HOOVER INDUSTRIES has won US Federal Aviation Administration approval for its infant and small-child life preserver. The product is thought to be the only one to meet FAA Technical Standing Order C13f requirements.
The FAA requires that the upper torso be prevented from coming into contact with water. Hoover has gone further by providing a complete survival capsule. David Miller, vice-president of research and development, says: "Our design, a double-wall truncated cone, is new in design and function."
The capsule inflates in 2s and can support a child weighing up to 16kg. The top opens to allow the child to be put inside and once closed with a zip, completely seals the child from the elements. Two one-way ports allow fresh air in, while keeping water out and a large ballast bag ensures that the capsule remains upright.
Source: Flight International
