Flotation device and method of manufacturing the same
AssigneeJeroen Vincent van Mil
InventorsJeroen Vincenl van Mil, Philip Nicolees Bokkcr
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Abstract
The invention relates to a device for use in retrieving an object, e.g. a pair of spectacles, a key ring or a GPS device, that falls in water. According to the invention the device is provided with a holder that is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity in which an inflatable body is enclosed. In the event of activation of the device, the formation of gas required for the exertion of a flotation or driving force occurs within the inflatable body itself. The reagents required for the gas formation are preferably provided in mutual separation within the inflatable body.
Claims33
Device for use in retrieving an object that falls in water or in saving a person who falls in water, whereby the device is provided with:
- means, optionally detachable means, for attaching the device to the object to be retrieved or means with which the person to be saved can carry the device with him, respectively,
- a spray water-resistant holder that comprises a mechanism for opening of the holder, which holder in its closed state encompasses an empty, inflatable body of a substantially gas-impermeable matter in a folded state, and
- one or more reagents which react under the influence of water that has entered the holder to form a gas, which gas serves for filling the folded inflatable body in order to exert a flotation or driving force on the object attached to the device or on the person carrying the device
- characterized in that
- the reagents which under the influence of water form gas are comprised within the substantially gas-impermeable inflatable body itself and (that) the inflatable body comprises a water-permeable substance.
Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable body comprises in part a water-permeable substance and in part a plastic such as polypropene or polyethene.
Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable body as in its folded state can be provided with means for enhancing the eventual unfolding of the inflatable body, such as a string or a spring.
Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable body is divided into compartments and it is provided in one or several of these compartments with one or more reagents that react under the influence of water that has entered the holder to form the gas that causes a flotation or driving force.
Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more reagents that react under the influence of water to form the gas that brings about a flotation or driving force, are mutually separated within the compartment in which they have been provided.
Device suitable for use in retrieving an object, e.g. a key ring or a GPS device, that falls in water, whereby the device is provided with:
- means, optionally detachable means, for attaching the device to the object to be retrieved,
- a holder which comprises a mechanism for the closure and opening of the holder, which holder in its closed state encloses an inflatable body;
- and
- one or more reagents which react under the influence of water that has entered the holder to form a gas, which gas serves for filling the folded inflatable body in order to exert a flotation or driving force on the object attached to the device,
- characterized in that
- the holder is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity,
- the holder in its closed state encloses an empty, substantially gas-impermeable body, and
- the reagents which under the influence of water form gas are comprised within the substantially gas-impermeable inflatable body itself.
Device according to any of claims 19-21, characterized in that the one or more reagents that react under the influence of water to form the gas that brings about a flotation or driving force, are mutually separated within the compartment in which they have been provided.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.