Flexible life-saving flotation device

Abstract

Flexible lifesaving devices, such as life vests, pilot suits, lifeboats, lifebuoys, providing flotation to their users. An internal inflation space, integral to the device, has a volume sufficient when inflated, to provide flotation to a person or persons having up to a predetermined weight, using the device. Pressurized flotation gas, having a volume in its gaseous phase sufficient to inflate the internal space, is contained in a flexible pressurized gas container, such as a length of tubing or a pouch in a wall of the device, and enables the device to be both flexible and foldable. A valve connects the flexible container with the internal inflatable space of the device, such that when the valve is opened, the volume of pressurized flotation gas flows into the internal space. The flexible container is a regulatory required part of the device, which is thus flexible and foldable.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A lifeboat comprising:
 a foldable inflatable hull and a floor element, the foldable inflatable hull having an internal volume adapted to be inflated with a gas;   a flexible pressurized gas container adapted to contain a volume of pressurized flotation gas sufficient, when in its gaseous phase, to inflate the hull of the lifeboat such that the lifeboat can float on water while carrying a predetermined number of persons; and   a valve connecting the flexible pressurized gas container with the internal volume of the foldable inflatable hull, such that when the valve is opened, the volume of pressurized flotation gas flows into the internal volume of the hull, thereby providing flotation to the lifeboat,   wherein the flexible pressurized gas container is in the form of a flexible pneumatic hose, which, when the lifeboat is inflated, constitutes a regulatory mandated element of the lifeboat.   
     
     
         2 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible pneumatic hose is mounted on the lifeboat in a position that, when the lifeboat is inflated, enables at least a part of it to be used as a mandatory gripping rope of the lifeboat. 
     
     
         3 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1  wherein the flexibility of the hose adapted to contain the pressurized flotation gas is such that when the lifeboat is uninflated, it is foldable to an essentially flat form. 
     
     
         4 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 10 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 50° C. 
     
     
         5 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 14 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 70° C. 
     
     
         6 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 22 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 70° C. 
     
     
         7 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1 , wherein the valve is activated either manually, or, when immersed in water, automatically. 
     
     
         8 . A lifeboat according to  claim 1 , wherein the valve is activated automatically when the inflatable lifeboat is unfolded to a predetermined state from a stored condition. 
     
     
         9 . A personal lifesaving attire, comprising:
 a flexible garment and a flotation bag which is adapted to be inflated when filled with a gas, the volume of the space being sufficient when inflated, to provide flotation in water to a person wearing the garment, having up to a predetermined weight;   a flexible compressed gas container comprising a length of tubing disposed along at least a part of the outer extremities of the garment, adapted to hold a volume of pressurized flotation gas sufficient, when it is in the gaseous phase, to inflate the flotation bag; and   a valve connecting the flexible compressed gas container with the flotation bag such that when the valve is opened, the volume of pressurized flotation gas flows into the flotation bag, thereby providing flotation to the garment,   wherein the flexible compressed gas container comprises a regulatory required part of the garment.   
     
     
         10 . A personal lifesaving attire according to  claim 9 , wherein the garment is any one of a life vest, a pilot's suit, or a swim suit. 
     
     
         11 . A personal lifesaving attire according to  claim 9 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 10 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 50° C. 
     
     
         12 . A personal lifesaving attire according to  claim 9 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 14 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 70° C. 
     
     
         13 . A personal lifesaving attire according to  claim 9 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 22 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 70° C. 
     
     
         14 . A personal lifesaving attire according to  claim 9 , wherein the valve is activated either manually, or, when immersed in water, automatically. 
     
     
         15 . A personal lifesaving attire according to  claim 9 , wherein the flexible compressed gas container forms a holding handle conforming with regulatory requirements, adapted to be positioned behind the head of a person wearing the garment. 
     
     
         16 . An inflatable lifebuoy, comprising:
 an inflatable body having an internal volume such that when inflated with a gas, the inflated body can float on water while supporting a person having up to a predetermined weight;   a length of flexible tubing adapted to hold pressurized flotation gas, sufficient in its gaseous phase to inflate the body of the lifebuoy; and   a valve connecting the flexible tubing with the internal volume of the inflatable body, such that when the valve is opened, the volume of released gas flows into the internal volume of the inflatable body, thereby providing flotation to the body,   wherein the flexible tubing is mounted on the periphery of the lifebuoy in a manner that enables at least a part of it to comprise a holding cord which complies with regulatory requirements for such a lifebuoy.   
     
     
         17 . An inflatable lifebuoy according to  claim 16 , wherein the flexibility of the length of flexible tubing when containing the pressurized flotation gas is such that the inflatable lifebuoy, before inflation, has a predetermined flexibility. 
     
     
         18 . An inflatable lifebuoy according to  claim 16 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 10 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 50° C. 
     
     
         19 . An inflatable lifebuoy according to  claim 16 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 14 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 70° C. 
     
     
         20 . An inflatable lifebuoy according to  claim 16 , wherein the inflation gas has thermodynamic properties such that when compressed to a pressure of not more than 22 bar, it remains in a liquid phase over a range of temperatures of up to 70° C. 
     
     
         21 . An inflatable lifebuoy according to  claim 16 , wherein the valve is activated either manually, or, when immersed in water, automatically.