Patent ID: 6435125
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B63B,F17C,H01H

Abstract:
A float switch assembly for activating a gas supply for inflating a flotation device mounted on a watercraft, the flotation device maintaining the watercraft in a floating condition, the float switch assembly comprising:a hollow float housing having a first end and a second end; at least one aperture formed in the first end of the float housing; a float body movable within the float housing upon a predetermined amount of water entering the float housing through the aperture; a trigger mechanism contacting the float body, the trigger mechanism having an attachment end extending through a slot formed in the float housing; a pivot assembly pivotally connected to the attachment end of the trigger mechanism; and an activatable valve mechanism connected to the gas supply, the valve mechanism releasably connected to the attachment end of the trigger mechanism and movable from a closed position to an open position; wherein upon movement of the float body within the float housing, the trigger mechanism pivots about the pivot assembly thereby disconnecting the attachment end of the trigger mechanism from the valve mechanism and moving the valve mechanism into the open position such that gas flows from the gas supply to the flotation device.