U.S. patent application number 11/301840 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for flotation device coupled to a lid of a storage container.
Invention is credited to Mike Weast.
Application Number | 20070131686 11/301840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38138249 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070131686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weast; Mike |
June 14, 2007 |
Flotation device coupled to a lid of a storage container
Abstract
A throwable personal flotation device is detachably coupled to a
lid of a storage container.
Inventors: |
Weast; Mike; (Elmira,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
SEVENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90025-1030
US
|
Family ID: |
38138249 |
Appl. No.: |
11/301840 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212 ;
206/223; 220/592.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D
11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212 ;
220/592.03; 206/223 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00; B65D 71/00 20060101 B65D071/00; F25D 23/00 20060101
F25D023/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a lid attachable to a storage
container, the lid capable of having at least one personal
flotation device (PFD) detachably coupled thereto.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage container
comprises a portable storage container (PSC).
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising the PSC, the PSC
having an aperture to provide access to the PSC, the lid coupled to
the PSC in a manner to block access to the PSC via the aperture
when in a first position and to provide access to the PSC via the
aperture when in a second position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC is detachably coupled
to the lid.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC is capable of
maintaining therein, for a period of time, a temperature range
having a lower end and an upper end.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the upper end of the
temperature range is less than ambient temperature.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lower end of the
temperature range is greater than ambient temperature.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC comprises a food
and/or beverage storage container.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC is a cooler.
10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC is a refrigerated
container.
11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC comprises as least
one wall that is insulated.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an exterior surface of the
wall is insulated.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an interior surface of the
wall is insulated.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the wall comprises an
interior surface, an exterior surface, and a compartment
therebetween providing an insulating property.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the compartment is at least
partially filled with a substance that provides the insulating
property.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the substance comprises a
combination of one or more of a gas, liquid or solid.
17. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC is a tackle box.
18. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the PSC is a tool box.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the PFD substantially
complies with a government regulation for a throwable PFD
(TPFD).
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the government regulation is
a United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulation.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the USCG regulation is for a
Type four (IV) PFD.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein PFD is selected from one of
the devices in the group consisting of a cushion, buoy, ring buoy,
and horseshoe buoy.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the PFD is detachably coupled
to the lid by way of one or more of the following means: strap,
buckle, clip, tie down, button, snap, hook and loop fastener,
fabric hook and loop fastener, recessed hold, compression, and
compartment, magnets, magnetic strips.
24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid comprises at least
one storage compartment.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, the storage compartment to store a
first aid or emergency kit.
26. The apparatus of claim 24, the storage compartment to store the
PFD.
27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the storage compartment to
store one or more items selected from items in the group consisting
of a bandage, adhesive bandage, visual distress signal device,
flag, reflector, flare, flare gun, sound producing device, whistle,
emergency horn, navigation aid, radio equipment, throw bag, light,
flashlight, batteries, breathing resuscitation apparatus,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus, defibrillator machine,
first aid documentation, safety documentation, boat operation
documentation, rope, water filter, insect/animal repellant,
sunscreen lotion/spray, knife, blanket, tarpaulin, and dry bag.
28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the storage compartment
and/or an item stored therein are protected by a dry bag.
29. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising attachment means
to attach the lid to the storage container.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the attachment means
comprises one or more hinges, clamps, buckles, straps, clips, tie
downs, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, fabric hook and
loop fasteners, recessed hold, compression, magnets, magnetic
strips.
31. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the PFD is inherently
buoyant.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the PFD comprises a fabric
shell surrounding primarily foam.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the shell is made of
primarily nylon.
34. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the PFD is at least in part
inflatable and/or at least in part made of foam.
35. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the PFD is automatically
and/or manually inflatable.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The field of invention relates generally to flotation
devices. In particular, the invention relates to combining a
flotation device with a lid for a storage container.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved Type IV
"throwable" personal flotation device (TPFD or "throwable device")
is required by law in most States to be on board, and immediately
available for use on, a boat 16 feet in length or longer. A Type IV
or throwable device covers a wide range of PFDs designed to be
thrown to a person overboard. These devices must have a certain
inherent buoyancy, for example, a buoyancy of 16.5 pounds for rings
or 18 pounds for cushions to be Coast Guard approved.
[0003] When a person falls overboard and is not wearing or does not
have access to a personal flotation device, a throwable personal
flotation device, such as a cushion (sometimes referred to as a
utility cushion), ring buoy, or horseshoe buoy, may be thrown to
the person. A throwable device is characterized in that it has
opposite straps through which the person may place their arms and
hold the device to their chest.
[0004] Unfortunately, is it common for a throwable device to be
stowed in a location on a boat that is not readily accessible and
available in an emergency. For example, the device may be stored
under a seat, or in a locked or closed compartment, under the bow
of a boat, or with other gear stowed on top of it. What is needed
is a way to ensure the throwable device is readily accessible in
the event of an emergency. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to
have a throwable device readily available when near water, for
example, when located on a stream bank, lake or ocean beach or
dock, or otherwise near a body of water.
SUMMARY
[0005] A throwable personal flotation device may be attached to a
lid of a storage container, for example, a portable cooler, where
it is readily available, quickly detachable and, can be thrown to a
person in a body of water
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] A better understanding of the present invention can be
obtained from the following detailed description in conjunction
with the following drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention; and
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the
invention, a lid 100 is attachable to a storage container, the lid
capable of having at least one throwable personal flotation device
(TPFD) 105 attached thereto. The TPFD may be quickly detached from
the lid, for example, by pulling on strap 110, in the event of an
emergency such as a person in a body of water that needs a
flotation device.
[0010] The TPFD may, in one embodiment of the invention, comply
with the United States Coast Guard regulation for a Type IV
personal flotation device, and may be either a cushion, for
example, a seat or utility cushion, or a buoy, for example, a ring
buoy or a horseshoe buoy. In one embodiment, the TPFD is inherently
buoyant, for example, made primarily of foam, and may be fitted
with a shell, for example, a nylon fabric shell. In an alternative
embodiment, the TPFD may be at least in part inflatable, for
example, either manually or automatically inflatable with a gas
such as air, carbon dioxide, etc., and/or at least partly made of
foam.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the storage container is
a portable storage container such as a common food/beverage cooler,
or ice chest, and the lid 100 may be either manufactured and/or
sold separately from the container, as a replacement lid, or the
lid may be the original lid manufactured and sold with the
container in accordance with the invention. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, an original manufacturer's lid may
simply be modified by the owner to provide for the ability to
attach and quickly detach a TPFD thereto. In any case, the TPFD may
or may not be sold with the TPFD attachable-lid, and/or the lid not
necessarily manufactured to accommodate a particular type or style
of TPFD, so long as the lid can accommodate, or be modified to
accommodate attaching and detaching the TPFD.
[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the original lid is
removed from the storage container and the TPFD attachable-lid 100
is fastened to a container, for example, using a pair of original
or replacement hinges 115a, 115b. FIG. 1 illustrates a top-view of
the lid 100, to which is attached a TPFD 105. The means for
attaching the TPFD is not shown, and can encompass any number of
different means for attaching the TPFD to the lid, as discussed
more fully below. As an example, the TPFD may be attached to the
lid using a fabric hook and loop fastener system. In one embodiment
of the invention, the use of a Velcro.RTM. brand fabric hook and
loop system, available from Velcro Industries, B.V. is
contemplated.
[0013] Moreover, while FIG. 1 illustrates a single TPFD coupled to
the lid 100, in combination with a storage compartment 120 for
housing, for example, a first aid kit, in another embodiment of the
invention, two or more TPFDs may be affixed to the lid, depending
on the shape and size of both the TPFDs and the lid. For example, a
rectangular lid for a large cooler may be designed to detachably
couple two TPFDs side by side, with or without a storage
compartment 120.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the lid 100. As an
option, legs 220a, 220b may be movably coupled at one end to the
lid so that when the lid is coupled to the storage container and
placed in a open position of less than 90 degrees to horizontal to
provide access to the storage container, the legs may be pivoted at
the point where they attached to the lid so that the other ends of
the legs are drawn down and positioned on a rim of the storage
container to support the lid in an open position. In an alternative
embodiment, the legs are affixed at one end to the lid and at the
other end to the storage container, and telescope (for example,
using pneumatics or hydraulics), and/or employ a ratcheting or
locking mechanism, to maintain the lid in an open position. In an
alternative embodiment, straps (not shown) may be coupled at one
point to the lid and at another point to the storage container so
that when the lid is placed in an open position greater than 90
degrees to horizontal, the straps hold the lid in an open and
substantially upright position.
[0015] In an alternative embodiment, lid 100 is simply sized to fit
snug or snap fit to an aperture or opening of the storage
container, and no hardware such as hinges, etc., is needed to affix
the lid to the storage container.
[0016] While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 contemplates
attaching a substantially square utility cushion-type TPFD to a
rectangular lid, both the TPFD and the lid may be a different size
and shape. For example, the lid may be circular to accommodate a
round storage container, and the TPFD a typical ring-shaped buoy
with straps and/or rope. Moreover, the geometry and dimensions of
the TPFD need not necessarily correspond to that of the storage
container. For example, it is conceivable that a ring buoy may be
affixed to lid 100 in substantially the same manner as described
herein for the square cushion-shaped TPFD 105.
[0017] The TPFD 105 is detachably coupled to the lid in one
embodiment of the invention by way of, for example, one or more
straps, buckles, clips, tie downs, buttons, snaps, hook and loop
fasteners, fabric hook and loop fasteners, recessed hold,
compression means, and compartment. For example, one or strips of
fabric hooks may be applied to the TPFD using an adhesive applied
to one side of the strips. A corresponding one or more strips of
fabric loops may be applied to the top of the lid using a similar
adhesive in such as way as to allow for alignment of the strip(s)
of fabric hook of on the TPFD with the strips of fabric loops on
the lid. The TPFD is then placed on the lid, securing the TPFD
while at the same time allowing the TPFD to be quickly removed if
need be by pulling on the TPFD or one or more straps 110 attached
to the TPFD.
[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the lid is formed or
molded in such a manner as to provide a recessed hold in the top of
the lid in which to set the TPFD. The lid may form a well of
sufficient depth and size, and with raised sides of sufficient
height, to conform to and surround the sides of the TPFD so that
the TPFD is placed in and cradled by the lid. The TPFD can readily
be removed by pulling on one or more of straps 110.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, one or more straps may be affixed
to the lid, for example a nylon strap may be affixed to one edge of
the lid and another nylon strap affixed to the other edge of the
lid. Both straps may be affixed to the lid, for example, using one
or more rivets, and include a buckle at one end that mates with a
corresponding buckle on a TPFD. The TPFD may have a one or more
straps affixed thereto, for example, sewn into a nylon shell of the
TPFD, and to which the corresponding buckles are attached. When the
TPFD is placed on the lid, the buckles on the TPFD align with and
couple to the buckles on the lid, thereby securing the TPFD to the
lid. The TPFD is simply unbuckled when needed and thrown as may be
necessary.
[0020] In one more described embodiment, one or more magnetic
strips may be fixed to the lid, either using an adhesive, of if the
lid exhibits magnetic properties, by simply placing the magnetic
strip on the lid. A corresponding magnetic strip may be affixed to
the TPFD, for example, the magnetic strip may be inserted into a
shell surrounding the TPFD, or a sleeve in the shell. The TPFD is
placed on the lid so that the corresponding magnetic strip(s)
affixed to the TPFD aligns with the magnetic strip(s) affixed to
the lid, keeping the TPFD in place until sufficient force is
exerted to overcome the external magnetic field force attraction
between the magnetic strips to remove the TPFD from its
position.
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the TPFD includes
the female portion of one or more snaps that mate with a
corresponding male portion of one or more snaps on the lid, so as
to provide a means to attach to TPFD to the lid. Alternatively, the
TPFD is mounted to a frame or plate, for example, by any of the
above mentioned means for affixing the TPFD to the lid. The frame
or plate, in turn, provides the female portion of the snaps that
mate with the corresponding male portion of the snaps on the lid.
Of course, it should be understood that the snaps can be reversed,
so that the male portion attaches to the TPFD or associated frame
or plate, and the female portion attaches to the lid.
[0022] The five examples for attaching the TPFD to the lid
described above are not meant to be exhaustive of the means by
which the TPFD is detachably coupled to the lid. Moreover, it
should be understood that these embodiments are effective whether
attaching to TPFD to the original equipment manufacturer's lid or a
replacement lid. One of ordinary skill in the art can contemplate
any number of ways using any one or more of the above enumerated or
other fasteners available today to detachably couple the TPFD to
the lid.
[0023] As mentioned above, in one embodiment of the invention, a
storage container is a portable storage container, for example, a
food and/or beverage cooler. However, the storage container may
maintain a temperature at, below or above the ambient temperature,
or a range of temperatures at, below, or above the ambient
temperature. The storage container may be a refrigerated container,
and may employ a power supply and refrigeration unit that draws
power from the power supply to refrigerate the container. In any
case, the storage container may be insulated, either by means of a
insulating substance proximate to an exterior surface of a wall of
the container, an interior surface of a wall of the container, or
if the container is double-walled, within the space between defined
by the double walls of the container. In one embodiment of the
invention, the insulating substance may be comprised of a gas, such
as air, a liquid, such as water, or a solid, such as rigid foam, or
a combination thereof.
[0024] Alternative, the storage container, whether portable or
otherwise, may be for storage of any number of items, for example
the storage container may be a tool box, equipment box, or fishing
tackle box.
[0025] In FIG. 1, the lid is illustrated in one embodiment of the
invention as further comprising a storage compartment 120, for
example, to store a first aid kit. Alternatively, the storage
compartment may hold a TPFD, which can be readily accessed by
opening a lid on the storage compartment. Any number of items may
be stored in the storage compartment. In or near a marine
environment, one or more useful items such as, but not limited to,
bandages, adhesive bandages, visual distress signal device, flag,
reflector, flare, flare gun, sound producing device, whistle,
emergency horn, navigation aid, radio equipment, throw bag, light,
flashlight, batteries, breathing resuscitation apparatus,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus, defibrillator machine,
first aid documentation, safety documentation, boat operation
documentation, rope, water filter, insect/animal repellant,
sunscreen lotion/spray, knife, blanket, tarpaulin, and dry bag, may
be stored in the storage compartment. Depending on the size of the
storage container and corresponding lid, the lid may comprise more
than one storage compartment.
[0026] In any case, in one embodiment of the invention, the height
of the storage compartment is similar to the height of the TPFD 105
when coupled to the lid, to maintain a substantially similar
horizontal plane across the top surface of the storage compartment
and the top surface of the TPFD. This facilitates stacking items on
top the storage container, for example, when not in use, or seating
on top of the storage container, for example, when in use.
[0027] Storage compartment may be lined with a "dry bag" in one
embodiment, so that contents stored therein remain air tight and
dry, for example, if the storage container is on a boat that takes
on water or capsizes, or as may be helpful in humid, rainy or poor
weather conditions.
* * * * *