U.S. patent application number 09/683438 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for personal flotation device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hedstrom Corporation. Invention is credited to Carter, David, Steger, Ralph E..
Application Number | 20030124925 09/683438 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24744046 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030124925 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steger, Ralph E. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE
Abstract
A personal flotation device, includes a shell defining a cavity
having a first portion and a second portion for each receiving a
buoyant element where the first and second portions are relatively
moveable. Aa fastener for releasably interconnecting the first and
second portions having a first and a second part such that when
interconnected relative movement of the first and second portions
is limited. A safety device is connected to the second portion and
is associated with the first part of the fastener for redundant
interconnection of the first and second portions in the event that
the fastener is unintentionally disconnected.
Inventors: |
Steger, Ralph E.; (Baxley,
GA) ; Carter, David; (Hazlehurst, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VEDDER PRICE KAUFMAN & KAMMHOLZ
222 N. LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Assignee: |
Hedstrom Corporation
585 Slawin Court
Mt. Prospect
IL
60056 2183
|
Family ID: |
24744046 |
Appl. No.: |
09/683438 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 9/087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/117 |
International
Class: |
B63C 009/08 |
Claims
1. A personal flotation device, comprising: a shell defining a
cavity having a first portion, a second portion, and a third
portion; a first buoyant element disposed in the first portion of
the cavity; a second buoyant element disposed in the second portion
of the cavity; an opening defined by a penannular portion and a gap
defined between a first end and a second end of the penannular
portion; the opening disposed generally between the first and
second portions of the shell and adapted to receive and retain a
first portion of a wearer's body; the third portion extending from
the first portion opposite the second portion and interconnected to
the second portion; and, the first and second buoyant elements
relatively moveable about the opening for installation and removal
from the wearer's body:
2. The personal flotation device of claim 1, wherein a first
fastener includes a first part connected to the first portion
adjacent the first end of the penannular portion and a second part
connected to the second portion adjacent the second end of the
penannular portion for releasable interconnection of the first and
second ends of the penannular portion to limit relative movement of
the first and second portions.
3. The personal flotation device of claim 1, wherein a strap is
connected to the first portion and has a free end for encircling
the wearer's body.
4. The personal flotation device of claim 3, wherein the strap
includes a second fastener for releasably interconnecting a first
end of the strap and the free end of the strap.
5. The personal flotation device of claim 1, wherein the third
portion has a tapered configuration such that a width dimension of
the third portion increases to support a second portion of the
wearer's body.
6. The personal flotation device of claim 1, wherein the third
portion is interconnected to the second portion adjacent the
penannular portion.
7. The personal flotation device of claim 1, wherein a handle is
connected to the second portion.
8. A personal flotation device comprising: a shell defining a
cavity having a first portion, a second portion, and a third
portion; a first buoyant element disposed in the first portion of
the cavity; a second buoyant element disposed in the second portion
of the cavity; an opening defined by a penannular portion and a gap
defined between a first end and a second end of the penannular
portion; the opening disposed generally between the first and
second portions of the shell and adapted to receive and retain a
first portion of a wearer's body; the third portion extending from
the first portion opposite the second portion and interconnected to
the second portion; the first and second buoyant elements
relatively moveable about the opening for installation on and
removal from the wearer's body; a first fastener including a first
part connected to the first portion adjacent a first end of the
penannular portion and a second part connected to the second
portion adjacent a second end of the penannular portion for
releasably interconnecting the first and second ends of the
penannular portion to limit relative movement of the first and
second portions; and, a safety operatively associated with the
first fastener for redundant interconnection of the first and
second ends of the penannular portion.
9. The personal flotation device of claim 8, wherein a strap is
connected to the first portion and has a free end for encircling
the wearer's body.
10. The personal flotation device of claim 9, wherein the strap
includes a second fastener for releasably interconnecting a first
end of the strap and the free end of the strap.
11. The personal flotation device of claim 8, wherein the third
portion has a tapered configuration such that a width dimension of
the third portion increases to support a second portion of the
wearer's body.
12. The personal flotation device of claim 8, wherein the third
portion is connected to the second portion adjacent the penannular
portion.
13. The personal flotation device of claim 8, wherein a handle is
connected to the second portion.
14. A personal flotation device, comprising: a shell including a
first material element having a first surface and a first
peripheral edge, and a second material element having a second
surface and a second peripheral edge such that the first and second
material elements are interconnected about the first and second
peripheral edges to define a cavity therebetween; the shell having
a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, where the
first portion is medially disposed between the second and third
portions; a first buoyant element disposed in the first portion; a
second buoyant element disposed in the second portion; an opening
defined by the shell extending from the first surface to the second
surface defined by a penannular portion and a gap defined between a
first and second end of the penannular portion; a first fastener
including a first part connected adjacent the first end of the
penannular portion and a second part connected adjacent the second
end of the penannular portion for releasably interconnecting the
first and second ends to limit relative movement of the first and
second portions; the third portion extending from the first portion
opposite the second portion and interconnected to the second
surface of the second portion; and, a strap connected to the first
portion and having a free end for encircling a wearer's body.
15. The personal flotation device of claim 14, wherein a safety
device is operatively associated with the first fastener for
redundant interconnection of the first and second ends of the
penannular portion.
16. The personal flotation device of claim 14, wherein the third
portion has a tapered configuration including a width dimension
which increases in relation to a distance from the first portion,
for supporting a second portion of the wearer's body.
17. A personal flotation device, comprising: a shell defining a
cavity having a first portion and a second portion for each
receiving at least one buoyant element where the first and second
portions are relatively moveable; a fastener for releasable
interconnecting the first and second portions having a first part
and a second part such that when interconnected relative movement
therebetween is limited; and, a safety device connected to the
second portion and operatively associated with the first part of
the fastener for redundant interconnection of the first and second
portions in the event that the fastener is unintentionally
disconnected.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a personal flotation
device ("PFD") having improved flotation support and
interconnection with a wearer. More in particular, the present
invention includes an improved shell having buoyant elements and
fastener assembly to interconnect the PFD to the wearer and thereby
apply buoyant forces to lift the wearer's body in water. The PFD is
structured to comfortably support the wearer's head above water
level and to tend to orient the head into a face-up attitude while
the wearer is in water. Further, the improved PFD is preferably
adaptable for use with infants, children and other wearers with
little or no experience swimming or in the water.
[0002] Various types of life vests or personal flotation devices
exist which are designed to be worn or otherwise used by a wearer
to keep the wearer afloat in a body of water. Such flotation
devices, also referred to as marine buoyant devices, are currently
in wide use in the recreational, commercial and military areas. In
addition, flotation devices having certain performance
characteristics are a legal requirement in the operation of boats
and ships of various sizes.
[0003] The United States Coast Guard ("USCG") has established
guidelines for determining the performance level of a life vest or
personal flotation device, based on the lifesaving capacity of such
devices. For instance, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., which is
understood by the inventor hereof to be an approved testing agency
for the USCG, lists several categories of "Buoyant Devices" in its
Mar. 29, 1996 handbook entitled "UL 1123 Standard for Marine
Buoyant Devices" which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] One of these categories is for a Type I device, also
referred to as an "off-shore" PFD which is intended to turn most
unconscious wearers face up on the water and which is best suited
for open, rough or remote water where rescue may be slow in coming.
There is also a Type II device, sometimes also referred to as a
"near shore PFD", which is "intended to turn some unconscious
persons from a face down position in the water to a position where
the wearer's respiration is not impeded." These PFDs are good for
calm, inland water or where there is a good chance to fast rescue.
Other categories of PFDs include a Type III device, which is
"intended to support a conscious person in the water in an upright
position or backward position but is not required to turn an
unconscious person in the water from a face-down position to a
position where the wearer's respiration is not impeded." As such, a
Type III device is not suitable for an unconscious wearer because a
wearer may have to tilt his or her head back to avoid going face
down in the water, and further, his or her face may often be
covered by waves. There is also a Type IV device, which is
"intended to be thrown to and grasped by a person in the water" and
which does not need to provide any means for closely fitting about
the person's body. Of course, the Type IV device is also not
suitable for an unconscious person, but also not even for a
non-swimmer, as such devices require a person to hold on for
buoyant support.
[0005] In addition, the USCG subjects PFDs to certain "tests" such
as the "Donning Test" wherein the PFD must be capable of being
donned in a short period of time, usually one minute or less, and a
"Flotation Stability Test," to name a few. There are others, such
as a "freeboard test," which measures a distance perpendicularly
from the surface of the water to the lowest point where the
wearer's respiration may be impeded, a "head support" test, a "face
plan angle" test, and a "chin support" test, with specific criteria
for passing such tests. As one might imagine, to qualify as a Type
I or a Type II device, there is also a "turning test." Of course,
several PFDs have been developed which meet the various testing and
other criteria of the USCG for the foregoing "Types" of
devices.
[0006] The USCG requires that approved PFDs be available on a boat,
although the number and type depend on the number of people on
board, the size and type of boat, and the kind of boating. Of
course, a PFD can only be helpful in an emergency on the water if
it is readily available. As one never knows when an emergency
situation will arise, it would naturally be best for persons who
are out on the water or on a boat to wear a PFD at all times. The
USCG's booklet entitled "Think Safe Choose the Right Personal
Flotation Device (PFD)" reports that most drownings do not occur
way out at sea, but instead, that nine (9) out of ten (10)
drownings occur in inland waters. Given this fact, and a choice
among the various "Types" of PFDs, it would be preferable for
recreational boaters and the like on inland waters to carry at
least Type II PFDs on board, and further, to wear such PFDs at all
times.
[0007] Regarding infants and toddlers, PFDs must provide additional
support as these children do not know how to swim and often lack
the awareness to refrain from actions which may cause the PFD to
become unattached. Frightened children flail about in an attempt to
regain a certain comfort zone. As a result loosely connected or
fitting PFDs become partially or completely separated from the
infant wearer. Further, it is important for an infant PFD to turn
the infant to a face-up position without effort from the child.
[0008] There has, however, been a persistent problem in the art
relating to adequate support in connection of the wearer to a Type
II PFD when it is being worn by a person with little or no
experience swimming or in the water who may be helpless to save
themselves without a PFD, namely, infants, children, and others
similarly situated. Presumably, this is also true of Type I PFDs as
well. This discussion will refer more to Type II PFDs but its
teachings are not so limited.
[0009] More in particular, with all of the known Type II PFDs,
there is a tendency for the PFD to "ride up" from the intended
position about the torso of the wearer. This "ride-up" tendency
creates a situation where an inexperienced wearer is more
susceptible to becoming separated from the PFD. Further, the cause
for the tendency to ride up is a loose fitting design. The problem
of separation from the PFD is exacerbated by this loose fitting
design. This is particularly troublesome where infants or
inexperienced swimmers are involved.
[0010] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a PFD which
not only meets the lifesaving criteria of all the USCG for a Type
II device, but which supports the wearer in a face up position and
is securely fastened to the body of the wearer such that the wearer
may not easily be separated therefrom. Ideally, any such PFD should
permit the wearer freedom of movement even when immersed in water.
Any such PFD should also be relatively simple in construction,
inexpensive to manufacture, and capable of enabling a person to
determine easily how to don the PFD, so that it may be readily
donned in a short period of time.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] The personal flotation device of the present invention is
primarily for use with an infant or a person weighing less than 30
pounds. However, adjustments as to scale may be used for wearers of
larger dimensions and the teachings of this invention are not so
limited. A personal flotation device has a shell defining a cavity
having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. A
first buoyant element is disposed in the first portion of the
cavity. A second buoyant element is disposed in the second portion
of the cavity. An opening is defined by a penannular portion and a
gap defined between a first end and a second end of the penannular
portion. The opening is generally disposed between the first and
second portions of the shell and is adapted to receive and retain a
first portion of a wearer's body. The third portion extends from
the first portion, opposite the second portion and is connected to
the second portion. The first and second buoyant elements are
relatively movable about the opening for installation on and
removable from the wearer's body. A first fastener including a
first part connected adjacent the first end of the penannular
portion and a second part connected adjacent the second end of the
penannular portion releasably interconnect the first and second
ends of the penannular portion to limit relative movement of the
first and second portions. A safety is operatively associated with
the first fastener for redundant interconnection of the first and
second ends of the penannular portion. A strap connected to the
first portion has a free end for encircling the wearer's body. A
handle is connected to the second portion for lifting the
wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The features of the present invention which are believed to
be novel are set forth with particularity in the pending claims.
The invention may be best understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like
elements.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the personal flotation
device of the present invention as worn by a wearer.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the PFD of FIG. 1
including broken-away portions of a shell showing the buoyant
elements.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the PFD of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the PFD of FIG. 1
showing a disconnected first fastener and the first and second
portions relatively movable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the PFD 20 in accordance
with an embodiment of this invention. A wearer W has donned the PFD
20 which includes a shell 22, having a first portion 24, a second
portion 26, and a third portion 28. An opening 30 is defined by a
penannular portion 32 and a gap 34 defined between a first end 36
and a second 38 of the penannular portion 32. The opening 30 is
disposed generally between the first and second portions 24 and 26
of the shell 22 and is adapted to receive and retain a first
portion W1 of a wearer's W body.
[0018] A first fastener 40 including a first part 42 is connected
to the first portion 24 adjacent the first end 36 of the penannular
portion 32 and a second part 44 connected to the second portion 26
adjacent the second end 38 of the penannular portion 32 for
releasably interconnecting the first and second ends 36 and 38 of
the penannular portion 32 to limit relative movement of the first
and second portions 24 and 26.
[0019] A strap 46 is connected to the first portion 24 and has a
free end 48 for encircling the wearer's W body. The strap 46
further includes a second fastener 50 for releasably
interconnecting a first end 52 and a free end 48 of the strap
46.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of the PFD 20 of FIG. 1
with two partially broken away sections showing a first buoyant
element 54 and a second buoyant element 56. The shell 22 includes a
first material element 58 having a first surface 60 and a first
peripheral edge 62, and a second material element 64 having a
second surface 66 and a second peripheral edge 68. The first and
second material elements 58 and 64 are interconnected about the
first and second peripheral edges 62 and 68 to define a cavity 70
therebetween. The first and second material elements 58 and 64 may
be formed from any suitable material, for example, nylon, coated
nylon, polyester, coated polyester, or poly-cotton or other
material conventionally used in this industry for the stated
purpose. Interconnection of the material elements about the first
and second peripheral edges is achieved by stitching with a thread.
Any suitable thread may be used, for example, nylon or polyester
thread. Any suitable conventional stitch type may be used for
stitching, for example, stitch Type 301 is used on all structural
seams, and stitch Type 515 is used in lieu of Type 301 on
non-structural seams, such as overlays.
[0021] The cavity 70, defined within the shell 22, has a
corresponding first portion 24, second portion 26, and third
portion 28. The first portion 24 is generally medially disposed
between the second and third portions 26 and 28. The first buoyant
element 54 is disposed in the first portion 24 of the cavity 70.
The second buoyant element 56 is disposed in the second portion 26
of the cavity 70. The buoyant elements 54 and 56 may be formed from
any suitable material to achieve the desired buoyancy tolerance.
For example, the buoyant element material may be formed from
polyvinyl cloride or polyethylene or the combination of polyvinyl
cloride and polyethylene. Further, the buoyant elements may be
formed from the different materials described above in any
combination such that the front buoyant distribution tolerance is
52% or greater. Preferably, the front buoyant distribution
tolerance is 55% or greater. The buoyant material may have a
conventional structure and be commonly available, such as the
products from Airex AG, product S30.50, and/or Ensolite, Inc.,
products MLC, MLC-2, or MFC-2, and/or Rubatex Corp., product
FLO-10, and/or United Technologies, product 768.12 and/or Sealed
Air Corp., products 1/4FF-1, -2, -3, or -4, and/or Sentinel Product
Corp., product HF-1/4.
[0022] The opening 30 formed in the shell 22 is defined by a
penannular portion 32 and a gap 34 defined between the first end 36
and a second end 38 of a penannular portion 32.
[0023] The first fastener 40 includes a first part 42 connected to
the first portion 24 adjacent the first end 36 of the penannular
portion 32, and a second part 44 connected to the second portion 26
adjacent the second end 38 of the penannular portion 32 for
releasably interconnecting the first and second ends 36 and 38 to
limit relative movement of the first and second portions 24 and 26.
The first part 42 includes a strap 72 connected to the first
portion 24, such that the first part 42 is disposed at a position
along the length of the strap 72. The dimension of the opening 30
and gap 34 may be adjusted and controlled by the position of the
first part 42 on the strap 72. Preferably, the first part 42 is
adjusted on the strap 72 such that the opening 30 is disposed
snugly around the first part of the wearer's body.
[0024] The strap 46 connected to the first portion 24 and has a
free end 48 for encircling the wearer's body. The strap 46 may have
any suitable construction. For example, a one inch wide webbing may
be provided, however, other sizes and styles may be used. The cut
ends of the webbing are heat-sealed. The strap 46 is connected to
the first portion 24 by any suitable manner. For example, a Box-X
or Bar-Tack stitching method may be used. Other webbing used in
connection with the present invention may also be attached to the
shell 22 with either of the above stitches. The free end 48 of the
strap 46 is adjusted to snuggly fit the PFD 20 to the wearer's
body.
[0025] A safety device 74 is connected to the first portion 24
adjacent the first end 36 of the penannular portion 32 and is
operatively associated with the first fastener 40 for redundant
interconnection of the first and second ends 36 and 38 of the
penannular portion 32. The safety device 74 may be formed of any
suitable material and in any suitable manner such that the first
and second portions 24 and 26 remain interconnected in the event
that the first fastener 40 is unintentionally disconnected. The
safety device 74 may be formed of any suitable material. For
example, a one-quarter inch (1/4") flat polypropylene cord, such as
Style 637 from William M. Jette and Son, Inc. which is secured to
the first portion 24 with a minimum of three rows of back
stitching. The safety device 74 is defeated by carefully threading
the second part 44 therethrough.
[0026] The third portion 28 extends from the first portion 24
opposite the second portion 26, and is interconnected to the second
portion 26 as will be discussed below.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of the PFD 20 of FIG. 1.
The third portion 28 has a tapered configuration such that a width
dimension WD of the third portion 28 decreases for a first distance
D1 from the first portion 29, then increases for a second distance
D2 for supporting a second portion W2, see FIG. 1, of the wearer's
body. It will be noted by those of skill in the art, that the third
portion 28 passes through the legs of the wearer in order to
prevent the PFD 20 from riding up. The first portion 24 associated
with the torso of the wearer's body pushes up against the wearer's
chin. The width dimension WD near the second portion 26 has
sufficiently increased to support the width of the second portion
W2 of the wearer. It will be noted by those of skill in the art,
that this structural configuration keeps the second portion 26
securely associated with the wearer. Further, the increased width
dimension WD of the third portion 28 prevents the wearer from
easily falling out of the PFD 20. This is further enabled when the
third portion 28 is interconnected to the second portion 26
adjacent the penannular portion at a point A. A loop 76 is
connected to the third portion 28 and may have a structural
configuration as described for the strap 46. The loop 76 is
configured to receive and position the strap 46 while encircling
the wearer's body. It will be noted by those of skill in the art,
that the loop 76 further aids in preventing separation of the
wearer from the PFD 20 through sideways movement. The loop 76 is
connected to the third portion 28 with any suitable stitching
technique described above.
[0028] A handle 78 is connected to the second portion 26. The
handle 78 may be formed from any suitable material. For example,
the handle may be formed from webbing similar to that used for the
strap 46 or loop 76. Likewise, the handle 78 is connected to the
second surface 66 of the second portion 26 by any suitable
stitching technique described above.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a side perspective view of the PFD 20 of FIG. 1
wherein the first fastener 40 has been releasably disconnected. The
first and second portions 24 and 26 and the corresponding buoyant
elements are movable about the opening 30. This ease of movement,
whereby the dimension of the opening and the gap may be increased
or decreased, aids in the donning of the PFD 20.
[0030] The invention is not limited to the particular details of
the apparatus depicted and other modifications and applications may
be contemplated. Certain other changes may be made in the
above-described apparatus without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention herein involved. It is intended,
therefore, that the subject matter of the above depiction shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *