(19)
(11) EP 1 256 516 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
12.11.2003 Bulletin 2003/46

(43) Date of publication A2:
13.11.2002 Bulletin 2002/46

(21) Application number: 02253191.7

(22) Date of filing: 08.05.2002
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B63C 9/06, B63C 9/04, F16K 15/20
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 08.05.2001 GB 0111148

(71) Applicant: Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire
Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3AD (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • Inglis, Peter, 4C Design Ltd.
    Hillington Park, Glasgow G52 4RU (GB)

(74) Representative: Kennedy, David Anthony et al
Kennedys Patent Agency Limited, Floor 5, Queens House, 29 St Vincent Place
Glasgow G1 2DT
Glasgow G1 2DT (GB)

   


(54) Ocean survival unit


(57) A life raft or ocean survival unit (1) is capable of self-righting upon capsize, even when occupied by one or more survivors. The life raft (1) comprises a hull-shaped ballast chamber (5) which fills with water upon inflation of the life raft and provides added stability to the vessel and in part see self-righting capabilities to the life raft. Water is sucked in through membrane valves located at the rear of the ballast chamber. The life raft also comprises a canopy (4) and inflatable base section (3), wherein the inflatable base section may be compartmentalised to prevent sinking of the unit in the event of a puncture deflation.






Search report