EP0324593A1 - Localising device for rescue operations - Google Patents

Localising device for rescue operations Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0324593A1
EP0324593A1 EP89300205A EP89300205A EP0324593A1 EP 0324593 A1 EP0324593 A1 EP 0324593A1 EP 89300205 A EP89300205 A EP 89300205A EP 89300205 A EP89300205 A EP 89300205A EP 0324593 A1 EP0324593 A1 EP 0324593A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balloon
container
bottles
rescue operations
valve
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Withdrawn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
EP89300205A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jose Pablo Guerra Martinez
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.)
ARONAGUE SA
Original Assignee
ARONAGUE SA
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
Priority claimed from ES8800086A external-priority patent/ES2009513A6/es
Application filed by ARONAGUE SA filed Critical ARONAGUE SA
Publication of EP0324593A1 publication Critical patent/EP0324593A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/002—Distress signalling devices, e.g. rescue balloons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a localising device for rescue operations.
  • the device comprises an inflatable balloon coupled to gas reservoirs, which balloon is in case of emergency inflated with the said gas, ascending to a position in which it remains joined by a cable or similar element to the person concerned thus helping in localisation of the said person.
  • the device of the present invention has the said general characteristics, but provides a much more simple arrangement in both construction and function, which is more effective and reliable in safety of operation and localisation, which is the essential aim of the device.
  • the device comprises a container made up of a body and a lid, with the means to attach it to inflatable boats, life-jackets, or to anY part of one's personal equipment, a couple of bottles holding a gas lighter than air being housed in the body of said container, while the lid holds an inflatable balloon, which remains attached bY its mouth to an exit manifold for the bottles in a coupling which can be released by simply withdrawing a retaining piece made for it, while said balloon remains attached in its turn to a cable which is wound round a spool itself housed in the body of the container.
  • the balloon has in its mouth a valve device which closes the tube of said mouth when the balloon is detached from its coupling to the manifold for the bottles of gas which are fitted, in relation to their mouths, with respective perforation mechanisms, which are worked by an ordinary handle or puller.
  • the balloon which can be brightly coloured for better visibility, may be made of a composite sheet material with a metallic outer layer, which it will be even more easily detected by radar, thus offering increased possibilities for localisation.
  • the balloon may moreover be provided with trailing ribbons, which are made from a synthetic metallic material, these further enhancing its efficacy as a detectable device to facilitate localisation, the optional incorporation in the group of a sonar device having been foreseen for this purpose.
  • a water seal between the lid and the body of the container is presealed with an adhesive tape which makes the joint hermetic, thus assuring a water seal of the whole assembly; while the bottles containing the gas are closed by a closing means which makes possible the filling of the said bottles in a very advantageous way and assures that there is no gas wastage until the device is used.
  • the device of the invention presents features which are very advantageous.
  • the present device comprises a container made up of a body (1) and a lid (2), the body (1) being provided with connecting means for fastening (3) to inflatable boats, life-jackets or directly to the user.
  • the body (1) and the lid (2) have mutually closing shapes, with a water-tight joint, the existence of a tape (28) to close the joint having been provided for, by way of a seal.
  • the lid (2) has some peripheral grooves to facilitate handling.
  • container bottles (4) of a lighter than air gas respective perforation mechanisms being arranged in relation with the mouths of said bottles, each one made up of a pin (5) which is withdrawn by the action of a spring (6), as can be seen in Figure 3.
  • Said perforation mechanisms are fitted with respective pivoting actuating levers (7), - see Figures 3, 15 and 16, which are joined by a cable (8) to an ordinary pull handle (9), said cable (8) comprising for this branches converging to a point, forming loops (10) at said point of convergence, and at the ends of each of the branches, to facilitate coupling, - see Figures 2, 5, 17 and 18.
  • Each of the aforementioned gas bottles (4) is connected at its mouth to a piece (11) shown in Figures 8 and 9. Between the two pieces (11) extends a common communication tube by way of a "T" shaped exhaust manifold (27) as can be seen in Figure 3.
  • a coupling is arranged in relation with this "T" shaped exhaust manifold (27) as a valve mechanism (19) of an inflatable balloon (12) housed in the lid (2) of the container.
  • Said balloon (12) is made, according to the preferred construction, from a composite sheet material, with an inner layer of polyethylene and an outer layer of metallised polyester, joined by means of a harness (13) which extends from its surface, and through a swivel (14) to avoid twisting, with a cable (15) of nylon or similar material, wound on a spool (16) housed in the body (1) of the container in a container (17) which defines the closure cover (18) of said body (1).
  • the spool (16) has a conical upper portion facilitating the unwinding of the cable (15), as can be seen in Figure 19; while in Figures 6 and 7 the container (17) can be seen.
  • the coupling of the balloon (12) to the exhaust manifold (27) of the gas bottles is achieved by means of a sleeve (19) fixedly incorporated in the mouth of said balloon, said coupling being held fastened by a clip (20), which is removably inserted, and is provided with a pull cord (21), in such a way that when said clip (20) is removed the coupling is released allowing the balloon to break free depending only upon the cable (15) to retain it.
  • FIGs 10 and 11 the sleeve (19) has been illustrated; while in Figures 6 and 7 the closure cover (18) can be seen and particularly the coupling container (25) which this defines for the mounting therein of the sleeve (19).
  • This container (25) has four vertical walls (28) which pass through respective openings in a flat lid which closes the container (25), this lid having a circular orifice for the sleeve (19) to pass through.
  • the sleeve (19) has individual diametrically opposed grooves, through which pass the legs of the clip (20), assuring the retention of the sleeve (19) and thus the sphere (12) while the clip (20) remains in place.
  • the aforementioned sleeve (19) of the mouth of the balloon (12) forms, moreover, the body of a valve mechanism, containing within it a ball (22) which is pushed by a spring (23) so as to close the tube (24) of the sleeve (19), but in such a way that in the gas bottle exhaust manifold (27) coupling container (25), there exists a fixed protruding stem (26), which, when the coupling is established pushes the said ball (22) against its spring (23), thus keeping the tube (24) open; while when the balloon (12) is released and separates from the said container (25), the ball (22) pushed by the spring (23) closes the tube (24).
  • the assembly thus forms an effective means of facilitating the localising by the rescue services, since the balloon (12) situated at a certain height is easily detectable, not only because of the bright colours used to help in long distance visibility, but also because the outer metallised layer permits detection by radar.
  • the sphere (12) may also be fitted with trailing ribbons (27), made from a synthetic metallised material, as for example metallised polyester, in such a way that said ribbons (27) as well as forming a large part of the detectable element, permit easier detection by their movement in the wind.
  • trailing ribbons (27) made from a synthetic metallised material, as for example metallised polyester, in such a way that said ribbons (27) as well as forming a large part of the detectable element, permit easier detection by their movement in the wind.
  • an acoustic device detectable by sonar may be provided for in the balloon (12), a device which would only enter into operation if required to be used as such.
  • the tape of the preseal (28) which seals the joining of the closing between the lid (2) and the body (1) of the container of the device is made up by a simple plastic adhesive tape, which is provided in its end with a handle (29) which enables an easy grasping for a quick detachment of the said tape (28), when the opening of the container is required in order to use the device.
  • bottle (4) are provided with an externally threaded neck (30) through which they are coupled onto the respective pieces (11), so that each of the said bottles (4) is closed, through a cap (31) which is made up by a circular head (32) from which projects a hollow sleeve (33) provided with two facing holes (34) and an annular toothed crown (35) on the outside.
  • the closure enables that, with the cap (31) arranged on the corresponding bottle (4) but without having introduced it in its entirety, that bottle can be filled with the necessary gas, passing this gas through the holes (34).
  • the complete introduction of the cap (31) is performed by a pressure blow or similar action.
  • the closing position is determined. This closing provides tight security because of the indentation of the annular crown (35) teeth into the inner wall of the bottle neck (30).
  • This indentation retains the cap (31) in its closing position, and the cap is also retained by the action of the gas pressure itself in diametrical opposition, through the holes (34).

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
EP89300205A 1988-01-15 1989-01-11 Localising device for rescue operations Withdrawn EP0324593A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES8800086U 1988-01-15
ES8800086A ES2009513A6 (es) 1987-01-19 1988-01-15 Sistema y baliza de identificacion yno de localizacion.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0324593A1 true EP0324593A1 (en) 1989-07-19

Family

ID=8254438

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89300205A Withdrawn EP0324593A1 (en) 1988-01-15 1989-01-11 Localising device for rescue operations

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0324593A1 (pt)
AU (1) AU3032489A (pt)
PT (1) PT89430A (pt)
WO (1) WO1989006845A1 (pt)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2288896A (en) * 1994-03-14 1995-11-01 David Arthur Dresser Distress alert device
WO1996023692A1 (en) * 1995-01-31 1996-08-08 Huraken Holdings Limited Signalling apparatus
GB2313938A (en) * 1996-06-04 1997-12-10 Derek Leonard Foote Person in distress position indicator
GB2315144A (en) * 1996-07-09 1998-01-21 Melvyn John Wilson Emergency pinpointer
WO2001008114A3 (en) * 1999-07-22 2001-08-02 Mountain Watch Inc Avalanche safety vest

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3002490A (en) * 1958-09-23 1961-10-03 Michael F Murray Survival kit
US3253573A (en) * 1963-04-23 1966-05-31 Clifford E Ashline Impact responsive distress signal device
US4042882A (en) * 1976-10-18 1977-08-16 Camacho Gustavo G Radio-balloon distress signal
GB2014528A (en) * 1978-02-17 1979-08-30 Suas C Improvements in or relating to distress signalling devices
DE2903384A1 (de) * 1979-01-30 1980-09-11 Manfred Franke Seenot-ballon
FR2473200A1 (fr) * 1980-01-02 1981-07-10 Suas Claude Dispositif de detresse
WO1983001425A1 (en) * 1981-10-13 1983-04-28 Ashline, Clifford, E. Automatic flotation release system
FR2573382A1 (fr) * 1984-11-22 1986-05-23 Claulin Guy Bouee de sauvetage autogonflable

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3381655A (en) * 1966-07-07 1968-05-07 Donald G. Rozzelle Rescue balloon
US3591877A (en) * 1969-07-14 1971-07-13 Amf Inc Combination oral and cartridge inflator for life preserver vest
US4120259A (en) * 1977-02-23 1978-10-17 The Raymond Lee Organization, Inc. Visual and radar emergency detection balloon
US4185582A (en) * 1977-09-07 1980-01-29 Bryant Clyde C Distress gas generating signal balloon apparatus
US4295438A (en) * 1980-02-25 1981-10-20 Porter Howard L Rescue locator signal package
US4687451A (en) * 1985-11-04 1987-08-18 Chen Tsung H Automatic actuation device for inflatable life-saving equipment

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3002490A (en) * 1958-09-23 1961-10-03 Michael F Murray Survival kit
US3253573A (en) * 1963-04-23 1966-05-31 Clifford E Ashline Impact responsive distress signal device
US4042882A (en) * 1976-10-18 1977-08-16 Camacho Gustavo G Radio-balloon distress signal
GB2014528A (en) * 1978-02-17 1979-08-30 Suas C Improvements in or relating to distress signalling devices
DE2903384A1 (de) * 1979-01-30 1980-09-11 Manfred Franke Seenot-ballon
FR2473200A1 (fr) * 1980-01-02 1981-07-10 Suas Claude Dispositif de detresse
WO1983001425A1 (en) * 1981-10-13 1983-04-28 Ashline, Clifford, E. Automatic flotation release system
FR2573382A1 (fr) * 1984-11-22 1986-05-23 Claulin Guy Bouee de sauvetage autogonflable

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2288896A (en) * 1994-03-14 1995-11-01 David Arthur Dresser Distress alert device
WO1996023692A1 (en) * 1995-01-31 1996-08-08 Huraken Holdings Limited Signalling apparatus
GB2313938A (en) * 1996-06-04 1997-12-10 Derek Leonard Foote Person in distress position indicator
GB2315144A (en) * 1996-07-09 1998-01-21 Melvyn John Wilson Emergency pinpointer
WO2001008114A3 (en) * 1999-07-22 2001-08-02 Mountain Watch Inc Avalanche safety vest

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PT89430A (pt) 1989-10-04
AU3032489A (en) 1989-08-11
WO1989006845A1 (en) 1989-07-27

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PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

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