Patent ID: 6106348
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B63C,F16K

Abstract:
An inflatable personal flotation device comprising in combination:a first strap means having opposed ends joined together by a first buckle means;a second strap means having opposed ends joined together by a second buckle means;a plurality of spaced apart anchor strap means joining the first strap means to the second strap means;an inflatable gas bladder attached to the second strap means;a compressed gas inflation means activated by a release handle attached to a first gas pipe communicating with the interior of the inflatable gas bladder;a first gas inlet nozzle means attached to the first gas pipe inside the bladder and in sealing engagement with the inside of the gas bladder;a manual inflation means attached to a second gas pipe communicating with the inside of the bladder;a second gas inlet nozzle means attached to the second gas pipe inside the bladder and in sealing engagement with the inside of the gas bladder; anda detachable cover including a releasable closure means constructed and arranged to contain the first strap means, the second strap means, the anchor strap means and the bladder in an uninflated state, and which leaves exposed the first buckle means, the second buckle means, and the release handle;wherein at least one of the first and second gas inlet nozzle means includes gas vent holes constructed and arranged to permit gas flow into the uninflated bladder in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gas pipe, and the at least one nozzle means is not contained within a recess.