Buoys – rafts – and aquatic devices – Rafts – Having water reactant stabilizing means
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-23
2001-03-27
Basinger, Sherman (Department: 3617)
Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices
Rafts
Having water reactant stabilizing means
C441S038000, C441S040000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206743
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a liferaft and in particular to a reversible liferaft, i.e. one which can be occupied satisfactorily regardless of the way it floats.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are three categories of previously known liferafts.
Firstly there are so-called open reversible or platform liferafts, most commonly used on vessels on inshore routes. These liferafts comprise either single or multiple buoyancy tubes arranged in a polygon e.g. with 8, 10 or 12 sides, surrounding a single sheet of waterproof fabric which forms a floor. Such liferafts are not supplied with any protection means such as a canopy, to protect the occupant from the environment e.g. wind and rain, although some are provided with thermal protective aids.
Secondly, there are those reversible liferafts which comprise either a single or multiple buoyancy tubes, again arranged in a polygon to surround a sheet of waterproof fabric which provides a floor. These liferafts incorporate means of attaching a separately stowed, manually erectable arch and canopy system. Action is required by the occupant(s) to erect and cause the arch system to inflate. This type of reversible liferaft is commonly stowed on commercial aircraft.
The third category comprises reversible liferafts comprising a single polygonal buoyancy tube and incorporating arch tubes which during deployment of the liferaft are restrained. The occupants need to release the arch tubes and erect the canopy. Liferafts in this category are commonly provided on helicopters.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible liferaft having a canopy which is automatically deployed whichever way the liferaft floats, without the need for any erecting action by the occupant(s).
In accordance with the invention a liferaft comprises a sheet of waterproof fabric for supporting at least one person, at least one inflatable buoyancy tube secured to and surrounding the periphery of the sheet, an aperture formed in the sheet, an inflatable column of fabric having a centre and two extremities, a sleeve of waterproof fabric having two ends, the sleeve being connected at one end to the edge of the aperture in the sheet and at the other end to the outer surface of the column at or near the centre thereof, and two canopies, each comprising a sheet of fabric extending from one extremity of the column to the at least one inflatable tube and the other extending from the other extremity of the column to the at least one inflatable tube.
Preferably two inflatable buoyancy tubes are provided, one above the other, and the sheet for supporting at least one person is joined to at least one of the tubes at the line of connection between the two tubes.
Preferably the column is single—walled and has a circular horizontal cross-section when inflated and may generally have the form of two parts of cones, having a central narrow centre and wider extremities. Alternatively the column may be double-walled, i.e. comprising two tubular walls, one inside the other, parts of the two walls being joined together e.g. by welding to provide a plurality of upright flutes which add overall rigidity to the columns when inflated. The wider extremities preferably each have a substantially larger cross-sectional area than that of the centre, preferably in the ratio of about 10:1. The column may be inflatable via a single feed tube connected to the, or one of the, buoyancy tubes or via several feed tubes connected to the one buoyancy tube or both or all the buoyancy tubes (if a plurality is provided). Alternatively a separate gas inflation system e.g. a gas cylinder may be provided.
The sleeve may be of circular cross-section and of part conical form when the liferaft is inflated, having a cone angle corresponding to the cone angle of the two conical parts of the column.
One or more water pockets may be provided for stability while the liferaft is floating.
The canopies may be provided with shaping means for causing part of that canopy which is on the underside of the liferaft when floating on water to project downwards into the water, providing stabilising means for the liferaft. The shaping means may be associated with both canopies so that which ever of the two canopies is on the underside of the liferaft is caused to project downwards as described. The shaping means may, for example, comprise a plurality of elasticated ropes and weights.
The stabilising means provided when said part of each canopy is shaped by the shaping means may comprise at least one water pocket. The or each pocket may be provided with at least one hole to provide water entry and/or air exit during deployment of the liferaft and, further, may be fitted with at least one transverse bulkhead to reduce water movement.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3034154 (1962-05-01), Silverstone
patent: 3037218 (1962-06-01), Brooks, III
patent: 3123843 (1964-03-01), Tangen
patent: 3574875 (1971-04-01), Tulett
patent: 3843983 (1974-10-01), Tangen
patent: 5733158 (1998-03-01), Higginbotham
patent: 0 087 734 (1983-09-01), None
patent: 2152105 (1973-04-01), None
patent: 839716 (1960-06-01), None
Basinger Sherman
Stevens Davis Miller & Mosher L.L.P.
Wardle Storeys (Safety & Survival Equipment) Limited
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