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Flotation device

  • US 8,430,704 B2
  • Filed: 02/01/2007
  • Issued: 04/30/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A flotation device comprisingan inflatable bag of substantially waterproof and air impervious material;

  • a container of compressed gas;

    trigger means associated with the container and operable upon immersion of the device in water to open the container and allow gas from the container to inflate the bag;

    a casing in which the bag, the container and the trigger means are housed; and

    means for attachment of the device to another article;

    wherein the trigger means comprises a valve mounted on the container and connecting the container to the inflatable bag, retainer means operative to hold said valve in a closed condition, and water reactive means which, upon contact with water, serves to release the retainer means and open the valve;

    wherein the water reactive means comprises a band of material, at least part of which is water reactive; and

    wherein the trigger means comprises a spring which is held under compression by the water reactive band and which is released, thereby to open the valve, when the band ruptures upon immersion of the device in water.

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