GB1466562A - Inflatable life saving belts - Google Patents

Abstract

1466562 Inflatable life belts N D GEARY 3 April 1974 [17 April 1973] 18573/73 Heading B7U [Also in Division E2] An inflatable life belt comprises a tubular inflatable belt and a buckle (see also Division E2) incorporating a gas cylinder which is punctured by an actuating lever on the fastener. In one embodiment one part 15 of the buckle is attached to one end of the belt whose other end is formed as a flat strip 5 which is held in releasable engagement around an adjuster 1 in a housing 13 which forms the other part of the buckle. A gas cylinder 16 is mounted in the part 15 and is moved axially against a piercing pin by pulling a handle 10 which moves a lever 6 carrying a pressure plate 4. The pressure plate 4 carries a pad 2 which normally abuts the portion of the belt end 5 surrounding the adjuster 1 to hold it in tension but, on pulling the handle 10, the plate 4 moves against the cylinder 16 and axially displaces it and the pad 2 is disengaged from the belt end 5 to allow it to release tension in the belt and allow it to expand as it inflates. In an alternative construction (not shown) a lanyard surrounds the belt and is connected to a lever on a buckle. Upon pulling the lanyard, the lever pivots and displaces a piercing pin which punctures a gas cylinder mounted in the fastener to inflate the belt.