APPARATUS Improved safety inflator apparatus which is inexpensive to manufacture, and reliable in its ooeration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION It is a tuπher object of the invention to provide such a

This invention relates to the marine inflatable device ⁵ safety inflator apparatus which affords an easy manner of inciustrv ind. more particuiarly. to apparatus for inflating Life visually determining the condition of the cartridge in the vests, life rafts and the like. indator apparatus, and which allows the maximum venting of the caπnάee to quicklv fill life vests, life raits, and the

BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION like, when inflated.

Small artπdstes which hold large quantities of carbon ^l0 dioxide or other gases under compression are well known in SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION the art. for ating life preservers ^, vests ^, rafts, or other similar such devices. Typical ones are shown in the Mackal patents. os. 3.809-288: 4223.805: 4.267.944: 4.498.605:

5.058.635: and 5333.656. As U.S. Pat. No. 5.333.656 pointed out. one problem in the industry followed from the fan that there existed no real way to quickly determine whether a cartridge attached to an inflator had been used or not Since a discharged cartridge is virtually identical in outward appearance to a fully charged one. a danger always * was present that once a user discharged and repacked die inflaiable device, he or she might simply forget :o replace the disch-xzeά cartridge first with a new one. As this patent noted, ie only way to check the status of the cartridge was to unscrew it. and visually inspect its membrane to see whether :t had been punctured.

The solution to that problem, in U.S. Pat. No. 5J33.656. was to paint a red sign on an inflator arm. to appear in a window when the arm was in the discharge position ^, indi- _χ eating that the cartridge was spent. The theory behind it was sections, and a pin at a second end about which the shaft is that until a full cartridge was placed into position instead ^, the actuable to rotate. With the first and second aπns being red sign would not disappear. Testing ^, however ^, showed that enclosed within a housing which also includes front and rear while that might be what was desired ^, the red sign often internal walls defining a chamber, a spring is then secured at disappeared when one screwed the spent cartridge back in _{3 s a} fc _Λ location in the housing, and to the second aim. An place ^, or when it was replaced with one that had already inflator pin is also included, within the chamber of the been discharged. Further testing revealed ^, in fact ^, that no housing, quiescently positioned to extend beyond the rear matter what the condition of the replacement cartridge was. internal wall, and movable in direction towards and through the red sign on the inflator arm was moved out of the _me f^nt intern l walL and towards and throueh the rear viewing area— and not necessarily only when a Ml cartridge _Λ internal wall. In accordance with the preferred embodiment was reinserted. Investigation revealed that this followed ₀ f the invention, the inflator pin is constniαed to have a head from the irregular type hole the patent's chisel-shaped pin _em j ₀ f _a cone-shaped cross-section to bear against a gas produced in puncturing the cartridge— so that upon cartridge introduced into the housing, a barrel end to bear replacement the frequent misalignment between the pin and against the shaft of the second arm. and a bodv including a the hole which resulted pushed the pin backward ^, causing _{4J vem} channeL A window is further provided for viewing the the red sign to disappear from the window. The purpose of GREEN and RED colorations on the head of the second ana. the invention— to show that an empty cartridge was in _{$0 u t0} displav the color GREEN prior to the tab being place—oftentimes thus was defeated. p^^ _j ^ _ω ^ay _me color RED after the tab is pulled.

Further testing showed that even with the improved In accordance with the teachings of the invention, the puncnire pin described in Mackal's earlier U.S. Pat. No. _w inflator pin forms a round hoie when it punctures the gas

5.058.635. the problem persiste — and for the reason that cartridge, and which fits in perfect alignment through any the chisel-shaped head often caused the puncture hole rim to rounded hole of a spent cartridge thereafter introduced, with snag on the pin. and because it also included an internal clearance so as to prevent the pin from being moved spring biased in a direction to exert a backward pull on the rearwardly. changing the coloration through the window puncture pin. This biasing was noted to sometimes snag and _J5 back to GREEN. lodge on its way into the charged cartridge of conventional -y ji _{so bc} described, the spring of the invention is design during detonation— which interiered witn the venting oriented to be compressed to a locked position after the ub and inflation desired. is _pu Ued. continuing to display the color RED for empty.

Thus, while some advances may have been made to after first being in an uncompressed, released position prior determine if the cartridge is full or empty without first βo to the tab being pulled in detonating the cartridg-. So as to having to remove the cartridge from engagement, problems make the display more easily visible in appraising the user still remain to having these devices operate consistently, in as to the condition of the cartridge installed, a second providing the detection required. window may be incorporated in the housin — with one

,.,, -_-,-- _^ „_-,-. -.-.^ _v ---,-... being on a front surface of the housing, for example, and

OBJECTS OFTHE INVENTION „ with the other being on the top surface of the housing.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the Utilizing a cam surface on the arm. furthermore ^, will be limitations of safety inflator apparatus known in the prior an. appreciated to make the apparatus faster acting in response

to a pulling on the tab and lanyard — s does constructing the alignment with the center of the cartridge cap 60. As will be puncture pin to have either a vent channel as part of its seen, scr-wing in the caπnαee 56 forces the cap 60 to bear construction, or as a hollow conical pin freeing a path for the against the heaα end 50 oi the puncture pin 46. forcing the compressed gas — be it carbon dioxide or otherwise — to barrel ;__ 48 against the shaft 30 so as to rotate the head 17 flow into a manifold in inflating the Life preserver, vest, raft clod-w .. to the right, in displaying the GREEN coloration or other inflatable device being fϋled. 18 througn the viewing windows 22. 26.

In this armed position, the apparatus of the invention then

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS is activated by jerking do« .ward sharply on the pull-tab 38

These and other features of the invention will be more whicn is secured to the inflator arm 32 by the lanyard 36 clearly understood from a consideration of the following 10 pinneα to die arm 32 at 62. Such jerking-down on the description of the drawings, in which: pull-tao 38 rotates the arm 32 and forces the am surface 34

FIG. 1 is a top view of a gas cartridge safety inflator against the shaft 30. rorcing die shaft 30 against the barrel apparatus according to the invention: end 48 of the puncnire pin 46. Such force as is produced

FIGS. 2-3 are front elevaάonai views of the gas cartridge upon the barrel end 48 whicn extends beyond the rear is housing wall 44 forces the head end of the puncture pin safety inflator apparatus of FIG. 1. helpful in an understand¬ ing of the invention: sharply forward to penetrate die cap 60 of the caπridge 56 in detonating it (FIG. 3). The detonation releases die com¬

FIGS. 4-t and 4b illustrate puncture pins known in the pressed carbon dioxide, or oιfc-_r. gas. which then passes prior art in detonating a gas cartridge for marine inflatable behind d e head end 50 by meam ,f die vent channel 54. The devices; 20 compressed gas then flows through a manifold hole 62 to fill

FIG. 4c shows a puncture pin constructed in accordance the inflatable life preserver, vest, raft etc. with an 0-ring 92 with the invention to detonate a gas cartridge of the type being included to prevent the compressed gas from escaping illustrated in FIG. 1; the chamber 40. odier than through the manifold hole 62.

FIGS. Sa-5d schematically illustrate the operation of the Reference numeral 64. in this respect represents the front puncture pin of the invention in operating the improved -3 retaining wall for the 0-ring 92. safety inflator apparatus incorporating the teachings herein: To increase the speed with which this takes place, die and baxrei end 48 of me puncture pin 46 is positioned to bear

FIG. 6 shows an alternative puncture pin for puncturing against the shaft 30 at a point nearer to the pin 16 than to the the gas caπridge. useful in carrying out the opera tioc of the head 17 (FIG. 2). Also to hasten the speed, the cam surface

30 preferred embodiment. 34 is positioned with respect to the shaft 30 nearer to the head 17 of the aim 14 than to the pin 16. As also shown to

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS insure that all this takes place quickly, the barrel end 48 of

In FIGS. 1-3. the gas cartridge safety inflator apparatus the puncture pin 46 extends beyond the rear housing wail a 10 includes a housing 12. inside of which a lever or arm 14 distance beyond die location, of the pin 16. Thus, once the

35 is shown, secured by a pin 16 fixed to the housing 12. As tab 38 is jerked downwardly, the cam surface 34 positively indicated, the front half and top of the lever 14. i.e.. at its acts on the shaft 30 to prcpel die pin 46 forwardly of the head 17. is colored GREEN, as indicated by the dotted area front housing wail 42. to puncture the metal cap 60. in 18. while the rear half and top of the lever 14 is colored RED detonating the cartridge 56. .As FIG. 3 further shows, the as indicated by the hatched area 20. counterclockwise movement to the left of the head 17 also

40

A window 22 is located on a top surface 24 of the housing moves die RED coloration 20 into die viewing areas 22.26. 12. and a second window 26 is located directly in alignment to then indicate the cartridge to be discharged, spent or fully with the window 22 on a side surface 28 of the housing 12. empty. As shown, the lever 14 also includes a shaft 30 extending In other words, since the aim 14 has been moved to the between the head 17 of the lever 14. and where the lever 14 45 left by die cam surface 34. the GREEN colored half 18 is pinned, as at 16. disappears from the two windows 22. 26. and die RED

Also shown in the housing 12 is an arm 32 having a cam colored half 20 then appears in both windows. A user surface 34 at one end proximate to the shaft 30. a lanyard 36 looking through ±e windows 22. 26. or either of diem, is secured at a second end of the aim 32. and a tab 38 coupled quickly able to determine the condition of the cartridge 56. to the lanyard 36 for routing the arm 32 when the tab 38 is so being then either full or empty, as the case may be. pulled. As will be seen, pulling down of the tab 38 routes the Also shown in FIGS.2 and 3 is a spring 66. secured at one aim 32 such that its cam surface 34 bears against the shaft end 68 to die housing 12. and at the other end 70 to the head 30. rotating it to the left, or counterclockwise in FIGS.2 and 17 of the lever arm 14. Such spring 66 is of a design to 3. As will also be seen, prior to pulling on the tab 38. the remain locked in die forward position of FIG.3 by means of position of the lever 14 and its head 17 is such that the 25 the pins 72. 4. The aim 14. in the forward position of FIG. GREEN coloration on the dotted area 18 is viewable both 3. thereby exerts a constant and steady pressure on die pin through the top window 22 and the side window 26 (FIG.2). 46. which is locked into the spent position, protruding

Additionally shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a chamber 40 throueh the front internal housing wall 42. The RED col¬ within the housing 12. in pan defined by internal front and oration of the area 20 of the head 17 thus continues to be rear housing wails 42. 44 respectively. Within the chamber 60 displayed through the windows 22. 26. 40 is a puncture pin 46. having a barrel end 48 which extends As was previously mentioned, the head end 50 of the through the rear housing wall 44. and a head end 50 of puncture pin 46 is of cone-shaped cross-section in bearing cone-shaped cross-section which extends through the front against the metal cap 60 of the caπridge 56. Such cone housing wall 42. The puncture pin 46 also incorporates a shaping creates a perfectly round hole in the metal cap 60. body 52 having a vent hole shown as 54. A fully-charged gas 65 in offering a very distinct advantage in the event one were camidge 56 is securely screwed into the housing at 58 in to later attempt to replace the camidge 56 with another alignment so that the bead end 50 of the pin 46 is in caπridge. believed to be full, when in fact it had previously

5 6 been detonated. Screwing in the replacement carmdge shaft 30 against the cam sι_π_cs 34. thercD rotating die aim would flaen accept die cone-shaped head 50 in the previously 32 about the pin 88 securing it to the housing, to raise die made peπectly round hole in the cap 60. which would ^3zτa 32. die tanyard 36 ano the ub 38 back to die original prevent any force being applied against the head end 50 in position of FIG.2. from that snown in FIG.3. Such insertion a direction to overcome _t he bias ofthe spnne 66 in returning ; ^{or me} "^ replacement caπnαge thereby re-arms die inflator die arm 14 _t o i _t s ini _t ial, quiescen _t posi _t ion _. , bv rouπne i _t apparatus ot the invention ^, reaoy for use once again. As will c _l ockwise, _t o _t he πeh _t Replacing _t he spen _t caππdse 56 wi _t h ^{be rea<lii} y appreciated by ^t hose skilled in the an. this one that was orevio ^' uslv fired, thus, does not cnange the RED ^remπun ? ° ₄ ^r *< «™ ³² " ' ^the ^^ 3 and ^t he ub 38 m ^it self coioraαon snow e _t hrough the windows 22. 6. Where die ^serv _k ^cs ">. **»* ** ^{t t} e appara ^t us ⁱ s rea ^d y ror de ^t ona ^t on replacement caππize is ML however, with the metal can 60 :o *»* ^a ^ ^y ""^ ∞ ^ * P^∞; ^as «»"«eα w ⁱ th ^it s

. ,- , _ _{. J J} - _{Λ J} " conunueo oosmomng in FIG. 3 where die replacement a place, that metal cap forces the head end =0 and the pin _{cartndee biα mdf} ^ _{cv-ouslv ta puncmrcd} .

46 througn the rear housing wώ 44 against the shaft 30 ^ ^ ^^ _{oi e bodv Ά} releasing die tocx oα the spring 6 , rotati g the arm 14. and _{wncre iamaά of mere} ^ ^■ _M ^ ^ . _C0UDie ^ bringing the GREEN coloraαon 18 back into the window _{^ coπφresseα gas t0} ^ ^^ _hole ^ _ώe ^ _1S ^ ^areas - ^:i hollow, as ai 90 in speeding die flow of gas to the device

FIGS.4c and 4έ> illustrate two puncture pins known in the being inflated pπor an wnich do not allow for this feature. Both the pins Invesnβaαon with the constructions of the previously of FIGS.4β and 4έ>— having a vent channel 80 and a hollow r_ _ote d j .s. Par. Nos. 5.058.635 and 5J33.656 fur _t her body 82. respecnveiy — incorporate chisel-shaped heads 84 revealed dial while diere appeared to be a perfectly round which testing has shown do not always align with the holes _o puncture hole created in die cartridge by die chisel- shaped made by them in the metai caps they puncture. In those pm of those devices, either the nole was ^' not exactly round, instances, screwing in of a spent caπriαge frequently brings or not large enough to prevent die punctured cartridge, when die metal cap of the caπridge against the tip 85 — which has \χ was inserted into the device, from forcing die pin back- die very undesirable feature of moving the lever aim 14 ward and incorrectly displaying a green window, which of clockwise, to the right and erroneously displaying die ^ course defeated the purpose of die device. The flaw in Che GREEN coloraαon area IS. to falsely indicate the caπridge device was fouci to be caused by the chisel-shaped pin's as being filled. snaπging on die nm of the puncture hole, wnich forced die

FIG. 4c illustrates the puncture pin 46 embodying me pin oackward. This snagging effect could only be caused by invention. As shown, its head 50 has a cone-shaped cross- a hole that is irregular in shape or not large enough to section to create a peπectly circular hole in the metal cap of _χ sufficiently clear the pin as die spent cartridge is screwed the gas caπridge 56. The head 50 of the pin 46 incorporates back into die inflator. Such clearance is of course necessary a barely perceptible flat head 91. which bears against the for the red sign to remain in the window and the device to metal cap of the cartridge 56 without prematurely puncαtr- work properly. ing it as might be the case if the head 50 were pointed The almost imperceptible irregularity of the cone-shaped instead. As illustrated, directly behind the head 50 is a vent hole was noted to have several causes. One is dial when a hole 54. which is a pan of the puncture pin body 52. spent caπnd e is reinserted into an iαfiaiαr. it will often not understood to be circular, and tapered along its length. As line up in exactly the same position it was in when pierced will be appreciated, the circular upering of the body 52 by the pin. and diis misalignment, however <τ"all causes a serves die purpose of acting as an extension of the cone- portion of the hole rim to snag on the pin. which is tiien shaped head, to thereby insure diat should die metal cap of forced backward to incorrectly display a green window. die gas caπr.dge pass beyond the head 50 and vent hole 54. 40 Another cause is that often die inflator arm is not pulled back the round puncture hole will continue to be of a perfectly to its nrnimum distance when the device is inflate — and round configuration. even though the slightest penetration of the caπridge mem-

FIGS. Sα-Sd illustrate the different su es of operating the brane will cause venting of the carbon dioxide and proper safety inflator apparatus of the invention. In stage one of inflation of die inflatable device, this action will also pro- FIGS. So. the puncnire pin 46 is shown with its cone-shaped 45 duce a much smaller hole in die cartridge than would be head 50 bearing against the metal cap 60 prior to pulling on produced by pulling the inflator arm to its maximum the ub 38. In the suge two showing of FIG.5b. the tab 38 distance, so that when the same spent carmdge is reinserted has been pulled, the ^nm surface 34 and die shaft 30 have into the inflator. its hole is too small to sufficient clear the been rotated, to force die puncture pin 46 into the metal cap chisel-shaped pin. which in mm creates the problem already 60. providing a perfectly round hole. 86. In suge three of ₅₀ described. An additional, more obvious, cause is that if the FIG.5c. a spent cartridge is being screwed into the housing ^" chisel-shaped pin penetrates die cap even less minimally 12. but the round hole 86 in the cap 60 continues to accept than is necessary to form an apparent circle, much less than die cone-shaped head 50. so that no force is exerted on die a circular hole (e.g.. a semicircular or arc-shaped hole) will pin 46 to force it to die right to rotate the shaft 30 and die be produced, again creating die problem already discussed, arm 14 to change the displayed color from RED back to Since the pin of this invention is cone-shaped, a perfectly GREEN. In suge four of FIG. Sά a full caπridge 56 is being ' round bole is created even when die caπridge cap is mini- screwed into the housing 12. and its metal cap 60. devoid of mally pierced, and since the highest point of the cone is any previously rounded hole 86. bears against the barely always located, in the dead center of the hole — unlike die perceptible flat tip 91 of the head end 50 of d e pin 46. to highest point of the chisel- shaped pin which is located on d e move it rearwardiy. against the shaft 30. so as to rotate the side of die pin. thereby inviting snagging much more arm 14 and change the window display to GREEN. Testing ^ω easily — there will always be sufficient clearance from the has shown that with the conical head of the puncture pin 46. sides of the spent cartridge hole to allow that carmdge to such pin can enter the discharged gas camidge without move past the pin without moving it backward, forcing die pin backward to change the RED window to While diere have been described what are considered to GREEN, while at die same time prevents any snagging or be prefeπed embodiments of die present invention, it will be limiuuon of die fast venting of the caπridge once punctured. 65 readily appreciated by those skilled in the an that modifi-

As will also be appreciated, such insertion of a fully cations can be made without departing from the scope of the charged replacement cartridge (FIG. 5J) also rotates the teachings herein. As an example, while the present invention

8 has been described as utilizing pairs of windows 22. 26 to 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first visually display the coiorauon on the head 17 of the lever 14. it is distinct section is colored "GREEN" and wherein said equally within the invention to incorporate, in general, one second visually distinct section is colored "RED" or more of these windows for permitting identification by 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there is additionally color to be made. Such modification will be understood to be including in said housmg. a manifold exhaust tor coupling within the invention — s it would further be in accordance said housing to an inflatable device to be filled with gas from with the improvement set forth herαn to employ other types said caπnαge. of vent arrangements for the puncture pin 46. beyond that 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said barrel end of said shown as having the vent in the nature of a channel extend¬ pin is positioned to bear against said shaft of said second arm ing along the enure length of the body of the pin. as being 10 at a point nearer to said pin on said seconα arm than to said in the aamre of a hole at the bottom or side of a hollow, cone-snaped pin. so as to eliminate the need for a vent on die head on said second arm. exterior body of the pin. For at least such reason, therefore, 9. The apparatus of claim S wherein said cam surface of resort should be had to the claims appended hereto for a true said first aim is positioned proximate to said shaft of said understanding of the scope of the invention. second arm at a position nearer to said head of said second I claim: 15 arm than to said pin on said second arm.

1. Apparatus adapted to receive and puncture a gas 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said barrel end of carmdge for the filling of an inflatable device, comprising: said pin quiescently extends beyond said rear internal wall a first arm having a cam surface at one end thereof, a of said housing, and beyond the location of said pin on said lanyard secured at a second end thereof, and a tab second arm. coupled to said lanyard for rotating said arm when *° 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said vent means pulled: comprises a channel extending along the enure exterior a second arm having a shaft proximate to said cam length of said body of said pin. surface, a head at one end thereof divided into first and 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inflation pin is second visually distinct sections, and a pin at a second of hollow conήguraαon and wherein said vent means com¬ prises a hole along said body of said pin. end thereof about which said shaft is actuable to rotate: *5

13. ΛpDararus adapted to receive and puncture a gas a housing enclosing said first and second arms, and carmdge ror the filling of an inflatable device, comprising: including a chamber defined by front and rear internal a first arm having a cam surface at one end thereof, a walls: lanyard secured at a second end thereof, and a tab a spring secured at a first end within said housing, and at to said lanyard for rotating sai a second end to said second aπru 30 coupled d arm when pulled: a window in said housing for viewing said first and second a second aim having a shaft proximate to said cam visually distinct secuons of said head of said second surface, a head at one end thereof divided into first and arm: second visually distinct sections, and a pin at a second an inflation pin within said chamber, quiescently posi¬ 35 end thereof about which said shaft is actuable to rotate; tioned to extend beyond said rear internal wall and a housing enclosing said first and second arms, and movable in direction towards and through said front including a chamoer defined by front and rear internal internal wall, and towards and through said rear inter¬ walls: nal wall: a spring secured at a first end within said housing, and at with said pin having a head end of cone-shaped cross-

40 a second end to said second arm; section to bear against a gas cartridge introduced into said housmg. a barrel end to bear against said shaft of at least one window in said housing for viewing said first and second visually distinct sections of said head of said second arm. and a body including a vent means: said second aim: wherein said first visually distinct section is viewable through said window prior to said tab being pulled, and an inflation pin within said chamber, quiescendy posi¬ ioned to extend beyond said rear internal wail, and wherein said second visually distinct section is view¬ 45 t able through said window after said tab is pulled: movable in direction towards and through said front internal wall, and towards and through said rear inter¬ and wherein said pin forms a round hole in a cap of said nal wall: cartridge when brought against said camidge to bear with said pin having a head end of cone-shaped cross- against said cap upon pulling of said tab.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring is 50 secuon to bear against a gas camidge introduced into said housing, a barrel end to bear against said shaft of compressed to a locked position after said tab is pulled, and said second arm. and a body including a vent means: in a uncompressed, released position prior to said tab being pulled. wherein said first visually distinct section is viewable

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a front surface of said through said window pnor to said tab bang pulled, and head is divided into said first and second visually distinct 55 wherein said second visually distinct section is view¬ sections, and therein said window is situated on a side able through said window after said tab is pulled: surface of said .lousing. and wherein said pin forms a round bole in a cap of said

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a top surface of said cartridge when brought against said camidge to bear head is divided into said first and second visually distinct against said cap upon pulling of said tab. sections, and wherein said window is situated on a top 60 14. he apparatus of claim 13 wherein said body of said surface of said housing. pin is of a circular cross- section, tapered along its length and

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a top surface of said wherein said vent means includes a vent hole. head is additionally divided into first and second visually 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said cone-shaped distinct secuons. and wherein there is addiαonally included head of said pin includes a flat tip beanng against said a second window on a top surface of said housing for introduced gas cartridge.

65 viewing said first and second visually distinct sections of said head on said second arm.