Abstract: A life jacket provided with a heating unit, capable of preventing a person wearing the life jacket from dying due to hypothermia after the person has fallen into water. The life jacket provided with a jacket main body in which a space is formed between an inner skin and an outer skin, and a floater and a heating unit which are inserted into the space of the jacket's main body includes: a heating portion for producing heat by contacting water; a water transferring member, one end of which arranged within the heating part and the other end of which exposed to a surface of the jacket's main body so that water infiltrates thereto from the other end by capillary action and permeated into the heating part; and a covering part attached on a surface of the main body of the jacket covering the other end of the water transferring member.

Abstract: A pressure-activated flotation device for use with an electronic device includes an attachment feature, chemicals, a container, a removable cap, an inflatable tube, and a pressure-activated valve. The inflatable tube is fluidly connected to the container and is configured to inflate with the expanding gas when the chemicals are exposed to a liquid. The pressure-activated valve leads from the outer surface of the container to the inner volume of the container and includes a one-way valve that opens to allow liquid to flow to the inner volume of the container when the pressure-activated flotation device is submerged in the liquid to a depth where the pressure applied against the pressure-activated valve by the liquid is greater than an actuation pressure. The one-way valve also closes when the expanding gas generates a gas pressure inside the inflatable tube that exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A self-inflating device can include a container configured to receive a chemical compound, a one-way valve covering an opening leading to an inner volume of the container, and an inflatable portion fluidly connected to the inner volume of the container and configured to inflate with gas produced when the chemical compound is exposed to water. The inflatable portion can be configured to inflate when a gas pressure inside the self-inflating device exceeds a water pressure outside the self-inflating device. As the inflatable portion inflates with gas produced by the chemical reaction of the chemical compound, the inflatable portion can increase in volume and can displace water in a body of water. Consequently, the overall buoyancy of the self-inflating device can increase, causing the self-inflating device to rise in the water column toward the surface of the body of water where a user can easily retrieve the self-inflating device, as well as any object that is attached to the self-inflating device.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the resilient force (i.e. the force to deform when pressure is added and to return to the original shape when the pressure is removed) of an elastic member or bias member. A large pressure if added in advance to the elastic member or bias member disposed in a preserver body to set the preserver body in a thin and flat state. In an emergency, the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member causes water or air to be sucked into the preserver body. The volume of the preserver body is expanded by the air sucked in due to the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member or by gas generated by a chemical reaction between the sucked-in water and a foaming agent. The increased volume causes the preserver body to float, thereby enabling a wearer to breathe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation device for use in retrieving an object that is dropped in water. According to the invention the flotation device comprises attachment means and a holder that is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity. The holder comprises an inflatable body of a substantially waterproof and air-impervious material, and gas-forming reagents within the inflatable body. The inflatable body is sealed off from the rest of the interior of the holder by means of a narrow seal. In the event of activation of the flotation device, water ingresses in the holder and through the seal and comes into contact with the gas-forming reagents. The formation of gas required for the exertion of a flotation or driving force occurs within the inflatable body itself. The formed gas inflates the inflatable body.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the resilient force (i.e. the force to deform when pressure is added and to return to the original shape when the pressure is removed) of an elastic member or bias member. A large pressure if added in advance to the elastic member or bias member disposed in a preserver body to set the preserver body in a thin and flat state. In an emergency, the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member causes water or air to be sucked into the preserver body. The volume of the preserver body is expanded by the air sucked in due to the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member or by gas generated by a chemical reaction between the sucked-in water and a foaming agent. The increased volume causes the preserver body to float, thereby enabling a wearer to breathe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable assembly, such as an article of clothing or a life-jacket, for providing a rescue function, such as buoyancy, the wearable assembly comprising:—a support structure which can be arranged round the body, being wearable as for instance an article of clothing or life-jacket,—a fluid holder such as a buoyancy provider able to at least temporarily hold a fluid, preferably a gas, with a density lower than water,—a gas generator comprising a precursor for generating gas for the purpose of generating a gas substantially at a temperature which does not damage the human body or the human skin, preferably a corresponding ambient temperature.

Abstract: A flotation device includes a hollow body, a container attached to the hollow body and comprising a nozzle extending into the hollow body, and a latching member formed at the hollow body to attach the hollow body to an object requiring flotation. The hollow body and the container respectively contain two chemical materials, such that when the container is pressed, it ejects material therefrom via the nozzle into the hollow body, whereby the material from the container reacts with the material in the hollow body to produce a gas to inflate the hollow body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved water safety airbag structure, which includes a case, a bag and a holding receptacle, and the bag provided with the holding receptacle is retained within the case. The bag and the holding receptacle are respectively filled with a powdered chemical and an acidic chemical liquid. When the user is in difficulties during activities on the water, oppositely directed external forces can be applied to the bag and two sides of the holding receptacle, thereby causing the powdered chemical and acidic chemical liquid within the bag and the holding receptacle to mix and produce a large amount of gas to inflate the bag, thus achieving the effectiveness to save the life of the person in difficulties on the water.

Abstract: A personal anti-drowning system comprising a front fastening inflatable cocoon and inflating means: the inflatable cocoon being fabricated from a water and air resistant fabric such that at least part of the inflatable cocoon comprises air tight inflatable pockets at least on back of said suit and wherein when inflated and in water, said inflatable pockets support a person within the cocoon above the water, who can partially unfasten front fastening of the suit and sit up so that body below the waste is in said cocoon and torso, head and arms of the person protrude out of said suit.

Abstract: A personal anti-drowning system comprising an inflatable body suit and inflating means: the inflatable body suit being fabricated from a water and air resistant fabric wherein at least part of the inflatable body suit comprises air tight inflatable pockets.

Abstract: A flotation device (10) adapted to be worn by a person, said device (10) including at least one inflatable member (23) adapted to be inflated by gas generated by solid to gas generation means (21) and having means (30) to effect such inflation. The flotation device (10) also having a body (25) substantially encompassing at least one inflatable member (23) and the gas generation means (21) as well as release means for substantially releasing any inflatable members from the flotation device (10) while retaining the inflatable members (23) in connection with the flotation device (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in retrieving an object, e.g. a pair of spectacles, a key ring or a GPS device, that falls in water. According to the invention the device is provided with a holder that is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity in which an inflatable body is enclosed. In the event of activation of the device, the formation of gas required for the exertion of a flotation or driving force occurs within the inflatable body itself. The reagents required for the gas formation are preferably provided in mutual separation within the inflatable body.

Abstract: An apparatus to be worn as a necklace around the neck of a small child, which, when submerged in water, will inflate and float the child's head above water. The necklace will be composed of a gas generation chamber, two attached, inflatable balloons, a cosmetic sheath, or covering, and a small clasp to connect the necklace around the child's neck. When submerged in water a collapsible gas generation chamber, weighted on the bottom side, and an air bubble on the top side, will expand the gas generation chamber so that water is pulled, through a one-way valve, where it will start a reaction with anhydrous carbonate and acid, and from carbon dioxide gas. The gas will build pressure inside the chamber and push stoppers from the outlets into the balloons, and fill the deflated balloons, radially, away from the child's neck in order to float the child's head above the water.

Abstract: An apparatus to be worn as a necklace around the neck of a small child, which, when submerged in water, will inflate and float the child's head above water. The necklace will be composed of a gas generation chamber, two attached, inflatable balloons, a cosmetic sheath, or covering, and a small clasp to connect the necklace around the child's neck. When submerged in water a collapsible gas generation chamber, weighted on the bottom side, and an air bubble on the top side, will expand the gas generation chamber so that water is pulled, through a one-way valve, where it will start a reaction with anhydrous carbonate and acid, and from carbon dioxide gas. The gas will build pressure inside the chamber and push stoppers from the outlets into the balloons, and fill the deflated balloons, radially, away from the child's neck in order to float the child's head above he water.

Abstract: A floatation device, particularly a floatation device for children that can be easily worn, easily positioned, effective in operation, and sufficiently innocuous in appearance comprises an self-inflating tube that is worn around the neck, lies relatively flat against the wearer, and nests under and against the chin when inflated, without pressing tightly against the neck as would restrict breathing. The uninflated device may be plain or decorated and should respond to direct contact with water by inflating within no more than one minute of contact with water, and preferably in less than 15 seconds of contact with water. The device should not inflate nor generate gas when contacted with 85° C. and 98% relative humidity for 15 minutes.

Abstract: A floatation device, particularly a floatation device for children that can be easily worn, easily positioned, effective in operation, and sufficiently innocuous in appearance comprises an self-inflating tube that is worn around the neck, lies relatively flat against the wearer, and nests under and against the chin when inflated, without pressing tightly against the neck as would restrict breathing. The uninflated device may be plain or decorated and should respond to direct contact with water by inflating within no more than one minute of contact with water, and preferably in less than 15 seconds of contact with water. The device should not inflate nor generate gas when contacted with 85° C. and 98% relative humidity for 15 minutes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inflatable life buoy launcher gun for throwing, towards a shipwrecked person, a life buoy or life jacket folded in a sheathing body around a pyrotechnic gas generator. When the life buoy or life jacket reaches near the person, the life buoy or life jacket is inflated by means of gas generator gases. The folded life buoy or life jacket is launched from a launching tube provided with a firing handle and a launching gas generator.

Abstract: The inflatable, non-collapsible, flotation device (INCFD) utilizes foam mng chemicals within a flotation chamber where the materials react and harden to form a layer of pliant foam, such as polyurethane. The foam, during reaction, conforms with the shape of the wearer and hardens to provide both flotation and physical protection from exterior objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflator device that is adapted for producing a sufficient quantity of a gaseous product to substantially inflate an inflatable member. The inflator device has a first stage gas source in fluid communication with a second stage gas source, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the inflatable member. The second stage gas source contains a liquified gas in an amount sufficient to inflate the inflatable member upon vaporization of the liquified gas, and the first stage gas source is capable of providing a sufficient quantity of gas at a sufficiently high temperature to the second stage gas source to vaporize substantially all of the liquified gas in the second stage gas source.

Abstract: An inflatable life saving belt comprising a gas source linked to a reusable inflatable bag at multiple locations on the belt. The bags are attached to the gas source in a manner such that should one of the bags fail to deploy, the other bags can be activated.

Abstract: A self-inflating enclosure providing a fracturable first envelope; a first reactive component contained within the first envelope, the first reactive component being fluid; a second envelope having at least one self-sealing aperture therethrough, the first envelope being contained within the second envelope, the first envelope being in fluid communication with the second envelope upon fracturing of the first envelope, the first reactive component being dischargeable into the second envelope upon fracturing of the first envelope; a second reactive component contained within the second envelope, the second reactive component being reactable with the first reactive component to generate a gas; and, a third envelope, the second envelope being contained within the third envelope, the third envelope being in gas communication with the said second envelope only during the second envelope having a predetermined internal pressure, the gas being dischargeable into the third envelope only upon the second envelope having

Abstract: An emergency flotation device securable about the wrist of a user that includes a bracelet assembly including an upper bracelet member and a lower bracelet member that are attached by a flexible bracelet member hinge, that are pivotable into a closed position forming a wrist receiving opening, and that are securable in the closed position by a bracelet member latch; a scored flotation balloon retaining membrane positioned over a flotation balloon deployment window of the upper bracelet member; a valve assembly having a valve intake, a valve outlet and a manually activated valve positioned between the valve intake and the valve outlet; a resilient bladder filled with a pressurized acid solution; a flexible connecting tube in connection between the resilient bladder and the valve intake; an inflatable flotation balloon positioned within the flotation balloon receiving compartment of the upper bracelet member, the inflatable flotation balloon having a balloon chamber having a supply of carbon dioxide generating

Abstract: An outdoor survival garment having front and back portions and an integral connection including a pair of shoulder connectors extending across the shoulders of the wearer to define a neck opening; a connecting strap to connect the front and back portions over each side of-the wearer; a first solid flotation layer within the front and back portions to float a wearer of the garment in a body of water; an inflatable bladder within the front and back portions to supplement the solid flotation layer; the inflatable bladder being disposed within the garment and extending from the front to the back portions; compressed gas carried within the garment to selectively inflate the bladder; an outermost compartment disposed in the front portion of the jacket that houses a fiber optic lead inside of the outermost compartment, and which houses a LED underneath a fiber optic lead, to collectively provide lighting; at least one battery in a lowermost section of the back portion of the garment to supply power to the fiber opti

Abstract: The invention provides novel inflatable enclosure means including an inflatable outer envelope surrounding novel means for generating a gas to inflate the outer envelope. The novel gas generating means includes a fracturable first envelope, which contains a first reactive component of a multi-component gas generating chemical system, and a second envelope in fluid-communication with the first envelope upon fracture of the first envelope and containing a second reactive component of the gas generating chemical system. The first envelope is fractured to release the reactive component contained therein, so that it mixes with the other reactive component contained in the second envelope, thereby generating an inflating gas.

Abstract: An anti-exposure suit is disclosed that protects a wearer against environments characterized by extremely cold temperatures. The suit comprises a coverall type garment including an outer layer of lightweight fluid impervious material and an inner fluid impervious layer defining an air-tight bladder therebetween for injection of gas to form an insulative layer between the wearer and the surrounding environment. In a preferred embodiment of the suit the inwardly facing surface of both the inner layer and the outer layer are highly reflective to minimize the loss of radiant heat. A life vest including pockets adapted for in place injection of buoyant material may be provided as an integral part of the suit or provided separately as an overgarment as desired. The outwardly facing surface of the outer layer may be provided with a highly visible surface to facilitate location of a wearer during a search and rescue operation.

Abstract: A moisture-activated floatation device. In a first embodiment, a compound that evolves a gaseous fluid when wet is confined between two layers of sheet material capable of supporting a predetermined amount of weight when wet. The sheet material is hydrophilic and is specifically configured and dimensioned to fit into a water-flushed toilet bowl so that when the device is introduced into the bowl the water therein will activate the compound. The sheet material, when wet, is substantially impervious to the evolved gas so that such gas remains within the confines thereof and serves to provide buoyancy thereto. Feces deposited on the device will not sink but will be supported by the device until collected for testing. In a second embodiment, a gas-evolving compound is applied to one side of a single sheet of sheet material.

Abstract: An inflation mechanism is provided for automatically inflating a life preserver or the like upon immersion in water. The mechanism includes a housing, a first piston slidably mounted within the housing, a second piston slidably mounted within the first piston, and a water-activated chemical positioned in a chamber between the two pistons. Upon immersion in water, the chemical reacts therewith creating a gaseous end product. The pistons are forced apart by the gas. One of them includes a piercing pin for puncturing the membrane of a CO.sub.2 cartridge. If the mechanism is not totally immersed in water, the piston including the piercing pin is restricted from moving through the membrane.