SPRAYHOOD FOR A LIFE PRESERVER

Abstract: A sprayhood adapted to be attached to and worn with a life preserver such as a life jacket (37) or buoyancy aid by a person floatin g in water. The sprayhood comprises sheet material including a clear panel (10, 38) having support means (19, 47, 48, 50, 55) to hold the material well clear of the wearer's face and vent means (20, 60, 61) to allow an adequate supply of air to circulate arround the wearer's head.

Description: SPRAYHOOD FOR A LIFE PRESERVER This invention relates to a sprayhood. A conventional sprayhood fits over the head of a person wearing a life preserver e.g. a buoyancy aid, lifejacket and/or immersion suit which may incorporate buoyancy, floating in water, the person having escaped from a stricken vessel, offshore oil rig or aircraft. The conventional sprayhood keeps water spray away from the person's face, allows oncoming rescue craft to be seen and assists in preventing water inhalation. Such a sprayhood fits close to the wearer's face and often limits the free circulation and volume of air around the wearer's head. After a short time the amount of exhaled carbon dioxide within the sprayhood may increase to a dangerous amount whereby it causes brain damage or asphyxia. When worn with a two-lobed life preserver the conventional sprayhood allows water to flow towards the wearer's face between the two lobes when facing the waves and also allows the ingress of water behind the wearer's neck when facing away from the waves. It is an object of the present invention to substantially reduce or overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. In accordance with the invention a sprayhood comprises sheet material including a clear panel through which the wearer may see, means to locate the sprayhood on an inflated life preserver such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid in a position whereby when being worn by a person floating in water, the clear panel lies above the person's head and generally above the life preserver, the clear panel being provided with support means which holds the sheet material away from the wearer's head in use and defines a space into which the wearer may exhale in safety, and the sheet material being provided with vent means which allows some fresh air to flow into the space and some exhaled carbon dioxide to escape from the space. The sprayhood may be formed with a pocket into which part of the life preserver e.g. lifejacket or buoyancy aid, locates and provides a degree of location for the sprayhood. The sprayhood may be provided with attachment means such as a lace, loop of elasticated tape, press studs or looped and barbed material (such as that sold under the trade mark VELCRO) to hold part of an edge of the sprayhood against an upper surface of the life preserver. The support means may comprise a flexible strut secured to the sheet material by suitable means. For example the strut may comprise a preformed nylon rod which is of generally semi-circular shape in use. The rod may be positioned in loops or a tube formed in or attached to the sheet material, particularly the clear panel. The support means may comprise an inflatable tube such that on inflation the inflated tube acts as a support strut to hold the panel away from the wearer's head and defines a space into which the wearer may exhale in safety. A plurality of tubes may be provided, for example five connected tubes may be provided positioned in the form of a square and one diagonal. The vent means may comprise one or more vent holes formed in the sheet material, particularly in the clear panel. The size and/or number and/or position of the or each vent hole is intended to meet the requirements of various British and European standards for sprayhoods e.g. BS EN 394.1994, 395.1994, 396.1994 and 399.1994. In particular reference is made to Section 6.10 of Standard No. BS EN 399 which details the method of testing for the presence of carbon dioxide gas within a sprayhood fitted to a life preserver and further states the maximum permitted levels of carbon dioxide gas under controlled conditions. Thus the size and/or number and/or position of the or each vent hole must be sufficient to allow exhaled carbon dioxide to escape without the amount increasing to a dangerous concentration within the air in the space, to allow an adequate supply of fresh air to enter the space and to prevent water spray entering the space and thereby interfering with the breathing or vision of the wearer. In one preferred construction of the invention two vent holes are provided in the clear panel, one on each side of the wearer's head and positioned near the wearer's cheeks. A stole cover may be provided in which at least part of the life preserver and the sprayhood may be stowed, ready for deployment. Preferably the sprayhood comprises a barrier which on deployment of the sprayhood is automatically positioned behind the wearer's head to prevent or limit the ingress of water to the space. If the sprayhood is worn with a two-lobed life preserver, preferably the sprayhood comprises a manually deployed shield to prevent water access between the two lobes towards the wearer's face. Two embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view from one side of a sprayhood in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of a sprayhood in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, fitted to an inflated lifejacket; and Figure 3 shows a side view of the sprayhood according to the second embodiment of the invention fitted to an inflated lifejacket worn by a standing person. The sprayhood in accordance with the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a main, generally convex panel 10, of clear polyurethane plastic sheet material 0.010" (0.254 mm) thickness. The bottom front part of the panel is edged with a narrow tape 1 1 which is attached to a further panel 12 of clear polyurethane plastic sheet edged on the three remaining sides with a narrow tape 13 and shaped to fit between the lobes of a life preserver. This further panel acts as a shield to prevent the access of water from the front of the wearer. To the top and bottom of the further panel 12 is fitted suitable loops of flexible elastic tape material 14, each loop passing around a respective lobe to locate the further panel 12 between the lobes. The sides of the main panel 10 are edged with a wider tape 15 on both sides. At the bottom end of the main panel sides 15 a VELCRO strip 16 is attached to locate with the top surface of the lobes of a life preserver. The top edge of the main panel 10 is attached to a hood 17 which acts as a pocket and passes around the side and collar section of a stole of a life preserver. The bottom back edge of the hood 17 has means of attachment (not shown) for example short lengths of VELCRO for attaching the back edge to the life preserver and thus locating the hood in its correct position so that it acts as a barrier to prevent water access behind the wearer's head or neck. The main clear plastic panel 10 is formed with a tube 18 of the same plastic sheet material, the tube passing transversely across the sprayhood and containing a flexible nylon strut 19. Because of the configuration of the strut 19, the constraints of the side tapes 15 together with the cut of the main panel 10, the strut 19 takes up a generally semi-circular shape as shown, the ends of the strut 19 abutting and being held in position by the side tapes 15. Two circular vent holes 20 are provided in the main clear plastic panel 10. The vent holes 20 are sufficiently large to allow the free circulation of fresh air and exhaled carbon dioxide and positioned to prevent excessive spray from entering the space above the wearer's face and below the panel, thus interfering with the wearer's breathing and vision and causing general discomfort. The two vent holes are located generally one adjacent each cheek of the wearer when in use. When not in use the sprayhood may be folded in a concertina fashion and stowed so as to lie around the back of the wearer's neck and over his or her shoulders, in a suitable container. In this stowed condition the strut is still in the same semi-circular configuration but lying with the remainder of the sprayhood. The lifejacket would be uninflated and it is on inflation of the lifejacket that the sprayhood is pulled forward to take up the position as shown in Figure 1. The sprayhood 31 of the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises clear polyurethane plastic sheet material, 0.010" (0.254 mm) in thickness, several pieces of which are welded together into the shape and configuration as illustrated. The sprayhood 31 comprises a main, generally convex panel 32, a top area 33 having a top edge 34 which is provided with attachment means e.g. laces 35 for attaching the top edge to the stole 36 of the lifejacket 37, two side areas 38, 39 each having a side edge 40 (only one shown) which may be provided with attachment means (not shown) such as VELCRO (trade mark), press studs or further laces, a lower front panel 41 which is positioned in front of and above the two lobes 42, 43 of the lifejacket, a bottom belt portion 44 which extends under the two lobes of the lifejacket and up behind them, and two side belt portions 45, 46 which extend respectively around each side of the lifejacket i.e. the outer sides of the lobes and behind the lifejacket, and join the bottom belt portion. The two side belt portions 45, 46 and bottom belt portion 44 together form a pocket within which the lobes 42, 43 of the lifejacket fit tightly when inflated and assist in locating the sprayhood 31 . Vent holes 60, 61 are provided in the side areas 38, 39 respectively. The central panel 32 is surrounded by four inter-connected inflatable tubes 47, 48, 49, 50 of the same clear polyurethane material, arranged in the form of a square. Two corners 51 , 52 of the square lie adjacent respective side edges, one, upper corner 53 lies centrally adjacent the top central panel 32, and the last, lower corner 54 lies centrally below the central area. The central panel 32 is crossed by a fifth tube 55, interconnected at one end, i.e. the upper end to the top central corner 53 of the square of tubes and at the other end, i.e. the bottom end, to the lower corner 54 of the four tubes, which lower corner lies immediately above the lower front panel. The top end of the diagonal tube 55 is extended slightly beyond the corner of the square and is enlarged to form a chamber 56 lying above the wearer's forehead 57 in use (see Figure 3). One of the tubes, in this embodiment tube 50, is provided with an oral inflation valve 58 and associated inflation tube (not shown), positioned on the underside of the sprayhood so the inflation tube lies conveniently near to the wearer's mouth 59. In use, the sprayhood 31 is fitted to the lifejacket 37 before the latter is inflated by inserting the lower ends of the lobes 42, 43 of the lifejacket into the pocket formed by the bottom belt portion 44 and the two side belt portions 45, 46. The side edges 40 and the top edge 34 are secured to the lifejacket by the attachment means and the lifejacket is inflated by an inflation device (not shown). (This inflation device may cause automatic inflation when the wearer enters the water). The wearer then inflates the five tubes 47, 48, 49, 50, 55 by the oral inflation valve 58 and the inflation tube 38. This action causes the sprayhood 31 to take up the shape and configuration as shown in Figure 3, the central panel 32 being convex and being lifted away from the wearer's face. A relatively large space is defined below the sprayhood, thus increasing the available free volume of air compared to prior sprayhoods and reducing the likelihood of the amount of exhaled carbon dioxide increasing to a dangerous level. The top area 33 acts as a barrier to prevent water entering the space from behind the wearer's head. Alternatively the sprayhood tubes 47, 48, 49, 50, 55 may be inflated manually e.g. by actuating a small gas cylinder. In addition this action may cause the sprayhood to be deployed automatically from a stowage compartment on the lifejacket. In a modification, only the central panel 32, the five tubes and the two side areas are made of clear plastic sheet. The remaining parts are opaque and preferably brightly coloured e.g. fluorescent yellow.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A sprayhood comprising sheet material including a clear panel (10;32) through which the wearer may see, means to locate the sprayhood on an inflated life preserver such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid in a position whereby when being worn by a person floating in water, the clear panel (10;32) lies above the person's head and generally above the life preserver, the clear panel ( 10;32) being provided with support means (19;47,48,49,50,55) which holds the sheet material away from the wearer's head in use and defines a space into which the wearer may exhale in safety, the sheet material being provided with vent means (20;60,61 ) which allows some fresh air to flow into the space and some exhaled carbon dioxide to escape from the space. 2. A sprayhood according to Claim 1 characterised by being formed with a pocket (17;44,45,46) into which part of the life preserver locates. 3. A sprayhood according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterised by being provided with attachment means (14,16;35) to hold part of an edge of the sprayhood against the life preserver. 4. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the support means comprises a flexible strut (19) secured to the sheet material. 5. A sprayhood according to Claim 4 characterised in that the strut comprises a preformed nylon rod (19). 6. A sprayhood according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the support means comprises an inflatable tube (55). 7. A sprayhood according to Claim 6 characterised in that a plurality of tubes is provided, for example five connected tubes (47,48,49,50,55) positioned in the form of a square and one diagonal. 8. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the vent means comprises at least one vent hole (20;60,61 ) formed in the sheet material. 9. A sprayhood according to Claim 8 characterised in that the said at least one vent hole (20;60,61 ) is formed in the clear panel (10;32). 10. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that a stole cover is provided into which at least part of the life preserver and the sprayhood may be stowed, ready for deployment. 1 1 . A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a barrier (17;33) which on deployment of the sprayhood is positioned behind the wearer's head. 12. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the sprayhood comprises a shield (12) to prevent water access towards the wearer's face. AMENDED CLAIMS [rece ived by the International Bureau on 15 July 1996 ( 15.07.96 ) ; original cl aims 1 - 12 replaced by amended claims 1 -1 1 (2 pages ) ] 1 . A sprayhood comprising sheet material including a clear panel (10;32) through which the wearer may see, means to locate the sprayhood on an inflated life preserver such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid in a position whereby when being worn by a person floating in water, the clear panel (10;32) lies above the person's head and generally above the life preserver, the clear panel ( 10;32) being provided with support means ( 19,47,48,49,50,55) which holds the sheet material away from the wearer's head in use and defines a space into which the wearer may exhale in safety, the sheet material being provided with vent means (20;60,61 ) which allows some fresh air to flow into the space and some exhaled carbon dioxide to escape from the space characterised in that the means to locate the sprayhood on an inflated life preserver includes a pocket (17;44,45,46) with which the sprayhood is formed. 2. A sprayhood according to Claim 1 characterised by being provided with attachment means (14, 1 6;35) to hold part of an edge of the sprayhood against the life preserver. 3. A sprayhood according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterised in that the support means comprises a flexible strut (19) secured to the sheet material. 4. A sprayhood according to Claim 3 characterised in that the strut comprises a preformed nylon rod ( 19). 5. A sprayhood according to either one of Claims 1 or 2 characterised in that the support means comprises an inflatable tube (55) 6. A sprayhood according to Claim 5 characterised in that a plurality of tubes is provided, for example five connected tubes (47,48,49,50,55) positioned in the form of a square and one diagonal. 7 A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the vent means comprises at least one vent hole (20;60,61 ) formed in the sheet material. 8. A sprayhood according to Claim 7 characterised in that the said at least one vent hole (20;60,61 ) is formed in the clear panel (10;32). 9. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that a stole cover is provided into which at least part of the life preserver and the sprayhood may be stowed, ready for deployment. 10. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a barrier (17;33) which on deployment of the sprayhood is positioned behind the wearer's head. 1 1. A sprayhood according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the sprayhood comprises a shield (12) to prevent water access towards the wearer's face.

Inventors: OLIVER JAMES DAVID, WILLIAMS RONALD, OLIVER, JAMES, DAVID, WILLIAMS, RONALD
Applicants: BTR PLC, OLIVER JAMES DAVID, WILLIAMS RONALD, OLIVER, JAMES, DAVID, WILLIAMS, RONALD
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B63C9
IPC codes: B63C9