GB2477842A

GB2477842A - Inflatable balloon rescue apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2477842A
Application number: GB1100553A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Najum Waheed Chaudhry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-13
Filing date: 2011-01-13
Publication date: 2011-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-13
Also published as: GB201100553D0; GB2477842B; GB201121972D0

Abstract

Personal rescue apparatus comprises a container 1 housing an inflatable balloon 3, an inflation device 5 for inflating the balloon and a cord 7. A first end 17 of the cord is attached to the balloon 3 via a connector 21 and ring 17. A second end 19 of the cord is attached to a harness device 23 for attachment to a user's body. The rescue apparatus is set off by an actuator mechanism 11. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a helicopter (57, fig 2b) or other aerial device by using a winch system 59 that engages with the connector 21 which is raised aloft by the balloon. Alternatively the apparatus can be used as a personal rescue device by lifting a user from the ground. The apparatus may include more than one vessel for inflating the balloon with one being carried aloft with the balloon and being controlled by a user to adjust altitude.

Description

RESCUE APPARATUS

The invention relates to personal rescue apparatus.

There are many situations in which it is desirable for a person to be airlifted to safety, for example by a helicopter. Such situations include fires, floods, earthquakes, combat zones, etc. However, it is not always possible for a helicopter to land or for a crew member to be lowered by winch to the user.

The invention seeks to provide apparatus for making the process of airlifting a person quicker and easier, and to facilitate airlifts in situations where it is not possible to land a helicopter or to lower a helicopter crew member to assist the user.

According to the one aspect of the invention there is provided personal rescue apparatus, including an inflatable balloon, an inflation device for inflating the balloon, a connector member having first and second ends, said first end being attached to the balloon and said second end being attached to a harness device, said harness device being arranged for attachment to a user's body.

Advantageously the apparatus includes linkage means arranged to enable lifting equipment to engage the apparatus. The arrangement is such that the lifting equipment is able to lift at least the part of the apparatus that includes the harness device and the user attached to the harness device via the linkage means. Advantageously the linkage means is located remotely from the harness device, for example on and / or adjacent to the balloon. The lifting equipment can be a helicopter, crane, or similar, having a hook-like member or some other part adapted to connect to the apparatus via the linkage means. In use, the user inflates the balloon to deploy the linkage means skywards, thereby enabling the lifting equipment to engage the apparatus at an elevated height. This helps speed up the rescue process since it is not necessary for the helicopter to land or to lower a crew member to assist the person being rescued. Advantageously the linkage means can be attached to the connector member.

Advantageously the harness device can be releasably attachable to the connector member.

Advantageously the harness can be adapted for use as a rucksack or carrying frame. For example, the harness can be used to carry the apparatus.

The connector member is elongate and flexible, and can comprise, for example a rope, cable or similar.

Advantageously the connector member can be wound onto a spool. The connector member unwinds from the spooi when the balloon is deployed.

Advantageously the balloon can have a layered structure. The balloon can include an inner skin and an outer skin. The inner skin can be made from a material that is substantially impervious to an inflation gas, such as rubber, or a rubber compound. The outer skin can be made from a plastics material or a fabric, and preferably a synthetic fabric such as nylon, polyester, aramid, or a combination of synthetic materials.

Advantageously the balloon can include flexible strength members, such as carbon fibres.

The flexible strength members can be woven into the outer skin and / or are adhered thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, the strength members can be embedded within the inner skin and / or adhered thereto.

Typically the balloon is substantially spherical and the flexible strength members are arranged to form lines of latitude and / or longitude about and/or within the balloon structure. Advantageously the flexible strength members can be arranged to define a substantially retifonn structure around the balloon.

Advantageously at least some of the flexible strength members extend beyond the outer surface of the balloon. The extended parts of the strength members can be formed into the connector member, for example by twisting them together to form a sufficiently long rope, or alternatively the extended parts can be attached to the connector member.

Advantageously the connector member can be attached to the flexible strength members via at least one linkage. Advantageously the strength members can be attached to a first linkage and the connector member can be attached to the balloon via the first linkage.

Advantageously the connector member can include a second linkage, wherein the connector member is releasably attachable to the balloon by attaching the second linkage to the first linkage. The first linkage can comprise, for example an annular member, and the second linkage can comprise a hook-like member, a carabiner, or similar mechanical connector. Advantageously the at least one linkage can be used as the means for engaging the lifting equipment. That is, the lifting equipment can engage the apparatus by engaging for example, at least one of the first and second linkages. It is particularly useful for the lifting equipment to engage the second linkage since then the balloon can be disconnected from the connector member. The balloon can be allowed to float away or can be pulled into the helicopter and deflated.

The balloon includes an opening that enables gas to flow into the interior of the balloon, and the apparatus includes at least one first valve for enabling gas to flow into the interior of the balloon and for preventing the gas escaping from the balloon. The first valve can be located within the balloon structure, preferably towards a lower end there of.

The balloon can include at least one second valve that is operable to release gas from the interior the balloon. This enables the balloon to be deflated. Advantageously the second valve can be located towards the top of the balloon, which allows the balloon to be deflated during a rescue operation when the connector member is secured to the lifting equipment, such as a helicopter winch. It will be understood by the skilled person that in at least some embodiments that the first valve can be arranged to deflate the balloon in addition to, or as an alternative, to the second valve.

Advantageously the inflation device includes at least one gas source, at least one third valve for controlling the flow of gas out of the gas source, and actuator means for actuating the flow of gas from the gas source to the balloon.

Advantageously the actuator means can be arranged to automatically inflate the balloon in response to operation of the actuator means. For example, the actuator means can include a pull cord that operates the inflation device. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuator means can include a manual control for controlling inflation of the balloon.

Advantageously the actuator means can include drive means for operably connecting the balloon and the gas source. The drive means is arranged to move at least one of the first and second valves into operable engagement with the other of the first and second valves.

In preferred embodiments the gas source includes at least one pressure vessel having at least one of the third valves operably connected thereto, and wherein the drive means is arranged to move the or each pressure vessel from a storage position to an operating position wherein the or each third valve is operably engaged with the first valve. The or each pressure vessel can be mounted on a support member, and the support member can be driven by the drive means from the storage position to the operable position.

Advantageously the inflation device can include a plurality of pressure vessels.

In the operable position, the or each pressure vessel is operably connected to the interior of the balloon by the or each first valve and the or each third valve. The arrangement can be such that when the gas source is operably connected to the balloon, the gas automatically flows from the gas source into the interior of the balloon. The number of gas cylinders used is dependent on, amongst other things and the size of the balloon and the weight to be lifted. The larger the balloon and / or the heavier the weight, the larger the gas source required. The gas has a density that is lower than the density of air. Preferably the gas is helium or hydrogen.

Advantageously the apparatus can include a container for housing at least part of the apparatus. The container includes a body and at least one pivotable member pivotally attached to the body, and the drive means includes a mechanism that is arranged to actuate the or each third valve to allow gas to flow from the gas source into the balloon in response to movement of the pivotable member. For example, the drive means can include resilient means for biasing the movement of pivotable member to an open position. The pivotable member acts on the support member to move the or each pressure vessel into the operable position. Advantageously the apparatus can include a locking member for holding the pivotable member in a closed position. When the locking member is moved from its locking position, the resilient means pivots the pivotable member to an open position. The pivoting action of the pivotable member causes the inflation device to operate.

Advantageously the drive means can include a motor and a mechanism such as a rack and pinion device and/or a rotating screw member to connect the gas source to the balloon.

Advantageously the rotating screw member or rack and pinion device can be arranged to move the support member, and hence the pressure vessels mounted thereon, from the storage position to the operable position.

Advantageously the apparatus can include at least one power source, such as at least one solar panel and I or at least one cell. The at least one power source can be mounted on, for example the balloon and / or the container that houses at least part of the apparatus.

The apparatus can include at least one light element. This improves the visibility of the apparatus during low light conditions. Advantageously the balloon can include an arrangement of light elements, such as LEDs, distributed across the balloon.

Advantageously the or each light source is electrically connected to the at least one power source.

The apparatus can include a transmitter device. The transmitter device is arranged to transmit signals, such as an SOS call or position data from a GPS device. The transmitter device can comprise a transceiver device, which enables the user to receive communications. Advantageously the transmitter device is electrically connected to the at least one power source.

The balloon can include at least one portion of high visibility material, such as at least one portion of retroreflective material. Preferably the high visibility material is attached to the outer skin of the balloon.

Advantageously the balloon can be sized and the inflation device rated to inflate the balloon to an extent that the apparatus is capable of lifting the user into the air. In situations of extreme danger, it is desirable to have a means of extricating oneself from a dangerous situation. The invention can provide this. Having a balloon that is capable of lifting a person upwards into the air, while a dangerous means to travel, may be the only means of escape from, for example a flood or fire. By user it is meant an adult person, though the apparatus can be appropriately sized and rated to lift a child.

Advantageously the apparatus can include an inflation hose. The inflation hose provides a conduit to supply gas from the inflation device to the interior of the balloon. This is particularly useful for embodiments that lift the user into the air since an inflation means, for example part of the inflation device such as a gas cylinder, can be lifted with the user, so that the user can supply additional gas to the interior of the balloon via the hose. This enables the user to increase altitude by controlling the gas pressure in the balloon. The hose can comprise a plastics tube, such as a nylon tube. The tube can be strengthened by at least one strength member, for example using fibrous strength members.

Advantageously the apparatus can include sheath means for housing at least one of the connector member and inflation hose. The sheath means can comprise a flexible tubular member that is made from a plastics material such as nylon.

Advantageously the inflation hose can be connected to a valve for controlling the flow of gas from the inflation device to the interior of the balloon. The valve enables the user to release gas from the interior of the balloon, thereby reducing gas pressure within the balloon, for example when the user wants to land. Typically the valve is located towards one end of the hose adjacent the harness so that it is within easy reach of the user.

The combination of the release valve and the inflation device enables the user to control the altitude of the apparatus.

Advantageously the apparatus can include at least one of an electrical connector and a fibre optic cable for connecting a device located in or on the balloon to a power source located remotely from the balloon. The remote power source can be, for example a solar panel or at least one cell. The remote power source is preferably located on the apparatus container.

The or each electrical connector and I or fibre optic cable can be housed within the sheath means.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures la-c are schematic views of a first embodiment of the invention in a stored state; Figure 2a is a schematic view of the first embodiment in a deployed state; Figure 2b is a schematic showing a dual skinned balloon structure having an arrangement of lights and solar panels thereon; Figure 3a-b are schematic views of a second embodiment in stored states; Figure 4 is a schematic view of the second embodiment in a deployed state; and Figures 5a-b are schematic views of alternative inflation devices that can be used in the first and second embodiments of the invention, in stored states.

Figure 1 shows rescue apparatus in accordance with the invention. The apparatus includes a container 1, a balloon 3, an inflation system 5, a cord 7 and an actuator mechanism 11.

The balloon 3 comprises an inner rubber liner 12 and an outer skin 13 made from a nylon fabric. The outer skin 13 is reinforced with flexible strength members 15, such as carbon fibres. The strength members 15 can be woven into the nylon fabric and/or can be adhered thereto.

The strength members 15 extend beyond the lower extremity of the balloon and are connected to a steel ring 17. A first end 19 of the cord 7 is attached to the ring 17 by a connector 21. A connector 21 is releasably attachable to the ring 17, for example and may be in the form of a hook like member such as a carabiner, which comprises a metal loop 21a and a gate 21b, which is typically sprung and/or screwed shut. The cord 7 comprises a conventional rope or cable.

A harness 23 is attached to a second end 24 of the cord. The harness 23 is adapted to strap to a person thereby securing the person to the cord 7, and hence balloon 3.

The strength of the cord 7, harness 23, ring 17, connector 21 and strength members 15 is sufficient for a person to be lifted from the ground when a sufficiently large upwardly directed force is applied to the cord 7.

The balloon 3 includes a first valve 25.

The inflation system 5 includes a gas source comprising a pressurised vessel 27 having an outlet 29 and a second valve 31 for controlling the release of gas from the pressure vessel 27. The pressure vessel 27 typically comprises at least one gas cylinder and can comprise a plurality of gas cylinders depending on the size of the balloon 3. The balloon 3 is inflated by coupling the first and second valves 25,31 together and allowing gas to flow from the pressure vessel 27 into the balloon 3. The gas is typically helium or hydrogen, however any other suitable gas that has a density less than air can be used.

The apparatus is stored in a container 33. The actuator mechanism 11 is built into the container 33. The actuator mechanism 11 is arranged to cause the inflation system 5 to couple with the balloon 3 by connecting the valves 25,31 together. The actuator mechanism 11 includes a flap 35 that is pivotally attached to a container wall 37. The flap 35 includes a flange 39. The flap 35 is held in a closed position by a pin 41. When in a closed position the first flap 35 compresses a spring 42. When the pin 41 is removed, the spring 42 biases the first flap 35 into an open position. As the first flap 35 rotates into the open position, the flange 41 drives the pressure vessel 27 from a first position where it is not operably connected to the balloon 3 to a second position where it is operably connected with the balloon 3, by coupling the valves 25,31 together. The valves 25,31 are arranged such that gas automatically flows from the pressure vessel 27 into the balloon 3 when the valves 25,31 are connected thereby automatically inflating the balloon 3. Thus the balloon 3 begins to automatically inflate when the first flap 35 is opened.

The container 33 includes a second flap 43 that is biased to an open position by another spring 42 when the pin 41 is removed. This exposes the balloon 3 and allows it to float out of the container 33 as it inflates.

The balloon 3 includes a second valve 47 to allow the balloon 3 to be deflated.

The balloon 3 includes at least one portion of high visibility material 49. The high visibility material 49 can be arranged in a pattern, or as indicia, for example in the form of a cross or other emblem. The high visibility material 49 is arranged to enable the balloon to be seen more easily in poor visibility.

Optionally the apparatus can include an electrical power source 51 such as at least one solar panel and/or a battery. The balloon can include at least one light element 53, and preferably a plurality of light elements 53, distributed across the balloon. For example, an arrangement of LEDs can be attached to the outer skin 13. The LEDs can be electrically connected to the power source 51. The lights help to locate the balloon 3 in poor visibility.

Optionally the apparatus can include a transmitter 55, or a transceiver device, for communicating messages such as an SOS signal. The apparatus can include a GPS system (not shown) and the transmitter 55 (or transceiver) can send position data to assist with locating the apparatus, and hence person using the apparatus.

Optionally the harness 23 can be used as a rucksack/carry frame to carry the container 33 and is releasably attachable to the cord 7 by a connecter (not shown).

Optionally, the cord 7 can be wrapped around a spooi 50 and can be unwound therefrom as the balloon 3 is deployed. Alternatively the cord 7 can be coiled in the container 33.

Optionally, the apparatus can include at least one sensor (not shown) for detecting movement, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer can be calibrated to detect accelerations that are experienced when a user falls over. This enables the apparatus to detect a situation, such as when a user faints. The apparatus can also include a controller for automatically operating the actuator mechnism in response to the accelerometer detecting a threshold acceleration, thereby automatically deploying the balloon.

In an emergency situation, the user opens the container 33 by removing the pin 41. The springs 42 force open the first and second flaps 35,43 to the open position, wherein the flange 41 pushes the pressure vessel 27 into a position wherein the valves 25,31 are coupled together. This operably connects the pressure vessel 27 to the interior of the balloon 3. Gas is automatically transferred to the interior of the balloon thereby inflating the balloon. The user puts on the harness 23. When the balloon is inflated the user manually releases the balloon by uncoupling the valves 25,31. The balloon 3 deploys upwards. As the balloon rises, it carries the cord 7 upwards with it until the cord 7 is fully extended. The balloon 3 effectively raises the height of the connector 19. This enables lifting equipment such as a helicopter 57, or a crane, to couple with the connector 19. For example, a helicopter 57 can grasp the connector 19 by its winch system 59 or via an especially adapted member. When the connector 19 is firmly attached to the lifting equipment 57, the person can be lifted by the lifting equipment to safety. Optionally, the helicopter 57 may disconnect the balloon 3 from the cord 7 either by deflating the balloon and bringing it into the helicopter 57 or if necessary allowing the balloon 3 to float away.

A second embodiment is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the cord 107 is formed from the balloon strength members twisted together to form a rope.

The apparatus includes a hose 116 that connects the interior of the balloon 103 to the inflation system 105, said hose 116 having a valve 125 connected to its lower end. The valve 125 is arranged to couple with the inflation system 105 so that the inflation system is arranged to inflate the balloon 103 via the hose 116.

The hose 116 can be made from a plastics material, such as nylon, or from rubber.

The apparatus also includes an outer sheath 118 for housing the cord 107 and hose 116.

The outer sheath 118 is also arranged to house electrical and fibre optic cables 120 that connect, for example a power source, such as a cell 122 or solar panel 124, that is located remotely from the balloon 103 to lights 153 and / or a transmitter 155 located on or in the balloon. The power source is typically mounted on the container 133.

The inflation system 105 is arranged to inflate the balloon 103 to an extent to provide sufficient upward force to lift the user off the ground when connected to the cord 107 via the harness 123. This typically requires the balloon 103 to be inflated from at least two pressure vessels 127.

The apparatus is arranged such that at least part of the inflation system, for example at least one pressure vessel 127, remains operably connected to the balloon 103 when airborne to enable the user to control the altitude of the apparatus as he is carried. Altitude is increased by increasing gas pressure in the balloon 103. The user can also reduce altitude, for example when wanting to land, by reducing gas pressure in the balloon 103. The user can reduce gas pressure in the balloon 103 by operating a manual control on the valve 125.

The valve 125 is positioned such that it is easy to operate when airborne.

The user may need to top-up gas in the balloon 103 in order to maintain altitude.

Thus the second embodiment provides a means by which the user is able to rescue him/herself from a dangerous situation.

Optionally, the apparatus can include at least one linkage for an aircraft to connect thereto.

The linkage is attached to the cord 107, preferably adjacent the balloon 103, however it may be located at other places, for example towards the middle of the cord 107.

Additionally, or alternatively, a linkage 117 can be attached to the balloon 103. This enables the aircraft to connect with the rescue apparatus when airborne and for the aircraft to transport the user and apparatus to safety.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiment that still fall within the scope of the invention, for example instead of using an actuator mechanism, an electromechanical actuator apparatus can be used. A preferred arrangement is to use a motor 261 that is arranged to drive at least one of a screw member 263 or rack an pinion device (not shown) in order to operably connect the inflation system to the balloon (see Figure 5). The screw member 263 drives a plate 265, which moves the or each pressure vessel 227 into and out of engagement with the balloon 203. The apparatus includes a container 233 and solar panels 224.

In some embodiments it may not be necessary to have a double skin balloon structure. It is envisaged that in at least some embodiments a single skin structure can be used.

Carbon fibre strength members can be included in the inner liner, for example by embedding the strength members in the liner and / or adhering the strength members to the liner.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Rescue apparatus, including an inflatable balloon, an inflation device for inflating the balloon, a connector member having first and second ends, said first end being attached to the balloon and said second end being attached to a harness device, said harness device being arranged for attachment to a user's body.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, including linkage means arranged to enable lifting equipment to engage the apparatus, the arrangement being such that the lifting equipment is able to lift at least a part of the apparatus that includes the harness device and the user attached thereto via the linkage means.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the harness device is releasably attachable to the connector member.
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector member is elongate and flexible.
5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein connector member is wound onto a spool.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the harness is adapted for use as a carrying means such as a rucksack, carrying frame or similar.
7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon includes a layered structure.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the balloon includes an inner skin and an outer skin.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the inner skin is made from a material that is substantially impervious to an inflation gas.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer skin is made from a plastics material or a fabric, and preferably a synthetic fabric such as nylon, polyester, aramid, or a combination of synthetic materials.
11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon includes flexible strength members.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the flexible strength members are woven into the outer skin and / or are adhered thereto.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the balloon is substantially spherical and the flexible strength members are arranged to form lines of latitude and / or longitude.
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least some of the strength members extend beyond the outer surface of the balloon and are attached to the connector member.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connector member is attached to the flexible strength members via at least one linkage.
16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon includes an opening and the apparatus includes at least one first valve for enabling gas to flow into the interior of the balloon and for preventing the gas escaping from the balloon.
17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one second valve that is operable to release gas from the interior the balloon.
18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflation device includes at least one gas source, at least one third valve for controlling the flow of gas out of the gas source, and actuator means for actuating the flow of gas from the gas source to the balloon.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the actuator means is arranged to automatically inflate the balloon in response to operation of the actuator means.
20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the actuator means includes drive means for operably connecting the balloon and the gas source.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20, including a container having a body and at least one pivotable member pivotally attached to the body and the drive means includes a drive member that is arranged to actuate the or each third valve to allow gas to flow from the gas source into the balloon in response to movement of the pivotable member.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the drive means includes resilient means for biasing the movement of pivotable member to an open position.
23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, including a locking member for holding the pivotable member in a closed position.
24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23 when dependent on claims 16 and 18, wherein the drive means is arranged to move at least one of the first valve and the third valve into operable engagement with the other of the first valve and the third valve.
25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the drive means includes a motor and a mechanism for connecting the gas source to the balloon.
26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 24 when dependent on claims 16 and 18, wherein the gas source includes at least one pressure vessel having at least one of the third valves operably connected thereto, and wherein the drive means is arranged to move the or each pressure vessel from a storage position to an operating position wherein the or each third valve is operably engaged with the first valve.
27. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one power source, such as at least one solar panel and / or at least one cell.
28. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one light element.
29. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a transmitter device.
30. Apparatus according to anyone of the proceeding claims, wherein the balloon includes at least a portion of high visibility material, such as at least one portion of retroreflective material.
31. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon is sized and the inflation device is rated to inflate the balloon to an extent that the apparatus is cable of lifting the user into the air.
32. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including an inflation hose that is arranged to provide a conduit to supply gas from the inflation device to the interior of the balloon.
33. Apparatus according to claim 32, including a valve for controlling the flow of gas from the inflation device to the interior of the balloon.
34. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector member includes at least one of an electrical connector and a fibre optic cable for connecting a device located in or on the balloon to a power source located remotely from the balloon.
35. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the electrical connector and / or fibre optic cable is located within sheath means.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:CLAIMS1. Self rescue flying apparatus, including an inflatable balloon, an inflation device for inflating the balloon, a connector member having first and second ends, said first end being attached to the balloon and said second end being attached to the harness device, basket, boat, car, container, rucksack, flying capsule, box trailer, carry frame or any other similar objects and devices.2. Apparatus according to claim 1, one can rescue oneself or a number of people out of danger.3. Apparatus according to claim I or 2, wherein the harness and similar devices are realisably attachable to the connector member.4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector member is elongate and flexible.5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein connector *�....member is wound onto a spool.6. Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein any thing can be adapted to be used as a carrying means.*: *. 7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon inàludes a layered structure.8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the balloon includes an inner skin and an outer skin.9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the inner skin is made from a material that is substantially impervious to an inflation gas.10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer skin is made from a plastics material or a fabric, and preferably a synthetic fabric such as nylon, polyester, or a combination of synthetic materials.11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon includes flexible strength members.12. Apparatus according to claim 11 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 10, -wherein the flexible strength members are woven into the outer skin and I or are adhered thereto.13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the balloon is substantially spherical and the flexible strength members are arranged to form lines of latitude and I or longitude. - 14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least some of the strength members extend beyond the outer surface of the balloon and are attached to the connector member.15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connector member is attached to the flexible strength members via at least one linkage.16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon * includes an opening and the apparatus includes at least one first valve for enabling * gas to flow into the interior of the balloon and for preventing the gas escaping from the balloon. * S..17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one second valve that is operable to release gas from the interior the balloon.18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflation device includes at least one gas source, at least one third valve for controlling the flow of gas out of the gas source, and actuator means for actuating the flow of gas * from the gas source to the balloon.19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the actuator means is arranged to automatically inflate the balloon in response to operation of the actuator means.20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the actuator means includes drive means for operably connecting the balloon and the gas source.21. Apparatus according to claim 20, including a container having a body and at least one pivotable member pivotally attached to the body and the drive means includes a drive member that is arranged to actuate the or each third valve to allow gas to flow from the gas source into the balloon in response to movement of the pivotable member.22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the drive means includes resilient means for biasing the movement of pivotable member to an open position.23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, including a locking member for holding the pivotable member in a closed position.24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23 when dependent on claims 16 and 18, wherein the drive means is arranged to move at least one of the first valve and the third valve into operable engagement with the other of the first valve and the third valve.25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the drive means * includes a motor and a mechanism for connecting the gas source to the balloon.S.....* 26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 24 when dependent on claims 16 and 18, wherein the gas source includes at least one pressure vessel having at least one of the third valves operably connected thereto, and wherein the drive means is arranged to move the or each pressure vessel from a storage position to an * operating position wherein the or each third valve is operably engaged with the first valve.27. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one power source, such as at least one solar panel and / or at least one cell.28. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one light element.29. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including a transmitter device.30. Apparatus according to anyone of the proceeding claims, wherein the balloon includes at least a portion of high visibility material, such as at least one portion of retroreflective material.31. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon is sized and the inflation device is rated to inflate the balloon to an:extent that the apparatus is able of lifting the user into the air. V 32. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including an inflation hose that is arranged to provide a conduit to supply gas from the inflation device to the interior of the balloon.33. Apparatus according to claim 32, including a valve for controlling the flow of gas from the inflation device to the interior of the balloon.34. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector * member includes at least one ofan electrical connector and a fibre optic cable for * .***.* connecting a device located in or on the balloon to a power source located remotely from the balloon. V 35. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the electrical connector and / or fibre *: :: optic cable is located within sheath means.
(36) Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the balloon includes at least one satellite dish.
(37) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one CCTV.
(38) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, Including at least one picture transmitting device.
(39) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, Including at least one recording and Data collecting device.
(40) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, Including at least one sensor, at least one G.P.S. system, at least one Laser system, at least one remote control system, at least one radar system..
(41) Apparatus accOrding to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon can include a screen,illuminating advertising and moving picture.
(42) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon can include directional control fan and wind generated power source fans.
(43) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon is sized and inflation device is rated to inflate the balloon to an extent that the apparatus is able of lifting any thing up into the Air, or on water keeping any thing afloat until help is available. * ** : * .
(44) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein inflation of the balloon can be from outside source, such as transport vehicle, a storage building, :. storage tank, or pipe line to the control centre and storage facility, or underground * next to the building.
(45) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflation system can be incorporated within the new buildings, for example hotels, office blocks, high rise tower blocks,etc,etc,etc.
(46) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the balloon can be deployed manually or automatically with the aid of computers, sensors, remote control, laser, electronics, hydraulics, or similar.
(47) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of the balloon can be coated with different materials such as sun light reflecting material, moisture absorbing material, heat reflecting tiles, solar material producing power source, glass mirrors reflecting sun light where ever required.
(48) Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the balloon can be any shape, size, length, breath, width.
49. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein plastic, metal, or carbon fibre rings are embedded within the balloon structure and on it to tie extra strength members or any thing else on the balloon.
50. Apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the rings can be used to tie the strength members, cord, rope, or a cable connecting the balloon to the carry frame, such as a basket, container, flying capsule, car, boat, etc, etc.
51. Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the apparatus can fly over a danger area by remote control, computer control, laser control, with onboard camera where it is not possible for a human being to venture such as radiation area, fire or any other hazards and disasters to rescue a person by the means of self rescue.
52. Apparatus according to claim 51, the apparatus is a perfect silent flying machine especially in combat zone.
53. Apparatus according to claims 51, 52, wherein the airtight capsule can fly at a high altitude.
54. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is useful to cross small obstacles such as rivers, mountain, floods, wild fires, dessert, jungle, and natural disasters.:
55. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a sky vision * 1 balloon can be deployed from a transport vehicle as a look out post in the sky *:: giving a birds eye view of any event, such as crowd control, volcano eruption, combat zones, scientists jungle canopy research, and on the beach.*
56. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a smallest self rescue apparatus can be attached on I or in a rucksack, a small * lightweight plastic container with enough gas to lift a person off the ground.
57. Apparatus according to all of the preceding claims, wherein a rucksack with small rectangle stretchable balloon clicked on top of the rucksack with cords attached to the balloon and to the spools inside the rucksack and pull cord to start inflation will be sufficient to self rescue oneself to safety.58 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rucksack self rescue is particularly useful where no other help is available.59. Apparatus according to claims 56,57, and 58 is useful for people pursuing dangerous activity and leisure pastimes such mountain climbing, walkers, trekking, cross country, etc, etc. 60. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rucksack self rescue apparatus is useful for people living and working in high rise buildings and people working in dangerous situations such as crane drivers, oil rig worker, fishermen, sailors, combat soldiers, and construction workers, electric pylon workers, and people working on their own.