TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an inflation system operable to inflate an inflatable chamber of a survival system, the inflation system including a compressed gas container and an activation mechanism housing, the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing being connected such that in use compressed gas from the compressed gas container can selectively flow through the housing to the inflatable chamber. The present invention also relates to a coupler arrangement for such an inflation system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

As shown in Figure 1A and B, inflation systems 1 may be mounted directly onto a lifejacket 3, or small single seat liferaft or other inflatable survival system, such that the inflation system 1, which consists of a compressed gas cylinder 5 and an activation mechanism 7, is mounted directly onto the inflatable structure (bladder) 9. The activation mechanism 7 is provided in a housing 20 to which the gas cylinder 5 is attached. Gas enters the inflatable structure 9 from the housing 20 through a valve 11 (typically a Schrader valve), as shown in Figure 2. The inflation system 1 can be activated manually (by pulling on a lever 13), or automatically by a water activated device 15, acting on a piercing pin 14.

Alternatively, a lifejacket, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 4, or small single seat liferaft or other inflatable survival system, may be arranged such that, instead of the inflation system being directly mounted onto the buoyancy-providing bladder as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 2, it is remote from the bladder and connected to it by a flexible tube through which the compressed gas can pass from the inflation system into the bladder. The inflation system 31 includes a compressed gas cylinder 5 and an activation mechanism 7, similar to the arrangement of Figure 1 to 2. When activated, compressed gas from the cylinder 5 passes from the housing 20 through a valve 11 into a flexible tube 35 from where it is passed to the bladder 9 in order to inflate the bladder 9. The inflation system 31 can be activated manually (by pulling on the lever 13) or automatically by a water activated device 15.

The inflators 31 may be mounted in a pocket that is attached to a harness, belt or jacket/vest of the wearer. The pocket is indicated by dashed lines 37 in the drawings.

Figure 5 shows a known arrangement of another inflation system. In this arrangement the inflation system 41 includes a compressed gas cylinder 5 and an activation mechanism 7 contained in a housing 20. When activated, compressed gas from the cylinder 5 passes into a tube 35 from where it is passed to a bladder in order to inflate the bladder. The inflation system 41 can be activated manually by pulling on the lever 13, which moves spring-loaded piercer 14 to pierce a membrane of the gas cylinder 35 to release the gas.

An indicator clip 16 provides a visual indication of whether the inflation system 41 has been used. A connector 17 for a further tube for transfer is optionally provided.

The housing 20 has a top surface 21 with a first opening to receive the gas cylinder 5 and a second opening to receive the tube 35. The bottom surface 23 has a recess 24 formed therein that extends into at least one sidewall. The recess 24 accommodates the moveable lever 13.A rear surface of the housing 20 may be fixed to a mounting plate 100.

Figure 6 shows another known inflation system. A conventional compressed gas cylinder 5 has a connector region 30 which is generally cylindrical and which has an external tread 31. An activation mechanism 7 has a housing 20 and operates similarly to the activation mechanisms of Figures 2, 4 and 5. A lever 13 is shown that can be operated by pulling cord 13A. The housing includes a generally cylindrical opening, shown schematically at 32, in the top surface 21. The opening 32 has an internal thread 34 configured to co-operate with the external tread 31 of the gas cylinder 5 to allow the gas cylinder 5 to be treadedly connected to the housing 20 by rotation, as shown by the arrow 36.

A problem with arrangements like those of Figure 6 is that, after the gas cylinder 5 is screwed into the housing 20, it may subsequently become loosened.

Another problem with arrangements like those of Figure 6 is that, after the gas cylinder 5 is screwed into the housing 20, it may subsequently be removed and replaced with an empty gas cylinder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler arrangement configured to be connected to a compressed gas container and a activation mechanism housing of an inflation system for inflating an inflatable chamber of a survival system, the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing being connected such that in use compressed gas from the compressed gas container can selectively flow through the housing to the inflatable chamber, wherein the coupler arrangement is configured to resist relative movement between the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing.

The coupler arrangement may provide a visual indication of relative movement between the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing occurs. The coupler arrangement may comprise an engagement part for mechanically engaging at least one of the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing to resist relative movement between the coupler arrangement and said at least one of the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing. In an example embodiment the engagement part includes a recessed portion shaped for fitting over one end of the activation mechanism housing.

The coupler arrangement may comprise an adhesive member configured for attachment to at least one of the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing to resist relative movement between the coupler arrangement and said at least one of the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing. In an example embodiment the adhesive member is adhered to a part of the engagement member adjacent to the compressed gas container and to the compressed gas container itself. The adhesive member and the coupler arrangement may have markings that are aligned when the gas container is correctly fitted, and which may indicate if the gas container subsequently is loosened.

The coupler arrangement may comprise a deformable member configured to be held within the housing and which includes an opening configured to receive and engage a connector region of the compressed gas container such that said engagement causes deformation of the deformable member. The deformable member may be a spring-like insert in the housing.

The deformable member may include a visually distinct portion, the position of which is changed when the deformable member is deformed so as to provide a visual indication that the connector region of the compressed gas container is received and engaged. For example, the visually distinct portion may be visible through a window in the housing when the connector region of the compressed gas container is received and engaged.

The deformation of the deformable member may resist disengagement of the compressed gas container. For example, the resilience of the deformable member may increase the frictional resistance to movement of the connector region of the compressed gas container.

The deformable member may have a helical shape comprising at least two helix turns, each having a threaded surface for co operating with a threaded surface of the connector region of the compressed gas container. The threaded surfaces may be configured such that a gap between the helix turns is reduced as the connector region of the compressed gas container is screwed into the deformable member.

The coupler arrangement may be provided in combination with the inflation system. The activation mechanism housing may house a mechanism for selectively releasing the fluid from the compressed gas cylinder - e.g. including a lever or automatic actuator that moves a pin to release gas from the compressed gas cylinder. The present invention also provides an inflation system operable to inflate an inflatable chamber of a survival system, the inflation system including a compressed gas container and an activation mechanism housing, the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing being connected such that in use compressed gas from the compressed gas container can selectively flow through the housing to the inflatable chamber, wherein the inflation system further comprises a coupler arrangement, connected to the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing, and configured to resist relative movement between the compressed gas container and the activation mechanism housing.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention embodiments will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A shows a front elevation of a known lifejacket and inflation system worn by a wearer;

Figure IB shows a side elevation of the known lifejacket and inflation system of Figure 1A;

Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the inflator and bladder of the lifejacket of Figures 1A and IB;

Figure 3A shows a front elevation of an alternative known lifejacket incorporating an inflation system;

Figure 3B shows a side elevation corresponding to the front elevation of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the inflation system according to Figure 3A;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another known inflation system;

Figure 6 shows a side elevational view of a known gas cylinder prior to attachment to an activation mechanism housing;

Figure 7 shows a side elevational view of a coupler arrangement for fitting over an activation mechanism housing according to first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a side elevational view of the arrangement of figure 7 also showing the gas cylinder prior to attachment to the activation mechanism housing;

Figure 9 shows a side elevation view of the components of figure 8 when assembled;

Figure 10 shows a side elevational view of the coupler arrangement of figure 7;

Figure 11 shows a front elevational view of the coupler arrangement of figure 7;

Figure 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the coupler arrangement of figure 7;

Figure 13 shows a top perspective view of the coupler arrangement of figure 7;

Figure 14 shows a plan view of an adhesive member for fitting to the coupler arrangement of figure 7; Figure 15 shows a side elevational view of the arrangement of figure 8 showing the fitting of the adhesive member of figure 14;

Figure 15A is an enlarged partial view of the arrangement of figure 15;

Figure 16 corresponds to the view of figure 9 but with the adhesive member attached to the coupler arrangement and the gas cylinder;

Figure 17 is a rear elevational view of the arrangement of figure 8 when assembled;

Figure 18 is a front elevational view of the arrangement of figure 8 when assembled;

Figure 19 is the opposite side elevational view of the coupler arrangement of figure 8 when assembled to that shown in figure 16;

Figure 20 is a side perspective view an inflation system according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the inflation system of the figure 20;

Figures 22A, 22B and 22C are cross-sectional views through an inflation system housing showing operation of the manual activation lever;

Figure 23 is a side perspective view of a housing insert and a visual indicator part;

Figure 24 shows the insert of figure 23, with the visual indicator part attached, ready for assembly to the inflation system housing;

Figure 25 shows an enlarged view of the inflation system housing with the insert fitted prior to fitting of a cap and the gas cylinder thereto;

Figure 26 is a partial front cross-sectional view of the inflation system of Figure 20;

Figure 27 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the inflation system of Figure 20; and

Figure 28 is a partial front view of the inflation system of Figure 20. In the drawings like elements are generally designated with the same reference sign.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 7 to 19, a coupler arrangement 50 (or "sole") is provided which is configured to resist relative movement between the compressed gas container 5 and the activation mechanism housing 20. By way of example only, the compressed gas container 5 and the activation mechanism housing 20 may be of the type and form shown in Figure 6.

The coupler arrangement 50 includes an engagement part 52 for mechanically engaging the housing 20. In this example, the housing 20 has a generally rectangular transverse cross-section. The engagement part 52 has a generally rectangular planar surface 54 which is configured to rest upon the top surface 21 of the housing 20 when in use. The planar surface 54 has a generally circular opening 56 (see Figures 12 and 13) therein that allows the connector region 30 of the gas cylinder 5 to pass therethrough. The planar surface 54 has a resiliently deformable tab 58 extending upwardly (in Figure 7) therefrom for engaging the inclined surface 60 of the gas cylinder 5 near the connector region 30.

The planar surface 54 has extending downwardly (in Figure 7) therefrom a front (in Figure 7) wall 62 and a rear (in Figure 7) wall 64 that are joined by oppositely positioned side walls 66A and 66B. The walls 62, 64, 66A and 66B, and the planar surface 54, define a generally rectangular recess 68 that fits over the upper (in Figure 7) portion of the housing 20. The size and shape of the recess 68 is such that it fits over the upper portion of the housing 20 but does not allow significant relative rotation between the engagement part 52 and the housing 20. The rear wall 64 may include a U-shaped cut-out 70 (see Figures 12 and 17) for fitting over the lever 13, as shown in Figure 17. This provides a further formation for resisting relative rotation between the engagement part 52 and the housing 20.

The front wall 62 may extend downward (in Figure 7) so that is lies alongside fixture 72 on the front (in Figure 7) of the housing 20. This provides a further formation for resisting relative rotation between the engagement part 52 and the housing 20.

A curved wall 74 extends upwardly (in Figure 7) from the planar surface 54, above the rear wall 64. The curvature of the curved wall 74 corresponds generally to the curvature of the gas cylinder 5 so that the curved wall 74 partially wraps around the gas cylinder 5. The upper (in Figure 7) part 76 of the curved wall 74 may extend above the side wall 66A and may include a channel 78. The curved wall 74 may extend from a different part of the planar surface 54 without affecting its function.

In use, the engagement part 52 is positioned over the upper portion of the housing 20 by moving it in the direction of arrows 79 in Figure 7. The connector region 30 of the gas cylinder 5 is then passed through the opening 56 in the planar surface 54 and is screwed into the opening 32 of the housing 20 by co operation of the screw threads 31 and 34 described above. This causes the inclined surface 60 of the gas cylinder 5 to engage the tab 58 and a lower (in Figure 7) region of the curved wall 74, where the curved wall 74 meets the planar surface 54. This serves to clamp the engagement part 52 to the housing 20, preventing any significant relative rotation between the engagement part 52 and the housing 20.

The coupler arrangement 50 further includes an elongate adhesive member 80 (see Figure 14) that is then affixed to the curved wall 74 of the engagement part 52 and to the gas cylinder 5. The elongate adhesive member 80 may be a sheet of flexible material with an adhesive applied to one surface thereof. A central portion 82 of the adhesive member 80 is affixed by the adhesive to the curved wall 74, e.g. in the channel 78. Side portions 84A and 84B, extending either side of the central portion 82, are affixed by the adhesive to the gas cylinder 5. This tends to resist significant relative rotation between the gas cylinder 5 and the engagement part 52.

The central portion 82 of the adhesive member 80 may have an opening 85 therein which fits over the upper (in Figure 7) part 76 of the curved wall 74, with portions of the adhesive member 80 adhering to the gas cylinder 5 above the channel 78.

The elongate adhesive member 80 may include an indicator marker 86 that is located in alignment with an indicator marker 88 on the curved wall 74 of the engagement part 52 when the housing 20, engagement part 52 and gas cylinder 5 are correctly coupled together. The application of the adhesive member 80 with the markers 86 and 88 in alignment shows correct assembly. Subsequently, if the adhesive is broken and movement of the adhesive member 80 relative to the curved wall 74 occurs, this can be easily identified as the markers 86 and 88 will no longer be aligned.

The adhesive member 80 resists relative movement between the engagement part 52 and the gas cylinder. The form of the engagement part 52 resists relative movement between the engagement part 52 and the housing 20. Relative rotation of the gas cylinder to the housing 20 is consequently also resisted by the coupler arrangement 50, comprising the adhesive member 50 and the engagement part 52.

Advantageously, the coupler arrangement 50 may be used with known gas cylinder and housing arrangements without requiring them to be modified. Figures 20 to 25 show a second embodiment of an inflation system 101 which also includes a compressed gas cylinder 5 and an activation mechanism 7 provided in a housing 20. The activation system can be activated manually by pulling on a lever 13, for example using the cord 13A. An automatic water-activated inflator may also be provided.

Various components of the inflation system 101 are shown in the exploded view of figure 21.

The housing 20 includes a recess 24 which accommodates the lever 13, which is attached to the housing 20 by a hinge pin 103 which allows the lever 13 to pivot around the hinge pin 103. The recess 24 defines front and rear walls between which the lever 13 moves. The walls prevent the lever becoming jammed by snagging on external components, such as a deflated life jacket. At the top of the recess 24 a cut out 105 of generally U-shape is provided. The lever 13 may be provided with a visually distinct indicator cap 107 at the distal end thereof and through which the cord 13A passes. When the lever 13 is in the parked position and ready to activate the inflation system 101 the indicator clip 107 is visible through the cut out 105. This provides a visual confirmation that the inflation system is primed for operation (as opposed to having been previously operated). For example, the indicator clip 107 may be green.

The proximal end of the lever 13 includes a protrusion 109 that defines a lever recess 111 against which the base of the pierce pin 14 sits when the lever 13 is in the parked position. A compression spring 113 is fitted between the active end of the pierce pin 14 and the base. Pivotal movement of the lever 13, by pulling the cord 13A, moves the pierce pin 14 linearly towards the gas cylinder 5, compressing the spring 113 and piercing the outlet membrane of the gas cylinder to the allow the compressed gas therein to flow out the via the outlet hose 35 to inflate the lifejacket. Figures 22A, B and C show the operation of the lever and pierce pin 14 but omit some other components to simplify the illustration.

The hose 35 is attached the housing 20 by an insert 115, a swivel crimp fitting 117, a hose fitting 119 and a rubber boot 121. The hose 35 may be attached to the side of the gas cylinder 5 by a hose tidy 123.

According to this embodiment, a coupler arrangement 50 is also provided for connecting the gas cylinder 5 to the housing 20. In this embodiment the coupler arrangement 50 comprises a resiliently deformable insert 130, for example a spring insert. The insert 130 may be of generally cylindrical configuration with a flange 132 at the upper end. The insert 130 has a central opening to allow the connector region 30 to be received.

The connector region 30 of the gas cylinder 5 has an external thread 31 in the known manner. A cylindrical passage 133 of the inset 130 includes an internal thread 134 for cooperating with the external thread 31 of the connector region 30 of the gas cylinder 5.

The insert 130 has a helical shaped portion comprising at least two helix turns 136A, 136B. When the insert is in its natural, uncompressed state there is a gap between adjacent helix turns 136A, 136B. The helix turns 136A, 136B form part of the cylindrical shape of the insert 130 and the internal thread 134 is formed on the internal surfaces of the helix turns 136A, 136B.

The insert 130 may include a visually distinct portion 138 that has a different appearance to the remainder of the insert 130. For example, the visually distinct portion 138 may be green whereas the remainder of the insert 130 may be red. The visually distinct portion 138 may be in the form an annular ring which fits within a corresponding recess 140 provided in the insert 130 at the lower region thereof. The recess 140 includes front and rear apertures 142 through which front and rear protruding internally threaded portions 144 of the visually distinct portion 138 pass when the portion 138 is fitted in the recess 140. The internal thread of the protrusions 144 has a form corresponding to the internal thread 134 of the insert 130 so that the internal thread of the portions 144 provide a continuation of the internal thread 134.

The visually distinctive portion 138 may be resiliently deformable and have a split 146 to allow it to be opened for fitting over the insert 130, whereafter it resiles and fits within the recess 140 and apertures 142.

A generally cylindrical opening 32 is provided in the housing 20 to accommodate the insert 130. A gasket 150 may be positioned between the base of the insert 130 and the bottom of the opening 32. In this embodiment the opening 32 does not have an internal screw thread. The opening 32 has two slots 149 extending along the length of the opening 32.

The opening 32 may be part of an air pipe 147 as shown in Figure 21A. This air pipe 147 may be fitted within the housing 20. Figure 21A shows the two slots 149 extending along the length of the opening 32 which is an inlet 148 of the air pipe 147. The front and rear protruding internally threaded portions 144 of the visually distinct portion 138 have protruding external surfaces 155 that fit in and can slide along the slots 149; however, the engagement of the protruding external surfaces 155 in the slots 149 prevents rotation of the insert 130 within the opening 32. A channel 151 extends below the opening 32 which accommodates the pierce pin 14 and spring 113. The air pipe 147 includes an outlet 153 that receives the insert 115, the swivel crimp fitting 117 and the hose fitting 119, and is coupled to the hose 35 - to supply air from the cylinder to the hose 35. The protruding external surfaces 155 of the visually distinct portion 138 can 'spring' past locking dowels pins 157 when no gas cylinder 5 is present. Between the openings 142 and the base of the insert 130 an O- ring groove 152 may be provided for accommodating an O-ring to reduce the flow of gas escaping in the event that the gasket 150 does not provide a complete seal. The insert 130, with the visually distinct portion 138 attached thereto, is positioned in the opening 32 of the housing. In this embodiment, the housing 20 may include a generally cylindrical portion 160 extending from the main body of the housing 20 that includes front and rear lugs 162. An annular twist and lock cap 164 may be fitted over the generally cylindrical portion 160 and removably fixed thereto by rotating the twist and lock cap 164 so that front and rear apertures 166 of the twist and lock cap 164 engage with the front and rear protrusions lugs 162. Rubber (e.g. PU) bungs 168 may be fitted in the apertures 166 to prevent the cap 164 coming undone. The cap 164 may include two arms 170 extending upwardly therefrom which extend along the sides of the gas cylinder 5.

An anti-tamper adhesive tape 172 may be fitted around the gas cylinder 5 so that it passes over the arms 170. The anti-tamper tape 172 resists relative rotation between the gas cylinder 5 and the arms 170 (and thereby the connected cap 164). If relative rotation does nevertheless occur, this will be indicated by dislodging or breaking of the anti-tamper tape 172.

The cap 164 is provided with an upper flange 165 (see Figure 26) that has a surface which corresponds generally to the flange 132 of the insert 130 and which prevents the insert 130 being removed from the recess 32 in the housing 5.

The pitch of the external thread 31 of the connector region 30 of the gas cylinder 5 is the same as the pitch of the internal thread 134 of the insert 130, including the parts of the internal thread at the helix turns 136A and 136B. In the compressed state, in which gaps between the helix turns 136A and 136B are closed, the external thread 31 of the connector region 30 of the gas cylinder 5 and the internal thread 134 of the insert 130 are substantially identical. However, in its natural uncompressed state, there is a space between the helix turns 136A and 163B.

As the gas cylinder 5 is screwed into the insert 130 (that is fitted in the cylindrical opening 32 in the housing 20), the external thread 31 of the gas cylinder 5 engages with the internal thread 134 of the insert 130. The co-operation of the threads 31 and 134 by relative rotation causes the gaps between the helix turns 136A and 136B to be closed, thereby compressing the insert 130.

The compression of the insert 130 causes the visually distinct portion 138 to move upwards by the action of rotation of the gas cylinder 5. A window 180 in the housing 20 is provided and positioned such that the visually distinct portion 138 is visible through the window 180 when the gas cylinder 5 is fully screwed into the housing 20. This provides a visual confirmation that the gas cylinder 5 is fitted properly.

Should the gas cylinder 5 become loose accidently, or be loosened deliberately, this will alter the compression of the insert 130 and move the visually distinct portion 138 so that it is no longer visible through the window 180, thereby alerting a user that corrective action is required. The compression of the insert 130 is reduced as the external thread 31 of the gas cylinder 5 disengages with the internal thread 134 of the lower helix turn 136B, thereby allowing the gap between the helix turbs 136B and 136A to re-open due to the resilience of the insert 130. This pushes the visually distinct portion 138 downwards so that it is no longer visible through the window

180. As mentioned above, when the gas cylinder is screwed into the insert 130 this compresses the resiliently deformable insert. The resilience of the insert 130 against this compression increases the friction between the external thread 31 of the gas cylinder and the internal thread 134 of the insert 130, thereby increasing the force required to unscrew the gas cylinder 5. This resists accidental or deliberate unscrewing of the gas cylinder.

The insert 130 may be a moulded spring insert.

The first and second embodiments may be combined.

The embodiments provide an inflation system and coupler arrangement that can, for example, be used to inflate a lifejacket or small single seat liferaft. In the embodiments, the inflation system may be directly mounted onto a buoyancy providing bladder, or, alternatively, the inflation system may be may be mounted remotely from the bladder and connected to it by a flexible tube through which the compressed gas can pass from the inflation system into the bladder.

The embodiments may additionally include an automatic water- activated inflator.

The above embodiments are described by way of example. Many variations are possible without departing from the invention.