Emergency Airbag Float Device for Boats

Abstract

A marine vessel emergency airbag float device is provided. The device is designed to prevent the sinking of a boat or other vessel by deploying inflatable airbags in emergencies. The device comprises mounting brackets made from corrosion-resistant materials which are fastened to the vessel's sidewalls and symmetrically aligned for balanced flotation. The brackets feature attachment points for support members that hold airbags in an uninflated state. The airbags connect to compressed air tanks via tubing with one-way valves. Activation of the airbags are achieved either manually through user-operated controls or automatically via sensors that detect conditions such as capsizing, submersion, or flooding. As a result, the device facilitates rapid airbag inflation to stabilize the vessel, providing essential time for rescue or repairs.

Claims

1. A marine vessel emergency airbag float device comprising: a mounting bracket; a support member connected to the mounting bracket; an inflatable airbag positioned around the support member; a compressed air tank operatively connected to the airbag via a tubing comprised of a first valve; an air tank comprised of a second valve, the air tank containing a gas; and a manual control configured to actuate the second valve enabling inflation of the inflatable airbag.

2. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of a corrosion-resistant material.

3. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the airbag is comprised of a puncture-resistant material.

4. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the first valve is comprised of a one-way valve.

5. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the second valve is comprised of a solenoid valve, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a diaphragm valve, or a gate valve.

6. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the manual control is comprised of a pull cord.

7. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the manual control is comprised of a toggle.

8. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the manual control is comprised of a switch.

9. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 1, wherein the gas is comprised of a compressed air.

10. A marine vessel emergency airbag float device comprising: a mounting bracket; a support member connected to the mounting bracket; an inflatable airbag positioned around the support member; a compressed air tank operatively connected to the airbag via a tubing comprised of a first valve; an air tank comprised of a second valve, the air tank containing a gas; a manual control configured to actuate the second valve enabling inflation of the inflatable airbag; and a sensor configured to automatically actuate the second valve to inflate the inflatable airbag based on detecting a condition.

11. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the first valve is comprised of a one-way valve.

12. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the second valve is comprised of a solenoid valve, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a diaphragm valve, or a gate valve.

13. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the sensor is comprised of a tilt sensor.

14. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the sensor is comprised of a water pressure sensor.

15. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the sensor is comprised of a flood sensor.

16. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the gas is comprised of a compressed air.

17. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of an attachment point that receives the support member.

18. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 17, wherein the support member is comprised of a fastener that engages the attachment point.

19. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of claim 18, wherein the fastener is comprised of a male thread and the attachment point is comprised of a female thread.

20. A method of using a marine vessel emergency airbag float device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a marine vessel emergency airbag float device comprised of a mounting bracket, a support member, an inflatable airbag, a compressed air tank, a valve, and a control; attaching the mounting bracket to a sidewall of a marine vessel using a fastener; connecting the support member to the mounting bracket and positioning the inflatable airbag around the support member in an uninflated state; connecting the compressed air tank to the airbag via tubing, the tubing incorporating the valve to regulate air flow; and activating the control to open the valve, releasing compressed air from the air tank to inflate the airbag around the support member to provide buoyancy to stabilize and prevent the marine vessel from sinking.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine vessel emergency airbag float device of the present invention attached to a boat and with the airbag deflated in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine vessel emergency airbag float device of the present invention attached to a boat and with the airbag inflated in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective exploded view of mounting brackets and a support member of one potential embodiment of a marine vessel emergency airbag float device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a marine vessel emergency airbag float device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0019] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine vessel emergency airbag float device that prevents boats from sinking by rapidly deploying flotation devices in emergencies. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine vessel emergency airbag float device that provides both manual and automatic activation capabilities to address diverse emergency scenarios. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine vessel emergency airbag float device that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and capable of withstanding harsh marine conditions for reliable long-term use.

[0020] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a marine vessel emergency airbag float device. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device is designed to prevent boats and other marine vessels from sinking during emergencies by deploying inflatable airbags. The device comprises mounting brackets that attach to a vessel's sidewalls, constructed from corrosion-resistant metals, marine-grade rubber, or reinforced polymers to ensure durability against UV radiation, saltwater exposure, and physical impacts. Each bracket includes openings for fasteners to secure the device to the vessel and attachment points for support members that hold the airbags.

[0021] The support members attach to the brackets using reciprocating fastener mechanisms and hold the airbags in an uninflated state to avoid interfering with normal vessel operation. The airbags, made from durable, marine-grade materials, include tubing with one-way valves to prevent air loss after inflation. The tubing connects to an air pump or tank installed within the vessel, enabling inflation via compressed air.

[0022] The device features both manual activation, through a control mechanism such as a pull cord or toggle, and automatic activation via sensors. These sensors, including tilt sensors, water pressure sensors, or flood sensors, detect emergency conditions like capsizing or significant water ingress and trigger deployment. Manual controls may be positioned for convenient access on the vessel's dashboard or exterior. Activation releases compressed air from the tank through a valve, rapidly inflating the airbags to provide buoyancy and stabilize the vessel.

[0023] The emergency airbag float device securely attaches to a vessel's sidewalls and provides rapid buoyancy through inflatable airbags. Equipped with both manual controls and automatic sensors, the device responds effectively to emergencies such as tilting, flooding, or submersion. The use of corrosion-resistant materials ensures durability in marine environments, while the airbag system inflates quickly to stabilize the vessel, enhancing safety and reliability for operators and passengers.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 of the present invention attached to a boat 10 and with the airbag 120 deflated in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 is a safety device designed to prevent boats and other marine vessels from sinking in emergency situations by deploying inflatable airbags 120. The device 100 is comprised of at least one mounting bracket 102 that allows the device 100 to attach to a boat 10 or other marine vessel. The mounting bracket 102 is preferably a right-angled bracket with a top edge 104 that is parallel to a top edge 12 of the boat's 10 sidewall 11 and an outer edge 106 that is perpendicular to the top edge 12 of the sidewall 11. The mounting bracket 102 may be fabricated from materials such as corrosion-resistant metals, marine-grade rubber, or reinforced polymers to provide durability and resistance to UV radiation, saltwater exposure, and physical impacts that may occur in a marine environment.

[0025] Each bracket 102 is further comprised of at least one opening 103 that receives at least one fastener 105, enabling secure attachment to the boat 10. The fastener 105 may be a corrosion-resistant bolt, a clamp, or another suitable attachment mechanism. The brackets 102 are preferably positioned along the starboard and port sides of the boat 10, ensuring symmetrical alignment with the center of gravity of the boat 10 to promote balanced flotation during use.

[0026] Each mounting bracket 102 is comprised of at least one attachment point 108 (as seen in FIG. 2) designed to receive at least one support member 110. The support member 110 supports at least one airbag 120, with the airbag 120 preferably encircling the support member 110 when in an uninflated state, as seen in FIG. 1. The support member 110 is comprised of at least one fastener 111 (as seen in FIG. 3) that allows the member 110 to connect to the attachment point 108. In various embodiments, the fastener 111 and attachment point 108 may use a variety of reciprocating fastener mechanisms, such as male and female threads, tongue and groove connections, or other interlocking systems. For example, in one embodiment the attachment point 108 is a threaded opening and the fastener 111 is a matching threaded end that can be inserted and threaded into the opening.

[0027] The airbags 120 are constructed from durable, marine-grade materials such as Hypalon, PVC, or similar materials that are resistant to punctures, abrasions, and environmental degradation caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and temperature fluctuations. Each airbag 120 is stored in an uninflated state wrapped around the support member 110 to minimize interference with the boat's 10 normal operation. The airbag 120 is comprised of at least one tubing 122, which connects the airbag 120 to at least one air pump and/or air tank 124 that is installed within the boat 10. The tubing 122 incorporates at least one one-way valve 121 to prevent air loss from the airbag 120 after inflation, ensuring that the airbag 120 maintains full inflation and optimal buoyancy once deployed.

[0028] Activation of the airbag 120 is facilitated by both manual and automatic activation in different embodiments. Manual activation is enabled through a control 130, which may include mechanisms such as but not limited to a pull cord, a toggle, or another user-actuated control. Engaging the control 130 opens at least one valve 125 that releases compressed air (or any other gas type) from the air tank 124, rapidly inflating the airbag 120. The valve 125 may be a solenoid valve which is electrically operated, a ball valve which is mechanically operated, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a diaphragm valve, a flexible diaphragm-operated valve, a gate valve, etc.

[0029] Automatic activation of the airbag 120 is achieved through at least one sensor 140. The sensor 140 may include but is not limited to, a tilt sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) that detects excessive tilting of the boat 10 caused by capsizing, a water pressure sensor that activates upon detecting submersion beyond a predefined depth, or a flood sensor that responds to significant water ingress within the hull of the boat 10. The sensors 140 may be positioned anywhere on the exterior or interior of the boat 10, depending on the design and intended coverage of the device 100. For example, a tilt sensor may be mounted near the keel of the boat 10 to detect changes in orientation, while a flood sensor may be positioned within the hull of the boat 10 to monitor water ingress.

[0030] Similarly, the control 130 may be positioned anywhere on the exterior or interior of the boat 10 for accessibility and convenience. In one embodiment, the control 130 may be mounted on the boat's dashboard for easy manual activation by the operator. In another embodiment, the control 130 may be placed on the exterior of the boat for quick access during emergencies where the operator may be outside the cabin or away from typical control panels.

[0031] When activated, either manually or automatically, the compressed air is released from the tank 124 via the valve 125 and directed through the tubing 122 into the airbag 120. The inflation process occurs within seconds, as the valve 125 facilitates a rapid and uninterrupted flow of air, causing the airbag 120 to expand outward around the support member 110, as seen in FIG. 2. The resulting flotation force counteracts water ingress and stabilizes the boat 10, preventing it from sinking and providing critical time for rescue or repair operations to be undertaken.

[0032] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, at least one device 100 is provided, wherein the device 100 is comprised of at least one mounting bracket 102, at least one support member 110, at least one airbag 120, at least one compressed air tank 124, at least one valve 125, and at least one control 130 [Step 202]. Next, the mounting bracket 102 is securely attached to the boat 10 by inserting at least one fastener 105 into at least one opening 103 of the mounting bracket 102 and affixing it to the sidewall of the boat 10 [Step 204]. Once installed, the support member 110 is connected to the mounting bracket 102 via at least one fastener 111, and the airbag 120 is wrapped around the support member 110 in its uninflated state [Step 206]. The tubing 122 is then connected between the airbag 120 and the air tank 124, with the valve 125 installed to regulate the release of compressed air from the air tank 124 [Step 208]. In an emergency, the control 130 is activated, either manually or automatically, to open the valve 125, releasing compressed air from the air tank 124 into the airbag 120. This causes the airbag 120 to inflate rapidly around the support member 110, providing buoyancy to stabilize and prevent the vessel from sinking [Step 210]. The sensors 140, if present, may monitor the vessel's conditions to ensure continued deployment or to trigger automatic activation if necessary.

[0033] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein marine vessel emergency airbag float device and device are interchangeable and refer to the marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 of the present invention.

[0034] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the marine vessel emergency airbag float device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0035] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.