Patent GB-689597-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to inflatable body-attachments for marine lifesaving
IPC: B63C9/125
Filed: 1950-10-19
Abstract: 689,597. Lifesaving appliances. FRANKENSTEIN & SONS (MANCHESTER), Ltd., P., and SILVERSTONE, J. Sept. 4, 1951 [Oct. 19, 1950], No. 25443/50. Class 77 [Also in Group VII] In an inflatable life-saving appliance of the 'stole' type the two inflation chambers lying over the wearer's chest are adapted for storage, when deflated in rolled or folded condition against the front of the 'stole's' attachment structure. In the appliance shown the 'stole,' comprising an elongated gas inflatable bladder enclosed within a gabardine casing 10 and formed into lobes 11 and a neck embracing portion 12, is attached to a vest-like structure. This is formed by a chest panel 19, divided down its centre 21 and connected by a zip fastener 22 and buttons 23, which is secured to the chest by a waist strap 24, shoulder straps 25 and neck strap 26 the straps being attached to the panel at its lower edge, side edges and upper edge respectively. The lobes 11 are anchored to the panel 19 adjacent its medial slit 21 such that their lower and laterally outermost portions are left free whilst the portion 12 is attached to the upper edge of the panel 19 by means'of a gusset 27. The lobes 11, when deflated, are contained in a folded or rolled-up condition within pockets 28 secured to the panel 19. Each pocket is formed by two flaps 29, 30 the free edges of which overlap and are secured together by press-studs 31 which will permit of the pocket being burst open by internal pressure such as when the contained lobe is inflated. A pressstud 32 secures the deflated and rolled or folded portion 12 to the neck strap 26. A pocket 34 for a gas container 16 is secured along the outer edge of one of the straps 25. Inlet of gas into the 'stole' is controlled by a knob 17. An oral inflation inlet may also be provided. A crotch flap 36 depends from the back of the strap 24 and is secured to extensions 25a of the straps 25 by means of a webbing member 36a, a buckle and a captive pin 39. Adjustable straps 41 connecting the rear face of each lobe 11 to an adjacent side of the strap 24 are used to draw the inflated lobes to the wearer when in the water. A parachute harness is shown worn over the appliance in Fig. 2, and regardless as to whether the parachute release box 40b functions the lobes may be inflated as the parachute cross straps 40a pass under the pockets 28. The lobes are provided wth handgrips so that when in the water the wearer may raise himself or adjust his position and rescue work may be facilitated. In a modification, Fig. 4, the attachment structure is in the form of a waist-coat 45 the neck embracing part 51 of the 'stole' being anchored by means of a gusset 53 whilst the front lobes 54 are secured over areas 55 to the front upper part of the coat. When deflated the lobes may be folded over towards buttons 46 and press-studded as at 56 (shown on the right hand side of Fig. 4). The neck embracing portion 51 may be rolled up and secured in stowed condition by a pressstud 57. An oral inflatable tube 58 as well as a gas container and lifting loops 59 together with adjustable straps 60 for drawing the lobes towards the chest are provided. According to the Provisional Specification only the neck embracing portion of the 'stole' may be anchored to the attachment structure.