U.S. patent application number 11/616308 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for personal flotation device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stearns, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ralph E. Steger.
Application Number | 20080160849 11/616308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39345615 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080160849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steger; Ralph E. |
July 3, 2008 |
Personal flotation device
Abstract
A personal flotation device (10) includes a torso flotation pad
(21), right armband flotation pad (31) and left armband flotation
pad (41). The right armband flotation pad (31) is operatively
connected to the torso flotation pad (21). The left armband
flotation pad (41) is operatively connected to the torso flotation
pad (21).
Inventors: |
Steger; Ralph E.; (Baxley,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IPLM GROUP, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 18455
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55418
US
|
Assignee: |
Stearns, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39345615 |
Appl. No.: |
11/616308 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 9/135 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/122 |
International
Class: |
B63C 9/08 20060101
B63C009/08 |
Claims
1. A personal flotation device for use by a wearer, comprising: (a)
a torso flotation pad; (b) a right armband flotation pad
operatively connected to the torso flotation pad, and has a right
opening for receiving a right arm of a wearer; (c) a left armband
flotation pad operatively connected to the torso flotation pad and
has a left opening for receiving a left arm of the wearer; and (d)
the armband flotation pads each having a plurality of stacked
planar flotation pads that, when folded to proximate a circle, form
an armband flotation pad of tapering thickness.
2. The personal flotation device of claim 1, further comprising:
(a) the torso flotation pad having a first end and a second end;
(b) an attachment member having a first part operatively connected
to the first end and a second part operatively connected to the
second end; and (c) the first part adapted and configured to be
releaseably attached to the second part, wherein the torso
flotation pad is securable around a wearer's torso.
3. The personal flotation device of claim 2, wherein the attachment
member is positioned proximate the wearer's back.
4. The personal flotation device of claim 1, further comprising the
torso flotation pad and the armband pads are constructed from
closed cell foam.
5. The personal flotation device of claim 4, further comprising the
torso flotation pad and armband flotation pads having a fabric
cover.
6. The personal flotation device of claim 5, wherein the fabric is
used to form a retention member to operatively connect the torso
flotation pad to the armband flotation pads.
7. (canceled)
8. The personal flotation device of claim 4, comprising the torso
flotation pad having a plurality of planar torso flotation pads
that, when folded into an arcuate shape, form a torso flotation pad
of tapering thickness.
9. The personal flotation device of claim 1, wherein the armband
flotation pads are, when worn by the wearer, operatively connected
to the torso flotation pad at a position above the wearer's
armpits.
10. A personal flotation device for use by a wearer, comprising:
(a) a torso securing member; (b) a right armband flotation pad
operatively connected to the torso securing member, and has a right
opening for receiving a right arm of a wearer; (c) a left armband
flotation pad operatively connected to the torso securing member
and has a left opening for receiving a left arm of the wearer; and
(d) the armband flotation pads each having a plurality of stacked
planar flotation pads that, when folded to proximate a circle, form
an armband flotation pad of tapering thickness, the armband
flotation pads being thicker on the outside of a wearer's arm than
on a wearer's underarm.
11. The personal flotation device of claim 10, wherein the torso
securing member is a torso flotation pad.
12. The personal flotation device of claim 11, further comprising:
(a) the torso flotation pad having a first end and a second end;
(b) an attachment member having a first part operatively connected
to the first end and a second part operatively connected to the
second end; and (c) the first part adapted and configured to be
releaseably attached to the second part, wherein the torso
flotation pad is securable around a wearer's torso.
13. The personal flotation device of claim 12, wherein the
attachment member is positioned proximate the wearer's back.
14. The personal flotation device of claim 11, further comprising
the torso flotation pad and the armband pads are constructed from
closed cell foam.
15. The personal flotation device of claim 14, further comprising
the torso flotation pad and armband flotation pads having a fabric
cover.
16. The personal flotation device of claim 15, wherein the fabric
is used to form a retention member to operatively connect the torso
flotation pad to the armband flotation pads.
17. (canceled)
18. The personal flotation device of claim 14, comprising the torso
flotation pad having a plurality of planar torso flotation pads
that, when folded into an arcuate shape, form a torso flotation pad
of tapering thickness.
19. The personal flotation device of claim 11, wherein the armband
flotation pads are, when worn by the wearer, operatively connected
to the torso flotation pad at a position above the wearer's
armpits.
20. A personal flotation device for use by a child, comprising: (a)
a torso flotation pad constructed from closed cell foam, the torso
flotation pad having a first end and a second end and having a
plurality of planar torso flotation pads that, when folded into an
arcuate shape, form a torso flotation pad of tapering thickness;
(b) an attachment member having a first part operatively connected
to the first end and a second part operatively connected to the
second end; (c) the first part adapted and configured to be
releaseably attached to the second part, wherein the torso
flotation pad is securable around a child's torso, wherein the
attachment member is positioned proximate the child's back; (d) a
right armband flotation pad constructed from closed cell foam, the
right armband flotation pad operatively connected to the torso
flotation pad, and has a right opening for receiving a right arm of
a child; (e) a left armband flotation pad constructed from closed
cell foam, the left armband flotation pad operatively connected to
the torso flotation pad, and has a left opening for receiving a
left arm of a child; (f) the armband flotation pads each having a
varying thickness, the armband flotation pads being thicker on the
outside of a child's arm than on a child's underarm; (g) the
armband flotation pads each having a plurality of stacked planar
flotation pads that are similarly sized and that, when folded to
proximate a circle, form an armband flotation pad of tapering
thickness; (h) the torso flotation pad and armband flotation pads
having a fabric cover; and (i) the fabric is used to form a
retention member to operatively connect the torso flotation pad to
the armband flotation pads.
21. (canceled)
22. The personal flotation device of claim 20 further comprising
the torso flotation pad having a plurality of planar torso
flotation pads that, when folded into an arcuate shape, form a
torso flotation pad of tapering thickness.
23. The personal flotation device of claim 4, further comprising
the armband planar flotation pads are similarly sized.
24. The personal flotation device of claim 10, further comprising
the armband planar flotation pads are similarly sized.
25. An armband for providing buoyancy to a user while in water, the
armband comprising: (a) an armband flotation pad having a plurality
of stacked planar flotation pads, each planar flotation pad being
similarly sized; and (b) a fabric cover for retaining the planar
flotation pads which, when the planar flotation pads are folded to
proximate a circle, form an armband flotation pad of tapering
thickness.
26. The armband of claim 24, further comprising the planar
flotation pads are constructed from closed cell foam.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to a personal flotation
device and more particularly to a personal flotation device having
armbands.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Swimmers armbands are typically inflatable vinyl film
chambers donned by sliding the armbands over a child's upper arms.
Most of the designs for armbands are one size fits all. Adjustments
can be accomplished by varying the amount of air inside of each
chamber in each armband. The armbands have no retention system to
keep the armband secured in place other than the friction created
by the inflated air pressure around the arms of the child. Such
armbands are prone to come off unexpectedly during a child's normal
water activity such as when jumping in the water with arms over the
head of the child. Also, the armbands are susceptible to easily
being removed when the child exits the water to go to the restroom,
for example. Then, when returning to the water, the child may
unknowingly trade identical armbands with another child who may not
have them sized properly. Loose fits may go unnoticed until
accidental removal occurs.
[0005] Also, the inflatable material (vinyl film) can be punctured
when bit by the wearer causing an air leak that results in loss of
internal pressure, decreased friction retention and catastrophic
loss of buoyancy.
[0006] Inflatable armbands typically have sufficient buoyancy to
keep a child's head above water as long as the child keeps both
arms down so as to submerge a significant portion of the armbands.
However, when one or both of the arms are raised upward, the
armbands may come out of the water to an extent that decreases
stability, buoyancy and consequently freeboard. Respiration will be
impeded if the child's mouth and nose are submerged.
[0007] Typical U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III personal
flotation devices wrap flotation material in various configurations
around the torso of the wearer. Only float coat styles provide
sleeves with flotation around the arms, but such coat styles are
unsuitable for summer wear or recreational swimming. A Type III
vest, without sleeves, will maintain a conscious wearer in a
vertical or backward position in the water, but will not usually
turn an unconscious wearer face up. A wearer may become unconscious
from hypothermia, for example, if rescue is delayed. Waves may then
cause the head to fall forward. Since head movement changes the
center of gravity substantially for a person in the water,
proximity of the flotation material to the center of gravity of the
wearer can make the device unstable. Forward or sideways movement
of the head can shift the center of gravity sufficiently to roll
the wearer face down.
[0008] The present invention addresses the problems associated with
the prior art devices and provides for a personal flotation device
with a retention member for operatively connecting armband
flotation pads about the wearer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one embodiment the invention is a personal flotation
device for use by wearer. The personal flotation device includes a
torso flotation pad. A right armband flotation pad is operatively
connected to the torso flotation pad and has a right opening for
receiving a right arm of a wearer. A left armband flotation pad is
operatively connected to the torso flotation pad and has a left
opening for receiving a left aim of a wearer.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention is a personal flotation
device for use by a wearer. The flotation device includes a torso
securing member. A right armband flotation pad is operatively
connected to the torso securing member, and has a right opening for
receiving a right arm of a wearer. A left armband flotation pad is
operatively connected to the torso securing member and has a left
opening for receiving a left arm of the wearer. The armband
flotation pads each having a varying thickness, the armband
flotation pads being thicker on the outside of a wearer's arm than
on a wearer's underarm.
[0011] In another embodiment the invention is a personal flotation
device for use by a child. The flotation device includes a torso
flotation pad constructed from a closed cell foam, the torso
flotation pad having first end and a second end and the torso
flotation pad has a plurality of planar torso flotation pads that,
when folded into an arcuate shape, form a torso flotation pad of
tapering thickness. The torso flotation pad has a first end and a
second end. An attachment member has a first part operatively
connected to the first end and a second part operatively connected
to the second end. The first part is adapted and configured to be
releasably attached to the second part, wherein the torso flotation
pad is securable around the child's torso. A right armband
flotation pad is constructed from closed cell foam, the right
armband flotation pad is operatively connected to the torso
flotation pad, and has a right opening for receiving a right arm of
a child. A left armband flotation pad is constructed from closed
cell foam. The left armband flotation pad is operatively connected
to the torso flotation pad, and has a left opening for receiving a
left arm of a child. The armband flotation pads each having a
varying thickness, the armband flotation pads being thicker on the
outside of the child's arm than on a child's underarm. The torso
flotation pad and the armband flotation pads having a fabric cover.
The fabric is used to form a retention member to operatively
connect the torso flotation pad to the armband flotation pads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child wearing a personal
flotation device according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the personal
flotation device shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a layout showing the flotation pads incorporated
in the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the personal flotation
device shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring to the drawing, wherein like numerals represent
like parts throughout the several views, there is generally
disclosed at 10 a personal flotation device In FIG. 1, the personal
flotation device 10 is shown being worn by a child. The personal
flotation device 10 includes a torso flotation pad assembly 20, a
right armband flotation pad assembly 30 and a left armband
flotation pad assembly 40.
[0017] The torso flotation pad assembly includes a torso flotation
pad 21. The torso flotation pad 21 is sized and configured to have
an enlarged area 21a that is positioned proximate the upper front
torso of the wearer and a more elongate first end 21b and elongate
second end 21c that wrap around the back of the wearer. The torso
flotation pad 21 may be constructed of any suitable material such
as a closed cell foam, such as a low density polyethylene foam. In
addition, the torso flotation pad 21 may be a single pad, or, as
shown in FIG. 4, the torso flotation pad 21 may include multiple
layers such as five layers 22-26 that are all similarly sized The
torso flotation pad 21 may be wrapped with a fabric, or other cover
material, such as polyester. It is understood that other suitable
coverings may also be used and alternately the torso flotation pad
21 may not be covered. If the torso flotation pad 21 is made up of
multiple layers 22-26, the layers 22-26 are enclosed and held in
place inside of the fabric cover 27. Then, when bent around the
wearer's torso, the torso flotation pad 21 will have a varying
thickness. This varying thickness will be described in more detail
with respect to the armband flotation assemblies 30, 40. The layers
22-26 may be secured to each other or alternately just held in
place by the fabric cover 27. A first strap 28 is secured to the
fabric cover 27 by suitable means such as stitching, proximate the
first end 21b. A second strap 29 is secured by suitable means to
the fabric 27, by suitable means such as stitching, proximate the
second end 21c. A buckle 50, well known in the art, includes a
receiving member 51 and an insertion member 52 having three prongs.
The insertion member 52 is inserted into the receiving member 51
and forms a buckle 50. It is of course understood that other
suitable means of securing the first strap 28 to the second strap
29 may be utilized. The strap is adjustable by adjusting the strap
29 in the insertion member 52. The torso flotation pad 21 is one
example of a torso securing member and, while preferred, it is
recognized other torso securing members, such as a shirt, or shirt
and shorts member (like a fabric wetsuit) may be used.
[0018] A right armband flotation assembly 30 includes a right
armband flotation pad 31. The right armband flotation pad 31 may be
constructed from any suitable material, such as a closed cell foam,
similar to the torso flotation pad 21. In addition, the right
armband flotation pad 31 may be a single pad, or as shown in FIG.
4, the right armband flotation pad 31 may include multiple layers
such as six layers 32-37 that are all similarly sized. While shown
as six layers 32-37, it is understood that the number of layers may
vary and that the number of layers may vary depending on foam
thickness. For example, seven layers may be used with nominal 1/4''
foam. The right armband flotation pad 31 may be wrapped with
fabric, or other cover material, similar to the torso flotation pad
21. It is understood that other suitable coverings may also be used
and alternately the right armband flotation pad 31 may not be
covered. If not covered, the pad 31 would be either a single pad or
the layers secured to each other. If the right armband flotation
pad 31 is made up of multiple layers 32-37, the layers 32-37 are
enclosed and held in place inside of the fabric 38 and the layers
are not adhered to adjacent layers. When the layers 32-37 are
formed in a circle, the right armband flotation pad 31 will have a
varying thickness. When the fabric is joined to enclose the layers
32-37, the layers 32-37 are held in position by the fabric 38. As
can be seen in FIG. 4, the ends of layer 37 will be retained
adjacent each other. Then each layer, as one progresses outward, is
further and further away from its end. This creates a right armband
flotation pad 31 that has a varying thickness and is thicker on the
outside of the arm than on the inside, proximate the underarm of
the wearer. This provides for better movement of the arm of the
wearer. The opening 30a, through which the arm is inserted, is
generally circular, but the center of the opening 30a is eccentric
from the center of the right armband flotation assembly 30. The
layers 32-37 may be secured to each other or alternately just held
in place by the fabric cover 38.
[0019] A left armband flotation assembly 40 includes a left armband
flotation pad 41, The left armband flotation pad 41 may be
constructed from any suitable material, such as a closed cell foam,
similar to the torso flotation pad 21. In addition, the left
armband flotation pad 41 may be a single pad, or as shown in FIG.
4, the left armband flotation pad 41 may include multiple layers
such as six layers 42-47 that are all similarly sized. While shown
as six layers 42-47, it is understood that the number of layers may
vary and that the number of layers may vary depending on foam
thickness. For example, seven layers may be used with nominal 1/4''
foam. The left armband flotation pad 41 may be wrapped with fabric,
or other cover material, similar to the torso flotation pad 21 It
is understood that other suitable coverings may also be used and
alternately the left armband flotation pad 41 may not be covered.
If not covered, the pad 41 would be either a single pad or the
layers secured to each other. If the left armband flotation pad 41
is made up of multiple layers 42-47, the layers 42-47 are enclosed
and held in place inside of the fabric 48 and the layers are not
adhered to adjacent layers. When the layers 42-47 are formed in a
circle, the left armband flotation pad 41 will have a varying
thickness. When the fabric is joined to enclose the layers 42-47,
the layers 42-47 are held in position by fabric 48. As can be seen
in FIG. 4, the ends of layer 47 will be retained adjacent each
other. Then each layer, as one progresses outward, is further and
further away from its end. This creates a left armband flotation
pad 41 that has a varying thickness and is thicker on the outside
of the arm than on the inside, proximate the underarm of the
wearer. This provides for better movement of the arm of the wearer.
The opening 40a, through which the arm is inserted, is generally
circular, but the center of the opening 40a is eccentric from the
center of the left armband flotation assembly 40. The layers 42-47
may be secured to each other or alternately just held in place by
the fabric cover 48.
[0020] The fabric 38 is sewn to the fabric 27, by suitable means
such as stitching 60. Likewise, the fabric 48 is sewn to the fabric
27 by suitable means such as stitching 70. The stitching 60 and 70
is proximate the top portion of the torso flotation pad 21 as the
torso flotation pad 21 transitions from the enlarged area 21a to
either the first end 21b or second end 21c. This will position the
armband flotation assemblies 30, 40 in the proper position as will
be described more fully hereafter.
[0021] In operation, the child places his right arm through the
opening 30a in the right armband flotation assembly 30 and his left
arm through the opening 40a in the left armband flotation assembly
40. This places the enlarged area 21a proximate the upper portion
of the torso of the child. An adult may then secure the receiving
member 51 into the insertion member 52 and the strap 29 may be
sized for proper tension around the child. This places the buckle
50 in the back of the child, thereby making it more difficult for
the child to release the buckle 50. The tapered configuration,
especially in the armband flotation assemblies 30, 40 allow for
enhanced freedom of movement of the child's arms as the thinner
section is located under each arm. The torso flotation pad 20
provides buoyancy to the child even when the arms are raised.
Locating the flotation around the upper arms of the child, away
from the center of gravity of the child maintains stability and
maximizes freeboard so the head movements are less likely to result
in unwanted face down positions. The tethering provided by the
stitching 60 and 70 places the armband flotation assemblies 30, 40
high up on the arms of the child and the tethering is proximate or
above the armpits of the wearer.
[0022] It is understood that the torso flotation pad 21 can utilize
various shapes and closure systems for more or less body coverage.
Further, the armband flotation assemblies 30, 40 can be constructed
with alternative materials and shapes of buoyant material.
[0023] The above specification, examples and data provide a
complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition
of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,
the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
* * * * *