Emergency Airbag Float Device for Boats

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/575,231, which was filed on Apr. 5, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of floatation devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a marine vessel emergency airbag float device that provides rapidly inflatable airbags that can be attached to a boat, which can be deployed to prevent sinking. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

Boats and other marine vessels face significant risks during emergency situations, such as hull breaches or capsizing, that can lead to rapid water ingress and sinking. Once a vessel begins to sink, recovery efforts become more difficult, posing a serious threat to property, human life, and the surrounding environment. In many cases, emergency responses are delayed or insufficient, particularly in open water where immediate assistance may not be available. While existing flotation devices, such as life vests and inflatable rafts, provide support for individuals, they fail to address the core issue of vessel stabilization during emergencies. The absence of a reliable mechanism to prevent boats from sinking has long been a challenge for maritime safety. Furthermore, extreme weather conditions, collisions, and equipment failures exacerbate this problem, making it essential to develop a solution that can mitigate these risks effectively. Without a system in place to stabilize a distressed vessel, the consequences of an emergency can include financial loss, environmental damage, and loss of life.

Therefore, 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.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a marine vessel emergency airbag float device. 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.

In this manner, the marine vessel emergency airbag float device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that attaches securely to a boat's sidewalls and provides rapid buoyancy through inflatable airbags. The device is equipped with both manual controls and automatic sensors, enabling deployment in a wide range of emergency conditions, such as tilting, flooding, or submersion. The use of corrosion-resistant materials further ensures durability in marine environments. The airbag system, connected to an air pump or compressed air tank, inflates within seconds to stabilize the vessel and prevent it from sinking. This comprehensive approach addresses the critical need for marine vessel stabilization during emergencies, providing safety and reliability for both operators and passengers.

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a marine vessel emergency airbag float device designed to prevent boats and other marine vessels from sinking during emergencies by deploying inflatable airbags. The device is comprised of mounting brackets that attach to a vessel's sidewalls, with materials such as corrosion-resistant metals, marine-grade rubber, or reinforced polymers ensuring 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.

The support members connect to the brackets using reciprocating fastener mechanisms and support airbags in an uninflated state to minimize interference with normal vessel operation. The airbags are constructed from durable, marine-grade materials and 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, allowing compressed air to inflate the airbags.

The device can be activated manually via a control mechanism, such as a pull cord or toggle, or automatically through sensors that may include tilt sensors, water pressure sensors, or flood sensors, which trigger deployment upon detecting conditions like capsizing or significant water ingress. Manual controls may be positioned for convenient access on the vessel's dashboard or exterior in one embodiment. Upon activation, compressed air is released from the tank through a valve, rapidly inflating the airbags to provide buoyancy and stabilize the vessel.

Accordingly, the marine vessel emergency airbag float device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that attaches securely to a boat's sidewalls and provides rapid buoyancy through inflatable airbags. The device is equipped with both manual controls and automatic sensors, enabling deployment in a wide range of emergency conditions, such as tilting, flooding, or submersion. The use of corrosion-resistant materials further ensures durability in marine environments. The airbag system, connected to an air pump or compressed air tank, inflates within seconds to stabilize the vessel and prevent it from sinking. This comprehensive approach addresses the critical need for marine vessel stabilization during emergencies, providing safety and reliability for both operators and passengers.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine vessel emergency airbag float deviceof the present invention attached to a boatand with the airbagdeflated in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The marine vessel emergency airbag float deviceis a safety device designed to prevent boats and other marine vessels from sinking in emergency situations by deploying inflatable airbags. The deviceis comprised of at least one mounting bracketthat allows the deviceto attach to a boator other marine vessel. The mounting bracketis preferably a right-angled bracket with a top edgethat is parallel to a top edgeof the boat'ssidewalland an outer edgethat is perpendicular to the top edgeof the sidewall. The mounting bracketmay 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.

Each bracketis further comprised of at least one openingthat receives at least one fastener, enabling secure attachment to the boat. The fastenermay be a corrosion-resistant bolt, a clamp, or another suitable attachment mechanism. The bracketsare preferably positioned along the starboard and port sides of the boat, ensuring symmetrical alignment with the center of gravity of the boatto promote balanced flotation during use.

Each mounting bracketis comprised of at least one attachment point(as seen in) designed to receive at least one support member. The support membersupports at least one airbag, with the airbagpreferably encircling the support memberwhen in an uninflated state, as seen in. The support memberis comprised of at least one fastener(as seen in) that allows the memberto connect to the attachment point. In various embodiments, the fastenerand attachment pointmay 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 pointis a threaded opening and the fasteneris a matching threaded end that can be inserted and threaded into the opening.

The airbagsare 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 airbagis stored in an uninflated state wrapped around the support memberto minimize interference with the boat'snormal operation. The airbagis comprised of at least one tubing, which connects the airbagto at least one air pump and/or air tankthat is installed within the boat. The tubingincorporates at least one one-way valveto prevent air loss from the airbagafter inflation, ensuring that the airbagmaintains full inflation and optimal buoyancy once deployed.

Activation of the airbagis facilitated by both manual and automatic activation in different embodiments. Manual activation is enabled through a control, which may include mechanisms such as but not limited to a pull cord, a toggle, or another user-actuated control. Engaging the controlopens at least one valvethat releases compressed air (or any other gas type) from the air tank, rapidly inflating the airbag. The valvemay 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.

Automatic activation of the airbagis achieved through at least one sensor. The sensormay include but is not limited to, a tilt sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) that detects excessive tilting of the boatcaused 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. The sensorsmay be positioned anywhere on the exterior or interior of the boat, depending on the design and intended coverage of the device. For example, a tilt sensor may be mounted near the keel of the boatto detect changes in orientation, while a flood sensor may be positioned within the hull of the boatto monitor water ingress.

Similarly, the controlmay be positioned anywhere on the exterior or interior of the boatfor accessibility and convenience. In one embodiment, the controlmay be mounted on the boat's dashboard for easy manual activation by the operator. In another embodiment, the controlmay 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.

When activated, either manually or automatically, the compressed air is released from the tankvia the valveand directed through the tubinginto the airbag. The inflation process occurs within seconds, as the valvefacilitates a rapid and uninterrupted flow of air, causing the airbagto expand outward around the support member, as seen in. The resulting flotation force counteracts water ingress and stabilizes the boat, preventing it from sinking and providing critical time for rescue or repair operations to be undertaken.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of usingthe device, as seen in. First, at least one deviceis provided, wherein the deviceis comprised of at least one mounting bracket, at least one support member, at least one airbag, at least one compressed air tank, at least one valve, and at least one control[Step]. Next, the mounting bracketis securely attached to the boatby inserting at least one fastenerinto at least one openingof the mounting bracketand affixing it to the sidewall of the boat[Step]. Once installed, the support memberis connected to the mounting bracketvia at least one fastener, and the airbagis wrapped around the support memberin its uninflated state [Step]. The tubingis then connected between the airbagand the air tank, with the valveinstalled to regulate the release of compressed air from the air tank[Step]. In an emergency, the controlis activated, either manually or automatically, to open the valve, releasing compressed air from the air tankinto the airbag. This causes the airbagto inflate rapidly around the support member, providing buoyancy to stabilize and prevent the vessel from sinking [Step]. The sensors, if present, may monitor the vessel's conditions to ensure continued deployment or to trigger automatic activation if necessary.

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 deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the marine vessel emergency airbag float deviceof 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 deviceas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the marine vessel emergency airbag float deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the marine vessel emergency airbag float deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the marine vessel emergency airbag float devicemay 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.

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.

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.