Title of Invention	SAFETY AND LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT
Abstract	The invention concerns rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means.

Title of Invention

SAFETY AND LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The invention concerns rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means.

Full Text	1 SAEETTP AND LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT The object of the present invention is to create rescue and safety devices which not only enable first aid to be given directly on the device but also, in open water, to enable a victim situated under the device to pass tlirough the device, to come up and remain on top and, in a swimming pool, to be able to easily clean the bottom while walking on the device. This applies to Olympic pools, private swimming pools, lakes or open water, these devices supporting the weight of numerous persons moving about on the device. The teclinical background discloses many submersible or non submersible covers or bottoms variable in steps, whose main function is not the rescue of persons in trouble. These devices are not reliable, notably in the case of submersible covers, as they are not sufficiently strong to support the weight of many persons and are moreover slow in their movement. The document US 4,129,905 of Dec. 19, 1978 has proposed to build a rescue device which is a ne supported by an inflatable bladder of small size. Tliis device has tlie following drawbacks: - The arms and its periphery' supporting the net has a diameter of 7.6cm, the central bladder a diameter of 60 cm, the lengtli of the pool is 6 m, the design features are not met for supporting the weight of the net and of a person. The bladder diameter of 60 cm is smaller than a conventional buoy. The essential deficiency is that there is nothing to fix the device in a raised Dosition. Only two guide bars are provided at tlie deepest part of the pool with the sole purpose of guiding the flotation. According to tlie description by tlie inventor, guide bars are not necessary in the shallow part of the pool, which constitutes a real danger. Given the vv'eakness of the device, if someone were recovered and brought up to tlie surface in the deepest part of the pool, the device would be drawn ^togetlier on itself. As is moreover acknowledged by the author, in order to ensure safety', the device must be covered w-ith a tarpaulin when the pool is not being used, line 67 to 70, columns 2 and 3. Patent application DE 32 10590 AI, 23.03 82 mentions a device for use in open water which has tlie following drav.'backs: - The cells of the device are provided at certain places witli empty spaces of 40 to 70 cm width which have been created to enable a person to pass through. This arrangement is dangerous in a rough sea, because a weakened person or child tossed about by tlie sea would be liable to pass under the device and be lost. wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 2 Tlic structure of the air chambers of the floats has a diameter of 5 to 10 cm, commercially available individual life-buoys for bathing generally having a larger diameter and being intended for a calm sea. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a rescue and safety device which is able to meet tliese deficiencies and drawbacks. The advantages of the present invention reside in the fact that the openings in the netting are intended to enable cleaning the bottom of a swimming pool, it being easy in this case to reach tlie centre of the swimming pool by walking on the device to insert the arm of the vacuum cleaner and tliat, in the case of open water, the openings in the netting are intended to enable someone caught underneath the device to return to the surface by unlocking and widening the openings in the netting. The locking system prevents someone from sliding with ones weight into the slit. These openings with their locking system should be made visible by means of bright or fluorescent colours to indicate their presence. Anotlier advantage is that the device in swimming pools, lakes as well as a beach portion for example, comprises a system of guide rails with stops, which blocks the system in the high position, these stops balance the tension when several persons move about on the device. These stops also function to prevent the device from folding up under load, which prevents the device from forming a hollow between tlie edge of the swimming pool and tlie grille and prevents a child fi^om slipping through between the device and the edge of tlie swimming pool. The sheet, tarpaulin or the materials used to manufacture the grille may be woven or nonwoven syntlietic or elastomer materials, but should be as light as possible and nevertheless be heavy enough for the deflated grille to sink down through its own weight, and to provide technical safeguards with regard to wear, tear, &iction, pressure. To tliis end, a person skilled in the art should know the maximum load which the device will have to support, taking into account the impact of weights projected onto the device, jumping, running, tension, pressure, friction to which the device is subjected, in order to be able to determine the diameter of the crosspieces of the grille, on wliieh one should be able to walk easily, run, jump and play, and that with respect to the size of tlie openings, the dimension, number and strength of the slide rails and the stops, tlie criteria of strength of the netting, adapted in each case to tlie size of the water surface, Olympic pool or private swimming pool, whit respect to the maximum load. .Ajiother safety aspect has been allowed for due to tlie fact that the deflated grille placed at or near the bottom is connected to a vacuum pump in operating condition, connected to an alarm, whose purpose is to draw attention immediatey' to an infiltration of water into tlie device. This vacuum pump may also be used to help in deflating the grille. BCL011WO.DOC 16.12 01 -2A- Accordingly, the present invention provides a rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting of which a certain number comprise openings adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means. wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 3 The invention will be better understood on reading the description of the embodiments given as non-restrictive examples with regard to the underlying figures Figure 1 shows a device composed of a'non-inflatcdjgrillc ( 1) which is not inflated here, lies on the bottom, is secured (2) to slide rails (3), v,'hose tops are provided with a non-return system (4), here catches (13), for details see Fig 6a, b, c, 7a and b. Appearing transparently in the wall of the swimming pool is a compressed-air,cylinder (34) topped by a punch-button (35) and a coupling (32) with its release valve (41), the cyhnder being connected to the grille by a pipe (36) with couplings (32) at both ends. One may also observe a netting (5) filling each mesh (39) of tlie grille, some of which are provided witli an opening in the netting adapted to be widened and provided with locking means (6), the latter feature being applicable to any embodiment of the grille, in closed environments as well as in open water. Figure 2 shows the device in tlie high position composed of the inflated grille' (1) wth slide rails (3), netting (5) and netting openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked, whose mooring (2) rests on the non-return system (4), hi this case the catches (13), for details see Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c and 7a and b, blockmg the device in the high position,with several persons moving about on the device, with a guard givuig first aid on the device, a person running, otliers sitting, and another coming out by walking on the device Figure 3 shows a variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1) which is composed of an assembly of webs. unpervious sheetsjoined together (7) and comprising openings which enable abundant passage of water, said openings being provided with netting (5), fastened to the gnlle by means of lugs (37) and fasteners (38), with openings (6) adapted to be widened, the whole being inflated with air or gas (8) which circulates bet\veen the webs, impervious joined sheets (7). Figure 4 shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1), whose meshes are assembled (9), while enabling the passage of air (8) inside the structure of the grille, netting (5) bemg provided in the meshes of the structure of tlie grille with openings (6)adapted to be widened. Figure 5 likewise shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the mflatable grille (1). which forms a network whose meshes are interlaced like netting allowing the passage of air (8) in the structure of the grille, and whose meshes are fitted witli netting (5) with openings (6) adapted to be widened. Figure 6a, 6b, 6c (section) show the inflated grille (1), a non-return system with a ring (10) and its fastener (30)^. the ring (10) surrounding a bar (11), with means for fastening to the w^all (12), the ring sliding along tlie bar (11), and which on arriving at the high position pushes a catch (13) which swings on its axis (31) and falls back by its own w eight, blockmg the device in the high position. BCL011WODOC 16.1201 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 4 Figure 7a, 7b (section) show the inflated griile (1) fastened to the wall (12) and an example of a non-retum system with a slide (14) gliding inside a hollow slide rail (15), pushing on arrival in high position a catch (13), which falls back on a hmge stop (33), blocking the grille in the high position. Figure 8 shows a system for opening the netting (5) hanging to a bar (16) provided with two balls which come to engage in slotted receiving cups (17) Figure 9 shows the inflated grille (1), with netting (5) in the meshes of the grille and an opening system with elastic bands (18) provided with a hook (19) to ensure closing. Figure 10 shows the inflated grille (1), an opening (6) adapted to be widened or locked, netting (5) and with a person sitting^m mesh of the grille, with tlie feet slipped into toe clips (20) and tlie hands taking hold of the toe clips as handles, toe clips lengthened with a strap (21), provided with a clip fastener (28) serving as a safety belt. Figure 11 shows the netting (5) witli an example of a closure of an opening adapted to be widened with spring rods (26) closed by means of a hook wliich is lengdiened with a handle (22) situated under the netting which releases the opening of tlie netting when it js pulled downwards. Figure 12a shows the mflatable grille (1), folded up, with a foam/gas generator (23) dropped from an aircraft. Figure 12b shows the inflatable grille (1) spreading out in the water, witli netting (5) in the meshes of tlie grille, an air/gas generator (23), and the openings adapted to be widened or locked (6). Figure 12c shows the inflated grille (1), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, openings adapted to be widened or locked (6) and supporting several persons in trouble. Figure 13 shows the inflatable grille (1) with netting (5), openings adapted to be widened or locked (6), raised by means of superimposed ribs (24), whereby a distance is provided between the persons and the w"ater. Figure 14 shows three examples of openings adapted to be widened and clip fastened, here lips (29) reinforced with a resistant fabric and fasteners (25), spring rods (26) and a hook (19), radially arranged nettmg (27) with an elastic band (18) secured by means of a hook (19). Figure 15 shows the device, here the inflatable grille (1) secured (2) in high position to slide rails (3), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, provided witli openings adapted to be widened and secured (6), and with a team of bathers placing on the device Figure 16 shows the grille (1) in liigh position with its shde rails (3) and non-return system (4), netting (5), and someone vacuum cleaning while walking on the grille, the arm and the rotary-- broom (42) of the vacuum cleaner passing through the opening adapted to be locked and widened and pro\aded with a locking hook (19). BCL011W0.D0C 16.12.01 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 5 In a non-restrictive example of an embodiment intended for swimming pools or water surfaces such as portions of beaches, tlic present device is composed mainly of an inflatable grille (1), Fig. 1, whose meshes (39) arc fitted with netting (5) which is provided with openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked; said grille (1) is not inflated, rests upon the bottom (40) and is secured to the slide rails (3) by means of a slide (14) and its fastener (30) to the grille, see tliis detail in Fig. 7a and 7b, said slide rails (3) are provided with a non-return system (4), Fig. 1, see detail Fig. 6a, b, c and 7a and 7b; the grille with tliis design is connected by means of a pipe (36) and couplings at both ends (32), Fig. 1, to a compressed air cylmder (34) or to a gas generator, on which is fixed by means of the coupling (32) a punch button (35) or handle, push-button, and a release valve (41), Fig. 1. The device thus designed rises to the surface by means of air or gas driven therein and is blocked in the high position the non-return system of the slide rails, see Fig. 2. It is adaptable to swimming pools, olympic pools, water surfaces, beaches and may-serve as a playground. For large swimming pools or Olympic pools, it is possible to constitute the device in sections interconnected by means of netting, which prevents someone fi"om passing imder the device when one section is inflated and an adjacent section is not, while batliers move about on the de\'ice. It is recommended in tliat case to arrange a punch-button or handle and cylinder on each of the opposite sides ot the section or at each end ot the swimmmg pool, so as not to have to run around tlie swimming pool to be able to operate the device. It is also possible to conceive several pipes with couplings to the grille grouped in multiple branches with couplings to the cylinder, this allowing air/gas to arrive at several points in the grille; tlie same applies to the punch-buttons, handles, push buttons connected by means of pipes, branches, couplings and valve(s). It is also possible to facilitate the distribution of inflation by inserting into tlie grille structure a pipe pierced along its entire lengtli, tliis possibility being applicable to any tspe of embodiment of tlie grille. The grille folded up is dropped from a boat or aircraft, without the slide rails, wth its openings adapted to be widened or locked, pairs of toe clips, toe clips with extensions, and with an automatic uiflating s^'stem. and when unfolded it covers a large surface and serves for lifesaving in open water. For water surfaces such as portions of beaches, the slide rails will be securely fastened at the bottom and thus define the safety_or playmg zone One thus has here neitlier a submersibled over. nor a bottom which is raised, but rather a safety and rescue grille which may serve as a playground. BCL0-\1\NODOC 16 12.01 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 6 There are numerous locking systems for the openings in the netting, and a few non-restrictive examples are given here: - A slit closed by means of a Velcro fastener with broad bands. - Two spring rods (26) protected by a sheathing wliich may be fixed by a hook (19), Fig. 14. - The slit in the netting may be bordered with two elastic bands (18) which maintain it closed witli a hook (19), Fig. 9. - Lips rehiforced witli a band of resistant fabric, or synthetic fabric or elastomer (29), stitched, glued or welded and fasteners (25), Fig, 14. These non-restrictive examples of openings adapted to be widened or locked are suitable for swimming pools as well as for open water, whereas the two following examples seem more suitable for the device m open water, this not being restrictive. - The hooks (19), Fig. 9, may be simple ones or such clips as in safety belts, or release devices (28), Fig. 10, or they may be lengthened wirh a handle (22), Fig. 11, situated below and flush with the netting which, when pulled downwards, releases the hook integral therewitli, and firees the opening. Netting fixed on one side of tlie mesh of tlie grille structure, with the other side comprising a bar provided with a fastening system, such as balls (16), Fig. 8, hooks, rings, spring hooks at its ends wliich fit in a support for the ball, in a ring for the hook, in a hook for the ring, and so on. Instead of the bar for securing the netting, it may be secured solely with a hooking system, or a series of catches, but the bar may at the same time secure the netting in at least two points. Tlie netting may be radially arranged (27), tied up in the middle with an elastic band (18), both sides of tlie circle brought together and secured with a hook (19), Fig. 14. Concerning the distribution of the netting openings adapted to be widened or locked, in open water It seems desirable to provide one in each mesh of the grille, but this is not imperative and it is possible to provide a smaller number. In swimming pools, the openings adapted to be widened or locked could be scattered over tlie device, the arm of the vacuum cleaner covering a certain surface, but it may nevertheless be more convenient to provide each mesh of tiie grille with one opemng adapted to be widened or locked. As for tlie slide rails, there are countless non-retum s\'stems, such as stops, racks, ratchet gear, wedge nngs, split wedges, a catch either with or witliout a slit, resting on a tappet, or not, the grille coming up to the surface slides along tlie hollow slide rails driving a slide which arrives at the top of the slide rail, pushes the catch, the fastener of the slide is then engaged in the slot of the catch or m the case of a simple catch (13), Fig. 7a, the slide (14). while coming up along the hollow slide rails (15), will come to lie on the catch as indicated in Fig. 7b. in both cases the grille will be blocked in the high position. BCL011WODOC 16 1201 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 7 Ajiother version of the non-return slide rail could be a bar (11), a vertical ramp with a ring (10) fastened to the grille by means of a link (30) and surrounding the bar (11), the ring (10) sliding upwards due to the thrust of the grille, and which, when arriving at the top of the bar, falls back onto a catch attached thereto and which swings on its axis (31) and returns to its place by its own weight. Tlic catch may also come to abut against a spring which returns it to its initial position. These non-return systems are simple to unlock once the grille is deflated, one only has to raise the slide by hand by pulling it and causing it to pass under the catch; for the ring, one has to push the catch on its a?ds and the ring falls back, the deflated grille can descend once more. This choice of non-retum systems is not restrictive. The size and thickness of the catches and the tappets will be defined as a function of the diameter of the shde rails, their number and the load and tension which tliey have to support. One can multiply the systems along the slide rails or guide bars so that the system will hook on anywhere on the path, whether the swimming pool is fiiil or not, one can tlius create a rack and safety is ensured under any circumstances. In open water tlie air/gas may be replaced with a driven closed-cell foam-witch is developed inside the device, this particularity being of special interest because it makes the device unsinkable. A person skilled in the art will have to find the foam which is best adapted to this feature of the invention. It should be noted that, in closed environments, tlie grille is situated at or in the victnity of the bottom in the low position and that in open water it is situated at a certain depth determined by its weight and its impact when dropped and goes back to tlie surface when it is inflated by appropriate means. If the inflatable grille is to be laid down at the water surface, rather than dropped, its inflation could be set off on contact with the water by means of chemical valves, or else manually by means of handles, release systems, retarded releases, these examples not being restrictive. In open water, the grille is provided with pairs of adjustable or non-adjustable toe clips 20, Fig. 10, enabling someone sittmg in the netting or on a crosspiece to reach the opposite pair of toe clips, with or without folding the legs, to sUp the feet into them, to point tliem to the sky', to slip in the hands, forearms into those which are at his sides and to tiius keep himself in place on the device in case of a rough sea; if he capsizes, he is not tied to the device and can pass through the openings adapted to be widened and unlocked. Now, if preferred, when certain toe clips are lengthened with an adjustable strap and provided with clip fasteners, as in safety belts or releases (21), Fig. 10, one may catch one on the left and one on the right, clip them together and tlius fonn a safety belt, or else may choose to use them to attach equipment to the device BCL011WO.DOC 16 1201 wo 01/106076 TR-^NSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 8 In the variant notably for use in open water, one may envisage that the grille, especially for a small vessel or aircraft, is deflated by means of stops of the t>pe used in pneumatic mattresses or by witlidrawing a simple stop, screwed on or not, or tlie rescue team on board the aircraft or boats willl have a vacuum pump for use to help deflatmg the grille, Tlic netting in the meshes of the grille could be bonded, welded, sewnl, moulded, fastened by means of lugs (37), Fig. 3, and the same applies to the toe clips, which are padded or unpadded straps fastened at both ends to the crosspieces of the grille, this not being restrictive. The netting may be fixed at any desired height inside the mesh of the grille. It should be noted that the inflatable gnile for use in open water may be made entirely or partly fluorescent, it may be coated or covered with metallic products or carry metallic elements enabling it to be located by radar, may be provided with radio-wave transmitters, acoustic transmitters, sur\'ival kits, emergency beacons enabling it to be located For swimming pools or water surfaces, presence detectors may be installed and distributed around the water surface and vice-versa and connected to an alarm in order to indicate a fall. Once the grille is inflated it resembles a large game board on which one may jirnip in balance fi"om crosspiece to crosspiece, or nm on the crosspieces, or with several persons in tlie netting, with a slight trampoline effect, whose vibrations are dampened by tlie non-return system of the slide rails, Fig. 15, and may tlius serve as a playground. In a swimming pool, the device m high position enables cleaning the bottom, Fig. 16. The device has a certain advantage that a guard may easily come to the assistance of a person in trouble and administer first-aid directly on the device, whereby precious time is gained, and that it is possible to make the person in trouble lie down on the back and be settled more comfortably tlian on the border of a swimming pool, Fig. 2. This grille is placed at the bottom to attend to the safety of the bathers, its mooring becomes active in the high position when it is blocked in the non-return system of the slide rails, it ensures the rescue of persons in trouble by coming up to the surface; in the high position, it ensures the safety of the emdronment while, in open water, it enables many persons to take refuge on a large surface. In open water, the size of the grille may be adapted to the size of the boat or to the number of persons wliich tlie device has to support As it takes little space, one may envisage arranging more than one per boat; it should be kept protected from any infiltration of water in a cover, sheath, or waterproof case which may be easily opened,with a simple and rapid unlocking system for example. The grille may finally be formed of superimposed ribs which set a distance between the water and the persons on the device. BCL011WO.DOC 16.12.01 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 9 These grilles may be folded up and stored separately on board ships, cargo boats or any other vessels as well as on board any type of aircraft. They enable persons on a jetty for example, to use a distress toboggan to descend on the device, while the device may be connected or not to the toboggan by means of a system of fasteners which may be easily released. When the swimming pool is not in use, the device may be placed in the high position and covered with a protective covering enabling the passage of water, fastened to the top of the guide rails, in order to prevent small impurities or dead leaves from soiling tlie swuraning pool water. BCL011WO.DOC 16.12.01 -10-We claim: 1. Rescue and safety device intended for use In aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means (23, 24) enabling It to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means (16; 17; 18; 19; 22; 26; 27; 25; 29). 2. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is composed of an assembly of cloths, impervious sheets which are joined edge-to edge and are largely open-worked, the borders of the apertures also being imperviously joined. 3. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is composed of pipes or tubes which are interlaced like netting, the meshes of the structure being maintained by means of pieces or joined in such a manner that the air or gas driven inside the structure may circulate freely in the structure. 4. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable grille is mounted on likewise inflatable superimposed ribs enabling the circulation of air between themselves and the grille, thus creating a distance between persons on the grille and the water. 5. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein branched piping pierced along its length is inserted into the structure and thus facilitates distribution of the inflation. 6. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is inflatable with compressed air or gas or with a closed-cell foam driven inside the grille structure. -11- 7. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a swimming pool water surface, the deflated grille is connected to a vacuum oump in working condition which keeps it deflated at the bottom and which is connected to an alarm, and immediately indicates an infiltration of water in case of an accident or sabotage which thereby increases safety. 8. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein inflation is effected by opening one or several valves controlled by means of one or more punch-buttons, pushbuttons or operating levers, said valves being automatically actuated when they have to operate when immersed. 9. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is fastened to slide rails provided with a non-return system which prevents it from descending, secures and stabilizes the grille, said slide rails with their non-return system being distributed regularly around the perimeter of the water surface or the swimming pool. 10. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is composed of several juxtaposed sections mutually linked together by means of netting. 11. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in open water, the crosspieces of the grille are provided with pairs of toe clips, of which one pair per mesh of the grille and on opposite sides are longer, adjustable and provided with fastenings. 12. Device, as claimed In claim 1, wherein the hoisting means are actuated in response to a control signal coming from a detector of human presence respectively at the surface in the high position and at the bottom in the low position. 13. Rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments substantially as herein described and Illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 1 SAEETTP AND LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT The object of the present invention is to create rescue and safety devices which not only enable first aid to be given directly on the device but also, in open water, to enable a victim situated under the device to pass tlirough the device, to come up and remain on top and, in a swimming pool, to be able to easily clean the bottom while walking on the device. This applies to Olympic pools, private swimming pools, lakes or open water, these devices supporting the weight of numerous persons moving about on the device. The teclinical background discloses many submersible or non submersible covers or bottoms variable in steps, whose main function is not the rescue of persons in trouble. These devices are not reliable, notably in the case of submersible covers, as they are not sufficiently strong to support the weight of many persons and are moreover slow in their movement. The document US 4,129,905 of Dec. 19, 1978 has proposed to build a rescue device which is a ne supported by an inflatable bladder of small size. Tliis device has tlie following drawbacks: - The arms and its periphery' supporting the net has a diameter of 7.6cm, the central bladder a diameter of 60 cm, the lengtli of the pool is 6 m, the design features are not met for supporting the weight of the net and of a person. The bladder diameter of 60 cm is smaller than a conventional buoy. The essential deficiency is that there is nothing to fix the device in a raised Dosition. Only two guide bars are provided at tlie deepest part of the pool with the sole purpose of guiding the flotation. According to tlie description by tlie inventor, guide bars are not necessary in the shallow part of the pool, which constitutes a real danger. Given the vv'eakness of the device, if someone were recovered and brought up to tlie surface in the deepest part of the pool, the device would be drawn ^togetlier on itself. As is moreover acknowledged by the author, in order to ensure safety', the device must be covered w-ith a tarpaulin when the pool is not being used, line 67 to 70, columns 2 and 3. Patent application DE 32 10590 AI, 23.03 82 mentions a device for use in open water which has tlie following drav.'backs: - The cells of the device are provided at certain places witli empty spaces of 40 to 70 cm width which have been created to enable a person to pass through. This arrangement is dangerous in a rough sea, because a weakened person or child tossed about by tlie sea would be liable to pass under the device and be lost. wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 2 Tlic structure of the air chambers of the floats has a diameter of 5 to 10 cm, commercially available individual life-buoys for bathing generally having a larger diameter and being intended for a calm sea. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a rescue and safety device which is able to meet tliese deficiencies and drawbacks. The advantages of the present invention reside in the fact that the openings in the netting are intended to enable cleaning the bottom of a swimming pool, it being easy in this case to reach tlie centre of the swimming pool by walking on the device to insert the arm of the vacuum cleaner and tliat, in the case of open water, the openings in the netting are intended to enable someone caught underneath the device to return to the surface by unlocking and widening the openings in the netting. The locking system prevents someone from sliding with ones weight into the slit. These openings with their locking system should be made visible by means of bright or fluorescent colours to indicate their presence. Anotlier advantage is that the device in swimming pools, lakes as well as a beach portion for example, comprises a system of guide rails with stops, which blocks the system in the high position, these stops balance the tension when several persons move about on the device. These stops also function to prevent the device from folding up under load, which prevents the device from forming a hollow between tlie edge of the swimming pool and tlie grille and prevents a child fi^om slipping through between the device and the edge of tlie swimming pool. The sheet, tarpaulin or the materials used to manufacture the grille may be woven or nonwoven syntlietic or elastomer materials, but should be as light as possible and nevertheless be heavy enough for the deflated grille to sink down through its own weight, and to provide technical safeguards with regard to wear, tear, &iction, pressure. To tliis end, a person skilled in the art should know the maximum load which the device will have to support, taking into account the impact of weights projected onto the device, jumping, running, tension, pressure, friction to which the device is subjected, in order to be able to determine the diameter of the crosspieces of the grille, on wliieh one should be able to walk easily, run, jump and play, and that with respect to the size of tlie openings, the dimension, number and strength of the slide rails and the stops, tlie criteria of strength of the netting, adapted in each case to tlie size of the water surface, Olympic pool or private swimming pool, whit respect to the maximum load. .Ajiother safety aspect has been allowed for due to tlie fact that the deflated grille placed at or near the bottom is connected to a vacuum pump in operating condition, connected to an alarm, whose purpose is to draw attention immediatey' to an infiltration of water into tlie device. This vacuum pump may also be used to help in deflating the grille. BCL011WO.DOC 16.12 01 -2A- Accordingly, the present invention provides a rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting of which a certain number comprise openings adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means. wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 3 The invention will be better understood on reading the description of the embodiments given as non-restrictive examples with regard to the underlying figures Figure 1 shows a device composed of a'non-inflatcdjgrillc ( 1) which is not inflated here, lies on the bottom, is secured (2) to slide rails (3), v,'hose tops are provided with a non-return system (4), here catches (13), for details see Fig 6a, b, c, 7a and b. Appearing transparently in the wall of the swimming pool is a compressed-air,cylinder (34) topped by a punch-button (35) and a coupling (32) with its release valve (41), the cyhnder being connected to the grille by a pipe (36) with couplings (32) at both ends. One may also observe a netting (5) filling each mesh (39) of tlie grille, some of which are provided witli an opening in the netting adapted to be widened and provided with locking means (6), the latter feature being applicable to any embodiment of the grille, in closed environments as well as in open water. Figure 2 shows the device in tlie high position composed of the inflated grille' (1) wth slide rails (3), netting (5) and netting openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked, whose mooring (2) rests on the non-return system (4), hi this case the catches (13), for details see Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c and 7a and b, blockmg the device in the high position,with several persons moving about on the device, with a guard givuig first aid on the device, a person running, otliers sitting, and another coming out by walking on the device Figure 3 shows a variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1) which is composed of an assembly of webs. unpervious sheetsjoined together (7) and comprising openings which enable abundant passage of water, said openings being provided with netting (5), fastened to the gnlle by means of lugs (37) and fasteners (38), with openings (6) adapted to be widened, the whole being inflated with air or gas (8) which circulates bet\veen the webs, impervious joined sheets (7). Figure 4 shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1), whose meshes are assembled (9), while enabling the passage of air (8) inside the structure of the grille, netting (5) bemg provided in the meshes of the structure of tlie grille with openings (6)adapted to be widened. Figure 5 likewise shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the mflatable grille (1). which forms a network whose meshes are interlaced like netting allowing the passage of air (8) in the structure of the grille, and whose meshes are fitted witli netting (5) with openings (6) adapted to be widened. Figure 6a, 6b, 6c (section) show the inflated grille (1), a non-return system with a ring (10) and its fastener (30)^. the ring (10) surrounding a bar (11), with means for fastening to the w^all (12), the ring sliding along tlie bar (11), and which on arriving at the high position pushes a catch (13) which swings on its axis (31) and falls back by its own w eight, blockmg the device in the high position. BCL011WODOC 16.1201 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 4 Figure 7a, 7b (section) show the inflated griile (1) fastened to the wall (12) and an example of a non-retum system with a slide (14) gliding inside a hollow slide rail (15), pushing on arrival in high position a catch (13), which falls back on a hmge stop (33), blocking the grille in the high position. Figure 8 shows a system for opening the netting (5) hanging to a bar (16) provided with two balls which come to engage in slotted receiving cups (17) Figure 9 shows the inflated grille (1), with netting (5) in the meshes of the grille and an opening system with elastic bands (18) provided with a hook (19) to ensure closing. Figure 10 shows the inflated grille (1), an opening (6) adapted to be widened or locked, netting (5) and with a person sitting^m mesh of the grille, with tlie feet slipped into toe clips (20) and tlie hands taking hold of the toe clips as handles, toe clips lengthened with a strap (21), provided with a clip fastener (28) serving as a safety belt. Figure 11 shows the netting (5) witli an example of a closure of an opening adapted to be widened with spring rods (26) closed by means of a hook wliich is lengdiened with a handle (22) situated under the netting which releases the opening of tlie netting when it js pulled downwards. Figure 12a shows the mflatable grille (1), folded up, with a foam/gas generator (23) dropped from an aircraft. Figure 12b shows the inflatable grille (1) spreading out in the water, witli netting (5) in the meshes of tlie grille, an air/gas generator (23), and the openings adapted to be widened or locked (6). Figure 12c shows the inflated grille (1), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, openings adapted to be widened or locked (6) and supporting several persons in trouble. Figure 13 shows the inflatable grille (1) with netting (5), openings adapted to be widened or locked (6), raised by means of superimposed ribs (24), whereby a distance is provided between the persons and the w"ater. Figure 14 shows three examples of openings adapted to be widened and clip fastened, here lips (29) reinforced with a resistant fabric and fasteners (25), spring rods (26) and a hook (19), radially arranged nettmg (27) with an elastic band (18) secured by means of a hook (19). Figure 15 shows the device, here the inflatable grille (1) secured (2) in high position to slide rails (3), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, provided witli openings adapted to be widened and secured (6), and with a team of bathers placing on the device Figure 16 shows the grille (1) in liigh position with its shde rails (3) and non-return system (4), netting (5), and someone vacuum cleaning while walking on the grille, the arm and the rotary-- broom (42) of the vacuum cleaner passing through the opening adapted to be locked and widened and pro\aded with a locking hook (19). BCL011W0.D0C 16.12.01 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 5 In a non-restrictive example of an embodiment intended for swimming pools or water surfaces such as portions of beaches, tlic present device is composed mainly of an inflatable grille (1), Fig. 1, whose meshes (39) arc fitted with netting (5) which is provided with openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked; said grille (1) is not inflated, rests upon the bottom (40) and is secured to the slide rails (3) by means of a slide (14) and its fastener (30) to the grille, see tliis detail in Fig. 7a and 7b, said slide rails (3) are provided with a non-return system (4), Fig. 1, see detail Fig. 6a, b, c and 7a and 7b; the grille with tliis design is connected by means of a pipe (36) and couplings at both ends (32), Fig. 1, to a compressed air cylmder (34) or to a gas generator, on which is fixed by means of the coupling (32) a punch button (35) or handle, push-button, and a release valve (41), Fig. 1. The device thus designed rises to the surface by means of air or gas driven therein and is blocked in the high position the non-return system of the slide rails, see Fig. 2. It is adaptable to swimming pools, olympic pools, water surfaces, beaches and may-serve as a playground. For large swimming pools or Olympic pools, it is possible to constitute the device in sections interconnected by means of netting, which prevents someone fi"om passing imder the device when one section is inflated and an adjacent section is not, while batliers move about on the de\'ice. It is recommended in tliat case to arrange a punch-button or handle and cylinder on each of the opposite sides ot the section or at each end ot the swimmmg pool, so as not to have to run around tlie swimming pool to be able to operate the device. It is also possible to conceive several pipes with couplings to the grille grouped in multiple branches with couplings to the cylinder, this allowing air/gas to arrive at several points in the grille; tlie same applies to the punch-buttons, handles, push buttons connected by means of pipes, branches, couplings and valve(s). It is also possible to facilitate the distribution of inflation by inserting into tlie grille structure a pipe pierced along its entire lengtli, tliis possibility being applicable to any tspe of embodiment of tlie grille. The grille folded up is dropped from a boat or aircraft, without the slide rails, wth its openings adapted to be widened or locked, pairs of toe clips, toe clips with extensions, and with an automatic uiflating s^'stem. and when unfolded it covers a large surface and serves for lifesaving in open water. For water surfaces such as portions of beaches, the slide rails will be securely fastened at the bottom and thus define the safety_or playmg zone One thus has here neitlier a submersibled over. nor a bottom which is raised, but rather a safety and rescue grille which may serve as a playground. BCL0-\1\NODOC 16 12.01 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 6 There are numerous locking systems for the openings in the netting, and a few non-restrictive examples are given here: - A slit closed by means of a Velcro fastener with broad bands. - Two spring rods (26) protected by a sheathing wliich may be fixed by a hook (19), Fig. 14. - The slit in the netting may be bordered with two elastic bands (18) which maintain it closed witli a hook (19), Fig. 9. - Lips rehiforced witli a band of resistant fabric, or synthetic fabric or elastomer (29), stitched, glued or welded and fasteners (25), Fig, 14. These non-restrictive examples of openings adapted to be widened or locked are suitable for swimming pools as well as for open water, whereas the two following examples seem more suitable for the device m open water, this not being restrictive. - The hooks (19), Fig. 9, may be simple ones or such clips as in safety belts, or release devices (28), Fig. 10, or they may be lengthened wirh a handle (22), Fig. 11, situated below and flush with the netting which, when pulled downwards, releases the hook integral therewitli, and firees the opening. Netting fixed on one side of tlie mesh of tlie grille structure, with the other side comprising a bar provided with a fastening system, such as balls (16), Fig. 8, hooks, rings, spring hooks at its ends wliich fit in a support for the ball, in a ring for the hook, in a hook for the ring, and so on. Instead of the bar for securing the netting, it may be secured solely with a hooking system, or a series of catches, but the bar may at the same time secure the netting in at least two points. Tlie netting may be radially arranged (27), tied up in the middle with an elastic band (18), both sides of tlie circle brought together and secured with a hook (19), Fig. 14. Concerning the distribution of the netting openings adapted to be widened or locked, in open water It seems desirable to provide one in each mesh of the grille, but this is not imperative and it is possible to provide a smaller number. In swimming pools, the openings adapted to be widened or locked could be scattered over tlie device, the arm of the vacuum cleaner covering a certain surface, but it may nevertheless be more convenient to provide each mesh of tiie grille with one opemng adapted to be widened or locked. As for tlie slide rails, there are countless non-retum s\'stems, such as stops, racks, ratchet gear, wedge nngs, split wedges, a catch either with or witliout a slit, resting on a tappet, or not, the grille coming up to the surface slides along tlie hollow slide rails driving a slide which arrives at the top of the slide rail, pushes the catch, the fastener of the slide is then engaged in the slot of the catch or m the case of a simple catch (13), Fig. 7a, the slide (14). while coming up along the hollow slide rails (15), will come to lie on the catch as indicated in Fig. 7b. in both cases the grille will be blocked in the high position. BCL011WODOC 16 1201 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 7 Ajiother version of the non-return slide rail could be a bar (11), a vertical ramp with a ring (10) fastened to the grille by means of a link (30) and surrounding the bar (11), the ring (10) sliding upwards due to the thrust of the grille, and which, when arriving at the top of the bar, falls back onto a catch attached thereto and which swings on its axis (31) and returns to its place by its own weight. Tlic catch may also come to abut against a spring which returns it to its initial position. These non-return systems are simple to unlock once the grille is deflated, one only has to raise the slide by hand by pulling it and causing it to pass under the catch; for the ring, one has to push the catch on its a?ds and the ring falls back, the deflated grille can descend once more. This choice of non-retum systems is not restrictive. The size and thickness of the catches and the tappets will be defined as a function of the diameter of the shde rails, their number and the load and tension which tliey have to support. One can multiply the systems along the slide rails or guide bars so that the system will hook on anywhere on the path, whether the swimming pool is fiiil or not, one can tlius create a rack and safety is ensured under any circumstances. In open water tlie air/gas may be replaced with a driven closed-cell foam-witch is developed inside the device, this particularity being of special interest because it makes the device unsinkable. A person skilled in the art will have to find the foam which is best adapted to this feature of the invention. It should be noted that, in closed environments, tlie grille is situated at or in the victnity of the bottom in the low position and that in open water it is situated at a certain depth determined by its weight and its impact when dropped and goes back to tlie surface when it is inflated by appropriate means. If the inflatable grille is to be laid down at the water surface, rather than dropped, its inflation could be set off on contact with the water by means of chemical valves, or else manually by means of handles, release systems, retarded releases, these examples not being restrictive. In open water, the grille is provided with pairs of adjustable or non-adjustable toe clips 20, Fig. 10, enabling someone sittmg in the netting or on a crosspiece to reach the opposite pair of toe clips, with or without folding the legs, to sUp the feet into them, to point tliem to the sky', to slip in the hands, forearms into those which are at his sides and to tiius keep himself in place on the device in case of a rough sea; if he capsizes, he is not tied to the device and can pass through the openings adapted to be widened and unlocked. Now, if preferred, when certain toe clips are lengthened with an adjustable strap and provided with clip fasteners, as in safety belts or releases (21), Fig. 10, one may catch one on the left and one on the right, clip them together and tlius fonn a safety belt, or else may choose to use them to attach equipment to the device BCL011WO.DOC 16 1201 wo 01/106076 TR-^NSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 8 In the variant notably for use in open water, one may envisage that the grille, especially for a small vessel or aircraft, is deflated by means of stops of the t>pe used in pneumatic mattresses or by witlidrawing a simple stop, screwed on or not, or tlie rescue team on board the aircraft or boats willl have a vacuum pump for use to help deflatmg the grille, Tlic netting in the meshes of the grille could be bonded, welded, sewnl, moulded, fastened by means of lugs (37), Fig. 3, and the same applies to the toe clips, which are padded or unpadded straps fastened at both ends to the crosspieces of the grille, this not being restrictive. The netting may be fixed at any desired height inside the mesh of the grille. It should be noted that the inflatable gnile for use in open water may be made entirely or partly fluorescent, it may be coated or covered with metallic products or carry metallic elements enabling it to be located by radar, may be provided with radio-wave transmitters, acoustic transmitters, sur\'ival kits, emergency beacons enabling it to be located For swimming pools or water surfaces, presence detectors may be installed and distributed around the water surface and vice-versa and connected to an alarm in order to indicate a fall. Once the grille is inflated it resembles a large game board on which one may jirnip in balance fi"om crosspiece to crosspiece, or nm on the crosspieces, or with several persons in tlie netting, with a slight trampoline effect, whose vibrations are dampened by tlie non-return system of the slide rails, Fig. 15, and may tlius serve as a playground. In a swimming pool, the device m high position enables cleaning the bottom, Fig. 16. The device has a certain advantage that a guard may easily come to the assistance of a person in trouble and administer first-aid directly on the device, whereby precious time is gained, and that it is possible to make the person in trouble lie down on the back and be settled more comfortably tlian on the border of a swimming pool, Fig. 2. This grille is placed at the bottom to attend to the safety of the bathers, its mooring becomes active in the high position when it is blocked in the non-return system of the slide rails, it ensures the rescue of persons in trouble by coming up to the surface; in the high position, it ensures the safety of the emdronment while, in open water, it enables many persons to take refuge on a large surface. In open water, the size of the grille may be adapted to the size of the boat or to the number of persons wliich tlie device has to support As it takes little space, one may envisage arranging more than one per boat; it should be kept protected from any infiltration of water in a cover, sheath, or waterproof case which may be easily opened,with a simple and rapid unlocking system for example. The grille may finally be formed of superimposed ribs which set a distance between the water and the persons on the device. BCL011WO.DOC 16.12.01 wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619 9 These grilles may be folded up and stored separately on board ships, cargo boats or any other vessels as well as on board any type of aircraft. They enable persons on a jetty for example, to use a distress toboggan to descend on the device, while the device may be connected or not to the toboggan by means of a system of fasteners which may be easily released. When the swimming pool is not in use, the device may be placed in the high position and covered with a protective covering enabling the passage of water, fastened to the top of the guide rails, in order to prevent small impurities or dead leaves from soiling tlie swuraning pool water. BCL011WO.DOC 16.12.01 -10-We claim: 1. Rescue and safety device intended for use In aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means (23, 24) enabling It to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means (16; 17; 18; 19; 22; 26; 27; 25; 29). 2. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is composed of an assembly of cloths, impervious sheets which are joined edge-to edge and are largely open-worked, the borders of the apertures also being imperviously joined. 3. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is composed of pipes or tubes which are interlaced like netting, the meshes of the structure being maintained by means of pieces or joined in such a manner that the air or gas driven inside the structure may circulate freely in the structure. 4. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable grille is mounted on likewise inflatable superimposed ribs enabling the circulation of air between themselves and the grille, thus creating a distance between persons on the grille and the water. 5. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein branched piping pierced along its length is inserted into the structure and thus facilitates distribution of the inflation. 6. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is inflatable with compressed air or gas or with a closed-cell foam driven inside the grille structure. -11- 7. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a swimming pool water surface, the deflated grille is connected to a vacuum oump in working condition which keeps it deflated at the bottom and which is connected to an alarm, and immediately indicates an infiltration of water in case of an accident or sabotage which thereby increases safety. 8. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein inflation is effected by opening one or several valves controlled by means of one or more punch-buttons, pushbuttons or operating levers, said valves being automatically actuated when they have to operate when immersed. 9. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is fastened to slide rails provided with a non-return system which prevents it from descending, secures and stabilizes the grille, said slide rails with their non-return system being distributed regularly around the perimeter of the water surface or the swimming pool. 10. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is composed of several juxtaposed sections mutually linked together by means of netting. 11. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in open water, the crosspieces of the grille are provided with pairs of toe clips, of which one pair per mesh of the grille and on opposite sides are longer, adjustable and provided with fastenings. 12. Device, as claimed In claim 1, wherein the hoisting means are actuated in response to a control signal coming from a detector of human presence respectively at the surface in the high position and at the bottom in the low position. 13. Rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments substantially as herein described and Illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention concerns rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means.

Full Text

1
SAEETTP AND LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT The object of the present invention is to create rescue and safety devices which not only enable first
aid to be given directly on the device but also, in open water, to enable a victim situated under the
device to pass tlirough the device, to come up and remain on top and, in a swimming pool, to be able to
easily clean the bottom while walking on the device. This applies to Olympic pools, private swimming
pools, lakes or open water, these devices supporting the weight of numerous persons moving about on
the device.
The teclinical background discloses many submersible or non submersible covers or bottoms variable in steps, whose main function is not the rescue of persons in trouble. These devices are not reliable, notably in the case of submersible covers, as they are not sufficiently strong to support the weight of many persons and are moreover slow in their movement.
The document US 4,129,905 of Dec. 19, 1978 has proposed to build a rescue device which is a ne supported by an inflatable bladder of small size.
Tliis device has tlie following drawbacks:
- The arms and its periphery' supporting the net has a diameter of 7.6cm, the central bladder a
diameter of 60 cm, the lengtli of the pool is 6 m, the design features are not met for supporting the
weight of the net and of a person. The bladder diameter of 60 cm is smaller than a conventional buoy.
The essential deficiency is that there is nothing to fix the device in a raised Dosition.
Only two guide bars are provided at tlie deepest part of the pool with the sole purpose of guiding the flotation. According to tlie description by tlie inventor, guide bars are not necessary in the shallow part of the pool, which constitutes a real danger. Given the vv'eakness of the device, if someone were recovered and brought up to tlie surface in the deepest part of the pool, the device would be drawn ^togetlier on itself.
As is moreover acknowledged by the author, in order to ensure safety', the device must be covered w-ith a tarpaulin when the pool is not being used, line 67 to 70, columns 2 and 3.
Patent application DE 32 10590 AI, 23.03 82 mentions a device for use in open water which has tlie following drav.'backs:
- The cells of the device are provided at certain places witli empty spaces of 40 to 70 cm width
which have been created to enable a person to pass through. This arrangement is dangerous in a rough
sea, because a weakened person or child tossed about by tlie sea would be liable to pass under the
device and be lost.

wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619
2
Tlic structure of the air chambers of the floats has a diameter of 5 to 10 cm, commercially available individual life-buoys for bathing generally having a larger diameter and being intended for a calm sea.
The object of the invention is therefore to provide a rescue and safety device which is able to meet tliese deficiencies and drawbacks.
The advantages of the present invention reside in the fact that the openings in the netting are intended to enable cleaning the bottom of a swimming pool, it being easy in this case to reach tlie centre of the swimming pool by walking on the device to insert the arm of the vacuum cleaner and tliat, in the case of open water, the openings in the netting are intended to enable someone caught underneath the device to return to the surface by unlocking and widening the openings in the netting. The locking system prevents someone from sliding with ones weight into the slit. These openings with their locking system should be made visible by means of bright or fluorescent colours to indicate their presence.
Anotlier advantage is that the device in swimming pools, lakes as well as a beach portion for example, comprises a system of guide rails with stops, which blocks the system in the high position, these stops balance the tension when several persons move about on the device. These stops also function to prevent the device from folding up under load, which prevents the device from forming a hollow between tlie edge of the swimming pool and tlie grille and prevents a child fi^om slipping through between the device and the edge of tlie swimming pool.
The sheet, tarpaulin or the materials used to manufacture the grille may be woven or nonwoven syntlietic or elastomer materials, but should be as light as possible and nevertheless be heavy enough for the deflated grille to sink down through its own weight, and to provide technical safeguards with regard to wear, tear, &iction, pressure.
To tliis end, a person skilled in the art should know the maximum load which the device will have to support, taking into account the impact of weights projected onto the device, jumping, running, tension, pressure, friction to which the device is subjected, in order to be able to determine the diameter of the crosspieces of the grille, on wliieh one should be able to walk easily, run, jump and play, and that with respect to the size of tlie openings, the dimension, number and strength of the slide rails and the stops, tlie criteria of strength of the netting, adapted in each case to tlie size of the water surface, Olympic pool or private swimming pool, whit respect to the maximum load.
.Ajiother safety aspect has been allowed for due to tlie fact that the deflated grille placed at or near the bottom is connected to a vacuum pump in operating condition, connected to an alarm, whose purpose is to draw attention immediatey' to an infiltration of water into tlie device. This vacuum pump may also be used to help in deflating the grille.
BCL011WO.DOC 16.12 01
-2A-
Accordingly, the present invention provides a rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting of which a certain number comprise openings adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means.
wo 01/106076 TRANSLATION PCT/CH99/00619
3
The invention will be better understood on reading the description of the embodiments given as non-restrictive examples with regard to the underlying figures
Figure 1 shows a device composed of a'non-inflatcdjgrillc ( 1) which is not inflated here, lies on the bottom, is secured (2) to slide rails (3), v,'hose tops are provided with a non-return system (4), here catches (13), for details see Fig 6a, b, c, 7a and b. Appearing transparently in the wall of the swimming pool is a compressed-air,cylinder (34) topped by a punch-button (35) and a coupling (32) with its release valve (41), the cyhnder being connected to the grille by a pipe (36) with couplings (32) at both ends. One may also observe a netting (5) filling each mesh (39) of tlie grille, some of which are provided witli an opening in the netting adapted to be widened and provided with locking means (6), the latter feature being applicable to any embodiment of the grille, in closed environments as well as in open water.
Figure 2 shows the device in tlie high position composed of the inflated grille' (1) wth slide rails (3), netting (5) and netting openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked, whose mooring (2) rests on the non-return system (4), hi this case the catches (13), for details see Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c and 7a and b, blockmg the device in the high position,with several persons moving about on the device, with a guard givuig first aid on the device, a person running, otliers sitting, and another coming out by walking on the device
Figure 3 shows a variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1) which is composed of an assembly of webs. unpervious sheetsjoined together (7) and comprising openings which enable abundant passage of water, said openings being provided with netting (5), fastened to the gnlle by means of lugs (37) and fasteners (38), with openings (6) adapted to be widened, the whole being inflated with air or gas (8) which circulates bet\veen the webs, impervious joined sheets (7).
Figure 4 shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1), whose meshes are assembled (9), while enabling the passage of air (8) inside the structure of the grille, netting (5) bemg provided in the meshes of the structure of tlie grille with openings (6)adapted to be widened.
Figure 5 likewise shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the mflatable grille (1). which forms a network whose meshes are interlaced like netting allowing the passage of air (8) in the structure of the grille, and whose meshes are fitted witli netting (5) with openings (6) adapted to be widened.
Figure 6a, 6b, 6c (section) show the inflated grille (1), a non-return system with a ring (10) and its fastener (30)^. the ring (10) surrounding a bar (11), with means for fastening to the w^all (12), the ring sliding along tlie bar (11), and which on arriving at the high position pushes a catch (13) which swings on its axis (31) and falls back by its own w eight, blockmg the device in the high position.
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Figure 7a, 7b (section) show the inflated griile (1) fastened to the wall (12) and an example of a non-retum system with a slide (14) gliding inside a hollow slide rail (15), pushing on arrival in high position a catch (13), which falls back on a hmge stop (33), blocking the grille in the high position.
Figure 8 shows a system for opening the netting (5) hanging to a bar (16) provided with two balls which come to engage in slotted receiving cups (17)
Figure 9 shows the inflated grille (1), with netting (5) in the meshes of the grille and an opening system with elastic bands (18) provided with a hook (19) to ensure closing.
Figure 10 shows the inflated grille (1), an opening (6) adapted to be widened or locked, netting (5) and with a person sitting^m mesh of the grille, with tlie feet slipped into toe clips (20) and tlie hands taking hold of the toe clips as handles, toe clips lengthened with a strap (21), provided with a clip fastener (28) serving as a safety belt.
Figure 11 shows the netting (5) witli an example of a closure of an opening adapted to be widened with spring rods (26) closed by means of a hook wliich is lengdiened with a handle (22) situated under the netting which releases the opening of tlie netting when it js pulled downwards.
Figure 12a shows the mflatable grille (1), folded up, with a foam/gas generator (23) dropped from an aircraft.
Figure 12b shows the inflatable grille (1) spreading out in the water, witli netting (5) in the meshes of tlie grille, an air/gas generator (23), and the openings adapted to be widened or locked (6).
Figure 12c shows the inflated grille (1), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, openings adapted to be widened or locked (6) and supporting several persons in trouble.
Figure 13 shows the inflatable grille (1) with netting (5), openings adapted to be widened or locked (6), raised by means of superimposed ribs (24), whereby a distance is provided between the persons and the w"ater.
Figure 14 shows three examples of openings adapted to be widened and clip fastened, here lips (29) reinforced with a resistant fabric and fasteners (25), spring rods (26) and a hook (19), radially arranged nettmg (27) with an elastic band (18) secured by means of a hook (19).
Figure 15 shows the device, here the inflatable grille (1) secured (2) in high position to slide rails (3), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, provided witli openings adapted to be widened and secured (6), and with a team of bathers placing on the device
Figure 16 shows the grille (1) in liigh position with its shde rails (3) and non-return system (4), netting (5), and someone vacuum cleaning while walking on the grille, the arm and the rotary-- broom (42) of the vacuum cleaner passing through the opening adapted to be locked and widened and pro\aded with a locking hook (19).
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In a non-restrictive example of an embodiment intended for swimming pools or water surfaces such as portions of beaches, tlic present device is composed mainly of an inflatable grille (1), Fig. 1, whose meshes (39) arc fitted with netting (5) which is provided with openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked; said grille (1) is not inflated, rests upon the bottom (40) and is secured to the slide rails (3) by means of a slide (14) and its fastener (30) to the grille, see tliis detail in Fig. 7a and 7b, said slide rails (3) are provided with a non-return system (4), Fig. 1, see detail Fig. 6a, b, c and 7a and 7b; the grille with tliis design is connected by means of a pipe (36) and couplings at both ends (32), Fig. 1, to a compressed air cylmder (34) or to a gas generator, on which is fixed by means of the coupling (32) a punch button (35) or handle, push-button, and a release valve (41), Fig. 1. The device thus designed rises to the surface by means of air or gas driven therein and is blocked in the high position the non-return system of the slide rails, see Fig. 2. It is adaptable to swimming pools, olympic pools, water surfaces, beaches and may-serve as a playground.
For large swimming pools or Olympic pools, it is possible to constitute the device in sections interconnected by means of netting, which prevents someone fi"om passing imder the device when one section is inflated and an adjacent section is not, while batliers move about on the de\'ice. It is recommended in tliat case to arrange a punch-button or handle and cylinder on each of the opposite sides ot the section or at each end ot the swimmmg pool, so as not to have to run around tlie swimming pool to be able to operate the device.
It is also possible to conceive several pipes with couplings to the grille grouped in multiple branches with couplings to the cylinder, this allowing air/gas to arrive at several points in the grille; tlie same applies to the punch-buttons, handles, push buttons connected by means of pipes, branches, couplings and valve(s).
It is also possible to facilitate the distribution of inflation by inserting into tlie grille structure a pipe pierced along its entire lengtli, tliis possibility being applicable to any tspe of embodiment of tlie grille.
The grille folded up is dropped from a boat or aircraft, without the slide rails, wth its openings adapted to be widened or locked, pairs of toe clips, toe clips with extensions, and with an automatic uiflating s^'stem. and when unfolded it covers a large surface and serves for lifesaving in open water.
For water surfaces such as portions of beaches, the slide rails will be securely fastened at the bottom and thus define the safety_or playmg zone
One thus has here neitlier a submersibled over. nor a bottom which is raised, but rather a safety and rescue grille which may serve as a playground.
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There are numerous locking systems for the openings in the netting, and a few non-restrictive examples are given here:
- A slit closed by means of a Velcro fastener with broad bands.
- Two spring rods (26) protected by a sheathing wliich may be fixed by a hook (19), Fig. 14.
- The slit in the netting may be bordered with two elastic bands (18) which maintain it closed witli a hook (19), Fig. 9.
- Lips rehiforced witli a band of resistant fabric, or synthetic fabric or elastomer (29), stitched, glued or welded and fasteners (25), Fig, 14.
These non-restrictive examples of openings adapted to be widened or locked are suitable for swimming pools as well as for open water, whereas the two following examples seem more suitable for the device m open water, this not being restrictive.
- The hooks (19), Fig. 9, may be simple ones or such clips as in safety belts, or release devices
(28), Fig. 10, or they may be lengthened wirh a handle (22), Fig. 11, situated below and flush with the
netting which, when pulled downwards, releases the hook integral therewitli, and firees the opening.
Netting fixed on one side of tlie mesh of tlie grille structure, with the other side comprising a bar provided with a fastening system, such as balls (16), Fig. 8, hooks, rings, spring hooks at its ends wliich fit in a support for the ball, in a ring for the hook, in a hook for the ring, and so on. Instead of the bar for securing the netting, it may be secured solely with a hooking system, or a series of catches, but the bar may at the same time secure the netting in at least two points.
Tlie netting may be radially arranged (27), tied up in the middle with an elastic band (18), both sides of tlie circle brought together and secured with a hook (19), Fig. 14.
Concerning the distribution of the netting openings adapted to be widened or locked, in open water It seems desirable to provide one in each mesh of the grille, but this is not imperative and it is possible to provide a smaller number. In swimming pools, the openings adapted to be widened or locked could be scattered over tlie device, the arm of the vacuum cleaner covering a certain surface, but it may nevertheless be more convenient to provide each mesh of tiie grille with one opemng adapted to be widened or locked.
As for tlie slide rails, there are countless non-retum s\'stems, such as stops, racks, ratchet gear, wedge nngs, split wedges, a catch either with or witliout a slit, resting on a tappet, or not, the grille coming up to the surface slides along tlie hollow slide rails driving a slide which arrives at the top of the slide rail, pushes the catch, the fastener of the slide is then engaged in the slot of the catch or m the case of a simple catch (13), Fig. 7a, the slide (14). while coming up along the hollow slide rails (15), will come to lie on the catch as indicated in Fig. 7b. in both cases the grille will be blocked in the high position.
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Ajiother version of the non-return slide rail could be a bar (11), a vertical ramp with a ring (10) fastened to the grille by means of a link (30) and surrounding the bar (11), the ring (10) sliding upwards due to the thrust of the grille, and which, when arriving at the top of the bar, falls back onto a catch attached thereto and which swings on its axis (31) and returns to its place by its own weight. Tlic catch may also come to abut against a spring which returns it to its initial position.
These non-return systems are simple to unlock once the grille is deflated, one only has to raise the slide by hand by pulling it and causing it to pass under the catch; for the ring, one has to push the catch on its a?ds and the ring falls back, the deflated grille can descend once more.
This choice of non-retum systems is not restrictive. The size and thickness of the catches and the tappets will be defined as a function of the diameter of the shde rails, their number and the load and tension which tliey have to support.
One can multiply the systems along the slide rails or guide bars so that the system will hook on anywhere on the path, whether the swimming pool is fiiil or not, one can tlius create a rack and safety is ensured under any circumstances.
In open water tlie air/gas may be replaced with a driven closed-cell foam-witch is developed inside the device, this particularity being of special interest because it makes the device unsinkable. A person skilled in the art will have to find the foam which is best adapted to this feature of the invention.
It should be noted that, in closed environments, tlie grille is situated at or in the victnity of the bottom in the low position and that in open water it is situated at a certain depth determined by its weight and its impact when dropped and goes back to tlie surface when it is inflated by appropriate means.
If the inflatable grille is to be laid down at the water surface, rather than dropped, its inflation could be set off on contact with the water by means of chemical valves, or else manually by means of handles, release systems, retarded releases, these examples not being restrictive.
In open water, the grille is provided with pairs of adjustable or non-adjustable toe clips 20, Fig. 10, enabling someone sittmg in the netting or on a crosspiece to reach the opposite pair of toe clips, with or without folding the legs, to sUp the feet into them, to point tliem to the sky', to slip in the hands, forearms into those which are at his sides and to tiius keep himself in place on the device in case of a rough sea; if he capsizes, he is not tied to the device and can pass through the openings adapted to be widened and unlocked.
Now, if preferred, when certain toe clips are lengthened with an adjustable strap and provided with clip fasteners, as in safety belts or releases (21), Fig. 10, one may catch one on the left and one on the right, clip them together and tlius fonn a safety belt, or else may choose to use them to attach equipment to the device
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In the variant notably for use in open water, one may envisage that the grille, especially for a small vessel or aircraft, is deflated by means of stops of the t>pe used in pneumatic mattresses or by witlidrawing a simple stop, screwed on or not, or tlie rescue team on board the aircraft or boats willl have a vacuum pump for use to help deflatmg the grille,
Tlic netting in the meshes of the grille could be bonded, welded, sewnl, moulded, fastened by means of lugs (37), Fig. 3, and the same applies to the toe clips, which are padded or unpadded straps fastened at both ends to the crosspieces of the grille, this not being restrictive. The netting may be fixed at any desired height inside the mesh of the grille.
It should be noted that the inflatable gnile for use in open water may be made entirely or partly fluorescent, it may be coated or covered with metallic products or carry metallic elements enabling it to be located by radar, may be provided with radio-wave transmitters, acoustic transmitters, sur\'ival kits, emergency beacons enabling it to be located For swimming pools or water surfaces, presence detectors may be installed and distributed around the water surface and vice-versa and connected to an alarm in order to indicate a fall.
Once the grille is inflated it resembles a large game board on which one may jirnip in balance fi"om crosspiece to crosspiece, or nm on the crosspieces, or with several persons in tlie netting, with a slight trampoline effect, whose vibrations are dampened by tlie non-return system of the slide rails, Fig. 15, and may tlius serve as a playground.
In a swimming pool, the device m high position enables cleaning the bottom, Fig. 16.
The device has a certain advantage that a guard may easily come to the assistance of a person in trouble and administer first-aid directly on the device, whereby precious time is gained, and that it is possible to make the person in trouble lie down on the back and be settled more comfortably tlian on the border of a swimming pool, Fig. 2.
This grille is placed at the bottom to attend to the safety of the bathers, its mooring becomes active in the high position when it is blocked in the non-return system of the slide rails, it ensures the rescue of persons in trouble by coming up to the surface; in the high position, it ensures the safety of the emdronment while, in open water, it enables many persons to take refuge on a large surface.
In open water, the size of the grille may be adapted to the size of the boat or to the number of persons wliich tlie device has to support As it takes little space, one may envisage arranging more than one per boat; it should be kept protected from any infiltration of water in a cover, sheath, or waterproof case which may be easily opened,with a simple and rapid unlocking system for example. The grille may finally be formed of superimposed ribs which set a distance between the water and the persons on the device.
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These grilles may be folded up and stored separately on board ships, cargo boats or any other vessels as well as on board any type of aircraft. They enable persons on a jetty for example, to use a distress toboggan to descend on the device, while the device may be connected or not to the toboggan by means of a system of fasteners which may be easily released.
When the swimming pool is not in use, the device may be placed in the high position and covered with a protective covering enabling the passage of water, fastened to the top of the guide rails, in order to prevent small impurities or dead leaves from soiling tlie swuraning pool water.
BCL011WO.DOC 16.12.01
-10-We claim:
1. Rescue and safety device intended for use In aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means (23, 24) enabling It to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means (16; 17; 18; 19; 22; 26; 27; 25; 29).
2. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is composed of an assembly of cloths, impervious sheets which are joined edge-to edge and are largely open-worked, the borders of the apertures also being imperviously joined.
3. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is
composed of pipes or tubes which are interlaced like netting, the meshes of the
structure being maintained by means of pieces or joined in such a manner that
the air or gas driven inside the structure may circulate freely in the structure.
4. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable grille is mounted on likewise inflatable superimposed ribs enabling the circulation of air between themselves and the grille, thus creating a distance between persons on the grille and the water.
5. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein branched piping pierced along its length is inserted into the structure and thus facilitates distribution of the inflation.
6. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is inflatable with
compressed air or gas or with a closed-cell foam driven inside the grille structure.
-11-
7. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a swimming pool water surface,
the deflated grille is connected to a vacuum oump in working condition which
keeps it deflated at the bottom and which is connected to an alarm, and
immediately indicates an infiltration of water in case of an accident or sabotage
which thereby increases safety.
8. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein inflation is effected by opening one or several valves controlled by means of one or more punch-buttons, pushbuttons or operating levers, said valves being automatically actuated when they have to operate when immersed.
9. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is fastened to slide rails provided with a non-return system which prevents it from descending, secures and stabilizes the grille, said slide rails with their non-return system being distributed regularly around the perimeter of the water surface or the swimming pool.
10. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is composed of several juxtaposed sections mutually linked together by means of netting.
11. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in open water, the crosspieces of the grille are provided with pairs of toe clips, of which one pair per mesh of the grille and on opposite sides are longer, adjustable and provided with fastenings.
12. Device, as claimed In claim 1, wherein the hoisting means are actuated in response to a control signal coming from a detector of human presence respectively at the surface in the high position and at the bottom in the low position.
13. Rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments substantially as herein described and Illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
1
SAEETTP AND LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT The object of the present invention is to create rescue and safety devices which not only enable first
aid to be given directly on the device but also, in open water, to enable a victim situated under the
device to pass tlirough the device, to come up and remain on top and, in a swimming pool, to be able to
easily clean the bottom while walking on the device. This applies to Olympic pools, private swimming
pools, lakes or open water, these devices supporting the weight of numerous persons moving about on
the device.
The teclinical background discloses many submersible or non submersible covers or bottoms variable in steps, whose main function is not the rescue of persons in trouble. These devices are not reliable, notably in the case of submersible covers, as they are not sufficiently strong to support the weight of many persons and are moreover slow in their movement.
The document US 4,129,905 of Dec. 19, 1978 has proposed to build a rescue device which is a ne supported by an inflatable bladder of small size.
Tliis device has tlie following drawbacks:
- The arms and its periphery' supporting the net has a diameter of 7.6cm, the central bladder a
diameter of 60 cm, the lengtli of the pool is 6 m, the design features are not met for supporting the
weight of the net and of a person. The bladder diameter of 60 cm is smaller than a conventional buoy.
The essential deficiency is that there is nothing to fix the device in a raised Dosition.
Only two guide bars are provided at tlie deepest part of the pool with the sole purpose of guiding the flotation. According to tlie description by tlie inventor, guide bars are not necessary in the shallow part of the pool, which constitutes a real danger. Given the vv'eakness of the device, if someone were recovered and brought up to tlie surface in the deepest part of the pool, the device would be drawn ^togetlier on itself.
As is moreover acknowledged by the author, in order to ensure safety', the device must be covered w-ith a tarpaulin when the pool is not being used, line 67 to 70, columns 2 and 3.
Patent application DE 32 10590 AI, 23.03 82 mentions a device for use in open water which has tlie following drav.'backs:
- The cells of the device are provided at certain places witli empty spaces of 40 to 70 cm width
which have been created to enable a person to pass through. This arrangement is dangerous in a rough
sea, because a weakened person or child tossed about by tlie sea would be liable to pass under the
device and be lost.
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Tlic structure of the air chambers of the floats has a diameter of 5 to 10 cm, commercially available individual life-buoys for bathing generally having a larger diameter and being intended for a calm sea.
The object of the invention is therefore to provide a rescue and safety device which is able to meet tliese deficiencies and drawbacks.
The advantages of the present invention reside in the fact that the openings in the netting are intended to enable cleaning the bottom of a swimming pool, it being easy in this case to reach tlie centre of the swimming pool by walking on the device to insert the arm of the vacuum cleaner and tliat, in the case of open water, the openings in the netting are intended to enable someone caught underneath the device to return to the surface by unlocking and widening the openings in the netting. The locking system prevents someone from sliding with ones weight into the slit. These openings with their locking system should be made visible by means of bright or fluorescent colours to indicate their presence.
Anotlier advantage is that the device in swimming pools, lakes as well as a beach portion for example, comprises a system of guide rails with stops, which blocks the system in the high position, these stops balance the tension when several persons move about on the device. These stops also function to prevent the device from folding up under load, which prevents the device from forming a hollow between tlie edge of the swimming pool and tlie grille and prevents a child fi^om slipping through between the device and the edge of tlie swimming pool.
The sheet, tarpaulin or the materials used to manufacture the grille may be woven or nonwoven syntlietic or elastomer materials, but should be as light as possible and nevertheless be heavy enough for the deflated grille to sink down through its own weight, and to provide technical safeguards with regard to wear, tear, &iction, pressure.
To tliis end, a person skilled in the art should know the maximum load which the device will have to support, taking into account the impact of weights projected onto the device, jumping, running, tension, pressure, friction to which the device is subjected, in order to be able to determine the diameter of the crosspieces of the grille, on wliieh one should be able to walk easily, run, jump and play, and that with respect to the size of tlie openings, the dimension, number and strength of the slide rails and the stops, tlie criteria of strength of the netting, adapted in each case to tlie size of the water surface, Olympic pool or private swimming pool, whit respect to the maximum load.
.Ajiother safety aspect has been allowed for due to tlie fact that the deflated grille placed at or near the bottom is connected to a vacuum pump in operating condition, connected to an alarm, whose purpose is to draw attention immediatey' to an infiltration of water into tlie device. This vacuum pump may also be used to help in deflating the grille.
BCL011WO.DOC 16.12 01
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Accordingly, the present invention provides a rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting of which a certain number comprise openings adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means.
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The invention will be better understood on reading the description of the embodiments given as non-restrictive examples with regard to the underlying figures
Figure 1 shows a device composed of a'non-inflatcdjgrillc ( 1) which is not inflated here, lies on the bottom, is secured (2) to slide rails (3), v,'hose tops are provided with a non-return system (4), here catches (13), for details see Fig 6a, b, c, 7a and b. Appearing transparently in the wall of the swimming pool is a compressed-air,cylinder (34) topped by a punch-button (35) and a coupling (32) with its release valve (41), the cyhnder being connected to the grille by a pipe (36) with couplings (32) at both ends. One may also observe a netting (5) filling each mesh (39) of tlie grille, some of which are provided witli an opening in the netting adapted to be widened and provided with locking means (6), the latter feature being applicable to any embodiment of the grille, in closed environments as well as in open water.
Figure 2 shows the device in tlie high position composed of the inflated grille' (1) wth slide rails (3), netting (5) and netting openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked, whose mooring (2) rests on the non-return system (4), hi this case the catches (13), for details see Fig. 6a, 6b, 6c and 7a and b, blockmg the device in the high position,with several persons moving about on the device, with a guard givuig first aid on the device, a person running, otliers sitting, and another coming out by walking on the device
Figure 3 shows a variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1) which is composed of an assembly of webs. unpervious sheetsjoined together (7) and comprising openings which enable abundant passage of water, said openings being provided with netting (5), fastened to the gnlle by means of lugs (37) and fasteners (38), with openings (6) adapted to be widened, the whole being inflated with air or gas (8) which circulates bet\veen the webs, impervious joined sheets (7).
Figure 4 shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the inflatable grille (1), whose meshes are assembled (9), while enabling the passage of air (8) inside the structure of the grille, netting (5) bemg provided in the meshes of the structure of tlie grille with openings (6)adapted to be widened.
Figure 5 likewise shows another variant of an embodiment of the structure of the mflatable grille (1). which forms a network whose meshes are interlaced like netting allowing the passage of air (8) in the structure of the grille, and whose meshes are fitted witli netting (5) with openings (6) adapted to be widened.
Figure 6a, 6b, 6c (section) show the inflated grille (1), a non-return system with a ring (10) and its fastener (30)^. the ring (10) surrounding a bar (11), with means for fastening to the w^all (12), the ring sliding along tlie bar (11), and which on arriving at the high position pushes a catch (13) which swings on its axis (31) and falls back by its own w eight, blockmg the device in the high position.
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Figure 7a, 7b (section) show the inflated griile (1) fastened to the wall (12) and an example of a non-retum system with a slide (14) gliding inside a hollow slide rail (15), pushing on arrival in high position a catch (13), which falls back on a hmge stop (33), blocking the grille in the high position.
Figure 8 shows a system for opening the netting (5) hanging to a bar (16) provided with two balls which come to engage in slotted receiving cups (17)
Figure 9 shows the inflated grille (1), with netting (5) in the meshes of the grille and an opening system with elastic bands (18) provided with a hook (19) to ensure closing.
Figure 10 shows the inflated grille (1), an opening (6) adapted to be widened or locked, netting (5) and with a person sitting^m mesh of the grille, with tlie feet slipped into toe clips (20) and tlie hands taking hold of the toe clips as handles, toe clips lengthened with a strap (21), provided with a clip fastener (28) serving as a safety belt.
Figure 11 shows the netting (5) witli an example of a closure of an opening adapted to be widened with spring rods (26) closed by means of a hook wliich is lengdiened with a handle (22) situated under the netting which releases the opening of tlie netting when it js pulled downwards.
Figure 12a shows the mflatable grille (1), folded up, with a foam/gas generator (23) dropped from an aircraft.
Figure 12b shows the inflatable grille (1) spreading out in the water, witli netting (5) in the meshes of tlie grille, an air/gas generator (23), and the openings adapted to be widened or locked (6).
Figure 12c shows the inflated grille (1), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, openings adapted to be widened or locked (6) and supporting several persons in trouble.
Figure 13 shows the inflatable grille (1) with netting (5), openings adapted to be widened or locked (6), raised by means of superimposed ribs (24), whereby a distance is provided between the persons and the w"ater.
Figure 14 shows three examples of openings adapted to be widened and clip fastened, here lips (29) reinforced with a resistant fabric and fasteners (25), spring rods (26) and a hook (19), radially arranged nettmg (27) with an elastic band (18) secured by means of a hook (19).
Figure 15 shows the device, here the inflatable grille (1) secured (2) in high position to slide rails (3), netting (5) in the meshes of the grille, provided witli openings adapted to be widened and secured (6), and with a team of bathers placing on the device
Figure 16 shows the grille (1) in liigh position with its shde rails (3) and non-return system (4), netting (5), and someone vacuum cleaning while walking on the grille, the arm and the rotary-- broom (42) of the vacuum cleaner passing through the opening adapted to be locked and widened and pro\aded with a locking hook (19).
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In a non-restrictive example of an embodiment intended for swimming pools or water surfaces such as portions of beaches, tlic present device is composed mainly of an inflatable grille (1), Fig. 1, whose meshes (39) arc fitted with netting (5) which is provided with openings (6) adapted to be widened or locked; said grille (1) is not inflated, rests upon the bottom (40) and is secured to the slide rails (3) by means of a slide (14) and its fastener (30) to the grille, see tliis detail in Fig. 7a and 7b, said slide rails (3) are provided with a non-return system (4), Fig. 1, see detail Fig. 6a, b, c and 7a and 7b; the grille with tliis design is connected by means of a pipe (36) and couplings at both ends (32), Fig. 1, to a compressed air cylmder (34) or to a gas generator, on which is fixed by means of the coupling (32) a punch button (35) or handle, push-button, and a release valve (41), Fig. 1. The device thus designed rises to the surface by means of air or gas driven therein and is blocked in the high position the non-return system of the slide rails, see Fig. 2. It is adaptable to swimming pools, olympic pools, water surfaces, beaches and may-serve as a playground.
For large swimming pools or Olympic pools, it is possible to constitute the device in sections interconnected by means of netting, which prevents someone fi"om passing imder the device when one section is inflated and an adjacent section is not, while batliers move about on the de\'ice. It is recommended in tliat case to arrange a punch-button or handle and cylinder on each of the opposite sides ot the section or at each end ot the swimmmg pool, so as not to have to run around tlie swimming pool to be able to operate the device.
It is also possible to conceive several pipes with couplings to the grille grouped in multiple branches with couplings to the cylinder, this allowing air/gas to arrive at several points in the grille; tlie same applies to the punch-buttons, handles, push buttons connected by means of pipes, branches, couplings and valve(s).
It is also possible to facilitate the distribution of inflation by inserting into tlie grille structure a pipe pierced along its entire lengtli, tliis possibility being applicable to any tspe of embodiment of tlie grille.
The grille folded up is dropped from a boat or aircraft, without the slide rails, wth its openings adapted to be widened or locked, pairs of toe clips, toe clips with extensions, and with an automatic uiflating s^'stem. and when unfolded it covers a large surface and serves for lifesaving in open water.
For water surfaces such as portions of beaches, the slide rails will be securely fastened at the bottom and thus define the safety_or playmg zone
One thus has here neitlier a submersibled over. nor a bottom which is raised, but rather a safety and rescue grille which may serve as a playground.
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There are numerous locking systems for the openings in the netting, and a few non-restrictive examples are given here:
- A slit closed by means of a Velcro fastener with broad bands.
- Two spring rods (26) protected by a sheathing wliich may be fixed by a hook (19), Fig. 14.
- The slit in the netting may be bordered with two elastic bands (18) which maintain it closed witli a hook (19), Fig. 9.
- Lips rehiforced witli a band of resistant fabric, or synthetic fabric or elastomer (29), stitched, glued or welded and fasteners (25), Fig, 14.
These non-restrictive examples of openings adapted to be widened or locked are suitable for swimming pools as well as for open water, whereas the two following examples seem more suitable for the device m open water, this not being restrictive.
- The hooks (19), Fig. 9, may be simple ones or such clips as in safety belts, or release devices
(28), Fig. 10, or they may be lengthened wirh a handle (22), Fig. 11, situated below and flush with the
netting which, when pulled downwards, releases the hook integral therewitli, and firees the opening.
Netting fixed on one side of tlie mesh of tlie grille structure, with the other side comprising a bar provided with a fastening system, such as balls (16), Fig. 8, hooks, rings, spring hooks at its ends wliich fit in a support for the ball, in a ring for the hook, in a hook for the ring, and so on. Instead of the bar for securing the netting, it may be secured solely with a hooking system, or a series of catches, but the bar may at the same time secure the netting in at least two points.
Tlie netting may be radially arranged (27), tied up in the middle with an elastic band (18), both sides of tlie circle brought together and secured with a hook (19), Fig. 14.
Concerning the distribution of the netting openings adapted to be widened or locked, in open water It seems desirable to provide one in each mesh of the grille, but this is not imperative and it is possible to provide a smaller number. In swimming pools, the openings adapted to be widened or locked could be scattered over tlie device, the arm of the vacuum cleaner covering a certain surface, but it may nevertheless be more convenient to provide each mesh of tiie grille with one opemng adapted to be widened or locked.
As for tlie slide rails, there are countless non-retum s\'stems, such as stops, racks, ratchet gear, wedge nngs, split wedges, a catch either with or witliout a slit, resting on a tappet, or not, the grille coming up to the surface slides along tlie hollow slide rails driving a slide which arrives at the top of the slide rail, pushes the catch, the fastener of the slide is then engaged in the slot of the catch or m the case of a simple catch (13), Fig. 7a, the slide (14). while coming up along the hollow slide rails (15), will come to lie on the catch as indicated in Fig. 7b. in both cases the grille will be blocked in the high position.
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Ajiother version of the non-return slide rail could be a bar (11), a vertical ramp with a ring (10) fastened to the grille by means of a link (30) and surrounding the bar (11), the ring (10) sliding upwards due to the thrust of the grille, and which, when arriving at the top of the bar, falls back onto a catch attached thereto and which swings on its axis (31) and returns to its place by its own weight. Tlic catch may also come to abut against a spring which returns it to its initial position.
These non-return systems are simple to unlock once the grille is deflated, one only has to raise the slide by hand by pulling it and causing it to pass under the catch; for the ring, one has to push the catch on its a?ds and the ring falls back, the deflated grille can descend once more.
This choice of non-retum systems is not restrictive. The size and thickness of the catches and the tappets will be defined as a function of the diameter of the shde rails, their number and the load and tension which tliey have to support.
One can multiply the systems along the slide rails or guide bars so that the system will hook on anywhere on the path, whether the swimming pool is fiiil or not, one can tlius create a rack and safety is ensured under any circumstances.
In open water tlie air/gas may be replaced with a driven closed-cell foam-witch is developed inside the device, this particularity being of special interest because it makes the device unsinkable. A person skilled in the art will have to find the foam which is best adapted to this feature of the invention.
It should be noted that, in closed environments, tlie grille is situated at or in the victnity of the bottom in the low position and that in open water it is situated at a certain depth determined by its weight and its impact when dropped and goes back to tlie surface when it is inflated by appropriate means.
If the inflatable grille is to be laid down at the water surface, rather than dropped, its inflation could be set off on contact with the water by means of chemical valves, or else manually by means of handles, release systems, retarded releases, these examples not being restrictive.
In open water, the grille is provided with pairs of adjustable or non-adjustable toe clips 20, Fig. 10, enabling someone sittmg in the netting or on a crosspiece to reach the opposite pair of toe clips, with or without folding the legs, to sUp the feet into them, to point tliem to the sky', to slip in the hands, forearms into those which are at his sides and to tiius keep himself in place on the device in case of a rough sea; if he capsizes, he is not tied to the device and can pass through the openings adapted to be widened and unlocked.
Now, if preferred, when certain toe clips are lengthened with an adjustable strap and provided with clip fasteners, as in safety belts or releases (21), Fig. 10, one may catch one on the left and one on the right, clip them together and tlius fonn a safety belt, or else may choose to use them to attach equipment to the device
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In the variant notably for use in open water, one may envisage that the grille, especially for a small vessel or aircraft, is deflated by means of stops of the t>pe used in pneumatic mattresses or by witlidrawing a simple stop, screwed on or not, or tlie rescue team on board the aircraft or boats willl have a vacuum pump for use to help deflatmg the grille,
Tlic netting in the meshes of the grille could be bonded, welded, sewnl, moulded, fastened by means of lugs (37), Fig. 3, and the same applies to the toe clips, which are padded or unpadded straps fastened at both ends to the crosspieces of the grille, this not being restrictive. The netting may be fixed at any desired height inside the mesh of the grille.
It should be noted that the inflatable gnile for use in open water may be made entirely or partly fluorescent, it may be coated or covered with metallic products or carry metallic elements enabling it to be located by radar, may be provided with radio-wave transmitters, acoustic transmitters, sur\'ival kits, emergency beacons enabling it to be located For swimming pools or water surfaces, presence detectors may be installed and distributed around the water surface and vice-versa and connected to an alarm in order to indicate a fall.
Once the grille is inflated it resembles a large game board on which one may jirnip in balance fi"om crosspiece to crosspiece, or nm on the crosspieces, or with several persons in tlie netting, with a slight trampoline effect, whose vibrations are dampened by tlie non-return system of the slide rails, Fig. 15, and may tlius serve as a playground.
In a swimming pool, the device m high position enables cleaning the bottom, Fig. 16.
The device has a certain advantage that a guard may easily come to the assistance of a person in trouble and administer first-aid directly on the device, whereby precious time is gained, and that it is possible to make the person in trouble lie down on the back and be settled more comfortably tlian on the border of a swimming pool, Fig. 2.
This grille is placed at the bottom to attend to the safety of the bathers, its mooring becomes active in the high position when it is blocked in the non-return system of the slide rails, it ensures the rescue of persons in trouble by coming up to the surface; in the high position, it ensures the safety of the emdronment while, in open water, it enables many persons to take refuge on a large surface.
In open water, the size of the grille may be adapted to the size of the boat or to the number of persons wliich tlie device has to support As it takes little space, one may envisage arranging more than one per boat; it should be kept protected from any infiltration of water in a cover, sheath, or waterproof case which may be easily opened,with a simple and rapid unlocking system for example. The grille may finally be formed of superimposed ribs which set a distance between the water and the persons on the device.
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These grilles may be folded up and stored separately on board ships, cargo boats or any other vessels as well as on board any type of aircraft. They enable persons on a jetty for example, to use a distress toboggan to descend on the device, while the device may be connected or not to the toboggan by means of a system of fasteners which may be easily released.
When the swimming pool is not in use, the device may be placed in the high position and covered with a protective covering enabling the passage of water, fastened to the top of the guide rails, in order to prevent small impurities or dead leaves from soiling tlie swuraning pool water.
BCL011WO.DOC 16.12.01
-10-We claim:
1. Rescue and safety device intended for use In aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means (23, 24) enabling It to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means (16; 17; 18; 19; 22; 26; 27; 25; 29).
2. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is composed of an assembly of cloths, impervious sheets which are joined edge-to edge and are largely open-worked, the borders of the apertures also being imperviously joined.
3. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure of the grille is
composed of pipes or tubes which are interlaced like netting, the meshes of the
structure being maintained by means of pieces or joined in such a manner that
the air or gas driven inside the structure may circulate freely in the structure.
4. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable grille is mounted on likewise inflatable superimposed ribs enabling the circulation of air between themselves and the grille, thus creating a distance between persons on the grille and the water.
5. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein branched piping pierced along its length is inserted into the structure and thus facilitates distribution of the inflation.
6. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is inflatable with
compressed air or gas or with a closed-cell foam driven inside the grille structure.
-11-
7. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a swimming pool water surface,
the deflated grille is connected to a vacuum oump in working condition which
keeps it deflated at the bottom and which is connected to an alarm, and
immediately indicates an infiltration of water in case of an accident or sabotage
which thereby increases safety.
8. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein inflation is effected by opening one or several valves controlled by means of one or more punch-buttons, pushbuttons or operating levers, said valves being automatically actuated when they have to operate when immersed.
9. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is fastened to slide rails provided with a non-return system which prevents it from descending, secures and stabilizes the grille, said slide rails with their non-return system being distributed regularly around the perimeter of the water surface or the swimming pool.
10. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grille is composed of several juxtaposed sections mutually linked together by means of netting.
11. Device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein in open water, the crosspieces of the grille are provided with pairs of toe clips, of which one pair per mesh of the grille and on opposite sides are longer, adjustable and provided with fastenings.
12. Device, as claimed In claim 1, wherein the hoisting means are actuated in response to a control signal coming from a detector of human presence respectively at the surface in the high position and at the bottom in the low position.
13. Rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments substantially as herein described and Illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The invention concerns rescue and safety device intended for use in aquatic environments, composed of an inflatable grille (1) having a multitude of openings enabling the passage of water, said grille (1) extending at least over a portion of the water surface, being situated at a certain depth in its low position and being associated with hoisting means enabling it to be raised to a high position in the vicinity of the surface, characterized in that said openings, meshes of the grille, are fitted with netting (5) of which a certain number comprise openings (6) adapted to be widened and provided with locking and unlocking means.

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Patent Number

207994

Indian Patent Application Number

IN/PCT/2002/00045/KOL

PG Journal Number

27/2007

Publication Date

06-Jul-2007

Grant Date

04-Jul-2007

Date of Filing

10-Jan-2002

Name of Patentee

BOUJON CLAIRE-LISE

Applicant Address

33 RUE DE MONTBRILLANT, CH-1201 GENEVE

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	BOUJON CLAIRE-LISE	33,RUE DE MONTBRILLANT,CH-1201 GENEVE

PCT International Classification Number

E04H 4/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/CH99/00619

PCT International Filing date

1999-12-21

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	PCT/CH99/00327	1999-07-16	Switzerland