Emergency Airbag Float Device for Boats

Abstract

A marine vessel emergency airbag float device is provided. The device is designed to prevent the sinking of a boat or other vessel by deploying inflatable airbags in emergencies. The device comprises mounting brackets made from corrosion-resistant materials which are fastened to the vessel's sidewalls and symmetrically aligned for balanced flotation. The brackets feature attachment points for support members that hold airbags in an uninflated state. The airbags connect to compressed air tanks via tubing with one-way valves. Activation of the airbags are achieved either manually through user-operated controls or automatically via sensors that detect conditions such as capsizing, submersion, or flooding. As a result, the device facilitates rapid airbag inflation to stabilize the vessel, providing essential time for rescue or repairs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A marine vessel emergency airbag float device comprising:
 a mounting bracket;   a support member connected to the mounting bracket;   an inflatable airbag positioned around the support member;   a compressed air tank operatively connected to the airbag via a tubing comprised of a first valve;   an air tank comprised of a second valve, the air tank containing a gas; and   a manual control configured to actuate the second valve enabling inflation of the inflatable airbag.   
     
     
         2 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of a corrosion-resistant material. 
     
     
         3 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the airbag is comprised of a puncture-resistant material. 
     
     
         4 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the first valve is comprised of a one-way valve. 
     
     
         5 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the second valve is comprised of a solenoid valve, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a diaphragm valve, or a gate valve. 
     
     
         6 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the manual control is comprised of a pull cord. 
     
     
         7 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the manual control is comprised of a toggle. 
     
     
         8 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the manual control is comprised of a switch. 
     
     
         9 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 1 , wherein the gas is comprised of a compressed air. 
     
     
         10 . A marine vessel emergency airbag float device comprising:
 a mounting bracket;   a support member connected to the mounting bracket;   an inflatable airbag positioned around the support member;   a compressed air tank operatively connected to the airbag via a tubing comprised of a first valve;   an air tank comprised of a second valve, the air tank containing a gas;   a manual control configured to actuate the second valve enabling inflation of the inflatable airbag; and   a sensor configured to automatically actuate the second valve to inflate the inflatable airbag based on detecting a condition.   
     
     
         11 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the first valve is comprised of a one-way valve. 
     
     
         12 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the second valve is comprised of a solenoid valve, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a diaphragm valve, or a gate valve. 
     
     
         13 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the sensor is comprised of a tilt sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the sensor is comprised of a water pressure sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the sensor is comprised of a flood sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the gas is comprised of a compressed air. 
     
     
         17 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 10 , wherein the mounting bracket is comprised of an attachment point that receives the support member. 
     
     
         18 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 17 , wherein the support member is comprised of a fastener that engages the attachment point. 
     
     
         19 . The marine vessel emergency airbag float device of  claim 18 , wherein the fastener is comprised of a male thread and the attachment point is comprised of a female thread. 
     
     
         20 . A method of using a marine vessel emergency airbag float device, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a marine vessel emergency airbag float device comprised of a mounting bracket, a support member, an inflatable airbag, a compressed air tank, a valve, and a control;   attaching the mounting bracket to a sidewall of a marine vessel using a fastener;   connecting the support member to the mounting bracket and positioning the inflatable airbag around the support member in an uninflated state;   connecting the compressed air tank to the airbag via tubing, the tubing incorporating the valve to regulate air flow; and   activating the control to open the valve, releasing compressed air from the air tank to inflate the airbag around the support member to provide buoyancy to stabilize and prevent the marine vessel from sinking.