Wearable belt incorporating gas storage vessel comprising a polymeric container system for pressurized fluids

Abstract

A wearable belt includes two or more pressure packs, each including a pressure vessel for storing therein a fluid under pressure for providing a portable, and ambulatory, source of the compressed fluid. The pressure vessel is formed from a plurality of hollow chamber having either en ellipsoidal or spherical shape and interconnected by a plurality of relatively narrow conduit sections disposed between consecutive ones of the chambers. The pressure vessel includes a reinforcing filament wrapped around the interconnected chambers and interconnecting conduit sections to limit radial expansion of the chambers and conduit sections when filled with a fluid under pressure. The container system further includes a fluid transfer control system attached to the pressure vessel for controlling fluid flow into and out of the pressure vessel and a gas delivery mechanism for delivering gas from the pressure vessel to a user in a breathable manner. The pressure vessel is incorporated into the belt as two or more interconnected packs. Each pack comprises a plurality of interconnected chambers encased in a relatively rigid padded foam housing. A connecting conduit between adjacent packs is disposed within a flexible joint that can be bent or twisted, and belt straps are connected to the endmost pack housings. The belt straps include mating halves of a buckle, or other connecting feature, so that the belt can be secured around the torso of a person. The flexible joint located between adjacent relatively rigid packs permits the overall belt to conform to the body of the wearer, thereby increasing comfort and reducing the bulk created by the belt.