U.S. patent application number 16/070282 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-17 for sealable life vest stowage device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Servecorp Limited. Invention is credited to Noel Gregory Philip WHITE.
Application Number | 20190016462 16/070282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55488054 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190016462 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WHITE; Noel Gregory Philip |
January 17, 2019 |
SEALABLE LIFE VEST STOWAGE DEVICE
Abstract
A life vest stowage device 1 according to one embodiment of the
disclosure comprises a receptacle 2 with an receptacle opening 3.
The life vest stowage device 1 has first and second tabs 17, 18
with first and second tab apertures 25, 26. In a closed
configuration, a closure flap 10 is in a folded position in which
it at least partially covers the opening 3. The first and second
tabs 17, 18 are exposed through the closure flap 10 to allow access
to the first and second tab apertures 25. 26 from an outer side of
the closure flap 10. A pull strap 12 extends from the interior
volume through the opening 3 and over the outer side of the closure
flap 10. The pull strap 12 has a pull strap aperture 15 securable
to the first and second tab apertures 25, 26 by a frangible seal 31
in such a way that the closure flap 10 can only be moved to an
unfolded position by moving the pull strap aperture 15 and the
first and second tab apertures 25, 26 away from one another so as
to break the frangible seal 31.
Inventors: |
WHITE; Noel Gregory Philip;
(Haywards Heath, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Servecorp Limited |
Crawley |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
55488054 |
Appl. No.: |
16/070282 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
January 16, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/050783 |
371 Date: |
July 15, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/1038 20130101;
A45C 13/30 20130101; A45C 3/00 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C
2013/026 20130101; B63C 9/1255 20130101; A45C 3/10 20130101; A45C
13/1053 20130101; B64D 11/0631 20141201 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06; B63C 9/125 20060101 B63C009/125 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 15, 2016 |
GB |
1600820.3 |
Jan 25, 2016 |
GB |
1601333.6 |
Claims
1. A life vest stowage device comprising: a receptacle defining an
interior volume; an opening through which the interior volume is
accessible from outside of the receptacle; a first tab having a
first tab aperture; a closure flap moveable between an unfolded
position when the life vest stowage device is in an open
configuration, in which unfolded position the opening is uncovered,
and a folded position when the life vest stowage device is in a
closed configuration, in which folded position the closure flap at
least partially covers the opening and the first tab is exposed
through the closure flap to allow access to the first tab aperture
from an outer side of the closure flap; a pull strap extending from
the interior volume through the opening so as to be able to pass
over the outer side of the closure flap, the pull strap having a
pull strap aperture; wherein, in the closed configuration, the pull
strap is securable to the first tab from the outer side of the
closure flap by a frangible seal extending between the pull strap
aperture and the first tab aperture such that the closure flap can
only be moved to the unfolded position by moving the pull strap
aperture and the first tab aperture away from one another so as to
break the frangible seal.
2. The life vest stowage device according to claim 1, wherein, in
the closed configuration, a portion of the pull strap lies between
the closure flap and the receptacle such that pulling an end of the
pull strap distal from the receptacle away from the receptacle
causes the closure flap to move to the unfolded position.
3. The life vest stowage device according to claim 1, wherein the
frangible seal comprises a seal head and an elongate member,
wherein the elongate member cooperates with the seal head to form a
closed loop, and wherein breaking the frangible seal involves
breaking the closed loop.
4. The life vest stowage device according to claim 3, wherein the
elongate member is attached at one end to the seal head and the
seal head has a seal head aperture through which the other end of
the elongate member can be inserted to form the loop.
5. The life vest stowage device according to claim 4, wherein the
elongate member and the seal head aperture form a ratchet arranged
such that the elongate member resists withdrawal from the side of
the seal head aperture via which it is inserted.
6. The life vest stowage device according to claim 5, wherein the
elongate member resists withdrawal from the side of the seal head
aperture via which it is inserted sufficiently that the closed loop
breaks by the elongate member breaking rather than withdrawing from
the seal head aperture.
7. The life vest stowage device according to claim 3, wherein the
frangible seal is polypropylene or nylon.
8. The life vest stowage device according to 1, wherein the closure
flap has a first closure flap aperture through which the first tab
is exposed in the closed configuration.
9. The life vest stowage device according to claim 1, comprising a
second tab having a second tab aperture, wherein, in the closed
configuration, the second tab aperture is exposed through the
closure flap to allow access to the second tab aperture from the
outer side of the closure flap and the pull strap is securable to
the second tab from the outer side of the closure flap by the
frangible seal additionally extending between the pull strap
aperture and the second tab aperture such that the closure flap can
only be moved to the unfolded position by moving the pull strap
aperture away from both the first tab aperture and the second tab
aperture so as to break the frangible seal.
10. The life vest stowage device according to claim 9, wherein the
closure flap has a second closure flap aperture through which the
second tab is exposed in the closed configuration.
11. The life vest stowage device according to claim 10, the first
tab having a tab head wider than the first tab receiving aperture
and a neck narrower than the first tab receiving aperture, and the
second tab having a tab head wider than the second tab receiving
aperture and a neck narrower than the second tab receiving
aperture.
12. The life vest stowage device according to claim 9, wherein, in
the closed configuration, the pull strap is locatable between the
first tab and the second tab.
13. The life vest stowage device of claim 1, comprising an inner
flap located towards the interior volume of the receptacle inward
in relation to the closure flap, the inner flap being foldable
between the unfolded position when the life vest stowage device is
in the open configuration, in which unfolded position the opening
is uncovered, and a folded position when the life vest stowage
device is in the closed configuration, in which folded position the
inner flap at least partially covers the opening.
14. The life vest stowage device according to claim 13, wherein the
life vest stowage device has a pocket into which the inner flap is
insertable in the folded configuration.
15. The life vest stowage device according to claim 1, wherein the
life vest stowage device has a pocket into which the closure flap
is insertable in the folded configuration.
16. The life vest stowage device according to claim 1, wherein the
life vest stowage device comprises a first material and the closure
flap comprises a second material.
17. The life vest stowage device according to claim 16, wherein the
second material is stiffer than the first material.
18. The life vest stowage device according to claim 17, wherein the
second material is a polycarbonate film.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates to a sealable life vest stowage
device usable for stowing a life vest on a commercial passenger
aircraft.
BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Aviation regulations require commercial passenger aircraft
to carry a life vest (or "life jacket") for each passenger. The
life vest must be accessible to the passenger for use in the event
of an emergency. In order to comply with these regulations, a life
vest is usually stowed under each seat in a commercial passenger
aircraft.
[0003] Life vest stowage devices are available for stowing life
vests under aircraft seats. Regulations require that the life vest
should remain stowed in its life vest stowage device in the event
of the aircraft suffering an impact of up to 16G. On the other
hand, the life vest stowage device must also allow for easy removal
of a life vest in the event of an emergency.
[0004] Security requirements for life vest stowage devices are
becoming increasingly stringent, and airlines are seeking ways to
meet the security requirements with minimum time and expense. This
has led to life vest stowage devices being sealed shut, so that
visual inspection of the seal can determine if a life vest stowage
device has been accessed and the need to thoroughly search inside
life vest stowage devices is circumvented.
[0005] Increasingly complex closures and security seals have been
proposed. In particular, the use of seals incorporating Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been proposed in
order to further reduce inspection time. RFID technology offers the
prospect of avoiding even visual inspection life vest stowage
devices. Each life vest stowage device is sealed using a RFID seal
that ceases to operate if the seal is broken. An RFID reader can
then be used to establish very quickly if any of the RFID seals on
an aircraft are inoperable, and to identify the location of the
offending life vest stowage device.
[0006] Although the benefits of this type of technology are
appreciated, a need remains for life vest stowage devices with
simple sealing mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
a life vest stowage device comprising:
[0008] a receptacle defining an interior volume;
[0009] an opening through which the interior volume is accessible
from outside of the receptacle;
[0010] a first tab having a first tab aperture;
[0011] a closure flap moveable between an unfolded position when
the life vest stowage device is in an open configuration, in which
unfolded position the opening is uncovered, and a folded position
when the life vest stowage device is in a closed configuration, in
which folded position the closure flap at least partially covers
the opening and the first tab is exposed through the closure flap
to allow access to the first tab aperture from an outer side of the
closure flap;
[0012] a pull strap extending from the interior volume through the
opening so as to be able to pass over the outer side of the closure
flap, the pull strap having a pull strap aperture;
[0013] wherein, in the closed configuration, the pull strap is
securable to the first tab from the outer side of the closure flap
by a frangible seal extending between the pull strap aperture and
the first tab aperture such that the closure flap can only be moved
to the unfolded position by moving the pull strap aperture and the
first tab aperture away from one another so as to break the
frangible seal.
[0014] In the closed configuration, a portion of the pull strap may
lie between the closure flap and the receptacle such that pulling
an end of the pull strap distal from the receptacle away from the
receptacle causes the closure flap to move to the unfolded
position.
[0015] The frangible seal may comprise a seal head and an elongate
member, wherein the elongate member cooperates with the seal head
to form a closed loop, and wherein breaking the frangible seal
involves breaking the closed loop. The elongate member may be
attached at one end to the seal head and the seal head may have a
seal head aperture through which the other end of the elongate
member can be inserted to form the loop. The elongate member and
the seal head aperture may form a ratchet arranged such that the
elongate member resists withdrawal from the side of the seal head
aperture via which it is inserted. The elongate member resists
withdrawal from the side of the seal head aperture via which it is
inserted sufficiently that the closed loop breaks by the elongate
member breaking rather than withdrawing from the seal head
aperture.
[0016] The frangible seal is polypropylene or nylon.
[0017] The closure flap may have a first closure flap aperture
through which the first tab is exposed in the closed configuration.
Preferably, the life vest stowage device has a second tab having a
second tab aperture, wherein, in the closed configuration, the
second tab aperture is exposed through the closure flap to allow
access to the second tab aperture from the outer side of the
closure flap and the pull strap is securable to the second tab from
the outer side of the closure flap by the frangible seal
additionally extending between the pull strap aperture and the
second tab aperture such that the closure flap can only be moved to
the unfolded position by moving the pull strap aperture away from
both the first tab aperture and the second tab aperture so as to
break the frangible seal. The closure flap may have a second
closure flap aperture through which the second tab is exposed in
the closed configuration.
[0018] In the closed configuration, the pull strap may be locatable
between the first tab and second tab.
[0019] Preferably, the life vest stowage device comprises an inner
flap located towards the interior volume of the receptacle inward
in relation to the closure flap, the inner flap being foldable
between the unfolded position when the life vest stowage device is
in the open configuration, in which unfolded position the opening
is uncovered, and a folded position when the life vest stowage
device is in the closed configuration, in which folded position the
inner flap at least partially covers the opening.
[0020] Optionally, the life vest stowage device has a pocket into
which the inner flap is insertable in the folded configuration.
[0021] Optionally, the life vest stowage device has a pocket into
which the closure flap is insertable in the folded
configuration.
[0022] Optionally, the life vest stowage device comprises first and
second tab receiving apertures, the first tab having a tab head
wider than the first tab receiving aperture and a neck narrower
than the first tab receiving aperture, and the second tab having a
tab head wider than the second tab receiving aperture and a neck
narrower than the second tab receiving aperture.
[0023] The life vest stowage device may comprise a first material
and the closure flap may comprise a second material. The second
material may be stiffer than the first material. In one example,
the second material is a polycarbonate film.
[0024] Specific embodiments are described below, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a life vest stowage device
is a closed configuration.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the life vest stowage
device in the closed configuration, including a close up view of an
end of the life vest stowage device where a closure flap is
provided.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the life vest stowage device
in an open configuration.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the life vest stowage
device in the open configuration, including a close up view of the
end of the life vest stowage device where the closure flap is
provided.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front view of a frangible seal, first and second
tabs and a pull strap of the life vest stowage device.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative frangible seal.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a front view of the alternative frangible seal in
position on the first and second tabs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a life vest stowage device 1
according to an embodiment of the disclosure comprises a receptacle
2 with an receptacle opening 3. In this embodiment, the life vest
stowage device 1 is suitable for use on a commercial passenger
aircraft. As such, the receptacle 2 is suitable for housing a life
vest 4 and the receptacle opening 3 allows the life vest 4 to be
inserted into and removed from the receptacle 2. The life vest
stowage device 1 is securable under an aircraft seat, and straps or
other mountings (not shown) are provided on the life vest stowage
device 1 for this purpose, but are omitted from the accompanying
drawings for clarity.
[0033] Conventionally, three different sizes of life vest 4 are
specified for use on commercial passenger aircraft. When folded for
stowing, a small life vest 4 is approximately 24 cm long, 13 cm
wide and 6 cm deep; a medium life vest 4 is approximately 22 cm
long, 16 cm wide and 6 cm deep and a large life vest 4 is
approximately 22 cm long, 20 cm wide and 7 cm deep. Typically, the
receptacle 2 is large enough to be able to house a large life vest
4 snugly.
[0034] In this embodiment, the receptacle 2 is a bag. The bag
comprises two layers of a first material secured to one another at
their edges, except at one end on the receptacle 2 where the edges
of the layers are left unattached to one another to provide the
receptacle opening 3. The receptacle opening 3 extends across the
entire width of the receptacle 2. In this embodiment, the two
rectangles of the first material are secured to one another by
stitching, but other methods of securing the layers of the first
material to one another can be used, such as joining with glue or
by heat treatment. The first material is a cloth. The cloth is
typically fire resistant, and in this embodiment is a polyamide
substrate with polyurethane coating and a fluorocarbon finish. In
order to accommodate a large life vest 4 snugly, the bag has a
length L of approximately 26 cm and a width W of approximately 24
cm. The bag is flat when empty, and accommodates the life vest 4 by
deforming to a required height, in a direction normal to the plane
defined by its length and width. In other embodiments, the bag is
of a different construction or has different dimensions. It is also
possible for the receptacle 2 to be a box that is substantially
non-deformable instead of a bag.
[0035] The life vest stowage device 1 has an inner flap 5 extending
outwardly from a first side of the receptacle opening 3. In this
embodiment, the inner flap 5 is contiguous with a first side wall
of the receptacle 2 on the first side of the receptacle opening 3.
The inner flap 5 may be integral with the receptacle 2, for example
being the same material as the receptacle 2. More specifically, the
inner flap 5 may be part of one of the two layers of the first
material that are secured to one another to form the receptacle 2.
However, in this embodiment, the inner flap 5 comprises a strip of
the first material secured to the first side wall of the receptacle
2 on the first side of the receptacle opening 3.
[0036] The life vest stowage device 1 has a closed configuration,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and an open configuration, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4. With the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration, the inner flap 5 is in a folded position. In the
folded position, the inner flap 5 at least partially covers the
receptacle opening 3. In this embodiment, the inner flap 5 extends
across the entire width of the receptacle 2. In other words, the
inner flap 5 has the same width as the receptacle 2. This means
that, in the folded position, the inner flap 5, in combination with
a second side wall of the receptacle 2 on a second side of the
receptacle opening 3, opposite to the first side, entirely blocks
the receptacle opening 3.
[0037] With the life vest stowage device 1 in the open
configuration, the inner flap 5 is in an unfolded position. In the
unfolded position, the inner flap 5 does not obstruct the
receptacle opening 3. Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner
flap 5 is generally parallel to the first side wall of the
receptacle 2. The inner flap 5 can be moved between the unfolded
and the folded positions. The movement occurs by folding and
unfolding the inner flap 5 along the edge of the inner flap 5 that
is attached to the receptacle 2.
[0038] In this embodiment, an edge of the inner flap 5 distal to
the receptacle 2 is shorter than an edge of the inner flap 5 that
is attached to the receptacle 2. As such, the inner flap 5 is
trapezoidal in shape.
[0039] The life vest stowage device 1 has an inner flap pocket 6 on
the second side of the receptacle opening 3. A pocket side wall 7
is secured to a portion 8 of the second side wall of the receptacle
2 on the second side of the receptacle opening 3. The pocket side
wall 7 is secured along its edges to the portion 8 of the second
side wall of the receptacle 2, except at an edge of the pocket side
wall 7 closest to the receptacle opening 3, which edge is left
unattached to provide a pocket opening 9. The inner flap pocket 6
extends across the entire width of the receptacle 2, and has a
depth similar to or greater than the length of the inner flap 5,
that is the distance between the edge of the inner flap 5 distal to
the receptacle 2 and the edge of the inner flap 5 attached to the
receptacle 2. The inner flap 5 can be inserted into the inner flap
pocket 6 in the folded position.
[0040] The life vest stowage device 1 also a closure flap 10
extending outward from the first side of the receptacle opening 3,
which is the same side of the receptacle opening 3 as the inner
flap 5. In this embodiment, the closure flap 10 is contiguous with
the first side wall of the receptacle 2 on the first side of the
receptacle opening 3. The closure flap 10 may be integral with the
receptacle 2, for example being the same material as the receptacle
2. More specifically, the closure flap 10 may be part of one of the
two layers of the first material that are secured to one another to
form the receptacle 2. In this case, the inner flap 5 may be a
separate strip of material. However, in this embodiment, the
closure flap 10 comprises a strip of a second material secured to
the first side wall of the receptacle 2 on the first side of the
receptacle opening 3. The second material is stiffer than the first
material. In this embodiment, the second material a polycarbonate
film, such as Lexan.RTM..
[0041] With the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration, the closure flap 10 is in a folded position. In the
folded position, the closure flap 10 at least partially covers the
receptacle opening 3. In this embodiment, the closure flap 10
extends across the entire width of the receptacle 2. In other
words, the closure flap 10 has the same width as the receptacle 2.
In the folded position, the closure flap 10, in conjunction with
the second side wall of the receptacle 2 on the second side of the
receptacle opening 3, entirely blocks the receptacle opening 3.
[0042] The closure flap 10 is located outward of the inner flap 5,
in relation to the receptacle opening 3. This means that, in the
closed configuration, the closure flap 10 at least partially covers
the inner flap 5. In this embodiment, the closure flap 10 has a
length between an edge of the closure flap 10 distal to the
receptacle 2 and an edge of the closure flap 10 attached to the
receptacle 2 greater than the length of the inner flap 5 between
the edge of the inner flap 5 distal to the receptacle 2 and the
edge of the inner flap 5 attached to the receptacle 2. This allows
the closure flap 10 to cover the inner flap 5 entirely in the
closed configuration. The closure flap 10 is also arranged to at
least partially cover the pocket side wall 7 in the folded
position.
[0043] With the life vest stowage device 1 in the open
configuration, the closure flap 10 is in an unfolded position. In
the unfolded position, the closure flap 10 does not obstruct the
receptacle opening 3. Specifically, in this embodiment, the closure
flap 10 is generally parallel to the first side wall of the
receptacle 2 on the first side of the receptacle opening 3 in the
unfolded position. The closure flap 10 is arranged to be moved
between the unfolded and the folded positions. The movement occurs
by folding and unfolding the closure flap 10 along the edge of the
closure flap 10 that is attached to the receptacle 2.
[0044] The receptacle 2 has two closure flap pockets 11 for
accommodating the closure flap 10 in the folded position, although
it will be appreciated than only one closure flap pocket 11 is
useful in itself and, in other embodiments, only one pocket 11 is
provided. The closure flap pockets 11 are located at corners of the
pocket side wall 7 distal to the receptacle opening 3. The closure
flap pockets 11 are triangular and are located on an outwardly
facing of the pocket side wall 7. The closure flap pockets 11 are
arranged such that corners of the closure flap 10 distal to the
receptacle opening 3 are insertable into the pockets 11 when the
closure flap 10 in the folded position. The pockets 11 retain the
closure flap 10 in the folded position, whilst at the same time
allowing the closure flap 10 to be easily releasable from the
pockets 11 for moving to the unfolded position.
A pull strap 12 is provided that extends from the interior volume
of the receptacle 2, through the receptacle opening 3 to the
outside of the receptacle 2. The pull strap 12 is attached at one
end to an inside surface of the receptacle 2 at an attachment point
13.
[0045] The attachment point 13 is positioned at a location along
the length of the receptacle 2, such that the distance between the
attachment point 13 and the receptacle opening 3 is less than the
length of the life vest 4 the life vest stowage device 1 is
intended to accommodate. A loop 14 is provided at the other end of
the pull strap 12, to improve the ease with which a user can grasp
the pull strap 12. The pull strap 12 also has a pull strap aperture
15. The pull strap aperture 15 is provided part way alone the
length of the pull strap 12, as described in more detail below.
[0046] With the life vest stowage device 1 in the open
configuration, the pull strap 12 extends from the attachment point
13 out through the receptacle opening 3. The attachment point 13 is
located on an inside surface of the second side wall of the
receptacle 2. With the life vest 4 fully inserted into the
receptacle 2, the pull strap 12 is arranged to run from the
attachment point 13 towards the rear of the receptacle 2, around
the life vest 4, then along the inside surface of the receptacle 2
opposite to the inside surface on which the attachment point is
provided 13, and out through the receptacle opening 3.
[0047] With the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration, the pull strap 12 extends out through the receptacle
opening 3 via the inner flap pocket 6. More specifically, the pull
strap 12 passes through the receptacle opening 3, into the inner
flap pocket 6, between the portion 8 of the second side wall
forming the inner flap pocket 6 and the inner flap 5 located in the
inner flap pocket 6, around the edge of the inner flap 5 distal to
the receptacle 2 (in the unfolded position), between the inner flap
5 and the pocket side wall 7, around an edge of the pocket side
wall 7 at the pocket opening 9, between the pocket side wall 7 and
the closure flap 10, around the edge of the closure flap 10 distal
to the receptacle 2 (in the unfolded position) and over an
outwardly facing surface of the closure flap 10.
[0048] The pocket side wall 7 and closure flap 10 each have a guide
16 for the pull strap 12. The guide 16 of the pocket side wall 7
comprises a recess along the edge of the pocket side wall 7 at the
pocket opening 9. The guide 16 of the closure flap 10 comprises a
recess along the edge of the closure flap 10 distal to the
receptacle 2. The guides 16 are provided centrally with respect the
width of the life vest stowage device 1, so as to cause the pull
strap 12 to pass out through the receptacle opening 3, with the
life vest stowage device 1 in the closed configuration, at a
location central to the width of the receptacle opening 3.
[0049] The life vest stowage device 1 has first and second tabs 17,
18. In fact, only one tab 17, 18 is required in order for the life
vest stowage device 1 to function, but two tabs 17, 18 are
advantageous as they allow the mechanism by which the life vest
stowage device 1 is opened to have improved symmetry. As can be
seen most clearly in FIG. 5, the first tab 17 has a first tab head
19 and a first tab body 20. It also has a first tab neck 21 between
the first tab head 19 and the first tab body 20. Similarly, the
second tab 18 has a second tab head 22 and a second tab body 23,
along with a second tab neck 24 between the second tab head 22 and
the second tab body 23. The first tab head 19 is wider than the
first tab body 20, which in turn in wider than the first tab neck
21. The second tab head 22 is wider than the second tab body 23,
which in turn in wider than the second tab neck 24. Both the first
and the second tabs 17, 18 are flat. In this embodiment, they each
comprise a sheet of the second material.
[0050] A first tab aperture 25 is provided in the first tab 17 and
a second tab aperture 26 is provided in the second tab 18. In this
embodiment, the first tab aperture 25 is located in the first tab
body 20 and the second tab aperture 26 is located in the second tab
body 23. The first and second tab apertures 25, 26 are reinforced.
In this embodiment, the reinforcement comprises a metal eyelet
pressed into each of the first and second tab apertures 25, 26.
Other types of reinforcement are used in other embodiments. In yet
other embodiments, no reinforcement is provided.
[0051] It can be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment at
least, the first and second tabs 17, 18 are identical to one
another. This is not a necessity, but it does have the advantage
that the first and second tabs 17, 18 are interchangeable with one
another. The life vest stowage device 1 also has first and second
tab receiving apertures 27, 28. In this embodiment, the first and
second tab receiving apertures 27, 28 are provided in the pocket
side wall 7, at locations that are covered by the closure flap 10
in the folded position. However, in other embodiments, the first
and second tab receiving apertures 27, 28 are provided elsewhere,
for example in the second side wall of the receptacle 2, although
it is generally advantageous that the first and second tab
receiving apertures 27, 28 are covered by the closure flap 10 in
the folded position, wherever they are provided, so as to prevent
access to them when the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration.
[0052] The first tab head 19 of the first tab 17 is wider than the
first tab receiving aperture 27 and the second tab head 22 of the
second tab 18 is wider than the second tab receiving aperture 28.
The first tab neck 21 of the first tab 17 is narrower than the
first tab receiving aperture 27 and the second tab neck 24 of the
second tab 18 is narrower than the second tab receiving aperture
28.
[0053] The first tab body 20 is slightly wider than the first tab
receiving aperture 27, but only to the extent that the first tab
body 20 must be deformed in order to pass through the first tab
receiving aperture 27. This means that, if the first tab 17 is
inserted into the first tab receiving aperture 27 by passing the
first tab body 20 through the first tab receiving aperture 27, the
first tab 17 tends to lie in the first tab receiving aperture 27
with the first tab neck 21 coincident with the first tab receiving
aperture 27. The first tab 17 cannot be pulled all the way through
the first tab receiving aperture 27 because of the width of the
first tab head 19. Similarly, as the first tab body 20 must be
deformed to pass through the first tab receiving aperture 27, the
first tab 17 resists passing back out of the first tab receiving
aperture 27 from the side via which it was inserted, although it
can be extracted if sufficient force is exerted to deform the first
tab body 20.
[0054] The second tab body 23 is slightly wider than the second tab
receiving aperture 28, but only to the extent that the second tab
body 23 must be deformed in order to pass through the second tab
receiving aperture 28. This means that, if the second tab 18 is
inserted into the second tab receiving aperture 28 by passing the
second tab body 23 through the second tab receiving aperture 28,
the second tab 18 tends to lie in the second tab receiving aperture
28 with the second tab neck 24 coincident with the second tab
receiving aperture 28. The second tab 18 cannot be pulled all the
way through the second tab receiving aperture 28 because of the
width of the second tab head 22. Similarly, as the second tab body
23 must be deformed to pass through the second tab receiving
aperture 28, the second tab 18 resists passing back out of the
second tab receiving aperture 28 from the side via which it was
inserted, although it can be extracted if sufficient force is
exerted to deform the second tab body 23.
[0055] In this embodiment, the first and second tab heads 19, 20
actually have the same widths as one another, the first and second
tab necks 21, 22 have the same widths as one another and the first
and second tab receiving apertures 27, 28 have the same widths as
one another. However, this is not necessary and the first and
second tabs 17, 18 and first and second tab receiving apertures 27,
28 can have different dimensions from one another in other
embodiments.
[0056] When the closure flap 10 is in the folded position, the
closure flap 10 covers the first and second tab receiving apertures
27, 28. Moreover, with the first and second tabs 17, 18 inserted in
the first and second tab receiving apertures 27, 28, the first and
second tabs 17, 18 are disposed under the closure flap 10. However,
the closure flap 10 is arranged to expose the first and second tabs
17, 18, so that they may be accessed from the outwardly facing side
of the closure flap 10. This can be achieved by the closure flap 7
having an appropriately positioned hole therethrough. However, in
this embodiment, the closure flap 10 has first and second closure
flap apertures 29, 30. The first and second closure flap apertures
29, 30 are located to be close to, but offset from, the first and
second tab receiving apertures 27, 28.
[0057] With the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration, the tab body 20 of the first tab 17 protrudes
through the first closure flap aperture 29 and the second tab 18
protrudes through the second closure flap aperture 30. The pull
strap 12 passes over the outer surface of the closure flap 10
between first and second closure flap apertures 29, 30, and the
pull strap aperture 15 is arranged at a position along the length
of the pull strap 12 such that the pull strap aperture 15 is
located between the first tab aperture 25 and the second tab
aperture 26.
[0058] A frangible seal 31 comprises a seal head 32 and an elongate
member 33. The elongate member 33 is attached to the seal head 32
at one end. At the other end of the elongate member 33 there is a
tip 34 that is insertable into a seal head aperture 35 to form a
closed loop. Teeth 36 are provided along the length of the elongate
member 33. The teeth 36 cooperate with a pawl (not shown) provided
in the seal head aperture 35 to form a ratchet that resists
retraction of the elongate member 33 from the seal head aperture 35
from the side of the seal head aperture 35 via which the elongate
member 33 is inserted into the seal head aperture 35. Once the
ratchet is engaged, the closed loop of the frangible seal 31 is
opened by the elongate member 33 breaking.
[0059] The frangible seal 31 can take a variety of forms. In this
embodiment, the frangible seal 31 is a pull-tight fly seal, as
conventionally used in the airline industry for other sealing
requirements. The material of the frangible seal 31 is
polypropylene or nylon. The force required to break the closed loop
of the frangible seal 31 is typically between 40N and 80N. It is
more preferably between 60N and 80N, but in one specific example,
where the frangible seal 31 is polypropylene, the force is around
48N.
[0060] The frangible seal 31 is insertable through the pull strap
aperture 15 and the first and second tab apertures 25, 26. More
specifically, the pull strap aperture 15 and the first and second
tab apertures 25, 26 have diameters sufficiently large for the
elongate member 33 of the frangible seal 31 to pass through.
Moreover, with the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration, the pull strap 12 and the first and second tabs 17,
18 are located close enough to one another that the closed loop of
the frangible seal 31 can extend through all of the pull strap
aperture 15 and the first and second tab apertures 25, 26 at once.
With the frangible seal so located, the pull strap 12 is secured to
the first and second tabs 17, 18, with the result that the closure
flap 10 is secured to the pocket side wall 7.
[0061] A fastener is provided to secure the pull strap 12 in
position when the life vest stowage device 1 is in the closed
configuration. In this embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop
fastener, such as Velcro.RTM.. The fastener comprises a first and
second fastener parts 36, 37 provided on opposing sides of the pull
strap 12, along with a third fastener part 38 provided on the
outwardly facing surface of the portion 8 of the second side wall
of the receptacle 2 forming the inner flap pocket 6 and a fourth
part 39 located on an inwardly facing surface of the inner flap 5.
The first and third fastener parts 36, 38 cooperate with one
another to fasten the pull strap 12 to the portion 8 of the second
side wall of the receptacle 2 forming the inner flap pocket 6.
Similarly, the second and fourth fastener parts 37, 39 cooperate
with one another to fasten the pull strap 12 to the inner surface
of the inner flap 5. Where the fastener is a hook and loop
fastener, typically each pair of fastener parts 36, 37, 38, 39,
e.g. the first and third fastener parts 36, 38 and second and
fourth fastener parts 37, 39, each comprise one part with hooks and
one part with loops. As can be seen best in FIG. 3, the third and
fourth fastener parts 38, 39 are wider than the pull strap 12 and,
in the closed configuration, they come into direct contact with one
another either side of the pull strap 12. Preferably, the third and
fourth fastener parts 38, 39 are also therefore arranged to fasten
to one another, for example with one having hooks and the other
having loops.
[0062] In use, the life vest 4 is inserted into the receptacle 2
through the receptacle opening 3, with the life vest stowage device
1 in the open configuration. When the life vest stowage device 1 is
mounted under an aircraft seat, it is oriented with the second side
wall of the receptacle 2, on which the attachment point 13 is
provided, at the top and the pull strap 12 tends to hang down
across the height of the interior volume of the receptacle 2. As
the life vest 4 is inserted into the receptacle 2 it pushes the
pull strap 12 towards the back of the receptacle 2. With the life
vest 4 fully inserted into the receptacle 2, the pull strap 12 runs
from the attachment point 13 towards the rear of the receptacle 2,
around the life vest 4, then along the inside surface of the
receptacle 2 opposite to the inside surface on which the attachment
point 13 is provided, and out through the receptacle opening 3. The
length of the pull strap is sufficient that, even in this
configuration, the loop 14 is located outside of the receptacle
2.
[0063] With the life vest 4 inside the receptacle 2, the life vest
stowage device 1 is moved to the closed configuration.
Specifically, the inner flap 5 and closure flap 10 are moved to
their folded positions so as to obstruct the receptacle opening 3.
First, the inner flap 5 is folded along the edge of the inner flap
5 at which it is attached to the receptacle 2. This allows the
inner flap 5 to be inserted into the inner flap pocket 6. As the
inner flap 5 is inserted into the inner flap pocket 6 it pushes the
pull strap 12 ahead of it into the inner flap pocket. The pull
handle 12 folds over the edge of the inner flap 5 distal to the
receptacle 2. At the same time, the first and third fastener parts
36, 38 come into contact with one another, the second and fourth
fastener parts 37, 39 come into contact with one another and the
third and fourth fastener parts 38, 39 come into contact with one
another.
[0064] This causes the pull strap 12 and the inner flap 5 to be
retained in the inner flap pocket 6. The first and second tabs 17,
18 are inserted into the first and second tab receiving apertures
27, 28. More specifically, the first tab body 20 is inserted
through the first tab receiving aperture 27 in a direction towards
the outside of the receptacle 2, which in this embodiment is from
the inside of the inner flap pocket 6 to the outwardly facing side
of the pocket side wall 7. Likewise, the second tab body 23 is
inserted through the second tab receiving aperture 28 in a
direction towards the outside of the receptacle 2, which again in
this embodiment is from the inside of the inner flap pocket 6 to
the outwardly facing side of the pocket side wall 7. The first and
second tab heads 19, 22 prevent the first and second tabs 17, 18
passing all the way through the first and second tab receiving
holes 27, 28, and the first and second tabs 17, 18 are thus
retained in the first and second tab receiving apertures 27,
28.
[0065] The closure flap 10 is then moved to its folded position by
being folded along the edge of the closure flap 10 by which the
closure flap 10 is attached to the receptacle 1. As the closure
flap 10 is moved to the folded position, the pull strap 12 folds
around the edge of the pocket side wall 7 adjacent the pocket
opening 9 so as to extend between the pocket side wall 7 and the
closure flap 10. The first and second tab bodies 17, 18 are
manipulated so as to extend through the first and second closure
flap apertures 29, 30, and the closure flap 10 is manipulated so as
to be inserted into the closure flap pockets 11.
[0066] Next, the pull strap aperture 15 is aligned with the first
and second tab apertures 25, 26 and the elongate member 33 of the
frangible seal 31 is threaded through the apertures 15, 25, 26. The
frangible seal 31 is then locked by inserting the tip 34 of the
elongate member 33 into the head aperture 35 of the frangible seal
31. This secures the life vest stowage device 1 in the closed
configuration.
[0067] Should a passenger need to retrieve the life vest 4 from the
life vest stowage device 1, the passenger pulls the pull strap 12
away from the receptacle 2. This urges the frangible seal 31 to
break, allowing the pull strap 12 to be pulled further. Continuing
to pull the pull strap 12 moves the closure flap 10 away from the
pocket side wall 7 and the closure flap 10 to be removed from the
closure flap pockets 11. Continuing to pull the pull strap 12
causes the fastener to unfasten and for the inner flap 5 to be
removed from the inner flap pocket 6. The receptacle opening 3 is
now unobstructed. Finally, further pulling of the pull strap 12
urges the life vest 4 out of the receptacle 2. The passenger can
then grasp the life vest 4 and remove it from the life vest stowage
device 1.
[0068] The life vest stowage device 1 is described above for use
with a frangible seal 31 comprising a pull-tight fly seal. This is
useful because such pull-tight fly seals are cheaply available.
However, and important advantage of the life vest stowage device 1
is that it can also be used with other types of seals, in
particular seals of very different construction to pull-tight fly
seals. More particularly, the frangible seal 31 may be a stick-on
seal. Such a seal is generally flat.
[0069] In one particular embodiment, the frangible seal 31 is a
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) stick-on seal, as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the frangible seal 31 comprises
a stick-on strip incorporating an RFID component 40. A line of
weakness bisects the stick-on strip and the RFID component 40, such
that pulling the ends of the stick-on strip away from one another
causes the frangible seal 31 to break along the line of weakness
41. With the frangible seal broken along the line of weakness, the
RFID component 40 ceases to function.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, with the life vest
stowage device 1 in the closed configuration, and the first and
second tabs 17, 18 located as described above, the frangible seal
31 is located between the first tab body 20 of the first tab 17 and
the second tab body 23 of the second tab 18. This means that the
frangible seal extends over the outwardly facing surface of the
closure flap 10 between the first tab aperture 25 and the second
tab aperture 26. The pull strap 12 is not secured to the first and
second tabs 17, 18, but the closure flap 10 is still secured to the
pocket side wall 7 just by the frangible seal 31.
[0071] When the passenger wishes to retrieve the life vest 4 from
the receptacle, the passenger pulls the pull strap 12 as before.
However, this time the pull strap 12 causes the frangible seal 31
to break be causing the closure flap 10 to move away from the
pocket side wall 7 and the first and second tabs 17, 18 to move
apart from one another.
[0072] In this way, the life vest stowage device 1 can function in
much the same way as the life vest stowage device described in
patent publication number WO2015/145121, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0073] Other variations and modifications will be apparent to the
skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve
equivalent and other features which are already known and which may
be used instead of, or in addition to, features described
herein.
[0074] Features that are described in the context of separate
embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment.
Conversely, features which are described in the context of a single
embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable
sub-combination.
[0075] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not
exclude other elements, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a
plurality, a single feature may fulfil the functions of several
features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims
shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It
should also be noted that the Figures are not necessarily to scale;
emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the
principles of the present disclosure.
* * * * *