Floating search and rescue inflatable pyramid

• US 4,573,933 A
• Filed: 06/20/1983
• Issued: 03/04/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Survivco Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Survivco Incorporated
• Inventors: Cameron, Robert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Blix, Trygve M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Avila, Stephen P.
• Application Number:
  US06/506,042
• Time in Patent Office: 988 Days
• Field of Search: 441/30, 441/35-38, 441/40, 441/1, 441/6, 441/11-13, 441/16-18, 441/20, 441/28, 441/29, 114/345, 114/346, 114/348, 114/349, 343/18 B
• US Class Current: 441/16
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2201/12 Reflecting means
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 2009/023 self-righting, i.e. returning into an upright position after upside down deployment, or capsizing
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 2009/042 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 2009/044 covered
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/04 Life-rafts
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/21 Boats, rafts, buoys or the like, characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights, reflectors B63C9/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A pyramid constructed of upstanding inflatable beam members extending from an inflatable base upwardly to an apex. The inflatable base carries an integral sea anchor depending therefrom, comprising an inflatable cross tube carrying a depending inflatable anchor tube with an anchor weight positioned in the lowermost portion thereof. The sea anchor has a plurality of flood ports positioned in panels enclosing the vertical anchor tube and weight. Flat panels of flexible sheet material extend between the upstanding inflatable beams to form a pyramidal surface. The panels include an upper radar reflective panel portion, a lower colored panel portion, and a translucent panel portion positioned between the upper and lower panel portions. A solar still mechanism is positioned within the enclosure formed by the pyramidal surface. Pockets are provided for survival gear on the exterior of the pyramidal surface.

Claims

1. A pyramid-shaped floating search and rescue inflatable signal and safety mechanism, comprising:

an inflatable base comprising a plurality of horizontally disposed base tubes, and a centrally positioned depending inflatable anchor tube extending downwardly and containing a weight;

a plurality of inflatable beams extending upwardly from the base to an apex;

flat panels of flexible sheet material extending between said inflatable beams to form a first pyramidal surface, said panels including an upper radar reflective panel portion, a lower colored panel portion, and a translucent panel portion positioned between said upper and lower panel portions;

a solar still mechanism positioned within the enclosure formed by said first pyramidal surface; and

flexible sea anchor panels stretched from said base tubes to the lowermost end of said inflatable anchor tube, said sea anchor panels having flood ports therein for restricted entry and exit of water and forming a second, depending pyramidal surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base is rectangular and contains a diagonally positioned cross tube.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including mid-level inflatable beams extending between said upstanding inflatable beams.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apex includes radio transmitting and strobe light means.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein auxillary inflation means are provided for inflation of the device orally by the user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including radar reflective streamers attached to and extending from said apex.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including grasping ropes or rings around the perimeter of the base of said mechanism for grasping by a person in the water.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 and pockets for survival gear on the exterior of said first pyramidal surface.