A floatation device includes a body transformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A stiffener assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The stiffener assembly is biased into the second position. The stiffener assembly is operably coupled to the body such that movement of the stiffener assembly between the first position and the second position causes the body to transform between the retracted position and the extended position. During the transformation of the body between the retracted position and the extended position, a partial vacuum is created within the body to inflate the floatation device.

An inflation device for an inflatable article comprises a housing for supporting a container of pressurized fluid and for supporting piercing means which is displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow release of pressurized fluid, said container being contained within a protected casing which is secured non-releasably to the housing thereby to prevent removal of the pressurized container.

An inflation device for an inflatable article comprises a housing for supporting a container of pressurized fluid and for supporting piercing means which is displaceable from a retracted position to penetrate the container and allow release of pressurized fluid, said container being contained within a protected casing which is secured non-releasably to the housing thereby to prevent removal of the pressurized container.

A salvaging device, particularly for a personal device such as a smartphone dropped into a body of water. A housing has an opening and a gas cartridge. A triggering mechanism is further packed within the housing, which includes a lever arm. A main spring is above the lever arm cocking the lever arm in a downward position. A plunger is aligned with the gas cartridge. A water-soluble retainer abuts the lever, wherein upon the retainer dissolving in a water environment, the main spring recoils to thereby unload the plunger into the gas cartridge such that gas can exit the opening. A balloon is connected at the opening inflatable by the gas to thereby provide a buoyancy force to the handheld device upon inflation.

A salvaging device, particularly for a personal device such as a smartphone dropped into a body of water. A housing has an opening and a gas cartridge. A triggering mechanism is further packed within the housing, which includes a lever arm. A main spring is above the lever arm cocking the lever arm in a downward position. A plunger is aligned with the gas cartridge. A water-soluble retainer abuts the lever, wherein upon the retainer dissolving in a water environment, the main spring recoils to thereby unload the plunger into the gas cartridge such that gas can exit the opening. A balloon is connected at the opening inflatable by the gas to thereby provide a buoyancy force to the handheld device upon inflation.

A water safety garment and apparatus configured to avoid drowning can be configured to permit submergence for a predetermined period of time without inflation. After the predetermined time has passed, the garment or other apparatus can be configured to inflate to help a person wearing the garment float on top of the water to avoid drowning or other potentially harmful condition that may result from being underwater for too long. In some embodiments, a circuit may be utilized to detect the submergence condition of a person wearing the apparatus or garment. Upon a determination that the detected submergence condition has occurred continuously for a pre-determined period of time, an inflation mechanism can be actuated to force the person wearing the apparatus or garment to float to the top of the water.

A water safety garment and apparatus configured to avoid drowning can be configured to permit submergence for a predetermined period of time without inflation. After the predetermined time has passed, the garment or other apparatus can be configured to inflate to help a person wearing the garment float on top of the water to avoid drowning or other potentially harmful condition that may result from being underwater for too long. In some embodiments, a circuit may be utilized to detect the submergence condition of a person wearing the apparatus or garment. Upon a determination that the detected submergence condition has occurred continuously for a pre-determined period of time, an inflation mechanism can be actuated to force the person wearing the apparatus or garment to float to the top of the water.

The present invention relates to a floatation device for encumbered people carrying equipment such as military personnel and offshore workers. Ideally, the floatation device includes an auxiliary floatation device for encumbered users that can be used with a primary lifejacket worn by a user. The auxiliary floatation device includes a buoyancy portion that, in 5 use, can be attached to the legs of the user, and the orientation of the torso of the user is controlled by the buoyancy force provided by the buoyancy portion and, in turn, effect the distance between the mouth of a user and waterline, which is referred to as the freeboard.

The present invention relates to a floatation device for encumbered people carrying equipment such as military personnel and offshore workers. Ideally, the floatation device includes an auxiliary floatation device for encumbered users that can be used with a primary lifejacket worn by a user. The auxiliary floatation device includes a buoyancy portion that, in 5 use, can be attached to the legs of the user, and the orientation of the torso of the user is controlled by the buoyancy force provided by the buoyancy portion and, in turn, effect the distance between the mouth of a user and waterline, which is referred to as the freeboard.

A personal floatation device includes a garment having a body portion and a buoyancy member coupled to the garment. The garment extends above and below the buoyancy member and is transitionable between a deflated state and an inflated state. The buoyancy member includes an inflatable bladder and at least one handle. The personal floatation device includes an inflator module in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. The inflator module includes a power supply and a storage device containing a buoyant material to at least partially fill the inflatable bladder. The at least one handle is operatively coupled to the inflator module to control flow of the buoyant material into the inflatable bladder. The personal floatation device includes an illumination source in electrical communication with the inflator module such that the power source of the inflator module provides power to the illumination source in the inflated state.