Flotation assembly with monitoring device

• US 7,854,639 B1
• Filed: 03/31/2006
• Issued: 12/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Eastern Aero Marine, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Eloy Leal, Ronald D. Stewart
• Inventors: Stewart, Ronald D., Leal, Eloy
• Primary Examiner(s): Venne; Daniel V
• Application Number:
  US11/394,660
• Time in Patent Office: 1,726 Days
• Field of Search: 441/89, 441/106
• US Class Current: 441/106
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 9/1255 inflatable

Abstract

A flotation assembly preferably, but not necessarily, of the type installed beneath the seat of a commercial airline and comprising a base structured and configured to define a life vest of the type intended to support an individual in a body of water. A monitoring device preferably comprises a radio frequency identification device or RFID tag, structured for wireless communication, is connected to the life vest in a predetermined location which generally restricts physical access thereto, but does not interfere with wireless communication therewith. As such, an appropriate reader assembly may be brought into the general vicinity of the RFID tags associated with a plurality of the life vests, thereby facilitating the efficient inspection of each of the life vests.

Claims

1. A method of inspecting a flotation assembly for compliance with predetermined inspection requirements, the flotation assembly comprising a base dimensioned and configured to removably engage an individual, the method comprising:

disposing a monitoring device on the base at a predetermined location to which physical access is restricted, the monitoring device comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag assembly,

storing operational data on the RFID tag assembly, the operational data comprising data at least relating to a physical condition of the floatation assembly determinative of compliance with the predetermined inspection requirements for the floatation assembly, and

prior to operative use of the flotation assembly, periodically generating a wireless signaled communication with the RFID tag assembly disposed on the base of the floatation device to access and read the operational data stored thereon.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising defining the operational data as comprising information determinative of a presence of the floatation assembly in an intended stored location prior to use by an individual.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising recording the operational data accessed from the RFID tag assembly as proof of compliance with predetermined mandated inspection procedures.