(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0273678 A1 Meyer (43) Pub

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US 20140273678A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0273678 A1 Meyer (43) Pub. Date: Sep. 18, 2014

(54) SELF-INFLATING DEVICE (52) U.S. Cl. CPC ...... B63B 22/22 (2013.01) (71) Applicant: Otter Products, LLC, Fort Collins, CO USPC ...... 441A31 (US) (57) ABSTRACT (72) Inventor: Kevin W. Meyer, Fort Collins, CO (US) A self-inflating device can include a container configured to s s receive a chemical compound, a one-way valve covering an opening leading to an inner Volume of the container, and an (73) Assignee: Otter Products, LLC, Fort Collins, CO inflatable portion fluidly connected to the inner volume of the (US) container and configured to inflate with gas produced when the chemical compound is exposed to water. The inflatable portion can be configured to inflate whena gas pressure inside (21) Appl. No.: 13/801,487 the self-inflating device exceeds a water pressure outside the self-inflating device. As the inflatable portion inflates with gas produced by the chemical reaction of the chemical com (22) Filed: Mar 13, 2013 pound, the inflatable portion can increase in Volume and can displace water in a body of water. Consequently, the overall buoyancy of the self-inflating device can increase, causing the Publication Classification self-inflating device to rise in the water column toward the surface of the body of water where a user can easily retrieve (51) Int. Cl. the self-inflating device, as well as any object that is attached B63B 22/22 (2006.01) to the self-inflating device.

Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 1 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1 to

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FIG. 1 Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 2 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1

520

FIG. 2 Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1

100 -s:--

FIG. 3 Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 4 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1

FIG. 4 tent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheets of 8 US 2014/0273678 A1

Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 6 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1

FIG. 6 Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 7 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1

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305 us—-1 505

115

530 330

520 520

FIG. 7 Patent Application Publication Sep. 18, 2014 Sheet 8 of 8 US 2014/0273678A1

US 2014/0273678 A1 Sep. 18, 2014

SELF-NFLATING DEVICE 0011. An electronic device, such as a waterproof camera or a Smartphone housed in a waterproof or water-resistant BACKGROUND case, can allow a user to capture underwater photographs. For 0001 Archimedes' principle states that a buoyant force example, while Snorkeling, the user can capture underwater experienced by an object Submerged in liquid is equal to the photos of their surroundings, including marine creatures and weight of liquid displaced by the object. When an object is coral formations. Snorkeling excursions are often conducted submerged in water, the buoyant force provided by the dis in relatively shallow water near the perimeter of a body of placed wateracts in an upward direction, and the weight of the water. But snorkelers may encounter deeper water when ven object acts in a downward direction. If the weight of the water turing away from shore or when traversing between two displaced by the submerged object is less than the weight of points of interest, such as between two coral formations sepa the object, the object will sink. Alternately, if the weight of the rated by a relatively deep channel. When snorkeling in rela water displaced by the submerged object is more than the tively deep water, a user may have difficulty retrieving a weight of the object, the object will float. Electronic devices, dropped electronic device, e.g., if the user lacks an ability to Such as cellular phones, Smartphones, cameras, audio players, free dive to the bottom of the body of water. As a result, the video players, two-way radios, and GPS receivers, are often user may lose the electronic device as well as any photos that negatively buoyant due to their high densities relative to are stored in the device's memory. Another negative outcome water. Even when housed in a lightweight protective case, is that the sinking electronic device may damage delicate most electronic devices will sink when Submerged in water. coral formations during its descent to the bottom of the body Consequently, a user risks losing an electronic device that is of water. accidentally dropped into a body of water, such as an ocean, 0012 To avoid the scenarios described above, and other lake, or stream. scenarios, it can be desirable to attach a self-inflating device to the electronic device prior to an aquatic activity. For BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS example, it can be desirable to attacha self-inflating device to a digital camera or protective case 105 containing a Smart 0002 FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic phone. In one example, it can be desirable for the self-inflat device installed in a protective case connected to a self-inflat ing device to inflate only at a depth equal or greater than a ing device. predetermined depth, such as 5, 10, or 15 feet. This can allow 0003 FIG. 2 is front view of a self-inflating device. the user to freely use the electronic device at depths up to the 0004 FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a self predetermined depth without the self-inflating device inflat inflating device. ing. For example, the user can capture photos while Snorkel 0005 FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of a self ing at common Snorkeling depths without the self-inflating inflating device. device inflating, and the self-inflating device may only inflate 0006 FIG. 5 is a perspective sectional view of a self if the electronic device drops below the predetermined depth, inflating device. Such as when the user accidentally drops the electronic 0007 FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a self device. inflating device. 0013. In one example shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the self 0008 FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of a self-inflating inflating device 100 can be a self-inflating lanyard forming a device. loop that can be wrapped around a user's body, such as a 0009 FIG. 8 shows an inflated self-inflating device carry wrist, or attached to a clip on a user's clothing or equipment. ing an electronic device installed in a protective case to the The self-inflating device 100 can attach to the electronic surface of a body of water. device, or to the protective case 105 for the electronic device, by any suitable method, such as by threading around an DETAILED DESCRIPTION attachment feature 110 of the case or device. The self-inflat 0010. An electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a ing device 100 can include a container 115 having an inner cellular phone, camera, audio player, video player, Smart Volume. In one example, the inner Volume of the container phone, two-way radio, or GPS receiver, can be enclosed in a can be about 0.01-0.5, 0.02-0.4, 0.05-0.3, or 0.1-0.2 in. In protective case 105, such as a waterproof or water-resistant another example, the inner volume of the container 115 can be case, as shown in FIG. 1. The combination of the electronic about 0.01-100, 0.01-50, 0.01-25, 0.01-10, 0.01-5, 0.01-3, device and the waterproof case 105 may be negatively buoy 0.01-2, or 0.01-1 in. antin water, so if the electronic device is accidentally dropped 0014. The self-inflating device 100 can include a remov into a body of water, the electronic device may be lost. For able cap 120 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The removable cap example, if a user accidentally drops the electronic device 120 can be attachable to the container 115 by latches, press fit, into a lake, stream, or river, the user may lose the electronic Snap fit, or any other Suitable attachment mechanism. In device as it sinks below the water's surface and out of reach. another example, the removable cap 120 can attach to the Similarly, if a user accidentally drops the electronic device container 115 by a threaded connection as shown in FIGS. 5 into a deep wave pool at a waterpark, the user may lose the and 6. Detaching the removable cap 120 from the container electronic device. To prevent the user from losing the elec 115 can allow access to the inner volume of the container. The tronic device in these situations, or other foreseeable situa removable cap 120 can include an attachment feature, Such as tions, it can be desirable to attach a self-inflating device to, or a loop, hole, or opening, which can allow the self-inflating incorporate a self-inflating device into, the electronic device device 100 to be attached to the protective case 105. In one or the protective case 105 for the electronic device. The self instance, a strap, cord, String, cable, tether, or other Suitable inflating device can be any suitable size and configuration to connector can connect the attachment feature on the self effectively increase the buoyancy of the electronic device and inflating device 100 to the attachment feature 110 on the return the electronic device to the surface of the body of water. protective case 105, as shown in FIG. 1. US 2014/0273678 A1 Sep. 18, 2014

0.015 The inner volume of the container 115 can be con example, at sea level at Standard temperature, atmospheric figured to receive a chemical compound. The chemical com pressure is about 14.7 psi, at 2,500 feet above sea level at pound 115 can be added to the inner volume of the container standard temperature, atmospheric pressure is about 13.5 psi, 115 in any suitable form, such as a solid tablet, powder, and at 5,000 feet above sea level at standard temperature, granules, gel, gel capsule, or liquid solution. In one example atmospheric pressure is about 12.3 psi. The actuation pres shown in FIG. 5, the chemical compound 510 can be a solid sure of the one-way valve 505 can be decreased when the tablet. The chemical compound 510 can be inserted into the self-inflating device 100 is used at higher elevations to ensure inner volume of the container 115 through an opening formed that the one-way valve actuates at the proper depth. For by detaching the removable cap 120 from the container. In instance, at 5,000 feet above sea level at standard tempera another example, the container 115 can include any other ture, the one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate when suitable point of access to the inner volume of the container to the outer Surface of the valve is exposed to a pressure greater allow for insertion of the chemical compound 510, including than about 12.3 psi, which corresponds to atmospheric pres but not limited to a hinged door, a removable door, a reseal Sure at that elevation. able membrane, or a slot covered by a movable gate. 0020. In salt water, the pressure increases about 0.445 psi 0016. In another example, the chemical compound 510 per foot of depth in the water column. Water pressure at a can be installed in the container 115 during manufacturing of certain depth can be calculated by adding the atmospheric the self-inflating device 100. In this example, the container pressure to a pressure contribution from being at a certain 115 can be sealed to prevent the user from accessing the depth in the water column. For example, the water pressure at chemical compound 510 and to avoid requiring the user to a depth of 0.5 feet is equal to the atmospheric pressure (~14.7 complete the step of loading the chemical compound 510 into psi) plus the pressure contribution from being at 0.5 feet the container, which some users may find undesirable. When beneath the surface of the body of water (-0.2 psi), which the chemical compound 510 is preloaded in the container 115, results in a total pressure of about 14.9 psi. Thus, when a body the container can be replaceable to allow the user to replace a of water is at sea level and the atmospheric pressure is equal spent (i.e. used) container with a fresh (i.e. unused) container. to about 14.7 psi, the one-way valve 505 can be configured to 0017. In one example, the cap 120 can include a seal, such actuate when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is as an O-ring 535 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to prevent gas or greater than or equal to about 14.9 psi, which corresponds to fluid from escaping from the inner Volume of the container the pressure at a depth of about 0.5 feet below sea level in salt 115 at an interface formed between the cap 120 and the water. In this example, the actuation pressure is 14.9 psi. In container. The material of the O-ring 535 can be selected another example, the one-way valve 505 can be configured to based on, at least in part, compatibility with the chemical actuate when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is compound 510, compatibility with reaction products, esti about 15.1 psi, which corresponds to the pressure at a depth of mated temperature range, estimated pressure range, space about 1 foot below sea level in salt water. The one-way valve constraints, durability, and desired durometer. In one 505 can be configured to actuate when the pressure acting on example, the O-ring 535 can be made of acrylonitrile butadi the one-way valve is greater than or equal to about 16 psi, ene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), KAPTON, which corresponds to the pressure at a depth of about 3 feet biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (boPET), below sea level in salt water. The one-way valve 505 can be nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, configured to actuate when the pressure acting on the one polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), way valve is greater than or equal to about 16.9 psi, which urethane, or VITON. Although an O-ring 535 is shown, this is corresponds to a pressure at a depth of about 5 feet below sea not limiting. Any other Suitable type of seal, gasket, pressure level in salt water. The one-way valve 505 can be configured fit, etc. can be used to seal the interface between the cap 120 to actuate when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is and the container 115. greater than or equal to about 19.1 psi, which corresponds to 0018. In one example, the container 115 can include a a pressure at a depth of about 10 feet below sea level in salt one-way valve 505 that covers an opening 560 in the con water. The one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate tainer, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The one-way valve 505 can when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than allow fluid to flow in one direction into the container 115. The or equal to about 21.4 psi, which corresponds to the pressure one-way valve 505 can attach to the container proximate to an at a depth of about 15 feet below sea level in salt water. The opening 560 in the container 115 so that fluid, such as water, one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate when the can enter the container but is restricted from exiting the con pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than or equal tainerthrough the one-way valves05. The one-way valve 505 to about 23.6 psi, which corresponds to a depth of about 20 can be configured to actuate when an outer Surface of the feet below sea level in saltwater. In saltwater at sea level, the valve is exposed to a pressure that is greater than or equal to one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate when the an actuation pressure. The actuation pressure of the one-way outer Surface of the one-way valve is exposed to a pressure valve 505 can be fixed or adjustable. In one example, the greater than or equal to about 14.7-23.6, 14.9-23.6, 15.1-23.6, actuation pressure of the one-way valve 505 can be a pressure 16-23.6, 16.9-23.6, 19.1-23.6, or 21.4-23.6 psi. that is greater than atmospheric pressure. 0021. In freshwater, the pressure increases about 0.432 psi 0019 Elevation, temperature, and humidity affect atmo per foot of depth in the water column. When a body of water spheric pressure. When the self-inflating device 100 is used is at sea level and the atmospheric pressure is equal to about above sea level or at temperature or humidity levels that 14.7 psi, the one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate deviate from standard conditions, the actuation pressure of when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than the one-way valve 505 can be selected to account for these or equal to about 14.9 psi, which corresponds to a pressure at variations to ensure that the one-way valve actuates at the a depth of about 0.5 feet below sea level in freshwater. In this proper depth. With all other variables held constant, atmo example, the actuation pressure is 14.9 psi. In another spheric pressure decreases as elevation increases. For example, the one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate US 2014/0273678 A1 Sep. 18, 2014

when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than inflatable, flexible portion, such as a rubber membrane, that is or equal to about 15.1 psi, which corresponds to a pressure at gas-impermeable and waterproof. In one example, the inflat a depth of about 1 foot below sea level in fresh water. The able portion can be an inflatable tube 550, as shown in FIGS. one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate when the 3 and 5-7. The inflatable tube 550 can include a first end 515 pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than or equal and a second end 315. The first and second ends (515,315) to about 16 psi, which corresponds to the pressure at a depth can each be fluidly connected to the inner volume of the of about 3 feet below sea level in fresh water. The one-way container 115, as shown in FIG. 3. The connections between valve 505 can be configured to actuate when the pressure the first and second ends (515,315) and the container 115 can acting on the one-way valve is greater than or equal to about be airtight to prevent the escape of pressurized gases or liq 16.9 psi, which corresponds to a pressure at a depth of about uids. The inflatable portion 550 can be made of any suitable 5 feet in fresh water. The one-way valve 505 can be config material. Such as an elastomer. For example, the inflatable ured to actuate when the pressure acting on the one-way valve portion 550 can be made of latex, natural rubber, butyl rubber, is greater than or equal to about 19.0 psi, which corresponds polychloroprene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene pro to a pressure at a depth of about 10 feet below sea level in fresh pylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, fluoroelastomer, water. The one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate nitrile, ethylene-propylene rubber, PVC, or combinations when the pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than thereof. In another example, the inflatable portion 550 can or equal to about 21.2 psi, which corresponds to the pressure include a fabric containing natural or synthetic fibers covered at a depth of about 15 feet below sea level in fresh water. The with a polymer or rubber film that is impermeable to gas and one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate when the water, such as HYPALON. The inflatable portion 550 can pressure acting on the one-way valve is greater than or equal have any suitable dimensions. In one example, the inflatable to about 23.3 psi, which corresponds to a depth of about 20 portion 550 can have an deflated outer diameter of about feet below sea level in freshwater. In freshwater at sea level, 0.0625-2.0, 0.125-1.0, 0.0.25-0.75, 0.25-0.5, or 0.25-0.375 the one-way valve 505 can be configured to actuate when the inches, and a length of about 1-12, 2-10, 3-8, or 5-7 inches. outer Surface of the one-way valve is exposed to a pressure (0024. The inflatable portion 550 can be configured to greater than or equal to about 14.7-23.3, 14.9-23.3, 15.1-23.3, inflate when the gas pressure within the self-inflating device 16-23.3, 16.9-23.3, 19.0-23.3, or 21.2-23.3 psi. 100 exceeds the water pressure outside the self-inflating 0022. When the container 115 is submerged to a depth at device. As the inflatable portion 550 inflates with gas pro which the pressure is equal to or exceeds the actuation pres duced by the chemical reaction of the chemical compound sure of the one-way valve 505, the one-way valve can open 510, the inflatable portion can increase in Volume and can and allow water to enter the inner volume of the container displace water in the body of water. Consequently, the overall 115. In one example, when water contacts the chemical com buoyancy of the self-inflating device 100 can increase, caus pound 510, a chemical reaction can be initiated that produces ing the self-inflating device 100 to rise in the water column carbon dioxide or any other gas or combination of gases. For toward the surface of the body of water where a user can a self-inflating device 100 that is configured to be attached to easily retrieve the self-inflating device, as well as a protective a consumer product, Such as a mobile device case, which may case 105 or electronic device that is attached to the self be used in close proximity to the user's body, it is desirable for inflating device. FIG. 8 shows an inflated self-inflating device the chemical reaction to produce a gas or gases that are 100 carrying an electronic device installed in a protective case nontoxic. The reaction rate of the chemical reaction can be 105 to the surface of a body of water. As shown in FIG. 8, the Sufficient to produce adequate gas pressure within the con inflatable portion 550 can expand in volume due to an tainer 115 such that a certain portion of the gas will escape increase in gas pressure within the inflatable portion resulting from the container through the one-way valve 505, but in from the chemical reaction of the chemical compound 510 doing so, will urge the one-way valve to close and seal against after exposure to water. The additional buoyant force pro the container, thereby preventing additional gas from escap vided by the inflation of the inflatable portion 550 can be ing from the inner Volume of the container. As the chemical sufficient to lift the electronic device toward the surface of the reaction progresses, additional gas may be produced, thereby body of water where it can be easily retrieved by the user. increasing the gas pressure within the container 115. The gas 0025. The self-inflating device 100 can include a protec pressure acting against an inner Surface of the one-way valve tive covering 520 over the inflatable portion 550, as shown in 505 can exceed the water pressure acting against the outer FIGS. 1-7. The protective covering 520 can protect the inflat Surface of the one-way valve. Consequently, the one-way able portion 550 from cuts, punctures, or abrasions that could valve 505 can remain closed and can prevent pressurized gas result in leakage when pressurized. The protective covering from escaping from the container 115 as well as additional 520 can be a surface coating on an outer surface of the inflat water from flowing into the container. able portion 550. Alternately, the protective covering 520 can 0023 The container 115 can be fluidly connected to an be a separate component that covers an outer Surface of the inflatable portion 550. The term “fluidly connected” is used inflatable portion 550. In one example, the protective cover herein to describe a physical connection between two com ing 520 can be a braided fabric sleeve configured to cover the ponents that allows a fluid. Such as a liquid or gas, to pass inflatable tube 550. Due to its construction, a braided fabric between the two components. The inflatable portion can serve sleeve can increase in diameter to accommodate a physical as an inflatable bladder and can have any suitable shape and expansion of the inflatable portion 550 as it expands in dimensions. The inflatable portion 550 can be gas-imperme response to increasing gas pressure within the self-inflating able or waterproof Such that it is able to contain the gas device 100. In one example, the protective covering 520 can created by the chemical reaction sufficient to float the elec be made of nylon multifilament. Nylon multifilament has tronic device to or near the surface of the water for a period of attributes, including fabric-like softness, high flexibility, time adequate to permit location or retrieval of the electronic positive buoyancy, and adequate toughness, that make it a device. For instance, the inflatable portion 550 can be an desirable protective covering 520. In addition, nylon mul US 2014/0273678 A1 Sep. 18, 2014

tifilament is lightweight and is resistant to common chemicals spring can dictate the actuation pressure of the one-way valve and ultraviolet damage and will not rot or retain moisture. 505. Therefore, it can be desirable to have a torsion spring that Consequently, nylon multifilament can be a good material is replaceable to allow the user to adjust the actuation pressure choice for a protective covering 520 that will likely be of the one-way valve 505. exposed to water or weather. 0029. In another example, the one-way valve 505 can be a 0026. The protective covering 520 can be removable from ball check valve. The ball check valve can include a spring the inflatable portion 550. In one example, a first connection member that is housed within the container 115 and provides 530 can be included where the first end 515 of the inflatable a spring force acting against a ball, similar to a ball check tube 550 fluidly connects to the container 115, as shown in valve described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,839 to Donner, which FIGS. 3 and 6. Likewise a second connection 330 can be is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The ball included where the Second end 315 of the inflatable tube 550 can seat and seal against an inner perimeter of the opening fluidly connects to the container 115. The inflatable tube 550 560 in the container 115 in response to the spring force can be detachable from the container 115 at either the first or exerted by the spring member housed in the container. When second connection (330,530) to free at least one end of the the force acting on the ball due to waterpressure outside of the inflatable tube. Once one end of the inflatable tube 550 is container exceeds the spring force urging the ball against the freed, the protective covering 520 can be removed from the inner perimeter of the opening 560 in the container 115, the inflatable tube 550, such as by sliding it off of the inflatable ball will unseat from the opening in the container and permit tube. This feature can be desirable if the protective covering water to enter the container. Once the chemical reaction of the 520 becomes damaged and no longer provides adequate pro chemical compound 510 begins producing Sufficient quanti tection for the inflatable tubing 550. In one example, the ties of gas within the container 115, the gas pressure within protective covering 520 can be swapped with a protective the container will force the ball to reseat against the inner covering made from a different material having an attribute perimeter of the opening 560 in the container 115, thereby that is desirable for a planned use. For instance, if the user is planning to use the self-inflating device 100 in murky water, resealing the container and permitting inflation of the inflat the user may want to install a protective covering 520 having able portion 550. luminescence, which can make the self-inflating device 100 0030. In another example, the one-way valve 505 can easier to locate in murky water. In another example, the pro include a hinge 305 that can be a living hinge, as described in tective covering 520 can be swapped with a protective cover U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0240772 to ing having a different color (e.g. red, blue, green, yellow, Durrani, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its silver, black, etc.), which can make the user's self-inflating entirety. The living hinge can connect a mounting portion of device 100 easier to differentiate from similar self-inflating the one-way valve 505 to a flap of the one-way valve. The devices belonging to other users. mounting portion of the one-way valve can be mounted to the 0027. The self-inflating device 100 can include a light container 115 with a fastener, adhesive, press fit, snap fit, clip, emitting diode (LED) to allow a user to more easily locate the or any other suitable method of attachment. The one-way self-inflating device if it becomes lost in murky water or in valve 505 with flap and living hinge can be made of any any other low light condition. The LED can be configured to Suitable material, including any Suitable rubber or polymer. blink to attract the user's attention. The LED can be activated The one-way valve 505 with the flap and living hinge can when the one-way valve 505 is opened or when the inflatable provide a lower cost solution than including a one-way valve portion 550 expands. In one example, a sensor can be with a torsion spring and can provide Sufficient durability for mounted proximate the one-way valve 505 and can detect that a component that may not experience a Substantial number of the one-way valve has opened. In another example, a sensor cycles during its lifetime. One-way valves 505 with living can be mounted in the inflatable portion 550 and can detect hinges are used in inflatable beach toys, which can be when the inflatable portion begins to expand. In yet another designed to endure a similar number of inflation cycles as the example, a sensor can be mounted in the self-inflating device self-inflating device 100. A rubber or polymer-based one-way 100 and can detect when water has entered an inner volume of valve 505 can provide desirable corrosion-resistance when the self-inflating device 100. Based on feedback from any of exposed to the chemical compound 510, salt water, or various these sensors, a circuit in the self-inflating device can deter reaction products. mine when to deliver electrical current to the LED. Current 0031. The one-way valve 505 can seal against the con can be delivered to the LED from a battery housed in the tainer 115 by any suitable method to cover and seal the first self-inflating device 100. In one example, the battery can be opening 560. In one example shown in FIG. 5, the one-way disposed in the container 115 and sealed with epoxy or valve 505 can seal againstan O-ring 525 installed in an inner another suitable material to protect it from water, the chemi surface of the container 115 proximate and circumscribing cal compound 510, and reaction products. In another the first opening 560 of the container 115. In another example, example, the LED can be actuated by the user with a switch, the one-way valve 505 can be made of a material, or can be button, or other Suitable actuation mechanism mounted on the coated with a material, that is capable of providing a water self-inflating device 100. tight seal against a Surface of the container 115. For instance, 0028. The one-way valve 505 can be any suitable type of the one-way valve 505 can include a material having a durom one-way valve. In one example, the one-way valve 505 can be eter of 55-65, 55-70, 65-75, 55-90, or 70-90 on a Shore A a flap with a hinge 305, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. The hinge scale, and can be capable of providing a watertight seal 305 can include a torsion spring that is configured to resist against a surface of the container 115. Suitable materials for opening of the one-way valve 505. In particular, the torsion the one-way valve can include ABS, POM, KAPTON, spring can resist opening of the one-way valve 505 and can boPET, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, urge the one-way valve to close and seal against the opening PTFE, urethane, VITON, latex, natural rubber, butyl rubber, 560 in the container 115. The spring force of the torsion polychloroprene, polypropylene, EPDM rubber, fluoroelas US 2014/0273678 A1 Sep. 18, 2014 tomer, nitrile, ethylene-propylene rubber, or a mixture, lami Volume of the self-inflating device (Veran ) to a nate, or edge-bonded combination of two or more such mate Volume where the buoyant force acting on the self-inflating rials. device (Been ter) has sufficient magnitude for the 0032. The removable cap 120 can allow the inner volume Equations 1 and 2 to hold true. Once the volume of the of the container 115 to be accessed for insertion of the chemi self-inflating device reaches a suitable Volume for Equations cal compound 510 before use, and can also allow for easy 1 and 2 to hold true, the self-inflating device 100 and the cleaning and removal of reaction products after use. In protective case 105 and its contents will be carried to the another example, the container may 115 not include a remov surface of the body of water by the combined buoyant force able cap 120. Instead, the chemical compound 510 can be (Botective case-Belenang device), as shown in FIG.8. inserted through the one-way valve 505. For example, the 0037. In another example, the self-inflating device 100 user can depress the one-way valve 505 to access the opening may not include a container 115 with a chemical compound 560 that leads to the inner volume of the container 115, and 510 contained therein. Instead, the inflatable portion 550 can the user can then insert the chemical compound 510 into the include the chemical compound 510 within the inflatable container through the opening 560. portion. For example, the chemical compound 510 can be 0033. In another example, the entire container 115 can be coated or applied on at least a portion of an inner Surface of the detachable from the self-inflating device 100 so that instead inflatable portion 550. For instance, the chemical compound of replacing the chemical compound 510 or changing the 510 can be coated or applied on an inner surface of the actuation pressure of the one-way valve 505, the user can inflatable portion 550 in the form of a solid, powder, or gel. If simply swap out a first container 115 and replace it with a coated, the coating can be applied using a spray coating second container, which can include a quantity of unreacted process, a dip coating process, or any other Suitable coating chemical compound or may have a one-way valve with an process. In another example, the chemical compound 510 can actuation pressure that is greater than or less than the actua be a tablet or a water permeable bag or other suitable con tion pressure of the one-way valve on the first container. tainer containing the chemical compound and affixed to an 0034. The size of the inner volume of the container 115 inner surface of the inflatable portion 550 using an adhesive or can depend on the volume of chemical compound 510 that mechanical fastener. In another example, the chemical com must be stored thereinto produce a quantity of gas that creates pound can be impregnated into an inner Surface of the inflat a desired buoyant force. The inner volume of the container able portion 550. By positioning the chemical compound 510 115 can be larger for electronic devices having a greater mass within the inflatable portion 550, instead of within the con (e.g. a tablet) and smaller for electronic devices having a tainer 115, the chemical compound 510 may not be easily lesser mass (e.g. a Smartphone), since the inner Volume of the accessible to the user. This can be a desirable safety feature, container 115 can be configured to accommodate a sufficient since it can prevent a child or animal from accidentally gain quantity of chemical compound 510 to produce enough gas to ing exposure to the chemical compound 510. To further pre render the combination of the self-inflating device 100 and vent accidental exposure to the chemical compound 510, the electronic device positively buoyant. chemical compound 510 can be coated on an inner surface of 0035. The buoyant force (B) experienced by an object the inflatable portion 550 near the middle of the inflatable submerged in water is equal to (pVg), where p is the density portion and not near the ends (315, 515) of the inflatable of water (e.g. 62.3 lb/ft at 70°Fahrenheit), V is the volume of portion. For example, the chemical compound may not be the object, and g is the Earth's gravitational acceleration (32.2 present within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches of the ends of the ft/s). When the self-inflating device 100 and protective case inflatable portion 550 where a child’s finger could potentially 105 are submerged in water, the buoyant force (B) provided reach the chemical compound 510 if inserted into an end of by the displaced water acts in an upward direction, and the the inflatable portion 550 when the self-inflating device 100 is combined weight (W) of the self-inflating device and the disassembled. protective case and its contents acts in a downward direction. 0038. In an example where the self-inflating device 100 If the buoyant force is less than the combined weight of the does not include a container 115, the first and second ends self-inflating device 100 and the protective case 105 and its (515, 315) can be fluidly connected to each other by any contents, the self-inflating device and protective case will suitable method of attachment. The connection between the sink (i.e. if B

7. The self-inflating device of claim 6, wherein the basic ured to open and allow water into the inner volume of the component comprises Sodium bicarbonate and the acidic inflatable portion when the self-inflating device is sub component comprises citric acid. merged in water to a depth where a pressure applied 8. The self-inflating device of claim 6, wherein the basic against an outer Surface of the one-way valve is greater component comprises Sodium bicarbonate and the acidic than or equal to an actuation pressure, and wherein the component comprises tartaric acid. inflatable portion is configured to inflate with gas pro 9. The self-inflating device of claim 6, wherein the basic duced when the chemical compound is exposed to water. component comprises sodium perborate and the acidic com 15. The self-inflating device of claim 14, wherein the ponent comprises acetic acid. actuation pressure of the one-way valve is greater than atmo 10. The self-inflating device of claim 1, further comprising spheric pressure. a protective covering over the inflatable portion, wherein the 16. The self-inflating device of claim 14, wherein the protective covering comprises nylon multifilament. inflatable portion is gas-impermeable and waterproof, and 11. The self-inflating device of claim 1, wherein the one wherein the inflatable portion comprises an elastomer. way valve has a fixed actuation pressure. 17. The self-inflating device of claim 14, wherein the 12. The self-inflating device of claim 1, wherein the one chemical compound comprises an acidic component and a way valve has an adjustable actuation pressure. basic component. 13. The self-inflating device of claim 1, further comprising 18. The self-inflating device of claim 17, wherein the basic a removable cap attached to the container, wherein the remov component comprises sodium bicarbonate, and the acidic able cap allows the inner volume of the container to be component comprises citric acid. accessed for cleaning or insertion of the chemical compound. 14. A self-inflating device comprising: 19. The self-inflating device of claim 17, wherein the basic an inflatable portion configured to receive a chemical com component comprises sodium bicarbonate, and the acidic pound, wherein the chemical compound is configured to component comprises tartaric acid produce a gas when exposed to water; and 20. The self-inflating device of claim 17, wherein the basic a one-way valve covering an opening in the inflatable por component comprises sodium perborate, and the acidic com tion, wherein the opening leads to an inner Volume of the ponent comprises acetic acid. inflatable portion, wherein the one-way valve is config k k k k k