Lightweight personal rescue tube flotation device

Abstract

A compact lightweight personal flotation device is described that permits a user to swim with little drag or encumbrance following deployment, said flotation device comprising a streamlined inflatable float, one or more inflation means such as an oral inflation tube or a compressed gas cartridge/inflator system, a tether to secure the float to the user's body or clothing, and an optionally detachable line attaching the two ends of the float to allow the float to be looped over the body of the user and used hands-free in the manner of a life ring.

1 . An inflatable personal flotation device comprising: 
 an elongated inflatable float tapered at one or both ends for streamlined passage through water in an inflated condition; a means for attaching a line to each end of the float; an optionally detachable line attached between the two ends of the float which, when looped over the body of a user, allows the float to be used as a life ring; at least one means of inflation; an optionally detachable tether, attachable at one end to the float and at the other end to the user's body or clothing, the tether being sufficient for the user to tow the inflated device while swimming.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein one means of inflating the float is a manual inflation device, such as an air pump.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein one means of inflating the float is an oral inflation device.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein one means of inflating the float is a system consisting of a compressed gas storage device, a user-actuable inflator, and an actuation means.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein one means of inflating the float is a chemical gas generation system.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1  further bearing a single handle to allow the user to hold the device securely at an end of the device distal to a point of a tether means attachment.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the whole device can be folded or rolled to form a compact, stowable package.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tether means consists of a rope, cord, or webbing fitted with a loop or other fastening device at a point intermediate between the two ends, such that the tether can be fastened simultaneously to the user and to both ends of the float, the section of tether linking the ends of the float functioning as the line which can be looped over the body of a user, allowing the float to be used as a life ring.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tether means is attached to a user by a band or strap which may be worn around a body part of a user.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the band or strap is secured by a hook-and-loop fastening material.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tether means is attached to a user via a user's swimsuit, wetsuit, or other garment.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tether means is attached to a user via a belt or harness.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tether means is attached to the user by means of a loop formed in the tether itself, the loop then fitting around the user's body or extremity.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the tether means is attached to a user via a garment worn expressly for the attachment of the tether means.  
   
   
       15 . A system consisting of the device of  claim 1  and a carrying case or pouch fastenable to the user's body or clothing and capable of carrying the uninflated device when folded or rolled.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein a compressed gas storage device, a user-actuable inflator, and an actuation means constitute one means of inflation, and wherein the device can be actuated and inflated directly from the carrying case or pouch, without need for prior removal of the device from the carrying case or pouch.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the tether means is attached to the carrying case or pouch.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 1  wherein a weight at or near the end of the float to which the tether is attached causes the distal end of the float to rise out of the water when the float is pulled by the tether.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18  wherein the weight consists of the inflation means.  
   
   
       20 . An inflatable personal flotation device system comprising (a) an inflatable personal flotation device according to  claim 1 , and; (b) a garment bearing a pocket or other attachment means of sufficient size and construction to contain the uninflated folded device.