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(11) | EP 0 324 593 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Localising device for rescue operations |
| (57) A localising device for rescue operations comprises a container formed by a body
and a closure lid, the latter housing a balloon provided in its mouth with a valve
associated with a coupling in the body of the container, in the interior of which
are housed individual bottles containing a lighter-than-air gas; said valve is held
in its coupling by means of a fastening element, while, at the same time, in correspondence
with the gas bottles, there is an opening mechanism for the same which is made up
for each bottle by a piece which has inside it a pin and spring assembly, which holds
the pin retracted, there being further provided a pivoted lever whose rotation displaces
the pin against the spring to open the bottle; these pivoting levers of the bottles
being joined together by a cable to a common operating handle, to constitute opening
means for the bottles. |
TECHNICAL FIELD
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] For keeping shipwrecked persons afloat in cases of accident, life jackets, boats and similar objects are used, but rescue is not assured until a recovery operation is implemented, rapid action therefore being required in many cases, for which the fundamental difficulty usually is the problem of localisation, to which end a solution is for the shipwrecked person to be provided with adequate means of signalling to facilitate localisation by rescue services, brightly coloured items being used for this purpose, in such a way that the visual attraction remains effective at a distance. It is obvious that this solution is not enough, on many occasions, where visibility is made difficult, either because the sea is particularly rough, or for other reasons such as mists or fog at sea level, reflection from the sun, etc.
[0003] This problem, which arises in cases of shipwrecks at sea, can easily arise in other circumstances, both within the same marine environment, such as with emergencies with underwater divers and fishermen in general, and indeed outside this environment, for equally urgent situations with mountaineers, forced landings in flights with or without engines, skiing, etc.; that is to say, there exists in many circumstances the necessity for a person to be quickly and easily located, no satisfactory solution having been found to this problem until now.
[0004] There is already known a localisation device which can be incorporated in life jackets, inflatable boats and further similar means, or which can be carried by people themselves in their own equipment. 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.
[0005] With these general characteristics several proposals have been made, such as for example those described in U.S. Patents 3.002.490; 3.253.573 and 4.042.882; U.K. Patent 2.014.528A; French Patents 2.473.200 and 2.573.382; PCT Application WO 83/01425 and German Patent 2.903.384. Also the Applicant Company has registered in Spain Utility Model No. 269.184, for a device with the above-mentioned general characteristics.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] With this arrangement, once the lid of the container has been removed, by pulling the control handle of the perforation mechanism for the bottles the gas passes from them to the balloon and inflates it, whereupon the balloon tends to rise, if the retaining piece is withdrawn, when the balloon becomes an effective detectable device for locating a person or persons connected to it.
[0010] For greater effectiveness in doing this, 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Preferably, 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.
[0013] One obtains thus an arrangement which is simply constructed, but which achieves functional characteristics to permit a more rapid and effective rescue operation, which, in many cases, can result in rescues which otherwise could be too late.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The attached drawings show, by way of an illustrative and non-limitative example, a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a view of the practical application of the device in question.
Figure 2 is a general and schematic perspective view of the device in its open position.
Figure 3 is a front sectional view of the device without its balloon, with the lid (2) in its relative position for assembly.
Figure 4 is a detail of that part of the balloon (12) corresponding to the mouth, illustrating the valve arrangement (19) incorporated therein.
Figure 5 is a sectional side elevation of the device both without the balloon (12) and with the lid (2) in its relative position for assembly.
Figure 6 is a section along the line VI-VI of Figure 7.
Figure 7 is a plan view of the closure cover (18) of the body of the container of the device.
Figure 8 is a section along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 9.
Figure 9 is a front view of the connecting piece (11) to the gas bottles.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the body of the valve mechanism (19) which is incorporated in the mouth of the balloon.
Figure 11 shows a diametrical section of the mentioned valve device (19) in its entirety.
Figures 12, 13 and 14 are respectively a perspective view, a side elevation and a plan of the retaining clip (20) of the balloon in the coupling to the body of the container.
Figures 15 and 16 are side and front elevations of one of the actuating levers of the perforation mechanisms of the gas bottles.
Figure 17 is a view of the connecting cable for the actuating levers (7) of the perforation mechanisms of the gas bottles (4).
Figure 18 is a detail of the cable sleeve in the formation of the connecting loops.
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the winding spool (16) of the fastening cable of the balloon.
Figure 20 is a perspective of the mechanism of the device of the invention without the external container of the same.
Figure 21 is a longitudinal section view of one of the bottles (4) containing the gas.
Figure 22 is a detail of the closing of bottles (4), with the corresponding cap (31) represented in its fitting-up phase.
Figure 23 shows the lateral view of cap (31).
Figure 24 corresponds to section along the line XXIV-XXIV of Figure 23.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
[0017] In accordance with the invention and according to the embodiment shown, 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.
[0018] In the body (1) are housed 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] In Figures 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.
[0024] As can be seen in Figure 10 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.
[0025] 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).
[0026] With this arrangement, in order to use the device it is enough to open the container by removing the lid (2), and having done that to pull the handle (9), upon which the pins (5) of the perforation mechanisms will pierce the mouths of the bottles (4), upon which the gas contained therein passes through the manifold (27), and through the valve mechanism (19) to the sphere (12), inflating this, in such a way that said balloon (12) tends to rise, due to the action of the lighter than air gas.
[0027] In these conditions, if the clip (20) is removed once the balloon is inflated, by pulling on the cord (21), the balloon is released and rises to the height permitted by the length of the cable (15), the tube (24) of the mouth being closed at the same time by the ball (22), in such a way as to impede the escape of gas to avoid deflation.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0028] 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.
[0029] For even greater detectability, 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.
[0030] In this context 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.
[0031] On the other hand, 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.
[0032] It is important to note that 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.
[0033] 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). Thus, once the bottle (4) is full of gas the complete introduction of the cap (31) is performed by a pressure blow or similar action. In this situation when the top of head (32) is set up against the mouth of the bottle neck border, 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).
1. Localising device for rescue operations, characterised in that it comprises a container
formed by a body and a closure lid, the latter housing a balloon provided in its mouth
with a valve associated with a coupling in the body of the container, in the interior
of which are housed individual bottles containing a lighter-than-air gas; said valve
is held in its coupling by means of a fastening element, while, at the same time,
in correspondence with the gas bottles, there is an opening mechanism for the same
which is made up for each bottle by a piece which has inside it a pin and spring assembly,
which holds the pin retracted, there being further provided a pivoted lever whose
rotation displaces the pin against the spring to open the bottle; these pivoting levers
of the bottles being joined together by a cable to a common operating handle, to constitute
opening means for the bottles.
2. Localising device for rescue operations, in accordance with claim 1, characterised
in that the valve of the balloon is coupled to a housing defined in a cover of the
body of the container, the said valve having external grooves through which pass the
legs of a clip element which constitutes the retaining element for the balloon, in
such a way that when the latter is full removal of the clip element permits the ascent
of the balloon.
3. Localising device for rescue operations, in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
characterised in that the housing defined in the cover of the body of the container
for the valve of the balloon has a central stem which maintains a ball and spring
assembly disposed within the said valve in the open position, to permit inflation
of the balloon when necessary.
4. Localising device for rescue operations, in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
characterised in that the cover of the body of the container also defines a housing
for a spool on which is wound the connecting cable for the balloon, the spool being
circular in shape at its lower end and conical at its upper end, in order thereby
to facilitate its rotation about its axis and the unwinding of the cable.
5. Localising device for rescue operations, in accordance with claim 1, characterised
in that in a preferred embodiment, the balloon is of a composite sheet material formed
by an internal layer of polyethylene and an external layer of metallised polyethylene,
to assist its localisation by radar, there being provided for the same purpose ribbons
of synthetic metallised material hanging from the sphere.
6. Localising device for rescue operations, in accordance with claim 1, characterised
in that over the joining between the lid and the body of the container a sealing adhesive
tape is incorporated which assures the watertight closing of the container, the said
tape being provided at its end with a handle with grasp functions, which enables immediate
grasping.
7. Localising device for rescue operations, in accordance with claim 1, characterised
in that each one of the bottles containing gas for the filling of the balloon is closed
with a cap which is made up of a circular head from which springs a hollow sleeve
provided with two faced holes and an annular toothed crown on the outside, thus the
said cap enables the filling of the bottle before its complete introduction, in order
to establish the hermetic closing of the same, since it is introduced into the top
of its circular head over the border of the mouth, staying retained in that position
because of the encrustation in the wall of the neck of the bottle and for the action
of the gas itself through the faced holes.