Abstract:
The lifesaver backpack includes an inflatable life raft folded into a pack. A plurality of straps is attached to the pack for securing the pack onto a user&#39;s back. The pack is inflated by a gas canister attached to the pack and selectively operable by a pull cord. Upon inflation of the pack, the pack transforms into the life raft that surrounds the user. A canopy stretches across the stern of the life raft to provide shade and protection against the elements. The lifesaver backpack can be provided with paddles and hoops on the sides of the life raft for rowing. An embodiment for submarine emergencies is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to personal flotation devices, and particularly to a lifesaver backpack that inflates into a life raft, providing a safe haven and increased survivability for subsequent rescue. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are literally life-saving devices, widely used in many forms of marine activity ranging from recreational to naval-military operations. Obviously, drowning is the main concern in the event of an accident or some catastrophe that occurs in the water. However, environmental exposure and hostile marine wildlife pose additional hazards. 
     While many PFDs are available, there is still room for improvement. Thus, a lifesaver backpack solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The lifesaver backpack includes an inflatable life raft folded into a pack. A plurality of straps is attached to the pack for securing the pack onto a user&#39;s back. The pack is inflated by a gas canister attached to the pack and selectively operable by a pull cord. Upon inflation of the pack, the pack transforms into the life raft that surrounds the user. A canopy stretches across the stern of the life raft to provide shade and protection against the elements. The lifesaver backpack can be provided with paddles and hoops on the sides of the life raft for rowing. An embodiment for submarine emergencies is also provided. 
     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of a lifesaver backpack according to the present invention, shown deployed as a life raft. 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental perspective view of the lifesaver backpack of  FIG. 1 , shown configured as a backpack. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lifesaver backpack of  FIG. 2 , shown configured as a backpack. 
         FIG. 4A  is an environmental perspective view of the lifesaver backpack of  FIG. 1 , shown at an initial stage of deployment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the lifesaver backpack of  FIG. 1 , shown at an intermediate stage of deployment. 
         FIG. 4C  is an environmental perspective view of the lifesaver backpack of  FIG. 1 , shown close to final deployment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lifesaver backpack according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The lifesaver backpack, generally referred to by the reference number  10  in the drawings, provides an automatic, inflatable life raft with features that increase survivability and minimize dangers from exposure. As best shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the lifesaver backpack  10  includes an inflatable pack  12  constructed to be worn on the back a user. The pack  12  is secured to the user by a plurality of adjustable straps  14 , which include quick release fasteners  16 . The adjustable straps  14  are attached to the pack  12  and preferably constructed to cross the chest and around the waist. This configuration provides a very secure and comfortable arrangement for carrying the inflatable pack  12 . It is also preferable to employ quick release fasteners  16  in order to minimize the time required to don the lifesaver backpack  10 , which saves time in emergency situations. In addition, each strap  14  can include flotation packs  15 , such as buoyant foam inserts or inflatable bags, the latter being provided with an auto-inflation mechanism, such as a hydrostatic release device or a gas capsule, in order to facilitate automatic turning of the user when worn in the water so the user will be facing up. This type of feature is especially helpful in instances where the user is unconscious or incapacitated, since the incapacitated user may be incapable of self-righting to prevent inadvertent drowning. 
     The inflatable pack  12  is a lightweight, inflatable bag configured to unfold or transform into a life raft or lifeboat during inflation. The reference number “12” and the like will hereinafter be used to refer to both the pack and the life raft due to the transformative nature of the pack. Initially, the pack  12  is folded into the rectangular shape shown in the drawings. It is to be understood that the rectangular shape is exemplary of the initial configuration of the inflatable pack  12 . The inflatable pack  12  can be provided in a variety of shapes and forms. The inflatable pack  12  is preferably constructed from thin, lightweight, high-strength and durable, waterproof polymers, such as nylon and the like. It must be capable of withstanding rapid inflation and be puncture-resistant, the latter in order to prevent accidental deflation from debris and the like. 
     In order to inflate the pack  12  into the life raft  12  shown in  FIG. 1 , the pack  12  includes a pull cord  18  operatively connected to a gas cylinder or canister  20 . The gas canister  20  contains gas, such as CO 2  or nitrogen under pressure, for inflating the pack  12 . When the user pulls the cord  18 , the cord  18  releases the gas in the gas canister  20  into the pack  12  to rapidly inflate the same. As an alternative, the cord  18  can be configured as an optional mouthpiece that allows the user to inflate the pack  12  manually. As a further alternative, the pack  12  can be provided with a separate tube with a mouthpiece for manual inflation. 
     The pack  12  can also be provided with at least one paddle  22  secured to a side of the pack  12  by a releasable fastener  24 . The paddle  22  is preferably lightweight and extendable for easy and comfortable handling by the user. The paddle  22  can be extended by telescoping movement or by a hinge-lock mechanism. The fastener  24  is preferably a hook and loop fastener, since such fasteners can secure objects very well, yet are easy to unfasten. Other types of releasable fasteners, such as spring clips and the like, can also be used. 
     FIGS.  1  and  4 A- 4 C show the various stages of deployment of the pack  12  that transforms the pack  12  into a life raft. In use, the user pulls the pull cord  18  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The gas from the gas canister  20  begins to inflate the pack  12 , as exemplarily shown in  FIG. 4A , while the user is in the prone position in the water. As the pack  12  continues to unfold during inflation, the shape of the life raft  12  unravels around the user in the stages shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . Upon complete inflation, the user remains supine on the bottom of the life raft  12  formed around the user, thereby insuring the user remains afloat above water. 
     The now inflated life raft  12  reveals additional features of the lifesaver backpack  10 . During inflation of the pack  12 , a portion of the pack  12  forms a canopy  32  at the stern of the life raft  12 . The canopy  32  can be provided as a semicylindrical, arched cover when fully inflated. The pack  12  can also be constructed to form other canopy shapes. The canopy  32  provides shade and some environmental protection from the sun, rain and other weather conditions. The shape of the canopy  32  can be defined by memory retentive wires within the lining of the pack  12 , much like modern, foldable tents. Moreover, the pack  12  can include thin rods that provide additional support for the canopy  32 . The canopy  32  can be an inflated feature of the life raft  12 , or a strip of fabric that unfolds into the desired shape. 
     In order to help rescue workers in locating the user, the pack  12  also includes an emergency beacon  34  disposed on top of the canopy  32 . The emergency beacon  34  can include flashing lights and/or a global positioning system (GPS) module, and/or a speaker that can emit sounds to alert nearby rescue workers. In addition to the above, the pack  12  can also include emergency supplies, such as first aid, concentrated rations, flashlight, water purifiers, flare gun and the like, to increase survivability for the user. These supplies can be stored in a compartment inside the life raft  12 . 
     Inflation of the pack  12  into the life raft  12  also forms integral hoops  36  disposed on the starboard and port sides of the life raft  12 . The user can thread the paddles  22  through the hoops  36  as a means of securing the paddles  22 , both for paddling and periods of inactivity. Moreover, the hoops  36  prevent inadvertent loss of the paddles  22 . As an alternative, the hoops  36  can be elongate strips of material attached to the life raft  12 , each strip forming a loose handle through which the paddles  22  can be threaded. 
     Thus, it can be seen that the lifesaver backpack  10  provides a relatively lightweight solution for surviving emergencies in water. The lifesaver backpack  10  can be securely worn by the user, and when inflated, forms a life raft  12  that can be rowed to safety or until arrival of rescue workers. The life raft  12  includes amenities that protect the user from the environment and increases survivability with options for emergency supplies. Moreover, the pack  12  can be easily folded or rolled for reuse. 
     An alternative embodiment of a lifesaver backpack  100  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The lifesaver backpack  100  is substantially the same construction as the lifesaver backpack  10 , except for additional features to help submerged users to survive, such as submariners in emergency situations. 
     As shown, the lifesaver backpack  100  includes a plurality of adjustable straps  14  attached to an inflatable pack  112 . Just like the pack  12 , the inflatable pack  112  is configured to be inflated into a life raft. The pack  112  includes a pull cord  118  operatively connected to a gas canister or cylinder  120  which contains the necessary gas for inflating the pack  112 . At least one paddle  122  is secured to a side of the pack  112  by a releasable fastener  124 . All the above features are similar in construction and function as the previously described lifesaver backpack  10 . 
     The lifesaver backpack  100  also includes a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA)  140  attached to the pack  112 . The SCUBA  140  includes a mask  142  connected to an air or breathing tank or canister  144  by a line, tube or hose  143 . During an emergency, the user can place the mask  142  over the user&#39;s mouth and nose and breathe air supplied by the air tank  144 . In deep waters, the user must still exercise great caution to avoid complications from decompression. 
     In some cases, the user may be stranded in hostile waters full of marine predators. In order to minimize dangers from such predators, the lifesaver backpack  100  also includes a detachable canister  150  filled with a repellant, such as a shark repellant. The repellant can be dispersed enroute to the surface or when safely ensconced in the life raft. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.