Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-04-02)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1\. An emergency evacuation system comprising: a first floatation device; an inflator operably coupled to the first floatation device; and a second floatation device coupled to the first floatation device, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of a compartment.
2\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the first floatation device in an inflated state is configured to dispose the open inflation system above water.
3\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the compartment is proximate to an exit door of a vehicle.
4\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.
5\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the emergency evacuation system is stored within the compartment behind a retaining door.
6\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the inflator comprises a reservoir of compressed gas.
7\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the second floatation device comprises an open inflation system.
8\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 7, wherein the open inflation system comprises one or more air-entrainment devices.
9\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein all inflation gas for the inflator is within the first floatation device.
10\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the inflator does not use ambient air to inflate the first floatation device.
11\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the second floatation device in an inflated state provides one or both of a slide or raft.
12\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 1, further comprising a regulation device configured to sequentially direct gas to the first floatation device and the second floatation device.
13\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device is configured to direct the gas to the second floatation device after the first floatation device is fully inflated.
14\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 13, wherein the regulation device is configured to prevent the gas from flowing to the second floatation device before the first floatation device is fully inflated.
15\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 14, wherein the regulation device is configured to prevent the gas from flowing to the first floatation device in response to the first floatation device being fully inflated.
16\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device is configured to direct the gas to the second floatation device in response to the regulation device detecting a back pressure from the first floatation device.
17\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the inflator is configured to supply the gas to the regulation device.
18\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein one or both of the regulation device or the inflator are within the compartment.
19\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device comprises a flow control director configured to sequentially direct the gas to the first floatation device and the second floatation device.
20\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 19, wherein the flow control director comprises one or more valves that selectively open and close in response to one or more pressure differentials.
21\. The emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device comprises: a first regulator; a second regulator; and a flow control device in fluid communication with the first regulator and the second regulator.
22\. A method of forming an emergency evacuation system, comprising: operably coupling an inflator to a first floatation device; and coupling a second floatation device to the first floatation device, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of a compartment.
23\. The method of claim 22, further comprising storing the emergency evacuation system in the compartment.
24\. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing the compartment proximate to an exit door of a vehicle.
25\. The method of claim 24, wherein said providing the compartment proximate to the exit door of the vehicle comprises providing the compartment below the exit door of the vehicle.
26\. An aircraft comprising: a fuselage having an exit door; and an emergency evacuation system configured to be stored in a compartment proximate to the exit door, the emergency evacuation system comprising: a first floatation device; an inflator operably coupled to the first floatation device; and a second floatation device coupled to the first floatation device, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of the compartment.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
This action is in response to the application filed 6 May 2024 which is a Continuation in Part of applications 17/951,397 and 17/872,094, now US Patents 12,172,761 and 11,999,494 respectively, filed 23 September 2022 and 25 July 2022 respectively. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-21 and 26 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-3, 5-11 of U.S. Patent No. 11,999,494 and claims 1-10 of U.S. Patent No. 12,172,761. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they are coextensive in scope.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1 and 22-26 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Hartman et al. (US 2017/0050737).
- Regarding Claim 1. Hartman discloses an emergency evacuation system (100, fig. 3-4) comprising:
a first floatation device (106);
an inflator operably coupled to (“inflated” [0025]) the first floatation device (106); and
a second floatation device (112) coupled to the first floatation device (106, coupling illustrated by fig. 3),
wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device (106) to deploy the emergency evacuation system (100) outside of a compartment (“stored in a compartment…released or uncoil in response to inflation of slide” [0029]).
- Regarding Claim 22. Hartman discloses a method of forming an emergency evacuation system (100), comprising:
operably coupling an inflator to a first floatation device (106 and 14, fig. 1); and
coupling a second floatation device (112/114) to the first floatation device (106, illustrated by fig. 3), wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of a compartment (“stored in a compartment…released or uncoil in response to inflation of slide” [0029]).
- Regarding Claim 23. Hartman discloses the method of claim 22, further comprising storing the emergency evacuation system in the compartment (“stored in a compartment” [0029]).
- Regarding Claim 24. Hartman discloses the method of claim 23, further comprising providing the compartment proximate to an exit door of a vehicle (102, “stored in a compartment of an exit door” [0029]).
- Regarding Claim 25. Hartman discloses the method of claim 24, wherein said providing the compartment proximate to the exit door of the vehicle comprises providing the compartment below the exit door of the vehicle (102, fig. 3 illustrates the system below the door sill).
- Regarding Claim 26. Hartman discloses an aircraft comprising:
a fuselage (102) having an exit door (“exit door” [0029]); and
an emergency evacuation system (100) configured to be stored in a compartment proximate to the exit door (“stored in a compartment of an exit door” [0029]), the emergency evacuation system (100) comprising:
a first floatation device;
an inflator operably coupled to the first floatation device; and
a second floatation device coupled to the first floatation device,
wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of the compartment (see claim 1).
Claims 1, and 3-11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Rummel (US 3,679,025).
- Regarding Claim 1. Rummel discloses an emergency evacuation system (10, fig. 1-9) comprising:
a first floatation device (26/28);
an inflator (106, “compressed air bottles” column 5 line 52) operably coupled to the first floatation device (26/28);
a second floatation device (96/98/102/104) coupled to the first floatation device (26/28 illustrated by fig. 9),
wherein the inflator (106) is configured to inflate the first floatation device (26/28) to deploy the emergency evacuation system (10) outside of a compartment (illustrated by fig. 1).
- Regarding Claim 3. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the compartment is proximate to an exit door (14, illustrated by fig. 1) of a vehicle (“aircraft” column 1 line 74).
- Regarding Claim 4. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft (“aircraft” column 1 line 74).
- Regarding Claim 5. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the
emergency evacuation system (10) is stored within the compartment behind a retaining door (“stowed in a container or compartment within the structure defining the hatchway or stowed in a chamber adjacent the hatchway” column 3 lines 18-20).
- Regarding Claim 6. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the inflator comprises a reservoir of compressed gas (“compressed air bottles” column 5 line 52).
- Regarding Claim 7. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the second floatation device comprises an open inflation system (“cool gas generators” column 5 line 47).
- Regarding Claim 8. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 7, wherein the open inflation system comprises one or more air-entrainment devices (“cool gas generators” column 5 line 47).
- Regarding Claim 9. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein all inflation gas for the inflator is within the first floatation device (26/28, fig. 5 illustrates the bottles disposed with the first flotation device),
- Regarding Claim 10. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the inflator does not use ambient air to inflate the first floatation device (26/28 “compressed air bottles” column 5 line 52).
- Regarding Claim 11. Rummel discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, wherein the second floatation device (96/98/102/104) in an inflated state provides one or both of a slide or raft (“slide mode” column 3 line 9; “floatation raft” column 3 line 9; as illustrated in fig. 9, the slide and raft are compiled into one large raft after the secondary floatation device is inflated).
Claims 1 and 12-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Elkins et al. (US 3,866,734).
- Regarding Claim 1. Elkins discloses an emergency evacuation system (fig. 1) comprising:
a first floatation device (10, the upstream inflatable unit is inherently capable of floating, allowing it to be a first floatation device);
an inflator (19, “inflated from a single gas source” column 1 lines 55-56) operably coupled to the first floatation device (10);
a second floatation device (20, “slide raft” column 2 lines 38-39) coupled to the first floatation device (10 illustrated by fig. 1),
wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device (10) to deploy the emergency evacuation system (fig. 1) outside of a compartment (“secured to the aircraft fuselage by means of a girt and girt bar disposed in the doorway of the aircraft fuselage” column 2 lines 33-35illustrated by fig. 1).
- Regarding Claim 12. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 1, further comprising a regulation device (34) configured to sequentially direct gas to the first floatation device (10) and the second floatation device (20, “gas pressure will build up in the upper inflatable unit until sufficient pressure is generated to open the downstream check valve flappers. Once sufficient gas pressure has been built up, the downstream valve flappers will be forced to their open position permitting gas pressure to flow into and inflate the downstream inflatable unit” column 3 lines 14-20).
- Regarding Claim 13. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device (34) is configured to direct the gas to the second floatation device (20) after the first floatation device (10) is fully inflated (“gas pressure will build up in the upper inflatable unit until sufficient pressure is generated to open the downstream check valve flappers. Once sufficient gas pressure has been built up, the downstream valve flappers will be forced to their open position permitting gas pressure to flow into and inflate the downstream inflatable unit” column 3 lines 14-20).
- Regarding Claim 14. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 13, wherein the regulation device (34) is configured to prevent the gas from flowing to the second floatation device (20) before the first floatation device (10) is fully inflated (“Once sufficient gas pressure has been built up, the downstream valve flappers will be forced to their open position permitting gas pressure to flow into and inflate the downstream inflatable unit” column 3 lines 16-20).
- Regarding Claim 15. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 14, wherein the regulation device (34) is configured to prevent the gas from flowing to the first floatation device (10) in response to the first floatation device (10) being fully inflated (“prevent the loss of inflation in either the upstream or downstream inflatable units” column 1 lines 61-62).
- Regarding Claim 16. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device (34) is configured to direct the gas to the second floatation device (20) in response to the regulation device (34) detecting a back pressure from the first floatation device (“Once sufficient gas pressure has been built up, the downstream valve flappers will be forced to their open position permitting gas pressure to flow into and inflate the downstream inflatable unit” column 3 lines 16-20).
- Regarding Claim 17. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the inflator (19) is configured to supply the gas to the regulation device (34, “inflation system to inflate the inflatable units” column 2 lines 36-37).
- Regarding Claim 18. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein one or both of the regulation device or the inflator are within the compartment (inherently, prior to deployment of the system, the inflator is required to be in the compartment along with the evacuation system, as once deployed, the inflator is illustrated as below the first floatation device).
- Regarding Claim 19. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device (34) comprises a flow control director (the inflation lines of the first floatation device and valves at the junction of the first and second floatation device are equivalent to a flow control director as they direct the gas to the first floatation device before sufficient pressure then opens the regulation device and directs gas to the second floatation device) configured to sequentially direct the gas to the first floatation device (10) and the second floatation device (20, “gas pressure will build up in the upper inflatable unit until sufficient pressure is generated to open the downstream check valve flappers. Once sufficient gas pressure has been built up, the downstream valve flappers will be forced to their open position permitting gas pressure to flow into and inflate the downstream inflatable unit” column 3 lines 14-20).
- Regarding Claim 20. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 19, wherein the flow control director comprises one or more valves that selectively open and close in response to one or more pressure differentials (“abstract and column 2 lines 14-20).
- Regarding Claim 21. Elkins discloses the emergency evacuation system of claim 12, wherein the regulation device (34) comprises:
a first regulator (34);
a second regulator (34); and
a flow control device in fluid communication with the first regulator and the second regulator (34, as illustrated by fig. 2, the two supply passageways 28, each contain a double check valve, allow for first and second regulators and the flow control device (lines and valves) to be in communication with each).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 2 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon but considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure can be found in PTO-892.


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: ALLOWANCE
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
This action is in response to amendments filed 9 April 2025 for the application filed 6 May 2024 which is a Continuation in Part of applications 17/951 ,397 and 17/872,094, now US Patents 12,172,761 and 11,999,494 respectively, filed 23 September 2022 and 25 July 2022 respectively. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 7-8, filed 9 April 2025, with respect to claims 1 and 3-27 have been fully considered and are persuasive in view of the amendments presented.  The previous rejections of claims 1 and 3-27 have been withdrawn.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1 and 3-27 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding Claim 1, the prior art of record fails to disclose or teach “a first floatation device; an inflator operably coupled to the first floatation device; and a second floatation device coupled to the first floatation device, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of a compartment, and wherein the first floatation device in an inflated state is configured to dispose an open inflation system above water” in combination with the rest of the limitations in the claim.  This limitation, in the apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is neither anticipated nor made obvious by the prior art of record.  Claims 3-21 depend from claim 1 and are therefore also found allowable.
Regarding Claim 22, the prior art of record fails to disclose or teach “operably coupling an inflator to a first floatation device; and coupling a second floatation device to the first floatation device, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of a compartment, and wherein the first floatation device in an inflated state is configured to dispose an open inflation system above water” in combination with the rest of the limitations in the claim.  This limitation, in the method as claimed in claim 22 is neither anticipated nor made obvious by the prior art of record.  Claims 23-25 depend from claim 22 and are therefore also found allowable.
Regarding Claim 26, the prior art of record fails to disclose or teach “a fuselage having an exit door; and an emergency evacuation system configured to be stored in a compartment proximate to the exit door, the emergency evacuation system comprising: a first floatation device; an inflator operably coupled to the first floatation device; and a second floatation device coupled to the first floatation device, wherein the inflator is configured to inflate the first floatation device to deploy the emergency evacuation system outside of the compartment, and wherein the first floatation device in an inflated state is configured to dispose an open inflation system above water” in combination with the rest of the limitations in the claim.  This limitation, in the apparatus as claimed in claim 26 is neither anticipated nor made obvious by the prior art of record.  Claim 27 depends from claim 26 and is therefore also found allowable.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US8220742B2: Claims:
An assembly for stowing away and removing a survival kit in a passenger cabin of an aircraft, comprising: a first stowage compartment put in place in a floor of the passenger cabin; a survival kit; a strap connected at a first end thereof to said survival kit; and a hook connected to a second end of said strap, wherein the first stowage compartment is configured to accommodate the survival kit and is adapted for leading out the strap, and wherein said hook is configured for attaching the survival kit to an attachment device of a rescue device, with the first stowage compartment remaining closed.
a first stowage compartment put in place in a floor of the passenger cabin;
a strap connected at a first end thereof to said survival kit; and
a hook connected to a second end of said strap,
wherein the first stowage compartment is configured to accommodate the survival kit and is adapted for leading out the strap, and
wherein said hook is configured for attaching the survival kit to an attachment device of a rescue device, with the first stowage compartment remaining closed.
The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a second stowage compartment adjacent to the first stowage compartment and configured to be put in place in the floor, wherein the second stowage compartment is configured to accommodate the hook.
The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first stowage compartment and the second stowage compartment comprise a first closure flap and a second closure flap, respectively.
The assembly of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first and second closure flaps can be closed so as to be flush with the floor surface.
The assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first stowage compartment comprises a hingeable lever which is held so as to be hingeable on a rotary axis that is shared with the first closure flap of the first stowage compartment.
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the lever comprises a tie-down element spaced apart from the rotary axis, with one end of a linear-shaped attachment device being attachable to the tie-down element, and with the other end of the tie-down element being connectable to a securing device that is configured to releasably lock down the second closure flap of the second stowage compartment with a structural component of the floor.
The assembly of claim 6 , wherein the linear-shaped attachment device is configured, when the lever is completely within the first stowage compartment, to position the securing device in a lock-down position.
The assembly of claim 6 , wherein the linear-shaped attachment device is configured as a wire, a cord, or a chain.
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first closure flap comprises a clip-like connecting element for removably connecting the lever to the first closure flap of the first stowage compartment.
The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a rescue device, wherein the rescue device comprises a life-boat, a slide or a raft.
An aircraft comprising: a rescue device comprising an attachment device; and an assembly for stowing away and removing a survival kit in a passenger cabin of the aircraft, comprising: a first stowage compartment put in place in a floor of the passenger cabin; a survival kit; a strap connected at a first end thereof to said survival kit; and a hook connected to a second end of said strap, wherein the first stowage compartment is configured to accommodate the survival kit and is adapted for leading out the strap, and wherein said hook is configured for attaching the survival kit to the attachment device of the rescue device, with the first stowage compartment remaining closed.
a rescue device comprising an attachment device; and
an assembly for stowing away and removing a survival kit in a passenger cabin of the aircraft, comprising:
wherein said hook is configured for attaching the survival kit to the attachment device of the rescue device, with the first stowage compartment remaining closed.
Ref US5360186A: Claims:
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly for use from an egress door of an aircraft comprising an assembly of at lest two inflatable side tubes and two inflatable transverse tubes which join the ends of said side tubes arranged to hold said side tubes in spaced relationship when all of said tubes are inflated, a strip of flexible material secured to said tubes to define a life raft slide extending in a longitudinal direction when said tubes are inflated, said life raft slide having a head end and a toe end, girt means releasably connects said head end of said life raft slide to said aircraft adjacent to said egress door, a first pressurized means mounted on said life raft slide operative upon actuation to inflate all of said tubes, an inflatable boarding slide having a head end and a toe end, said head end of said boarding slide releasably connected to said aircraft adjacent to said egress door, said toe end of said boarding slide releasably connected to said head end of said life raft slide, and a second pressurized means operative upon actuation to pressurize said inflatable boarding slide to deploy said boarding slide as a slide and to deploy said life raft into a horizontal position for use as a raft while still connected to said boarding slide.
In an aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said toe end of said boarding slide has release means for interconnecting said head end of said life raft slide to said toe end of said boarding slide and is operative upon actuation to release said life raft slide from said boarding slide.
In an aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the overall length of said boarding slide is less then one-half the length of said life raft slide.
In an aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said release means between said head end of said life raft slide and said toe end of said boarding slide is a quick release means.
In an aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said life raft slide has at least two separate longitudinally extending slide paths for the simultaneous passage of evacuees.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly for use from an egress door of an aircraft comprising a first inflatable structure in the inflated condition having a head end and toe end, a second inflatable structure having a head end and a toe end, each of said head ends secured to said aircraft adjacent to said egress door upon deployment of said first inflatable structure from said egress door, said toe end of said second inflatable structure having a releasably secured connection to said head end of said first inlatable structure, pressurized means connected to said life raft escape slide assembly to selectively pressurize said first inflatable structure and said second inflatable structure wherein said first structure is deployed as slide/raft while said second inflatable structure is deployed as an inclined slide for said first structure when said first structure is deployed as a raft.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said first inflatable structure has a plurality of tubes with a slide support surface that is configured upon inflation to define either a depending aircraft escape slide or a horizontally disposed life raft when said second inflatable structure is inflated and deployed as a depending slide support surface.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said releasably secured connection between said toe end of said second inflatable structure and said head end of said first inflatable structure is a quick release means.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said pressurized means comprises a first pressurized means and a second pressurized means, said first pressurized means is mounted on said first inflatable structure, and said second pressurized means is mounted on said second inflatable structure.
An emergency aircraft escape slide raft for use on land and water comprising a first inflatable tube structure extendable in an inflated condition from an emergency egress opening in an aircraft to a position having a portion thereof adjacent the land or water, a slide surface located on said inflatable tube structure and integral therewith along the full length that provides a support surface on which persons may slide when evacuating from an aircraft or on which persons may sit when said first inflatable tube structure is deployed in a horizontal condition as a raft, first inflation means operably connected to said first inflatable tube structure to provide for an inflation thereof into a slide when an emergency escape from the aircraft is to be provided, said first inflatable tube structure having a head end and a toe end, said head end having release means attached to said aircraft adjacent to said egress opening to free said first inflatable tube structure from said aircraft, a second inflatable tube structure having one end releasably secured to said head end of said first inflatable tube structure and the other end secured to said aircraft adjacent to said egress opening, second inflation means operably connected to said second inflatable tube structure, said second inflation means is operative upon actuation to pressurize said second inflatable tube structure to deploy said first inflatable structure as a horizontally extending raft and to deploy said second tube structure as a depending boarding slide relative to said aircraft for evacuating people onto said first inflatable structure that is deployed as a raft, and release means interconnecting said head end of said first tube structure to said one end of said second tube structure and operative upon actuation to release said first tube structure from said second tube structure.
An emergency aircraft escape slide raft as set forth in claim 10 wherein said means connected to said first inflatable structure to provide for inflation thereof is located within aid aircraft to minimize the weight of said first inflatable structure.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly for use from an egress opening in an aircraft, said slide assembly having a first set of inflatable members and a second set of inflatable members, said slide assembly operative upon actuation to deploy said two sets of members into either a first deployed condition or a second deployed condition, each set of inflatable members have a head end and a toe end, said inflatable members in said first deployed condition are configured to define solely an inclined escape slide, said inflatable members in said second deployed condition are configured to define an inclined slide member connected to a horizontally disposed life raft, and release means interconnecting said inclined slide member to said horizontally disposed life raft to separate said horizontally disposed life raft from said inclined slide member.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first set of inflatable members define said inclined escape slide in said first deployed condition, and said first set of inflatable members define said horizontally disposed life raft in said second deployed condition.
An aircraft life raft escape slide assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said first set of inflatable members are the only members inflated in the first deployed condition, and said first set of inflatable members and said second set of inflatable members are both deployed in said second deployed condition.
Ref US3679025A: [content unavailable]
Ref US20140256197A1: Claims:
An inflatable floatable unit comprising: an inflatable flotation layer comprising a plurality of inflatable floatation tubes; an inflatable structural layer comprising an inflatable outer tube defining a circumferential barrier, the inflatable structural layer being arranged substantially above the inflatable flotation layer; and a flooring element provided between the inflatable flotation layer and the inflatable structural tube layer, thereby defining a bottom of the inflatable floatable unit; wherein the inflatable structural layer further comprises a plurality of inflatable seating elements extending in a longitudinal direction in a protected area enclosed by the inflatable outer tube element, and the inflatable floatable unit comprises a gangway element extending in a direction transversal to the longitudinal direction of the inflatable seating elements, thereby defining a gangway.
an inflatable flotation layer comprising a plurality of inflatable floatation tubes;
an inflatable structural layer comprising an inflatable outer tube defining a circumferential barrier, the inflatable structural layer being arranged substantially above the inflatable flotation layer; and
a flooring element provided between the inflatable flotation layer and the inflatable structural tube layer, thereby defining a bottom of the inflatable floatable unit; wherein
the inflatable structural layer further comprises a plurality of inflatable seating elements extending in a longitudinal direction in a protected area enclosed by the inflatable outer tube element, and
the inflatable floatable unit comprises a gangway element extending in a direction transversal to the longitudinal direction of the inflatable seating elements, thereby defining a gangway.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element is raised above the bottom of the inflatable floatable unit and extends over the inflatable seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein opposite ends of the gangway element are secured to the inflatable outer tube and the gangway element extends all the way across the protected area.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein part of the gangway defines a reception platform for receiving passengers embarking the inflatable floatable unit.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the seating elements are adapted for sitting astride with one leg on either side by the seating elements having a width in the range from 30 to 70 cm.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element extends in a continuous manner in a substantially horizontal direction, thereby constituting a substantially planar path.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element is supported by the seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 7 , wherein the gangway element is also supported by additional inflatable tubes extending in a direction transverse to that of the seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the seating elements provide structural rigidity to the inflatable floatable unit.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein a material constituting the gangway element is in tension during use, whereby the stability of the gangway element is increased, and the gangway element contributes to the structural integrity of the inflatable floatable unit.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element is an inflatable element or structure.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element extends in a plane that is tangent to the seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element extends between the top of two adjacent seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the gangway element extends between the top of a seating element and the top of the inflatable outer tube.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the width of a gangway element and/or the number of gangway elements can be changed during operation of the inflatable floatable unit.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , wherein the inflatable floatable unit comprises multiple gangway elements extending in the same or multiple directions across and along the inflatable seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 15 , wherein at least two gangway elements are arranged, the two gangway elements being positioned across the seating elements so that the protected area is divided into three areas having substantially the same size.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a first inflation system for inflating the inflatable flotation layer and a second inflation system for inflating the inflatable seating elements.
The inflatable floatable unit according to claim 17 , further comprising at least one on-board compressor constituting part of the first and/or the second inflation system.
An evacuation system comprising at least one inflatable floatable unit according to claim 1 and one or more chutes and/or slides extending from a vessel to the at least one inflatable floatable unit.
The evacuation system according to claim 19 , comprising two inflatable floatable units positioned side by side and being releasably connected with each other.
The evacuation system according to claim 20 , wherein the gangway extends from a side of one of the inflatable floatable units across both inflatable floatable units to a side of the other inflatable floatable unit.
Use of a plurality of inflatable seating elements comprised in a life raft for sitting astride, wherein passengers sit astride on each of the inflatable seating elements with one leg on either side of the inflatable seating element, whereby the passengers are isolated from a bottom of the inflatable floatable unit.
A vessel comprising an evacuation system according to claim 19 .
Ref US20200148370A1: Claims:
A gas distribution assembly for providing gas to an actuator for opening an aircraft door and to an inflatable aircraft evacuation aid, the assembly comprising: a single common gas supply; and valve means for controlling distribution of gas from the common supply between the door actuator and the evacuation aid based on the door opening position.
a single common gas supply; and
valve means for controlling distribution of gas from the common supply between the door actuator and the evacuation aid based on the door opening position.
The gas distribution assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the valve means is configured to direct gas to flow from the gas supply to the door actuator to open the door in a first phase and to subsequently direct gas to flow from the gas supply to the evacuation aid in a second phase, to inflate the evacuation aid.
The gas distribution assembly as claimed in claim 1 , where the valve means directs gas to flow to the evacuation aid in response to the door reaching a predetermined angle of opening.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 3 , wherein the valve means comprises a valve switching mechanism attached to the door.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 4 , wherein the valve switching mechanism includes a valve actuation member attached to the door and to a mechanical component such that movement of the door causes responsive movement of the mechanical component, which in turn opens the valve means.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 5 , wherein the mechanical component includes a cam moveably attached to the door and a roller actuably responsive to contact with the cam to open the valve mechanism.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 3 , wherein the valve means comprises a valve switching mechanism attached to the slide and responsive to the evacuation aid falling out of the door.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure regulator to regulate gas flow.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 1 , the gas supply comprises a cylinder of pressurised gas.
The gas distribution assembly of claim 1 , wherein the gas supply comprises means for generating gas on ope
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