US20130273794A1

US20130273794A1 - Flotation and Locating Device

Info

Publication number: US20130273794A1
Application number: US13/742,021
Authority: US
Inventors: Vance K. Lime
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-11
Filing date: 2013-01-15
Publication date: 2013-10-17

Abstract

A personal flotation and locating device for increasing the survivability and visibility of an individual stranded in water is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the flotation and locating device comprises a rescue streamer, the rescue streamer including a plurality of branching pneumatic stays structures.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/622,986, filed Apr. 11, 2012 and entitled “Flotation and Locating Device,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Oceans, and other bodies of water, serve as major attractions for families and individuals across the world. Such bodies of water provide a medium for a wide variety of sports and activities, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, and surfing. Unfortunately, such bodies of water also pose significant risks to individuals, including treacherous surfs, strong currents, winds, etc. Upon being separated from one's vessel, an individual may have to survive in the water while contending with fatigue, hypothermia, and/or predators. Additional factors, including inclement weather, the vastness of the body of water and darkness after sunset, compound the problem for search and rescue crews.
The inventor herein has recognized that while personal flotation devices (PFDs) increase an individual's chance of surviving the separation from their vessel by helping to keep the individual afloat, such devices may not make the individual sufficiently more visible to search and rescue crews. Other devices have included elongate elements with brilliant and/or reflective coatings to address this problem. When combined with typical PFDs, however, such devices are cumbersome to set up and, when donned before entering the water, restrict movement during activities which require a high degree of mobility. A lack of laws in some regions requiring the use of PFDs, combined with their cumbersome and restrictive designs, cause individuals to eschew the use of these devices which might otherwise save their lives.
A personal flotation and locating device for increasing the survivability and visibility of an individual stranded in water is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the flotation and locating device comprises a rescue streamer, the rescue streamer including a plurality of branching pneumatic stays structures. Each branching structure includes three pneumatic stays in fluid communication with one another. The pneumatic stays extend along different directions of the streamer, and may receive pressurized gas and provide buoyancy to the rescue streamer. As the plurality of pneumatic stays may be in fluid communication with one another, the streamer may be rapidly inflated. Further, because the stays are branched along the streamer, they may extend throughout the streamer and in different directions. In this way, the pneumatic stays also provide a supportive structure to the streamer, preventing it from folding over and in on itself in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and ensuring that the streamer surface area is made visible for fast rescue. Additionally, with the stays in a deflated condition, the streamer is flexible enough to be rolled and/or folded for convenient transport. In some embodiments, the rescue streamer may further include one or more inflation devices which are brought into fluid communication with the plurality of branching stays. Geometrically, the stays may be arranged in a variety of configurations, including monopodial, pseudomonopodial and/or sympodial configurations. Another configuration includes a central stay from which regularly-spaced branches propagate, and yet another configuration includes stays branching in irregular patterns along the streamer.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a flotation and locating device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a tube portion of the flotation and locating device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 further illustrates an example embodiment of the flotation and locating device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example sheath holding the flotation and locating device of FIG. 1

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a sequence of steps employed by an individual using the flotation and locating device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A personal flotation and locating device is disclosed. The flotation and locating device comprises a rescue streamer which includes a plurality of branched pneumatic stays. The pneumatic stays are configured to receive pressurized gas and inflate the rescue streamer. In some embodiments, the plurality of stays is in fluid communication with one another, allowing the streamer to rapidly inflate upon reception of pressurized gas. Further, the stays may extend in different directions throughout the streamer, providing a supportive structure. Still further, the stays may reduce the potential of the streamer folding over and in on itself when deployed due to wave or other action, thus maintaining an increased visible surface area. However, the stays are flexible enough in a deflated state to allow the streamer to be rolled and/or folded for convenient transport and convenience during water activities. Thus, the streamer may be used to stay afloat while increasing one's chances of rescue.
FIG. 1 shows embodiments of a personal flotation and locating device comprising a buoyant, inflatable tube affixed to a rescue streamer. The tube includes one or more inflation devices, while the streamer includes a plurality of pneumatic stays. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the buoyant, inflatable tube of FIG. 1 in greater detail. Among other elements, a device for securing the tube to a part of an individual is included. FIG. 3 shows additional details of an embodiment of a personal flotation and locating device. The streamer comprises, among other elements, one or more distress signals imprinted on its surface. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a sheath configured to store a tube and/or streamer when both are in a deflated and rolled configuration. The sheath may be secured to a part of an individual with an attachment device. Finally, FIGS. 5A and 5B show a method for using the personal flotation and locating device of the present disclosure. Among other elements, the method comprises inflating the tube and deploying the streamer for rescue.
FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a personal flotation and locating device (FLD) 100. The FLD 100 comprises a buoyant, inflatable tube 102 and a buoyant, inflatable rescue streamer 104 affixed to a proximal end of the tube 102. A sheath 400, shown in FIG. 4 and disclosed below, may be included and is configured to hold both the tube 102 and streamer 104 when they are in a deflated and rolled configuration.
Returning to FIG. 1, rescue streamer 104 has an elongate streamer body 106 extending in a first direction 108. In particular, streamer body 106 may have a central axis 107 substantially aligned with first direction 108. Portions of central axis 107 are shown in FIG. 1, though central axis 107 may be considered to extend throughout the entire length of tube 102 and streamer 104. The length of streamer body 106, as measured along first direction 108, may be substantially larger than the length of tube body 202. As one non-limiting example, the length of streamer body 106 may be 320 inches. Streamer body 106 may resemble a variety of geometrical configurations. As one non-limiting example, streamer body 106 may be cylindrical, wherein points on its surface are equidistant from its central axis 107. Streamer body 106 may also resemble rectangular geometries, and may resemble a thin strip with a greater width than thickness. Further, the streamer 104 may be sealed at all ends, or, as discussed below, may have an attachment device (e.g., clips, threads) configured to connect streamer 104 to tube 102. As shown at the bottom of FIG. 1, the streamer 104 is sealed at its proximal end, with a flat proximal surface. Other configurations are possible, however, including spherical and conical proximal surfaces.
Streamer body 106 may have a substantially hollow interior, and may have a variety of fluid containing devices arranged therein, configured to receive pressured gas and inflate streamer 104. In some embodiments, streamer body 106 comprises a plurality of stays arranged as a plurality of branching structures (e.g., 110). The plurality of branching structures may be formed with a variety of geometries, non-limiting examples including monopodial, pseudomonopodial and sympodial geometries. The plurality of branching structures may further be regularly-spaced, as shown in FIG. 1, though irregularly-spaced arrangements as also possible. Each branching structure comprises at least two pneumatic stays (e.g., 112), each in fluid communication with one another. The pneumatic stays may be formed with various geometries; non-limiting examples include cylindrical, tubular and rectangular geometries. A first pneumatic stay (e.g., 114) extends longitudinally from a branching junction (e.g., 116) along streamer 104 and first direction 108, and may be concentric to central axis 107 of streamer body 106. If, as in one example previously provided, streamer body 106 is cylindrical, the plurality of branching junctions may be included at the center of the streamer body. Also extending from a branching junction (e.g., 116) is a second and third pneumatic stay (e.g., 112 and 118, respectively). Second and third stays extend outward from branching junctions at least partially laterally (e.g., non-longitudinally) in opposite directions toward the sides of, and across, the streamer body in which they are included. Second stays branch outward on a first side 113 of the first pneumatic stay (e.g., 114), while third stays branch outward on a second side 115 opposite first side 113 of the first pneumatic stay. In this example, second and third stays interconnect with their respective first stays at the same location. In some embodiments, second and third stays form acute angles (e.g., 45 degrees) with the first stay with which they are in fluid communication, though obtuse or 90 degree angles may be possible as well. As shown in FIG. 1, the second and third stays are sealed from the ambient environment with sealed distal ends and lengths less than that of their respective first stays.
In one example, the streamer may include a plurality of repeating branching structures, each branching structure comprising a branching junction and a first, second and third stay. When inflated, the branching structures provide a supportive structure for both the center and sides of the streamer body. This allows the streamer to maintain its intended configuration and increase its surface area when inflated and deployed in water. The inflated stays also reduce the chance of the streamer folding over and in on itself, either laterally, longitudinally or directions therebetween. Thus, the streamer may provide flotation to an individual stranded in water and increase their chance of rescue. In a deflated state, however, the branching structures are flexible enough to allow the streamer to be rolled up and/or folded, facilitating easy transportation of the device.
In some embodiments, the stays are formed as hollow passageways configured to receive pressurized gas and inflate the streamer in which they are arranged. As shown in FIG. 1, the stays (e.g., 112, 114 and 118) and branching junctions (e.g., 116) are in fluidic communication with one another. The plurality of branching structures terminates with a second and third stay extending toward a lateral direction (e.g., 109) at the proximal end of the streamer, as seen at the bottom of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 further shows embodiments wherein each branching structure in the plurality of branching structures is in fluid communication with one another, each branching structure comprising a branching junction and three stays. In this example, the plurality of first stays extending longitudinally (e.g., 114) are in fluid communication with one another and form a single, continuous passageway. In such a configuration, the plurality of branching structures share a common central stay. When pressurized gas is transferred to the branching structures, all stays are substantially simultaneously inflated. Such a configuration may reduce the time and complexity involved in inflating the streamer.
Alternative embodiments are possible where the plurality of branching structures is not in fluid communication with one another. Instead, a plurality of branching structures may be separated at locations along their respective first stays such that the first stays are sealed at one end. Each branching structure may then be individually coupled to an inflation device. Alternatively, the branching structures may be fluidically separated from one another but commonly connected to a single inflation device. Regardless, imposing separation among the plurality of branching structures may allow the streamer to maintain buoyancy and structure in the event of a malfunction, as a failed branching structure will not cause failure in another branching structure.
As seen in FIG. 1, streamer 104 may optionally be affixed to the proximal end of tube 102. The FLD 100 may also be integrally formed as one unit, including both tube 102 and streamer 104. Alternatively, tube 102 may be removably affixed to streamer 104 by a first attachment device 120. First attachment device 120 may comprise a variety of elements. As one non-limiting example, first attachment device 120 may comprise a plurality of threads, allowing the proximal end of tube 102 to be threaded onto the distal end of streamer 104. In another non-limiting example, first attachment device 120 may include a tenon and mortise, allowing tube 102 and streamer 104 to be affixed in a particular orientation. First attachment device 120 may further comprise elements putting the plurality of branching structures in fluid communication with fluid containing devices arranged in tube 102. In other embodiments, the tube and streamer may not be integrally formed as one unit, but may be permanently affixed to each other by a variety of methods (e.g., gluing, sewing).
Turning now to FIG. 2, an example embodiment of a tube 102 of the FLD 100 is shown. Tube 102 has an elongate tube body 202 with a length substantially smaller than that of streamer 104. As one non-limiting example, the length of tube body 202 may be 40 inches. Tube body 202 extends in first direction 108, and has a longitudinal axis 204 which may be substantially parallel with first direction 108. Tube body 202 may be formed in a variety of geometrical configurations, for example cylindrical or rectangular geometries, and may have a geometry corresponding to that of streamer 104. In one embodiment, tube body 202 may be cylindrical with a diameter of 6 inches. A variety of materials may used in the construction of tube body 202 that are light-weight and can withstand significant pressure. Non-limiting examples include Dacron and polyethylene.
A head portion 206 is arranged at the distal end of tube body 202. As shown in FIG. 2, head portion 206 may include a conical geometry with an angled surface. Such geometries may decrease the difficulty of securing the FLD to an individual while increasing comfort. Other geometries, however, are possible, and head portion 206 may merely be a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tube body 202.
A first strap 208 is affixed to a surface of head portion 206. As one non-limiting example, first strap 208 is a thin, rectangular strip extending in first direction 108. First strap 208 may be permanently affixed to head portion 206 by a variety of methods (e.g., gluing or sewing), or the strap may be removably affixed to head portion 206 (e.g., by use of Velcro). A variety of materials may be used in the formation of first strap 208 (e.g., nylon). Further, first strap 208 may be adjustable so that an individual may adjust its length and ensure an appropriate fit when the FLD is put into use. Toward its distal end and arranged therein, first strap 208 includes a first O-ring 210.
Arranged at its extreme distal end, tube 102 further comprises a clip 212. Clip 212 includes a first lockingly engageable portion 214. First portion 214 is configured such that it allows clip 212 to permanently and lockingly engage first O-ring 210 of first strap 208, providing a secure fixture between clip 212 and first strap 208. Clip 212 further comprises a second lockingly engageable portion 216, configured to engage a second O-ring as discussed below. A variety of clips may be used to meet the stated requirements, one non-limiting example being an eye hook. A variety of durable materials may be used to form clip 212, non-limiting examples including metal or plastic. Plastic, for instance, may help reduce the overall weight of the FLD.
Tube 102 includes at its proximal end a second strap 218, affixed to the surface of tube body 202. In one non-limiting example, second strap 218 is a thin, rectangular strip much like first strap 208, affixed either permanently or removably to the surface of tube body 202. Unlike first strap 208, second strap 218 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to first direction 108 and along lateral direction 109. Second strap 218 includes a second O-ring 220, which is configured to lockingly engage the second portion 216 of clip 212. In particular, tube body 202 is flexible, allowing an individual to bend tube 102 into a circular shape. Such a shape brings clip 212 and second strap 218 close together. The second portion 216 of clip 212 can then be slid through and lockingly engaged to second O-ring 220, maintaining tube 102 in a circular shape and securing the FLD to a part of an individual (e.g., the torso).
Toward the distal end of tube body 202 is included a hole 222 through which a one-way valve stem 224 may be inserted. Valve 224 may be a manual one-way valve that an individual may use to transfer pressurized air via breath into the FLD. In one non-limiting example, hole 222 is circular and valve 224 is cylindrical, wherein the diameter of valve 224 is larger than the diameter of hole 222. With the possible addition of a sealant (e.g., water-proof caulking), valve 224 is sealingly inserted into hole 222, ensuring that valve 224 will transfer pressurized gas into the interior of tube body 202 without leakage occurring through hole 222.
In some embodiments, the interior of tube body 202 may be substantially hollow and include one or more bladder inserts (e.g., 226). The bladder inserts may be made of a flexible material that can withstand significant pressure, and are configured to inflate the tube body 202 upon reception of pressurized gas. If more than one bladder insert is included in tube body 202, they may or may not be in fluid communication with one another. Like the branching junctions in streamer 104, each bladder insert may be fluidically separated from one another but individually connected to one or more inflation devices (e.g., valve 224). Imposing separation among the bladder inserts may allow the tube to maintain buoyancy even in the event of bladder failure.
The bladder inserts may be in fluid communication with the plurality of branching structures in streamer 104. In such an embodiment, the plurality of bladder inserts is connected by a common pneumatic passageway, which may be similar to a pneumatic stay, or may be a common passageway formed by the plurality of first stays extending longitudinally. The passageway then puts the plurality of branching structures in fluid communication with the bladder inserts and the one or more inflation devices providing inflation via pressurized gas. The one or more inflation devices may include one-way valve 224 and other devices discussed below.
Alternatively, tube body 202 may not include one or more bladder inserts. Instead, tube body 202 may have a substantially hollow interior itself configured to receive pressurized gas. As discussed above, the interior of tube body 202 in this embodiment may be in fluid communication with one or more inflation devices and the plurality of branching structures in streamer 104. Such a configuration may reduce the cost and complexity required to manufacture the FLD.
In some embodiments, the one or more inflation devices of the FLD 100 may include one or more gas cartridges (e.g., 228 in FIG. 2) containing a pressurized gas (e.g., pressurized air, pressurized carbon dioxide). The one or more cartridges may be included in the tube body 202 of tube 102 or in the streamer body 106 of streamer 104, the latter especially the case if only the streamer 106 is used by an individual. The one or more cartridges may be included as the sole inflation devices or may be included in conjunction with valve 224. In such configurations, an individual need not manually inflate the FLD and may instead prompt the one or more gas cartridges to release their contents and automatically inflate the FLD. If both the valve and cartridges are provided, an individual has the option of inflating the FLD manually or automatically.
A variety of mechanisms may be included to activate the one or more cartridges, including a push button or draw string included in the tube or streamer, depending on which element includes the one or more cartridges. If tube 102 is included in the FLD, the one or more gas cartridges may be in fluid communication with the interior of tube 102, or may be in fluid communication with the one or more bladder inserts if they are provided. Further, the one or more gas cartridges may be in fluid communication with the plurality of branching structures—either through a single, common passageway or through individual passageways, depending on the configuration of the branching structures. If, on the other hand, only the streamer 104 is to be used, the gas cartridges may be arranged within streamer body 106 and placed in fluid communication, either commonly or individually, with the plurality of branching structures.
Turning now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the personal flotation and locating device is shown. FIG. 3 includes non-limiting example dimensions and shows that one or more distress signals (e.g., 302) may be imprinted on the surface of streamer 104. In this example, the distress signal 302 is imprinted at the extreme proximal end of streamer 104. Distress signal 302 may be imprinted with brilliant colors and/or reflective coatings to attract the attention of rescue crews and increase an individual's chances of rescue.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an example embodiment of a sheath 400 shaped to hold the FLD when in a deflated and rolled condition is shown. The sheath is made of a material which allows it to maintain its shape yet remain flexible. The sheath may be cylindrical with an open end configured to receive the tube 102 and/or streamer 104 when both are in a deflated and rolled configuration. The sheath may further include, much like first strap 208 and second strap 218 in FIG. 2, a third strap 402 affixed to its side with a sheath O-ring 404 arranged therein. A second attachment device 406 is lockingly engaged to the O-ring, and has a second lockingly engageable portion 408 configured to lock with a part of an individual's clothing. Thus individuals may secure the sheath containing the deflated FLD to a part of themselves without inflating and putting on the FLD when beginning activity. Such a configuration allows an individual to maintain a high degree of mobility and movement during physically demanding activities.
A plurality of small LED lights (not shown) may also be included on the surface of the sheath, which both increase an individual's spatial awareness of the sheath and improve the chances of locating the individual in the event they become stranded. The plurality of LED lights may be arranged randomly on the surface of the sheath or in a coordinated pattern, including a pattern corresponding to a distress signal. In one embodiment, the plurality of LED lights may be configured to emit uniform, monochromatic green light radially outward. The plurality of LED lights may be powered by one or more batteries arranged in the sheath. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of LED lights may be arranged on the surface of the streamer/and or tube. In this case, batteries may be provided in the streamer and/or tube, depending on which element includes the LED lights.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate example methods with which an individual may use the flotation and locating device. At step 1, an individual 500 is stranded in a body of water with the sheath (e.g., 400 in FIG. 4) attached to a part of his or her waist. The sheath contains both the tube and streamer in a deflated and rolled configuration. At step 2, the individual releases the tube and streamer from the sheath, letting it expand into an unfolded configuration. In this embodiment, the individual at step 3 manually inflates the tube and streamer with a one-way valve (e.g., 224). Once inflated, the individual bends the tube in step 4 into a circular shape about his or her waist. At step 5, the individual lockingly secures the tube to his or her waist. Finally, at step 6, the individual has inflated the FLD and secured it to a part of themselves. At this point, the individual may signal for assistance as depicted, or may use the inflated tube and streamer to return to a vessel or shore.
Individuals may thus use the FLD, comprising a tube and/or streamer in the configurations disclosed, to improve their chance of survival and rescue in the event of being separated from their vessel, without restricting their abilities during activity. In certain embodiments, the FLD may be inflated manually or automatically, while the plurality of branching junctions arranged in the streamer ensure that the streamer will not fold over and in on itself and that its surface area is maximized when deployed. When deflated, the branching structures maintain a degree of flexibility such that the streamer may be rolled, folded and stored in a sheath. Further, a surface of the streamer may have one or more distress signals (e.g., 302 in FIG. 3) imprinted thereon to maximize an individual's visibility in a body of water.
It will be appreciated that the configurations disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein.
The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application.
Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A personal flotation and locating device, comprising:

a rescue streamer, including:

a plurality of branching pneumatic stays in fluid communication with one another, the branching stays extending along different directions of the streamer.

2. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 1, wherein a first pneumatic stay portion extends longitudinally along the streamer with a second pneumatic stay portion branching outward and non-longitudinally across the streamer on a first side of the first pneumatic stay portion, and a third pneumatic stay portion branching outward and non-longitudinally across the streamer on a second side of the first pneumatic stay portion opposite the first side.

3. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 2 wherein the second and third pneumatic stay portion interconnect with the first pneumatic stay portion at the same location, the branching pneumatic stays configured to provide buoyancy and a supportive structure to the rescue streamer to reduce folding over of the streamer in both longitudinal and lateral directions.

4. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 1, further comprising one or more inflation devices arranged in the rescue streamer and in fluid communication with the plurality of branching structures when the rescue streamer is inflated.

5. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 4, wherein the inflation devices include a one-way valve stem.

6. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 4, wherein the inflation devices include one or more gas cartridges, the gas cartridges including pressurized gas.

7. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 1, further comprising one or more distress signals imprinted on the rescue streamer.

8. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 1, further comprising a sheath shaped to hold the rescue streamer in a deflated and folded configuration.

9. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 1, wherein the pneumatic stays are substantially cylindrically shaped.

10. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 3, wherein the second and third stay portions extend at an angle of 45 degrees from the first stay portion.

11. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of branching stays are in fluid communication with one another and sealed from ambient.

12. A personal flotation and location device, comprising:

a buoyant, inflatable tube;

a buoyant, inflatable rescue streamer affixed via a first attachment device to a proximal end of the tube, including:

a plurality of branching structures, each branching structure including three pneumatic stays in fluid communication with one another, with a first pneumatic stay extending along a longitudinal axis of the streamer, and a second and third pneumatic stay oppositely and acutely extending from the first stay toward a lateral direction, the pneumatic stays configured to provide buoyancy and a supportive structure to the rescue streamer; and

a sheath, including:

a second attachment device for securing the sheath to an individual, the sheath shaped to hold the tube and streamer when the tube and streamer are both in a deflated and folded configuration.

13. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 12, further comprising one or more inflation devices arranged in the tube and in fluid communication with the plurality of branching structures when the rescue streamer is inflated.

14. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 12, further comprising:

a first strap affixed to a head portion at a distal end of the tube, the first strap including a first O-ring;

a second strap affixed to the proximal end of the tube, the second strap including a second O-ring; and

a clip having a first and a second lockingly engageable portion, the first portion lockingly engaged with the first O-ring of the first strap, and the second portion configured to lockingly engage the second O-ring of the second strap, the clip configured to secure the personal flotation and locating device to a part of an individual.

15. A personal flotation and locating device, comprising:

a buoyant, inflatable tube having a tube body primarily extending in a first direction and a substantially hollow interior, the tube including:

a first strap affixed to a head portion at a distal end of the tube body, the first strap including a first O-ring;

a second strap affixed to a proximal end of the tube body, the second strap including a second O-ring;

a clip having a first and a second lockingly engageable portion, the first portion lockingly engaged with the first O-ring of the first strap, and the second portion configured to lockingly engage the second O-ring of the second strap;

one or more bladder inserts arranged throughout the interior of the tube body;

one or more inflation devices including a manual, one-way valve stem sealingly inserted toward the distal end of the tube body, the valve configured to receive and transfer pressurized gas to the one or more bladder inserts;

a buoyant, inflatable rescue streamer having a streamer body extending in the first direction, the streamer body larger than the tube body and affixed via a first attachment device to the proximal end of the tube body, including:

a plurality of branching structures extending throughout the streamer body, each branching structure including three pneumatic stays in fluid communication with one another, with a first pneumatic stay extending along a longitudinal axis of the streamer, and a second and third pneumatic stay oppositely and acutely extending from the first stay toward a lateral direction, the pneumatic stays configured to provide buoyancy and a supportive structure to the rescue streamer;

one or more distress signals imprinted on a proximal end of the streamer body, configured to maximize visibility of the personal flotation and locating device; and

a sheath, including a second attachment device for securing the sheath to an individual, the sheath configured to hold the tube and streamer when the tube and streamer are both in a deflated and folded configuration.

16. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 15, wherein the inflation devices include gas cartridges containing a pressurized gas.

17. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 15, further comprising a second attachment device such that the streamer body may be removably affixed to the tube body.

18. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of branching structures are regularly-spaced from one another and share a common central stay.

19. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 15, wherein a plurality of second stays are parallel to one another and a plurality of third stays are parallel to one another.

20. The personal flotation and locating device of claim 15, wherein the second and third stays extend at an angle of 45 degrees from the first stay.