Buoyant visibility device

Abstract

A buoyant visibility device comprising an enclosure structure on its exterior, a hollow interior, and a plurality of arms arranged such that, in any position, at least one arm substantially extends upward, wherein the visibility device may be filled or pre-filled with fill materials in its interior.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in greater detail in the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of a visibility device of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 shows another side perspective view of an embodiment of a visibility device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a visibility device that has a plurality of arms or apexes arranged such that, in any position, at least one arm or apex substantially extends upward. The visibility device can be constructed of any sizes and is suitable for use in various marine and land environments. In cases where the visibility device is used in water, the device is floatable and may be self or manually inflatable, and said device can be tethered to a person or any kind of anchor. In cases where the visibility device is used on land, for example, as a traffic, construction, or navigation marker, the device will always have one arm or apex in a visible vertical orientation even if it is toppled. The configuration of the visibility device provides for large visible surface areas relative to its interior volume. In use, the visibility device is generally visible from any angle, allowing ease of spotting from the air, bodies of water, or land.

The inventive visibility device may be constructed of any durable rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material such as plastic, rubber, metal, concrete, fabric, coated fabric, foam, or other formable materials. Examples of materials suitable for constructing the device include, but are not limited to, plastic sheeting, polyvinylchloride, rubberized canvas, treated nylon, Dacron® fabric, nylon having a waterproof urethane membrane, expandable foam, open or closed cell foam, polyurethane, and the like.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the visibility device 10 is provided with an enclosure structure on its exterior and comprises a hollow interior. The inventive visibility device 10 may be filled or pre-filled with various fill materials in its interior. Alternatively, the inventive visibility device 10 may be partially filled with various fill materials in its interior. In another alternative, the inventive visibility device 10 may be in a collapsed state and provided with at least one access structure for admitting various fill materials.

The fill materials may be low, medium, or high density materials. Also, the fill materials may be uniform or non-uniform. In cases where the fill materials are non-uniform, fill materials may comprise different types of fill materials or have different weight or density. Fill materials may also be provided in different locations of the visibility device's interior. For example, the visibility device 10 may be provided with heavier fill materials towards the bottom of the device 10 and lighter fill materials towards the top of the device 10. Examples of fill materials include, but are not limited to, gas, liquid, oil, sand, gravel, expandable foam, open/closed cell foam, ballast, marbles, lead shots, and combinations thereof.

The body of the visibility device 10 may be manufactured as transparent or in any color. For purposes of providing high visibility, colors such as yellow, lime green, international orange or bright red are preferred. The body may also be provided with different markers or be constructed from various reflective materials.

As shown in FIG. 1, the visibility device 10 may be provided with seams 20 along its edges 30, 40, and 50. The seams 20 may be sewn, radio frequency (RF) sealed, heat sealed, RF-welded, or connected in any way that allows the device 10 to retain sufficient internal pressure to retain its configuration.

When the visibility device 10 is filled or partially filled with fill materials, the visibility device 10 has a generally tetrahedral or tetrapod configuration or profile and comprises at least four panels (only panel 60 is visible in FIG. 1), at least six curved edges (only edges 30, 40, and 50 are visible in FIG. 1), and at least four arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 (shown in FIG. 2). The filled or partially filled visibility device 10 is provided with a caltrop-like central body 25, having a hollow interior, defined by the at least four panels 60. The caltrop-like central body comprises a base and can also be defined by the at least four arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100. The arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 are arranged in such a manner that when three of the at least of four arms or apexes 80, 90, and 100 are in contact with a surface, the fourth arm or apex 70 always points substantially upward from the base of the device 10.

The configuration of the visibility device 10 provides for large visible surface areas relative to its internal volume. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four panels 60 of the visibility device 10 are curvely sealed together in such a way that the internal volume of the device 10, when filled or partially filled, is less than it would have been in the case where the seams 20 were sealed in a straight line. In other words, the device 10 has a smaller internal volume than it would have been in the case where the panels 60 were joined at their outmost edges 30, 40, and 50 to form an exact tetrahedron. In general, in this embodiment, for every one (1) square centimeter (cm²) of surface area, the device 10 contains about 7 to 8 cubic centimeters (cm³) of internal volume. In one exemplary embodiment, for every one (1) square centimeter (cm²) of surface area, the device 10 contains about 7.8 cubic centimeters (cm³) of internal volume.

The at least four arms or four apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 may be positioned equidistantly or non-equidistantly from each other. Also, the four arms 70, 80, 90, and 100 may be constructed in various lengths and be substantially equal in length to one another. Alternatively, the four arms 70, 80, 90, and 100 may be different in lengths to one another. The four arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 of the visibility device 10 may have the same configurations, or be in a combination of various configurations. The configurations of the arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 can be uniform or non-uniform and examples of configurations of the arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 may include, but are not limited to, curved, conical, frustoconical, cylindrical, columnar, pyramidal, cubical, polygonal (triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and the like), spire-like, block-like, prism-like, sickle like and the like. The tips of the arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 can be flat, curved, pointed, or rounded and can be configured symmetrically or asymmetrically. In the case where the arm or apex 70, 80, 90, and 100 is provided with a pointed tip, the angle between the pointed tip measures less than or equal to 60°. Further, the arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 can be filled or partially filled with uniform or various combinations of fill materials as discussed above.

In the embodiment of the inventive visibility device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least four arms or apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 of the central body 25 are curved and provided with symmetrically pointed tips, and the angle between each pointed tip measures about 10°. The arms 70, 80, 90, and 100 extend outward in four different directions and are substantially equally spaced from a center 35 of the central body 25. In this embodiment, the four apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100 are positioned substantially equidistantly from each other in a tetrahedral or tetrapodal configuration and are substantially equal in length to one another. Also, the at least four apexes are separated by about 120° with respect to each other.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the four panels 60 of the visibility device 10 can be defined by at least three of the four arms 70, 80, and 90 and at least three of the six curved edges 30, 40, and 50. The three curved edges 30, 40, and 50 collectively form a generally triangular-like configuration. In one embodiment, panel 60 of the visibility device 10 comprises three arms 70, 80, and 90 and three curved edges 30, 40, and 50 forming an equilateral triangle-like configuration. Each of the three curved edges 30, 40, and 50 can be defined by a curvature. When viewed from the perspective of panel 60, each of the three curved edges 30, 40, and 50 is arranged so that when the inventive visibility device 10 is filled or partially filled and positioned in an upright position, a first apex 70 points substantially directly upward, and a second apex 80 and a third apex 90, which opposite each other, are in contact with a surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the first curved edge 30 extends from the first apex 70 to the second apex 80 forming a left curvature; the second curved edge 40 extends from the second apex 80 to the third apex 90 forming a bottom curvature; and the third curved edge 50 extends from the first apex 70 to the third apex 90 forming a right curvature. For example, in the left curvature, the first curved edge 30 begins at the first apex 70 and curves inwardedly until it reaches a central point 75 of the first curved edge 30, where the first curved edge 30 begins to curve outwardly until the first curved edge 30 reaches the second apex 80. Similarly, in the bottom curvature, the second curved edge 40 begins at the second apex 80 and curves inwardedly until it reaches a central point 45 of the second curved edge 40, where the second curved edge 40 begins to curve outwardly until the second curved edge 40 reaches at the third apex 90. Likewise, in the right curvature, the third curved edge 50 begins at the first apex 70 and curves inwardedly until it reaches a central point 55 of the third curved edge 50, where the third curved edge 50 begins to curve outwardly until the third curved edge 50 reaches at the third apex 90.

When device 10 is filled or partially filled with fill material(s), each panel 60 projects in an outwardly manner. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the visibility device 10 is provided with outwardly and convexly projected panels 60. As shown in FIG. 2, when the visibility device 10 is filled or partially filled with fill material(s), arms 70, 80, and 90 also project in an outwardly manner with respect to panel 60. In other words, arms 70, 80, and 90 extend in forward directions with respect to the central area of panel 60 when visibility device 10 is filled or partially filled with fill material(s).

In another embodiment, the visibility device 10 may be provided with an accessing structure or inlet (not shown in the figures) for admitting, adding, inserting, exchanging, transferring, decanting, removing, or emptying device 10 with fill material(s). Alternatively, the visibility device 10 may be provided with at least one inflator 150. Any inflators known in the art may be employed and examples of the inflators include, but are not limited to, auto self-inflators such as CO₂ cartridges, auto/manual inflators, oral inflators, and combinations thereof. An auto-inflator causes inflation after the visibility device 10 comes in contact with water, while an oral inflator is useful in cases where the auto-inflator, does not function properly or in case the visibility device 10 develops a leak. In yet another embodiment, the inventive visibility device 10 may be filled with rigid or semi-rigid foam in place of gas or liquid.

The central body 25, the apexes 70, 80, 90, and 100, or the seams 20 of the inventive visibility device 10 may further be provided or combined with additional visibility or safety devices and materials, such as emergency survival suits, personal buoyancy devices, SOLAS or other retroflective patches, flashing or steady emergency lights, grommets, rings, holes, or eyelets for attachment of grab-lines or tethers, which in turn may be attached to a drogue sea anchor. To improve the device's ability to reflect radar, the exterior or interior of the inventive visibility device 10 may also be provided with RADAR reflective substances, such as aluminum coating or Mylar®.

The visibility device 10 may further be provided with ballast materials, or the like, either internally or externally of the device 10 to serve as additional weight, which may be advantageous for use as a highway marker, a construction site marker, a land race-course marker, other land-based marker, or other purpose. Similarly, the device 10 may be constructed in a way where it can be anchored to the ground or other surface with pins, screws, or other fastening means.

The visibility device 10 may also be provided with pouches, pockets, and the like in or attached to its body 25 in order to facilitate the inclusion of emergency supplies such as noise makers, smoke signals, flares, emergency radio beacons, other radio equipment, and the like. In still another embodiment, the visibility device 10 may be provided with a lighting mechanism or mechanisms within the device 10 or within the optional pouch or pockets of the device 10.

When the visibility device 10 is in its collapsed state, device 10 can be compacted or folded into a package, such as a soft, semi-rigid, or rigid container. In one embodiment, the collapsed visibility device 10 can be compacted into a package having an American football-like configuration. The football shaped device package may be mounted on a bracket of a boat or ship where it can be easily accessible. In another embodiment, the collapsed visibility device in the device package may be provided with cord(s) or handle(s) on one or more end(s) of the device package. The device package may further be provided with an inflatable horseshoe personal floatation device (“PFD”) buoy.

In use, the football-shaped visibility device package may easily be thrown, tossed, released, or discharged like an American football or, alternatively, swung by a cord in order to cast the device package as close to a person or cargo overboard in the water as possible. In one embodiment, after the visibility device package comes in contact with water, the auto-inflator actuates and fills the visibility device with CO₂, deploying the visibility device 10 to provide a stable and relatively stationary marker, as well as a personal flotation device. After use, the visibility device 10 may be deflated, dried, collapsed, fitted with a charged gas cartridge and repacked into the device package container for repeated use. The device package container that houses the collapsed visibility device may be constructed of any cloth fabric that is designed to open or undo as the visibility device fills, either by tearing at a predetermined point on the package container or by the release of hook-and-loop closures or other suitable means. Alternatively, the visibility device can also be housed in a soft or rigid package container that is designed to be dropped off the side or back of a boat by activating a release mechanism.

The collapsed visibility device can also be carried underwater by a diver or snorkeler, having little effect on the diver's buoyancy, and can be inflated either as a simple dive marker, diver below flag, or as a hands-free locator beacon to aid in spotting divers on the water surface.

In another embodiment, the visibility device is constructed of rigid or semi-rigid material uniformly throughout and has a plurality of arms arranged such that, in any position, at least one arm substantially extends upward. In other words, this embodiment of the visibility device is not provided with a hollow interior to receive fillable materials as described above. Examples of rigid or semi-rigid uniform material include, but are not limited to, foam, expandable foam, open or closed cell foam, rubber, plastic, polyurethane, and the like.

In yet another embodiment, a portion of the visibility device may be provided with a hollow interior and an enclosure structure on its exterior, while the other portion of the device is constructed of rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the top portion of the visibility device may be provided with a hollow interior enclosed by an enclosure structure on its exterior, wherein the hollow interior may be filled with various fillable materials as described above, while the base or the lower portion of the device is constructed of a rigid material and the base is not provided with a hollow interior space to receive fillable materials.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood that various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that, the invented visibility device provides a highly visible, stable and versatile function.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather an explication of one embodiment thereof. Many variations are possible. For example, the inflated portion of the device may be minimized to the point of being four tubes projecting from a single central hub; in this example it might or might not be deemed appropriate to connect the ends of the tubes with cords, lines, or the like to hold them in the appropriate aspect to one another. Similarly this configuration can be achieved through the use of two curved, angular, or kinked chambers joined near their centers in such a way at to allow the four ends to splay in a caltrop-like manner. In another embodiment, the invented device might have sickle like curved arm or arms that would be useful when in use as a buoyancy aid. Similarly, the invented device can be used for purposes not named above, including game markers or as play toys.

Claims

1. A buoyant visibility device comprising at least four arms connected to each other in a central region and extending outward therefrom arranged such that, in any position, at least one arm substantially extends upward.

2. A buoyant visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein the arms are oriented in a tetrapodal or caltrop-like orientation where the four arms are splayed substantially equidistant from one another.

3. A visibility device as defined in claims 1 wherein said enclosure consists of impermeable fabric or impermeable material suitable for holding gas under pressure.

4. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein said arms are of consistent length.

5. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein said device includes, aids to perception including at least one of illumination, retroflective material, signal graphics, and noise-makers.

6. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein said device can be deployed by remote inflation in such a way as to self-release from a container.

7. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein inflation is achieved by means of an exterior inflator.

8. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 which, in its deflated state, can be bundled in such a way as to fasten upon itself via releasable means.

9. A bundle shape or an enclosure shape as described in claim 13 wherein the resulting shape would approximate that of an American football.

10. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein the device is attached to a flexible line.

11. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein the device is bundled with and tethered to a personal floatation device (PFD).

12. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 in which said device attached to an article of emergency gear.

13. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein activation of self-inflation mechanism is triggered by water contact.

14. A visibility device as defined in claim 1 wherein the device would be constructed of buoyant material uniformly throughout.

15. An inflatable visibility device fabricated from four three-pointed pieces of impermeable material adhered along inwardly angled edges so as to comprise an enclosing structure of tetrapodal form wherein the adhered edges are impermeable.

16. An inflatable device as defined in claim 15 wherein the edges are joined and sealed by adhesive material.

17. An inflatable device as defined in claim 15 wherein the edges are joined and sealed by means of RF welding.

18. An inflatable device as defined in claim 15 wherein the edges are joined and sealed sonic welding.

19. An inflatable device as defined in claim 15 wherein the edges are joined by mechanical means such as stitching where said seams are sealed by means of a further sealing material.

20. A buoyant visibility device with at least four arms that is constructed of panels joined in such a way as to create a fully-enclosed hollow interior and at least four outwardly projecting arms wherein at least one arm is not coplanar with the others.