contre le conduit creux au moyen de la patte 21 comme le représente le détail de la figure 1.When the strap 18 is linked to the hollow duct 1, the end portion of each of its strands can be folded back and secured against the hollow duct by means of the tab 21 as shown in detail in FIG. 1.
La poche souple 3 possède une capacité à l'état gonflé comprise entre 3 et 10 litres selon la destination du dispositif (entre 3 et 5,5 litres pour les enfants et entre 5,5 et 10 litres pour les adultes).The flexible bag 3 has a capacity in the inflated state of between 3 and 10 liters depending on the destination of the device (between 3 and 5.5 liters for children and between 5.5 and 10 liters for adults).
Le dispositif de sauvetage décrit peut être porté à la manière d'une ceinture comme l'illustre la figure 7. Il est dépourvu de toute bouteille (notamment de bouteille sous forte pression ou de grande capacité), est très discret et ne présente aucun risque pour l'utilisateur.The rescue device described can be worn like a belt as illustrated in FIG. 7. It is devoid of any bottle (in particular of a bottle under high pressure or of large capacity), is very discreet and does not present any risk. for the user.
Ce dispositif peut, le cas échéant, être utilisé à partir de la position de la figure 7, en assurant une traction de retrait sur la goupille 14. Les deux tronçons de poche se gonflent alors le long de la ceinture, à l'avant du conduit creux.This device can, if necessary, be used from the position of FIG. 7, by ensuring a withdrawal pull on the pin 14. The two pocket sections then inflate along the belt, in front of the hollow duct.
Toutefois, il s'ensuit une instabilité pour l'utilisateur qui risque de pivoter dans l'eau et de se retrouver la tête immergée. Aussi, en période de risque, le dispositif est agencé dans la position illustrée à la figure 8 : la sangle 18 est séparée du conduit creux 1 pour venir se refermer à lrarrière du cou de l'utilisateur et former une boucle. Il est à noter que les pattes d'attache 19 situées au voisinage de l'embouchure de la poche souple 3 demeurent attachées autour du conduit creux, afin d'éviter qu'une traction s'exerce directement sur cette embouchure.However, this results in instability for the user, who risks pivoting in the water and finding his head submerged. Also, during times of risk, the device is arranged in the position shown in Figure 8: the strap 18 is separated from the hollow duct 1 to close it protested to the rear R of the user's neck and form a loop. It should be noted that the attachment tabs 19 located in the vicinity of the mouth of the flexible bag 3 remain attached around the hollow conduit, in order to avoid that traction is exerted directly on this mouth.
Lorsque l'utilisateur retire la goupille 14, le gaz sous pression du conduit creux vient gonfler les deux tronçons de poche (figure 9) ; les gaines de maintien 24 sont déchirées et la poche forme des volumes de flottabilité aptes à maintenir l'utilisateur en surface, la tête hors de l'eau. Il est à noter que la goupille 14 peut être remplacée par un organe de blocage soluble dans l'eau, qui entraînera le gonflage automatiquement après immersion. L'opération préalable de mise sous pression du conduit creux 1 est exécutée de façon très simple à travers l'embout de raccordement 2 avant mise en place de la poche souple 3. L'embout étant dans sa position active (goupille retirée : figure 6), la tête d'un réservoir sous pression est vissée dans le taraudage 5c. Lorsque le conduit creux se trouve à la pression du réservoir, il suffit de déplacer la douille mobile 11 en comprimant le ressort 13, de mettre en place la goupille 14, de retirer la tête du réservoir sous pression et de fixer l'embouchure de la poche souple 3 au moyen de son raccord à valve 6.When the user removes the pin 14, the pressurized gas from the hollow conduit inflates the two pocket sections (FIG. 9); the holding sheaths 24 are torn and the pocket forms buoyancy volumes capable of holding the user on the surface, the head out of the water. It should be noted that the pin 14 can be replaced by a water-soluble blocking member, which will cause the inflation automatically after immersion. The prior operation of pressurizing the hollow conduit 1 is carried out in a very simple manner through the connection end piece 2 before fitting the flexible bag 3. The end piece being in its active position (pin withdrawn: FIG. 6 ), the head of a pressure tank is screwed into the internal thread 5c. When the hollow duct is at the pressure of the reservoir, it suffices to move the movable sleeve 11 by compressing the spring 13, to put in place the pin 14, to remove the head of the pressure reservoir and to fix the mouth of the flexible bag 3 by means of its valve connection 6.
On a représenté à la figure 10 la section du conduit creux 1 ci-dessus décrit, à échelle 4. Ce conduit peut également présenter une section ovalisée telle que représentée en 22 à la figure 11 (même échelle). Cette section peut notamment être pourvue d'une (ou plusieurs) paroi interne de raidissement 23 qui évite qu'elle ne se déforme.. Une telle section présente l'avantage d'être plus plate et d'un port plus confortable (elle vient en appui contre la taille de l'utilisateur par une des parties aplaties de sa section).There is shown in Figure 10 the section of the hollow conduit 1 described above, on a scale 4. This conduit may also have an ovalized section as shown at 22 in Figure 11 (same scale). This section can in particular be provided with one (or more) internal stiffening wall 23 which prevents it from deforming. Such a section has the advantage of being flatter and more comfortable to wear (it comes pressing against the size of the user by one of the flattened parts of its section).
A titre d'illustra ion, sont fournies ci- après les valeurs des paramètres principaux du dispositif dans le cas (1) d'un dispositif destiné à des adultes et dans le cas (2) d'un dispositif destiné à des enfants :By way of illustration, the values of the main parameters of the device are provided below in the case (1) of a device intended for adults and in the case (2) of a device intended for children:
EXEMPLE i . Longueur totale du conduit 1 comprise entre 100 et. 140 cm et en particulier égale à 120 cm, . Surface de sa section interne comprise entre 0,40 et 1 cm2 et en particulier égale à 0,50 cm2,EXAMPLE i. Total length of duct 1 between 100 and. 140 cm and in particular equal to 120 cm,. Surface of its internal section between 0.40 and 1 cm 2 and in particular equal to 0.50 cm 2 ,
. Pression de l'air contenu dans le conduit comprise entre 100 et 250 bars et en particulier égale à 150 bars,. Pressure of the air contained in the duct between 100 and 250 bars and in particular equal to 150 bars,
. Capacité de la poche souple comprise entre 5,5 et 10 litres et en particulier égale à 9 litres.. Capacity of the flexible bag of between 5.5 and 10 liters and in particular equal to 9 liters.
EXEMPLE 2. . Longueur du conduit 1 comprise entre 70 et 100 cm et en particulier égale à 85 cm,EXAMPLE 2.. Length of duct 1 between 70 and 100 cm and in particular equal to 85 cm,
. Surface de sa section interne comprise entre 0,40 et 0,80 cm2, et en particulier égale à 0,50 cm2, . Pression de l'air comprise entre 100 et 150 bars et en particulier égale à 120 bars,. Surface of its internal section of between 0.40 and 0.80 cm 2 , and in particular equal to 0.50 cm 2 , . Air pressure between 100 and 150 bars and in particular equal to 120 bars,
. Capacité de la poche souple comprise entre 3 et 5,5 litres et en particulier égale à 4,8 litres.. Capacity of the flexible bag between 3 and 5.5 liters and in particular equal to 4.8 liters.
Il est à noter que les deux tronçons de poche peuvent éventuellement être rabattus le long de la même extrémité du conduit creux, les deux brins de la sangle étant liés ensemble, après un réglage préalable de leur longueur pour s'adapter autour du cou de l'utilisateur. Après gonflage, la sangle peut alors être rapidement passée par l'utilisateur autour de son cou afin de disposer la poche dans la position de la figure 9. It should be noted that the two pocket sections can optionally be folded down along the same end of the hollow conduit, the two strands of the strap being linked together, after a prior adjustment of their length to fit around the neck of the 'user. After inflation, the strap can then be quickly passed by the user around his neck in order to arrange the pocket in the position of FIG. 9.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1/ - Dispositif individuel de sauvetag comprenant, d'une part, une réserve de gaz sous pression contenue dans un conduit creux étanche (1) apte à résister la pression du gaz sans déformation notable, ledit conduit étant obturé à une extrémité (la) et possédant un embout de raccordement ('2) à son autre extrémité (lb), d'autre part, une poche souple (3) ayant une embouchure (3a) fixée sur l'embout de raccordement précité de façon à pouvoir être gonflée à la commande par le gaz sous pression, en vue de constituer un volume de flottabilité, ledit dispositif étant caractérisé par la combinaison des caractéristiques suivantes : le conduit creux (1) faisant office de réserve de gaz présente une longueur et une élasticité ci rconf érentiel le, adaptées pour permettre de le disposer comme ceinture autour de la taille d'une personne, avec une portion de recouvrement des deux extrémités (la, lb) l'une contre l'autre, . lesdites extrémités (la, lb) du conduit creux sont dotées de moyens de solidarisation (17) permettant de les fixer l'une contre l'autre, avec une portion de recouvrement de longueur réglable, . la poche gonflable (3) est agencée de façon à être séparable du conduit creux (1) avec comme seule liaison la fixation de son embouchure (3a) sur l'embout de raccordement (2), . ladite poche gonflable (3) est associée à des moyens d'attache (18-21) adaptés pour permettre de la disposer, soit dans une position rabattue contre le conduit creux, soit dans une position séparée du conduit creux en vue de former une boucle passant à l'arrière du cou de la personne , . l'embout de raccordement (2) est pourvu de moyens d'obturation manoeuvrables (11) adaptés, d'une part, pour permettre la mise sous pression préalable du conduit creux avant fixation de l'embouchure (3a) de la poche sur ledit embout de raccordement (2), d'autre part, pour permettre d'ouvrir à la commande la communication entre le conduit creux et la poche souple une fois celle-ci en place. 2/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon , la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la poche souple (3) est de forme allongée et est fixée le long d'une sangle (18) dotée d'organes d'attache (19-21) permettant, soit de fixer ladite sangle le long du conduit creux formant ceinture et contre celui-ci, soit de lier entre-elles les deux extrémités de la sangle indépendamment du conduit creux en vue de former la boucle passant à l'arrière du cou de la personne. 3/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon la revendica ion 2, caractérisé en ce que la poche souple (3) comprend deux tronçons de forme allongée (3b, 3c) s'étendant de part et d'autre de son embouchure," la sangle (18) étant agencée selon deux brins portant chacun un des tronçons de la poche souple et dotés d'organes d'attache (19-21) permettant, soit de fixer ces deux brins le long du conduit creux, soit de lier lesdits brins entre-eux à l'arrière du cou de la personne . 4/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon l'une des revendications 1, 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de solidarisation des extrémités (la, lb) du conduit creux comprennent au moins une patte (17) fixée sur une des extrémités et adaptée pour pouvoir se refermer sur elle-même en enserrant l'autre extrémité. 5/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon l'une des revendications 1, 2, 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que l'embout de raccordement (2) comprend : - un corps (4) emmanché par son extrémité amont dans le conduit creux (1) et doté à son autre extrémité aval d'une portion cylindrique (5a) pour la fixation de l'embouchure (3a) de la poche souple, ledit corps possédant un canal axial amont (7) débouchant à son extrémité amont, un canal axial aval (8) débouchant à son extrémité aval et des canaux radiaux amont (9) et aval (10) amenant respectivement le canal axial amont et le canal axial aval à communiquer avec la périphérie du corps, - une douille mobile (11) coulissant extérieurement le long du corps (4) et pourvue d'une gorge (lia), dans son alésage, ladite douille étant agencée pour pouvoir coulisser entre une position d'obturation où les canaux radiaux amont (9) et aval (10) sont isolés et une position d'ouverture où lesdits canaux (9, 10) débouchent dans la gorge (lia) de la douille, - des moyens élastiques (13) sollicitant la douille vers sa position d'ouverture, - et des moyens de blocage amovibles (14) maintenant la douille dans sa position d'obturation. 6/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que : - le corps (4) est doté d'une nervure externe (5b) attenante à sa portion cylindrique (5a), - la douille (11) est' dotée d'une nervure externe (12b) , - les moyens élastiques sont constitués par un ressort (13) disposé autour dudit corps et de ladite douille entre les nervures (5b, 11b) de ces éléments, - les moyens de blocage sont constitués par une goupille (14) assujettie autour du corps et servant d'appui à la douille (11) en position d'obturation. 7/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon l'une des revendications 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ou 6 dans lequel le conduit creux CLAIMS 1/ - Individual rescue device comprising, on the one hand, a reserve of pressurized gas contained in a sealed hollow conduit (1) capable of resisting the pressure of the gas without significant deformation, said conduit being closed at one end (the ) and having a connection tip ('2) at its other end (lb), on the other hand, a flexible bag (3) having a mouth (3a) fixed on the aforementioned connection tip so as to be able to be inflated controlled by pressurized gas, in order to constitute a buoyancy volume, said device being characterized by the combination of the following characteristics: the hollow conduit (1) serving as a gas reserve has a length and an elasticity which is relative to the current le, adapted to allow it to be placed as a belt around the waist of a person, with a covering portion of the two ends (la, lb) against each other,. said ends (la, lb) of the hollow conduit are provided with securing means (17) allowing them to be fixed against each other, with a covering portion of adjustable length,. the inflatable bag (3) is arranged so as to be separable from the hollow conduit (1) with the only connection being the fixing of its mouth (3a) to the connection end (2),. said inflatable pocket (3) is associated with attachment means (18-21) adapted to allow it to be placed, either in a folded position against the hollow conduit, or in a position separated from the hollow conduit in order to form a loop passing to the back of the person's neck, . the connection end (2) is provided with operable closing means (11) adapted, on the one hand, to allow the prior pressurization of the hollow conduit before fixing the mouth (3a) of the pocket on said connection end (2), on the other hand, to allow the communication between the hollow conduit and the flexible bag to be opened on command once it is in place. 2/ - Rescue device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible pocket (3) is of elongated shape and is fixed along a strap (18) provided with attachment members (19-21) allowing, either to fix said strap along the hollow conduit forming a belt and against it, or to link together the two ends of the strap independently of the hollow conduit in order to form the loop passing at the rear of the neck of the person. 3/ - Rescue device according to claim 2, characterized in that the flexible pocket (3) comprises two elongated sections (3b, 3c) extending on either side of its mouth," the strap ( 18) being arranged in two strands each carrying one of the sections of the flexible pocket and provided with attachment members (19-21) allowing either to fix these two strands along the hollow conduit, or to link said strands together them at the back of the person's neck. 4/ - Rescue device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the means for securing the ends (la, lb) of the hollow conduit comprise at least a tab (17) fixed on one of the ends and adapted to be able to close on itself by enclosing the other end. 5/ - Rescue device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that that the connection end (2) comprises: - a body (4) fitted by its upstream end into the hollow conduit (1) and provided at its other downstream end with a cylindrical portion (5a) for fixing the mouth (3a) of the flexible bag, said body having an upstream axial channel (7) opening at its upstream end, a downstream axial channel (8) opening at its downstream end and upstream (9) and downstream (10) radial channels respectively bringing the upstream axial channel and the downstream axial channel to communicate with the periphery of the body, - a movable sleeve (11) sliding externally along the body (4) and provided with a groove (11a), in its bore, said socket being arranged to be able to slide between a closed position where the upstream (9) and downstream (10) radial channels are isolated and an open position where said channels (9, 10) open into the groove (11a) of the socket, - elastic means (13) urging the socket towards its open position, - and removable locking means (14) maintaining the socket in its closed position. 6/ - Rescue device according to claim 5, characterized in that: - the body (4) is provided with an external rib (5b) adjoining its cylindrical portion (5a), - the sleeve (11) is provided an external rib (12b), - the elastic means are constituted by a spring (13) arranged around said body and said sleeve between the ribs (5b, 11b) of these elements, - the blocking means are constituted by a pin (14) secured around the body and serving to support the socket (11) in the closed position. 7/ - Rescue device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 in which the hollow conduit
(1) formant ceinture est du type semi-rigide, en matière synthétique, possédant une pression de service approximativement comprise entre 100 et 250 bars.(1) forming a belt is of the semi-rigid type, made of synthetic material, having an operating pressure approximately between 100 and 250 bars.
8/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le conduit creux formant ceinture est constitué par un conduit (l) de section circulaire.8/ - Rescue device according to claim 7, in which the hollow conduit forming a belt is constituted by a conduit (l) of circular section.
9/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le conduit creux formant ceinture est constitué par un conduit de section ovalisée (22) pourvue notamment d'au moins une paroi interne de raidissement (23).9/ - Rescue device according to claim 7, in which the hollow conduit forming a belt is constituted by a conduit of ovalized section (22) provided in particular with at least one internal stiffening wall (23).
10/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon l'une des revendications 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ou 9 plus particulièrement destiné à des adultes et possédant une poche souple de capacité à l'état gonflé comprise entre 5,5 et 10 litres, ledit dispositif étant caractérisé en ce que :10/ - Rescue device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 more particularly intended for adults and having a flexible pocket with a capacity in the inflated state of between 5 .5 and 10 liters, said device being characterized in that:
. le conduit creux formant ceinture présente une section interne comprise entre 0,40 et 1 cm2, . la longueur dudit conduit creux est comprise entre 100 cm et 140 cm.. the hollow conduit forming a belt has an internal section of between 0.40 and 1 cm 2 ,. the length of said hollow conduit is between 100 cm and 140 cm.
11/ - Dispositif de sauvetage selon l'une des revendications 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ou 9 plus particulièrement destiné à des enfants et possédant une poche souple de capacité à l'état gonflé comprise entre 3 et11/ - Rescue device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 more particularly intended for children and having a flexible pocket with a capacity in the inflated state of between 3 And
5,5 litres, ledit dispositif étant caractérisé en ce que :5.5 liters, said device being characterized in that:
. le conduit creux formant ceinture présente une section interne comprise entre 0,40 et 0,80 cm2, . la longueur dudit conduit creux est comprise entre 70 et 100 cm. . the hollow conduit forming a belt has an internal section of between 0.40 and 0.80 cm 2 ,. the length of said hollow conduit is between 70 and 100 cm.
EP19850901473 1984-04-13 1985-04-02 Individual salvage device Withdrawn EP0176533A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8406523A FR2562864B1 (en) 1984-04-13 1984-04-13 INDIVIDUAL RESCUE DEVICE
FR8406523 1984-04-13

Publications (1)

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EP0176533A1 true EP0176533A1 (en) 1986-04-09

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ID=9303480

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19850901473 Withdrawn EP0176533A1 (en) 1984-04-13 1985-04-02 Individual salvage device

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EP (1) EP0176533A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2562864B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1985004634A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4887987A (en) * 1988-04-11 1989-12-19 Aquasafe, Inc. Inflatable emergency flotation device
IT237719Y1 (en) * 1995-11-28 2000-09-26 Antonio Lusetti INSTANT INFLATABLE FLOATING DEVICE FOR SWIMMER.
FR2761045B1 (en) 1997-03-24 1999-06-04 Evry Sebastien D SAFETY EQUIPMENT AT SEA

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE294960C (en) *
GB731584A (en) * 1953-10-09 1955-06-08 Allen Hector Daoust Life saving device
US2774979A (en) * 1954-07-07 1956-12-25 Switlik Parachute Co Inc Life jacket
US3148393A (en) * 1963-07-25 1964-09-15 Donald S Mccuaig Water safety belt
US3510895A (en) * 1968-05-10 1970-05-12 Richard H Wynne Life saver for swimmers
US3925838A (en) * 1974-09-03 1975-12-16 Patrick Hayes Kennedy Inflatable life preserver

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO8504634A1 *

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FR2562864B1 (en) 1989-12-08
FR2562864A1 (en) 1985-10-18
WO1985004634A1 (en) 1985-10-24

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