US4022146A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid pressure controlled circuit breaker as boat safety apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-09-15
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Granted: 1977-05-10
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Expires: 1995-09-15
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a marine safety apparatus for preventing accidents in small watercraft. The device interrupts the watercraft power plant when the watercraft operator is displaced from the operator's seat. The principal aspect of the disclosure is an air bladder seat cushion connected to an air pressure actuated electrical switch. The pressure from the weight of a seated operator's body is transmitted to actuate the switch between "on" and "off", according as to whether the operator is seated or not. The switch in turn actuates or de-actuates engine operation, normally by interruption of an ignition system. An additional feature is provided to override the foregoing safety system, at low speeds. Also a pneumatic delay is disclosed whereby circuit interruption is delayed slightly after seat lift-off of the operator, to preclude engine stop due to momentary lift-offs upon encountering minor water turbulence.
Inventors
- 👤 Clinton P. Sadler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:51
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C9/00; B63C9/0005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: a first inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; and a second inflatable air bladder pneumatically connected to said first air bladder so that decompression thereof deflates said second air bladder; and pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system so disposed physically with relation to said second bladder that deflation of said bladder de-actuates said electrical switch means, so as to interrupt said ignition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: a first inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; and a second inflatable air bladder pneumatically connected to said first air bladder so that decompression thereof deflates said second air bladder; and pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system so disposed physically with relation to said second bladder that deflation of said bladder de-actuates said electrical switch means, so as to interrupt said ignition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 with the additional structure comprising: means to delay the de-actuation of said electrical switch until after decompression of said first bladder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
93 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: an inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system whereby decompression of said bladder de-actuates said electrical switch means so as to interrupt said ignition; and with an additional element of an override feature comprising means for automatic de-actuation of the entire safety system, responsive to a predetermined range of speed of said motor boat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
93 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: an inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system whereby decompression of said bladder de-actuates said electrical switch means so as to interrupt said ignition; and with an additional element of an override feature comprising means for automatic de-actuation of the entire safety system, responsive to a predetermined range of speed of said motor boat.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
129 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: an inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; air pressure responsive means pneumatically connected to said air bladder so that decompression thereof operates said air pressure responsive means; pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system disposed to be actuated by said air pressure responsive means so that decompression of said bladder interrupts said ignition; means to delay operating of said electrical switch until after decompression of said bladder; and with an additional element of an override feature comprising means for automatic de-actuation of the safety system in response to a predetermined range of speed of said motorboat.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
129 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: an inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; air pressure responsive means pneumatically connected to said air bladder so that decompression thereof operates said air pressure responsive means; pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system disposed to be actuated by said air pressure responsive means so that decompression of said bladder interrupts said ignition; means to delay operating of said electrical switch until after decompression of said bladder; and with an additional element of an override feature comprising means for automatic de-actuation of the safety system in response to a predetermined range of speed of said motorboat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
144 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: an inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; air pressure responsive means pneumatically connected to said air bladder so that decompression thereof operates said air pressure responsive means; pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system disposed to be actuated by said air pressure responsive means so that decompression of said bladder interrupts said ignition; a constriction in the pneumatic connection between said bladder and said pressure responsive means, whereby operation of said electrical switch is delayed until after decompression of said bladder; and with an additional element of an override feature comprising means for automatic de-actuation of the safety system in response to a predetermined range of speed of said motor boat.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
144 words
A safety system for a motor boat, the engine thereof having an electrically operated ignition system comprising: an inflatable air bladder disposed normally to inflatedly bear the weight of an operator of said motor boat; air pressure responsive means pneumatically connected to said air bladder so that decompression thereof operates said air pressure responsive means; pneumatically actuated electrical switch means in the circuit of said ignition system disposed to be actuated by said air pressure responsive means so that decompression of said bladder interrupts said ignition; a constriction in the pneumatic connection between said bladder and said pressure responsive means, whereby operation of said electrical switch is delayed until after decompression of said bladder; and with an additional element of an override feature comprising means for automatic de-actuation of the safety system in response to a predetermined range of speed of said motor boat.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-09 | 1980-11-08 | 1981-05-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-09 | 1984-11-08 | 1985-05-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-09 | 1988-11-08 | 1989-05-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |