Abstract: An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is provided in a substantially baton-shaped configuration having a handle that is easily and effectively thrown and a flotation bladder at one end of the handle. A cylinder of carbon dioxide is disposed inside the handle. An inflator assembly is operatively connected to the cylinder to automatically activate upon contact with water so as to release pressurized gas and rapidly fill the flotation bladder. A water dissolvable mechanism can be utilized as the operable mechanism for the inflator assembly. Preferably, the cylinder is disposed in a support tube and the handle is made out of insulating material to thermally insulate and protect the cylinder from cold and hot temperatures and contact with objects while stored or transported.

Abstract: An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is configured with a body member having a handle configured to be easily and effectively thrown. The body member supports an automatic inflator assembly and a source of pressurized gas, such as a cylinder of carbon dioxide. The inflator assembly is configured to automatically activate upon immersion in water and release the pressurized gas to rapidly fill a flotation bladder, pneumatically connected to the inflator assembly, with the gas to support the person in the water. A pull handle and cord member mechanism provides for manual activation of the inflator assembly. A sheath covers the flotation bladder during storage and while thrown. The handle can have a chamber for storing various signal generating devices or emergency materials.