US 5,022,879 A · Inflatable life belt

Abstract

The present invention is an inflatable life belt of light weight, compact construction which is normally worn around the waist or hips of the individual, the size of which does not interfere with the activities of the individual while on board the ship, thereby rendering it feasible to use at all times without discomfort or in any way hindering normal physical activities. The belt encircles the body and is detachably engaged therewith by suitable belt means, the belt comprising two buoyancy sections of similar size which are folded one on top the other for sake of compactness. Each section of the belt includes a closed chamber; at least one of the chambers is automatically inflatable by suitable means such as a compressed gas cartridge mounted on the belt. The other closed chamber may be similarly inflated independently of the first chamber, or, alternatively, may be filled with an inherently buoyant material, such as foam, to render the life belt operative as soon as the individual enters the water.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An inflatable life belt comprising:

a) a flexible belt member of generally flat, elongated shape for encircling the waist of the wearer;
b) a first means for detachably securing the ends of said flexible belt member together;
c) an inflatable member comprising first and second buoyancy portions;
d) each of said buoyancy portions having opposed, flexible sidewalls, the edges of which are sealed together to provide a closed chamber;
e) a sidewall of one of said buoyancy portions being engaged with the body of the wearer;
f) the other of said buoyancy portions being folded over, and engaged with the other sidewall of said one buoyancy portion and said flexible belt member, when the life belt is in the inoperative position;
and,
g) a second means for inflating said second buoyancy portion and effecting relocation thereof into engagement with the body of the wearer.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inflatable life belt

Life of this patent

Inflatable life belt

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14