U.S. patent application number 12/579790 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for personal location indicating attachment assembly and personal flotation lifejacket constructed therewith.
Invention is credited to Paul Alfred Delgado.
Application Number | 20110092117 12/579790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43879648 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110092117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Delgado; Paul Alfred |
April 21, 2011 |
PERSONAL LOCATION INDICATING ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY AND PERSONAL
FLOTATION LIFEJACKET CONSTRUCTED THEREWITH
Abstract
A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket includes a brightly colored, broad, flat,
pliant covering formed with attachment straps to secure the
covering with respect to an exterior outer surface of a back of the
personal flotation life jacket. A brightly colored, broad,
elongate, pliant flag is secured to the covering and extends
outwardly with respect to the covering and the exterior outer
surface of the back of the personal flotation life jacket, and
cooperates with the covering to improve the ability of onlookers to
visually identify a user wearing the personal flotation lifejacket
during aquatic recreational activity, such as boating, waterskiing,
or the like, and who may be floating in a body of water.
Inventors: |
Delgado; Paul Alfred;
(Phoenix, AZ) |
Family ID: |
43879648 |
Appl. No.: |
12/579790 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 9/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/89 |
International
Class: |
B63C 9/20 20060101
B63C009/20 |
Claims
1. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket, comprising: a brightly colored, broad, flat,
pliant covering including opposed inner and outer faces, opposed
upper and lower ends, and opposed first and second sides extending
between the opposed upper and lower ends; the upper end having a
first intermediate section and opposed first and second shoulder
sections formed on either side of the first intermediate section
proximate to the first and second sides, respectively, of the
covering; the lower end having a second intermediate section and
opposed first and second hip sections formed on either side of the
second intermediate section proximate to the first and second
sides, respectively, of the covering; a strap attached to each of
the first and second shoulder sections and the first and second hip
sections, each of the straps having an inner end attached to the
covering and an opposed outer end; an engagement assembly formed
between the covering and the outer end of each of the straps, the
engagement assemblies operable to configure the straps between open
positions with respect to the covering and closed positions with
respect to the covering forming engagement loops to secure a
personal flotation lifejacket, including a back having an exterior
outer surface, to hold and retain the covering to the back of the
personal flotation lifejacket with the inner face of the covering
facing the exterior outer surface of the back of the personal
flotation lifejacket; and a brightly colored, broad, elongate,
pliant flag having a inner end secured to the covering at a
substantially intermediate location with respect to the opposed
upper and lower ends and the opposed first and second sides, and
which extends outwardly with respect to the outer face of the
covering to an opposed outer end.
2. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket according to claim 1, wherein the engagement
assemblies are each a hook and loop fastener including an element
thereof formed in the covering and a complementing element thereof
formed in the outer end of the respective strap.
3. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket according to claim 1, further comprising: the
covering having a length extending from the upper end to the lower
end; and the inner end of the flag is elongate and extends along
substantially the entire length of the covering from the upper end
to the lower end at an intermediate position with respect to the
opposed first and second sides of the covering.
4. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket according to claim 1, further comprising: the
covering having a width extending from the first side to the second
side; and the inner end of the flag is elongate and extends along
substantially the entire width of the covering from the first side
to the second side at an intermediate position with respect to the
opposed upper and lower ends of the covering.
5. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket according to claim 1, wherein the inner end of
the flag is secured to the covering with stitching.
6. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket according to claim 1, wherein the inner end of
the flag is secured to the covering with a fastener assembly formed
between the covering and the inner end of the flag.
7. A location indicating attachment assembly for a personal
flotation lifejacket according to claim 6, wherein the fastener
assembly is a hook and loop fastener including an element thereof
formed in the covering and a complementing element thereof formed
in the inner end of the flag.
8. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket, comprising: a personal flotation
lifejacket, which includes a top and an opposed bottom, opposed
sides, and a back, having an exterior outer surface, extending
between the top and the opposed bottom and between the opposed
sides; a brightly colored, broad, flat, pliant covering including
opposed inner and outer faces, opposed upper and lower ends, and
opposed first and second sides extending between the opposed upper
and lower ends; the upper end having a first intermediate section
and opposed first and second shoulder sections formed on either
side of the first intermediate section proximate to the first and
second sides, respectively, of the covering; the lower end having a
second intermediate section and opposed first and second hip
sections formed on either side of the second intermediate section
proximate to the first and second sides, respectively, of the
covering; a strap attached to each of the first and second shoulder
sections and the first and second hip sections, each of the straps
having an inner end attached to the covering and an opposed outer
end; an engagement assembly formed between the covering and the
outer end of each of the straps, the engagement assemblies operable
to configure the straps between open positions with respect to the
covering and closed positions with respect to the covering forming
engagement loops loopingly securing the personal flotation
lifejacket at the top and the bottom of the personal flotation
lifejacket holding and retaining the covering to the back of the
personal flotation lifejacket with the inner face of the covering
facing the exterior outer surface of the back of the personal
flotation lifejacket and the covering extending between the top and
bottom and the opposed sides of the personal flotation device; and
a brightly colored, broad, elongate, pliant flag having a inner end
secured to the covering at a substantially intermediate location
with respect to the opposed upper and lower ends and the opposed
first and second sides, and which extends outwardly with respect to
the outer face of the covering and the exterior outer surface of
the back of the personal flotation lifejacket to an opposed outer
end.
9. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 1, wherein the
engagement assemblies are each a hook and loop fastener including
an element thereof formed in the covering and a complementing
element thereof formed in the outer end of the respective
strap.
10. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 8, further
comprising: the covering having a length extending from the upper
end to the lower end; and the inner end of the flag is elongate and
extends along substantially the entire length of the covering from
the upper end to the lower end at an intermediate position with
respect to the opposed first and second sides of the covering.
11. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 8, further
comprising: the covering having a width extending from the first
side to the second side; and the inner end of the flag is elongate
and extends along substantially the entire width of the covering
from the first side to the second side at an intermediate position
with respect to the opposed upper and lower ends of the
covering.
12. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 8, wherein the
inner end of the flag is secured to the covering with
stitching.
13. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 8, wherein the
inner end of the flag is secured to the covering with a fastener
assembly formed between the covering and the inner end of the
flag.
14. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 13, wherein the
fastener assembly is a hook and loop fastener including an element
thereof formed in the covering and a complementing element thereof
formed in the inner end of the flag.
15. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket, comprising: a personal flotation
lifejacket, which includes a top and an opposed bottom, opposed
sides, a back, having an exterior outer surface, extending between
the top and the opposed bottom and between the opposed sides,
opposed shoulder straps formed at the top, and at least one
securement belt formed at the bottom; a brightly colored, broad,
flat, pliant covering including opposed inner and outer faces,
opposed upper and lower ends, and opposed first and second sides
extending between the opposed upper and lower ends; the upper end
having a first intermediate section and opposed first and second
shoulder sections formed on either side of the first intermediate
section proximate to the first and second sides, respectively, of
the covering; the lower end having a second intermediate section
and opposed first and second hip sections formed on either side of
the second intermediate section proximate to the first and second
sides, respectively, of the covering; a strap attached to each of
the first and second shoulder sections and the first and second hip
sections, each of the straps having an inner end attached to the
covering and an opposed outer end; an engagement assembly formed
between the covering and the outer end of each of the straps, the
engagement assemblies operable to configure the straps between open
positions with respect to the covering and closed positions with
respect to the covering forming engagement loops loopingly securing
the shoulder straps and the at least one securement belt of the
personal flotation lifejacket holding and retaining the covering to
the back of the personal flotation lifejacket with the inner face
of the covering facing the exterior outer surface of the back of
the personal flotation lifejacket and the covering extending
between the top and bottom and the opposed sides of the personal
flotation device; and a brightly colored, broad, elongate, pliant
flag having a inner end secured to the covering at a substantially
intermediate location with respect to the opposed upper and lower
ends and the opposed first and second sides, and which extends
outwardly with respect to the outer face of the covering and the
exterior outer surface of the back of the personal flotation
lifejacket to an opposed outer end.
16. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 15, wherein the
engagement assemblies are each a hook and loop fastener including
an element thereof formed in the covering and a complementing
element thereof formed in the outer end of the respective
strap.
17. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 15, further
comprising: the covering having a length extending from the upper
end to the lower end; and the inner end of the flag is elongate and
extends along substantially the entire length of the covering from
the upper end to the lower end at an intermediate position with
respect to the opposed first and second sides of the covering.
18. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 15, further
comprising: the covering having a width extending from the first
side to the second side; and the inner end of the flag is elongate
and extends along substantially the entire width of the covering
from the first side to the second side at an intermediate position
with respect to the opposed upper and lower ends of the
covering.
19. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 15, wherein the
inner end of the flag is secured to the covering with
stitching.
20. A combination location indicating attachment assembly and
personal flotation lifejacket according to claim 15, wherein the
inner end of the flag is secured to the covering with a fastener
assembly formed between the covering and the inner end of the flag,
the fastener assembly comprising a hook and loop fastener including
an element thereof formed in the covering and a complementing
element thereof formed in the inner end of the flag.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to personal flotation
lifejackets and, more particularly, to a personal location
indicating attachment assembly used in conjunction with a personal
flotation lifejacket to provide onlookers with improved visibility
of a user wearing the personal flotation lifejacket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Recreational and professional activities bring people in
contact with water everyday. Safety on and near the water is an
issue for the weekend sail boater as well as for military and
rescue personnel. Flotation devices are an important part of water
safety. Full-body, industrial survival suits and simple water ski
belts are two extremes in the family of personal flotation devices
available.
[0003] Although they differ tremendously in the amount of
protection, the goal of all safety apparel is survival. Life vests
and life jackets are technically known as PFDs, short for personal
flotation devices. They are designed to keep an individual afloat
in the water in the event of an emergency and are considered
life-saving equipment. The main function of a PFD is to keep a
person on the water's surface in a relatively upright position to
allow the person to breathe and not have to tread water to stay
afloat. United States Coast Guard regulations require a boat to
carry at least one Coast Guard approved PFD per person, including
one for each person water skiing.
[0004] There are five categories of Coast Guard-approved personal
flotation devices. Each of the five categories provide different
flotation and body positioning specifications. Types I and II PFDs
are full- and half-length vests designed to turn an unconscious
person from a face-down position to a vertical or slightly
head-back position floating in the water. These vests are usually
big and bulky. A type IH PFD, most commonly used in recreational
activities, is also a buoyant vest or jacket. This type is designed
to keep a conscious person afloat in a vertical or slightly
head-back position. This type comes in many styles and is the most
comfortable. A further difference in the I, II, and III types is
that the specific degree of buoyancy required increases from type
III to type I. Throwable devices such as a ring buoy or the buoyant
cushion typically used by boaters as a cushion for sitting are
considered Type IV. Type V PFDs are special-purpose devices for
aircraft pilots who fly over water, rafters, and ferryboat
pilots.
[0005] A problem with PFDs, particularly type IH PFDs used in
recreational activities, is that a user afloat in the water while
wearing a PFD is not easily visually identifiable and are often hit
by boats and other forms of personal water craft, and are difficult
to visually locate by searchers, whether by air from airplanes or
helicopters or from rescue boats on the water. Accordingly, what is
needed is a personal location indicating attachment for a PFD that
greatly improves the visibility of a user wearing the PFD both in
and out of the water, and that does not impede the function and use
of the PFD.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to the principle of the invention, a location
indicating attachment assembly for a personal flotation lifejacket
includes a brightly colored, broad, flat, pliant covering including
opposed inner and outer faces, opposed upper and lower ends, and
opposed first and second sides extending between the opposed upper
and lower ends. The upper end of the covering has a first
intermediate section and opposed first and second shoulder sections
formed on either side of the first intermediate section proximate
to the first and second sides, respectively, of the covering, and
the lower end of the covering has a second intermediate section and
opposed first and second hip sections formed on either side of the
second intermediate section proximate to the first and second
sides, respectively, of the covering. A strap is attached to each
of the first and second shoulder sections and the first and second
hip sections. Each of the straps has an inner end attached to the
covering and an opposed outer end. An engagement assembly is formed
between the covering and the outer end of each of the straps. The
engagement assemblies are operable to configure the straps between
open positions with respect to the covering and closed positions
with respect to the covering forming engagement loops to secure a
personal flotation lifejacket, including a back having an exterior
outer surface, to hold and retain the covering to the back of the
personal flotation lifejacket with the inner face of the covering
facing the exterior outer surface of the back of the personal
flotation lifejacket. A brightly colored, broad, elongate, pliant
flag has a inner end secured to the covering at a substantially
intermediate location with respect to the opposed upper and lower
ends and the opposed first and second sides, and which extends
outwardly from the outer face of the covering to an opposed outer
end. The engagement assemblies are each a hook and loop fastener
including an element thereof formed in the covering and a
complementing element thereof formed in the outer end of the
respective strap. The covering has a length extending from the
upper end to the lower end, and the inner end of the flag is
elongate and extends along substantially the entire length of the
covering from the upper end to the lower end at an intermediate
position with respect to the opposed first and second sides of the
covering. In an alternate embodiment, the covering has a width
extending from the first side to the second side, and the inner end
of the flag is elongate and extends along substantially the entire
width of the covering from the first side to the second side at an
intermediate position with respect to the opposed upper and lower
ends of the covering. In one embodiment, the inner end of the flag
is secured to the covering with stitching. In an alternate
embodiment, the inner end of the flag is secured to the covering
with a fastener assembly formed between the covering and the inner
end of the flag. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener assembly
formed between the covering and the flag is a hook and loop
fastener including an element thereof formed in the covering and a
complementing element thereof formed in the inner end of the
flag.
[0007] According to the principle of the invention, a combination
location indicating attachment assembly and personal flotation
lifejacket includes a personal flotation lifejacket, which includes
a top and an opposed bottom, opposed sides, and a back, having an
exterior outer surface, extending between the top and the opposed
bottom and between the opposed sides. A brightly colored, broad,
flat, pliant covering includes opposed inner and outer faces,
opposed upper and lower ends, and opposed first and second sides
extending between the opposed upper and lower ends. The upper end
of the covering has a first intermediate section and opposed first
and second shoulder sections formed on either side of the first
intermediate section proximate to the first and second sides,
respectively, of the covering, and the lower end of the covering
has a second intermediate section and opposed first and second hip
sections formed on either side of the second intermediate section
proximate to the first and second sides, respectively, of the
covering. A strap is attached to each of the first and second
shoulder sections and the first and second hip sections. Each of
the straps has an inner end attached to the covering and an opposed
outer end. An engagement assembly is formed between the covering
and the outer end of each of the straps. The engagement assemblies
are operable to configure the straps between open positions with
respect to the covering and closed positions with respect to the
covering forming engagement loops loopingly securing the personal
flotation lifejacket at the top and the bottom of the personal
flotation lifejacket holding and retaining the covering to the back
of the personal flotation lifejacket with the inner face of the
covering facing the exterior outer surface of the back of the
personal flotation lifejacket and the covering extending between
the top and bottom and the opposed sides of the personal flotation
device. A brightly colored, broad, elongate, pliant flag has a
inner end secured to the covering at a substantially intermediate
location with respect to the opposed upper and lower ends and the
opposed first and second sides, and which extends outwardly with
respect to the outer face of the covering and the exterior outer
surface of the back of the personal flotation lifejacket to an
opposed outer end. In a preferred embodiment, the engagement
assemblies are each a hook and loop fastener including an element
thereof formed in the covering and a complementing element thereof
formed in the outer end of the respective strap. In a particular
embodiment, the covering has a length extending from the upper end
to the lower end, and the inner end of the flag is elongate and
extends along substantially the entire length of the covering from
the upper end to the lower end at an intermediate position with
respect to the opposed first and second sides of the covering. In
an alternate embodiment, the covering has a width extending from
the first side to the second side, and the inner end of the flag is
elongate and extends along substantially the entire width of the
covering from the first side to the second side at an intermediate
position with respect to the opposed upper and lower ends of the
covering. In a preferred embodiment, the inner end of the flag is
secured to the covering with stitching. In an alternate embodiment,
the inner end of the flag is secured to the covering with a
fastener assembly formed between the covering and the inner end of
the flag. The fastener assembly formed between the covering and the
flag is a hook and loop fastener including an element thereof
formed in the covering and a complementing element thereof formed
in the inner end of the flag. In one embodiment the covering has a
first width extending from the first side to the second side of the
covering, the back having a second width extending between the
sides of the personal flotation lifejacket, and the first width is
substantially coextensive with respect to the second width. In
another embodiment, the covering has a first length extending from
the first side to the second side of the covering, the back has a
second length extending between the top and bottom of the personal
flotation lifejacket, and the first length is substantially
coextensive with respect to the second length.
[0008] According to the principle of the invention, a combination
location indicating attachment assembly and personal flotation
lifejacket includes a personal flotation lifejacket, which includes
a top and an opposed bottom, opposed sides, a back, having an
exterior outer surface, extending between the top and the opposed
bottom and between the opposed sides, opposed shoulder straps
formed at the top, and securement belts formed at the bottom. A
brightly colored, broad, flat, pliant covering includes opposed
inner and outer faces, opposed upper and lower ends, and opposed
first and second sides extending between the opposed upper and
lower ends. The upper end of the covering has a first intermediate
section and opposed first and second shoulder sections formed on
either side of the first intermediate section proximate to the
first and second sides, respectively, of the covering, and the
lower end of the covering has a second intermediate section and
opposed first and second hip sections formed on either side of the
second intermediate section proximate to the first and second
sides, respectively, of the covering. A strap is attached to each
of the first and second shoulder sections and the first and second
hip sections. Each of the straps has an inner end attached to the
covering and an opposed outer end. An engagement assembly is formed
between the covering and the outer end of each of the straps. The
engagement assemblies are operable to configure the straps between
open positions with respect to the covering and closed positions
with respect to the covering forming engagement loops loopingly
securing the shoulder straps and the securement belts of the
personal flotation lifejacket holding and retaining the covering to
the back of the personal flotation lifejacket with the inner face
of the covering facing the exterior outer surface of the back of
the personal flotation lifejacket and the covering extending
between the top and bottom and the opposed sides of the personal
flotation device. A brightly colored, broad, elongate, pliant flag
has a inner end secured to the covering at a substantially
intermediate location with respect to the opposed upper and lower
ends and the opposed first and second sides, and which extends
outwardly with respect to the outer face of the covering and the
exterior outer surface of the back of the personal flotation
lifejacket to an opposed outer end. In a preferred embodiment, the
engagement assemblies are each a hook and loop fastener including
an element thereof formed in the covering and a complementing
element thereof formed in the outer end of the respective strap. In
a particular embodiment, the covering has a length extending from
the upper end to the lower end, and the inner end of the flag is
elongate and extends along substantially the entire length of the
covering from the upper end to the lower end at an intermediate
position with respect to the opposed first and second sides of the
covering. In another embodiment, the covering has a width extending
from the first side to the second side, and the inner end of the
flag is elongate and extends along substantially the entire width
of the covering from the first side to the second side at an
intermediate position with respect to the opposed upper and lower
ends of the covering. In one embodiment, the flag is secured to the
covering with stitching. In another embodiment, the inner end of
the flag is secured to the covering with a fastener assembly formed
between the covering and the inner end of the flag. The fastener
assembly formed between the covering and the flag is preferably a
hook and loop fastener including an element thereof formed in the
covering and a complementing element thereof formed in the inner
end of the flag. The covering has a first width extending from the
first side to the second side of the covering, the back has a
second width extending between the sides of the personal flotation
lifejacket, and the first width is substantially coextensive with
respect to the second width. In an alternate embodiment, the
covering has a first length extending from the first side to the
second side of the covering, the back has a second length extending
between the top and bottom of the personal flotation lifejacket,
and the first length is substantially coextensive with respect to
the second length.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Referring to the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is front elevation of a personal location indicator
assembly constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle
of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the personal location
indicator assembly of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the personal location
indicator assembly of FIG. 1 show as it would appear with straps
formed in a covering of the personal location indicator assembly in
closed positions forming engagement or attachment loops;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the personal location
indicator assembly of FIG. 1 shown as it would appear attached to a
personal flotation device forming a combination personal indicator
and personal flotation device assembly;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a user waterskiing and shown
wearing the combination personal indicator and personal flotation
device assembly of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a user afloat in water
while wearing the combination personal indicator and personal
flotation device assembly of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a personal location
indicator assembly constructed and arranged in accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the invention, the personal location
indicator assembly including a covering, a flag and a fastener
assembly formed between the flag and the covering, and the flag is
shown detached with respect to the covering;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the personal location
indicator assembly of FIG. 1 shown with the fastener assembly
securing the flag to the covering;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a personal location
indicator assembly constructed and arranged in accordance with yet
another alternate embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a user afloat in water
while wearing a combination personal indicator and personal
flotation device assembly that includes the personal location
indicator assembly of FIG. 9; and
[0020] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a personal location
indicator assembly constructed and arranged in accordance with yet
a further alternate embodiment of the invention, the personal
location indicator assembly including a covering, a flag and a
fastener assembly formed between the flag and the covering, and the
flag is shown detached with respect to the covering.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which there
is seen a personal location indicator assembly 20 constructed and
arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention
including a broad, flat, pliant covering 21 including an inner face
22 (shown only in FIG. 2), an opposed outer face 23 (shown only in
FIG. 1), opposed upper and lower ends 24 and 25, and opposed sides
26 and 27 extending between upper end 24 and opposed lower end 25.
Upper end 24 of covering 21 has a an intermediate section 30 and
opposed shoulders or shoulder sections 31 and 32 formed on either
side of intermediate section 30 proximate to sides 26 and 27,
respectively, of covering 21. Lower end 25 of covering 21 has, in
turn, an intermediate section 40 and opposed hips or hip sections
41 and 42 formed on either side of intermediate portion 40
proximate to sides 26 and 27, respectively, of covering 21.
[0022] Covering 21 is formed of a pliant, rugged and tear-resistant
material, such as woven nylon or other like or similar pliant,
strong, rugged and tear-resistant material or combination of
materials. Covering 21 is made of a single piece of material, but
in alternate embodiments may be made as an assembly of two or more
pieces of material bonded together, such as by sewing, adhesive,
heat bonding, or the like. Covering 21 is also brightly colored,
and is preferably bright orange, but may, in alternate embodiments,
be bright yellow, bright orange or other bright, easily seen color
or combination of colors.
[0023] Shoulder straps 34 and 35 are attached to shoulder sections
31 and 32, respectively, of covering 21, and hip straps 44 and 45
are attached to hip sections 41 and 42, respectively, of covering
21. Straps 34, 35, 44, and 45 are formed of a pliant, rugged and
tear resistant material, such as woven nylon or other like or
similar pliant, strong, rugged and tear-resistant material or
combination of materials.
[0024] Strap 34 has an inner end 34A secured or otherwise attached
to shoulder section 31 as shown in FIG. 2, and extends outwardly
therefrom to an opposed outer end 34B illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In this particular example, inner end 34A of strap 34 is applied to
inner face 22 of covering 21 at shoulder section 31, and is secured
to covering 21 with sewing indicated by stitching 50 in FIG. 2,
although adhesive, heat bonding, or other fastening technique may
be used to secure inner end 34A of strap 34 in place to covering
21. An engagement assembly is formed between covering 21 and outer
end 34B of strap 34, which is operable to configure strap 34
between an open position with respect to shoulder section 31 of
covering 21 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extending outwardly from
shoulder section 31 of covering 21, and a closed position with
respect to shoulder section 31 of covering 21 as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4 forming an attachment or engagement loop denoted at 51 at
shoulder section 31 of covering 21. The engagement assembly formed
between covering 21 and outer end 34A of strap is, as shown in FIG.
1, a hook and loop fastener, such as the type founder under the
trademark Velcro, including an element 54 thereof formed in
covering 21 at shoulder section 31, and a complementing element 55
thereof formed in outer end 34B of strap 31. In this example,
element 54 is applied to outer face 23 of covering 21 at shoulder
section 31. To form loop 51 denoted in FIG. 3, outer end 54B is
looped about toward shoulder section 31 and complementing element
55 is applied to element 54 securing outer end 34B of strap 34 to
shoulder section 31 of covering 21 forming loop 51. To open strap
34 from this closed position shown in FIG. 3, outer end 34B need
only be forcibly pulled away from shoulder section 31 to detach
complementing element 55 formed in outer end 34B of strap 34 from
element 54 formed in shoulder section 31 of covering 21 thereby
moving strap 34 back to the open position illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 extending outwardly from covering 21. As a matter of example,
element 54 is the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener and
element 55 is the corresponding hook portion of the hook and loop
fastener, and this can be reversed if so desired.
[0025] Strap 35 has an inner end 35A secured or otherwise attached
to shoulder section 32 as shown in FIG. 2, and extends outwardly
therefrom to an opposed outer end 35B illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In this particular example, inner end 35A of strap 35 is applied to
inner face 22 of covering 21 at shoulder section 32, and is secured
to covering 21 with sewing indicated by stitching 60 in FIG. 2,
although adhesive, heat bonding, or other fastening technique may
be used to secure inner end 35A of strap 35 in place to covering
21. An engagement assembly is formed between covering 21 and outer
end 35B of strap 35, which is operable to configure strap 35
between an open position with respect to shoulder section 32 of
covering 21 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extending outwardly from
shoulder section 32 of covering 21, and a closed position with
respect to shoulder section 32 of covering 21 as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4 forming an attachment or engagement loop denoted at 61 at
shoulder section 32 of covering 21. The engagement assembly formed
between covering 21 and outer end 35A of strap is, as shown in FIG.
1, a hook and loop fastener, such as the type founder under the
trademark Velcro, including an element 64 thereof formed in
covering 21 at shoulder section 32, and a complementing element 65
thereof formed in outer end 35B of strap 32. In this example,
element 64 is applied to outer face 23 of covering 21 at shoulder
section 32. To form loop 61 denoted in FIG. 3, outer end 64B is
looped about toward shoulder section 32 and complementing element
65 is applied to element 64 securing outer end 35B of strap 35 to
shoulder section 32 of covering 21 forming loop 61. To open strap
35 from this closed position shown in FIG. 3, outer end 35B need
only be forcibly pulled away from shoulder section 32 to detach
complementing element 65 formed in outer end 35B of strap 35 from
element 64 formed in shoulder section 32 of covering 21 thereby
moving strap 35 back to the open position illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 extending outwardly from covering 21. As a matter of example,
element 64 is the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener and
element 65 is the corresponding hook portion of the hook and loop
fastener, and this can be reversed if so desired.
[0026] Strap 44 has an inner end 44A secured or otherwise attached
to hip section 41 as shown in FIG. 2, and extends outwardly
therefrom to an opposed outer end 44B illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In this particular example, inner end 44A of strap 44 is applied to
inner face 22 of covering 21 at hip section 41, and is secured to
covering 21 with sewing indicated by stitching 70 in FIG. 2,
although adhesive, heat bonding, or other fastening technique may
be used to secure inner end 44A of strap 44 in place to covering
21. An engagement assembly is formed between covering 21 and outer
end 44B of strap 44, which is operable to configure strap 44
between an open position with respect to hip section 41 of covering
21 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extending outwardly from hip section
41 of covering 21, and a closed position with respect to hip
section 41 of covering 21 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 forming an
attachment or engagement loop denoted at 71 at hip section 41 of
covering 21. The engagement assembly formed between covering 21 and
outer end 44A of strap is, as shown in FIG. 1, a hook and loop
fastener, such as the type founder under the trademark Velcro,
including an element 74 thereof formed in covering 21 at hip
section 41, and a complementing element 75 thereof formed in outer
end 44B of strap 41. In this example, element 74 is applied to
outer face 23 of covering 21 at hip section 41. To form loop 71
denoted in FIG. 3, outer end 74B is looped about toward hip section
41 and complementing element 75 is applied to element 74 securing
outer end 44B of strap 44 to hip section 41 of covering 21 forming
loop 71. To open strap 44 from this closed position shown in FIG.
3, outer end 44B need only be forcibly pulled away from hip section
41 to detach complementing element 75 formed in outer end 44B of
strap 44 from element 74 formed in hip section 41 of covering 21
thereby moving strap 44 back to the open position illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 extending outwardly from covering 21. As a matter of
example, element 74 is the loop portion of the hook and loop
fastener and element 75 is the corresponding hook portion of the
hook and loop fastener, and this can be reversed if so desired.
[0027] Strap 45 has an inner end 45A secured or otherwise attached
to hip section 42 as shown in FIG. 2, and extends outwardly
therefrom to an opposed outer end 45B illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In this particular example, inner end 45A of strap 45 is applied to
inner face 22 of covering 21 at hip section 42, and is secured to
covering 21 with sewing indicated by stitching 80 in FIG. 2,
although adhesive, heat bonding, or other fastening technique may
be used to secure inner end 45A of strap 45 in place to covering
21. An engagement assembly is formed between covering 21 and outer
end 45B of strap 45, which is operable to configure strap 45
between an open position with respect to hip section 42 of covering
21 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extending outwardly from hip section
42 of covering 21, and a closed position with respect to hip
section 42 of covering 21 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 forming an
attachment or engagement loop denoted at 81 at hip section 42 of
covering 21. The engagement assembly formed between covering 21 and
outer end 45A of strap is, as shown in FIG. 1, a hook and loop
fastener, such as the type founder under the trademark Velcro,
including an element 84 thereof formed in covering 21 at hip
section 42, and a complementing element 85 thereof formed in outer
end 45B of strap 42. In this example, element 84 is applied to
outer face 23 of covering 21 at hip section 42. To form loop 81
denoted in FIG. 3, outer end 84B is looped about toward hip section
42 and complementing element 85 is applied to element 84 securing
outer end 45B of strap 45 to hip section 42 of covering 21 forming
loop 81. To open strap 45 from this closed position shown in FIG.
3, outer end 45B need only be forcibly pulled away from hip section
42 to detach complementing element 85 formed in outer end 45B of
strap 45 from element 84 formed in hip section 42 of covering 21
thereby moving strap 45 back to the open position illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 extending outwardly from covering 21. As a matter of
example, element 84 is the loop portion of the hook and loop
fastener and element 85 is the corresponding hook portion of the
hook and loop fastener, and this can be reversed if so desired.
[0028] Referencing FIG. 1, assembly 20 is formed with a broad,
elongate, pliant flag 90, which has a inner end 91 secured to
covering 21 at a substantially intermediate location with respect
to opposed upper and lower ends 24 and 25 and opposed sides 26 and
27, and which extends outwardly from outer face 23 of covering 21
to an opposed outer end 92. Flag 90 is formed of a pliant, rugged
and tear-resistant material, such as nylon or other like or similar
pliant, strong, rugged and tear-resistant material or combination
of materials. Flag 90 is made of a single piece of material, and in
alternate embodiments be made as an assembly of two or more pieces
of material bonded together, such as by sewing, adhesive, heat
bonding, or the like. Flag 90 is also brightly colored, and is
preferably bright orange, but may, in alternate embodiments, be
bright yellow, bright orange or other bright, easily seen color or
combination of colors. In the present embodiment, flag 90 is
vertically oriented and inner end 91 of flag 90 is elongate and is
vertically oriented such that inner end 91 extends along
substantially the entire length of covering 21 vertically from
upper end 24 of covering 21 at intermediate section 30 to lower end
25 of covering 21 at intermediate section 40 and at intermediate
position with respect to opposed sides 26 and 27 of covering 21 as
clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. In this particular example, inner
end 91 of flag 90 is applied to outer face 23 of covering 21 as
shown in FIG. 1, and is secured to outer face 23 of covering 21
with sewing indicated by stitching 93, although adhesive, heat
bonding, or other fastening technique may be used to secure inner
end 91 of flag 90 in place to covering 21. Also, flag 90 may be
integrally formed with covering 21 if so desired so as to form an
extension of covering 21.
[0029] Assembly 20 is used in conjunction with a personal flotation
device (PFD) illustrated in FIG. 4, which is provided in the form
of a buoyant vest or lifejacket 100 of type IH PFD, which, as
explained previously, is most commonly used in recreational
activities and which is designed to keep a conscious person 101
wearing lifejacket 100 as shown in FIG. 6 afloat in water in a
vertical or slightly head-back position. As seen in FIG. 4,
personal flotation lifejacket 100 has a top 110 and an opposed
bottom 111, opposed sides 112 and 113, a back 114, having an
exterior outer surface 115, extending between top 110 and opposed
bottom 111 and between opposed sides 112 and 113, opposed shoulder
straps 116 and 117 formed at top 110, and securement belts 118
formed at bottom 111 used to enwrap person 101 wearing lifejacket
100 in the well-known and customary manner to secure lifejacket 100
to person 101. Lifejacket 100 and the use thereof are entirely
conventional and notoriously well known and will not be described
in further detail as such details will readily occur to the skilled
artisan. Although lifejacket 100 as disclosed has two securement
belts 118, it can have less or more depending on specific needs,
and this is common in the art.
[0030] The application of assembly 20 in conjunction with
lifejacket 100 is shown in FIG. 4, and the combination of assembly
20 and lifejacket 100 forms a personal location indicating
lifejacket assembly, in accordance with the principle of the
invention. To apply assembly 20 to lifejacket 100, assembly 20 is
taken up and inner face 22 of covering 21 is set across exterior
outer surface 115 and is substantially centered across back 114
between top 110 and bottom 111 and between sides 112 and 113 of
lifejacket 110. Properly addressed on exterior outer surface 115 of
back 114, upper end 24 is located proximate to top 110 and shoulder
sections 31 and 32 are located proximate to shoulder straps 116 and
117, and covering 21 extends downwardly therefrom to lower end 25
directed toward securement belts 118 and bottom 111, side 26 of
covering 21 is located proximate to side 112 of lifejacket 100, and
side 27 of covering 21 is located proximate to side 113 of
lifejacket 100. So secure assembly 20 in place to lifejacket 100,
strap 34 is looped around shoulder strap 116 and is closed forming
loop 51 loopingly securing shoulder strap 116, strap 35 is looped
around shoulder strap 117 and is closed forming loop 61 loopingly
securing shoulder strap 117, strap 44 is looped around securement
belts 118 and is closed forming loop 71 loopingly securing
securement belts 118, and strap 45 is looped around securement
belts 118 and is closed forming loop 81 loopingly securing
securement belts 118. Although loops 71 and 81 are formed around
both securement belts 118, loops 71 and 81 can each be formed
around just one of securement belts 118 if desired. With assembly
20 so secured in place along exterior outer surface 115 of back
114, flag 90 extends outwardly from outer face 23 of covering 21
and exterior outer surface 115 of back 114, and the brightly
colored characteristics of covering 21 and flag 90, in addition to
flag 90 projecting outwardly and away from back 114 of lifejacket
110, greatly improves the overall visibility of lifejacket 100 and
thus of person 101 wearing lifejacket 100 with assembly 20 attached
thereto as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in accordance with the principle
of the invention. Flag 90 is a prominent feature of assembly 20,
which is dictated not only by its size with respect to covering 21,
but also its bright color as herein specifically disclosed, and
when flag 90 waves behind a person wearing lifejacket 100 with
assembly 20 attached is notoriously visible by onlookers. In fact,
flag 90 has an overall length from inner end 91 to outer end 92
that is approximately double the length of covering from upper end
24 to lower end 25.
[0031] The attributes of assembly 90 provide useful benefits.
First, when person 101 wearing lifejacket 100 with assembly 20
attached thereto as shown in FIG. 5 is engaged in a recreational
activity, such as waterskiing as shown, the brightly colored
attributes of covering 21 and flag 90 improves the ability of
onlookers to see person 101 and exercise the appropriate level of
caution. Furthermore, during waterskiing and other forms of
recreation wind will catch flag 90 and cause it to extend and wave
outwardly behind person 101 thereby increasing the overall profile
of person 101 further improving the ability of onlookers to see
person 101 and exercise the appropriate level of caution. Flag 90
is broad and long and easily seen when waving behind person 101 as
seen in FIG. 5. Preferably, the length of flag 90 from inner end 91
to outer end 92 is longer that each of the length and the width of
covering 21, which allows it to be easily seen when waving behind
person 101, such as illustrated in FIG. 5. Should person 101
wearing lifejacket 100 with assembly 20 attached thereto find
himself afloat in a body of water as shown in FIG. 6, the brightly
colored attributes of covering 21 and flag 90 and the provision of
flag 90 extending outwardly into the water increasing the overall
profile of person 101 greatly improves the ability of onlookers to
see and locate person 100 afloat in the body of water, in
accordance with the principle of the invention. Because flag 90 is
vertically arranged with respect to covering 21 in assembly 20,
flag 90 extends vertically outward into the water. Flag 90 is
elongate and outer end 92 is tapered such that flag 90 has an
elongate and general triangular shape. Flag 90 can take on other
shapes and forms as may be desired. Although assembly 20
incorporates one flag, more can be used if desired.
[0032] Covering 21 covers a majority of exterior outer surface 115
of back 114. Covering 21 has a length that extends between upper
and lower ends 34 and 35 along the midsection of covering 21
between sides 26 and 27 at intermediate sections 30 and 40, and
covering 21 has a width extending between sides 26 and 27 at an
intermediate location with respect to upper and lower ends 24 and
25. Back 114 of lifejacket 100 has a length that extends between
top 110 and bottom 111 along the midsection of back 114 between
sides 112 and 113, and back 114 has a width extending between sides
112 and 113 at an intermediate location with respect to top 110 and
bottom 111. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the width of covering
21 is substantially coextensive with respect to the width of back
114, and the length of covering 21 is substantially coextensive
with respect to the length of back 114 extending from top 110 of
lifejacket 100 toward bottom 111 of lifejacket 100 proximate to
securement belts 118, and this provides coverage of the majority of
exterior outer surface 115 of back 114 by covering 21 and, thus,
provides a broad profile of covering 21 with respect to back 114 to
provide improved visibility by onlookers.
[0033] As previously discussed, inner end 90 of flag 90 is secured
to covering 21 with stitching 93 shown in FIG. 1. In another
embodiment, a fastener assembly may be used to secure flag 90 in
place to allow flag 90 to be removed for repair or cleaning and
then reattached, and which also allows flag 90 to be removed and
replaced with a new flag should the need arise. To disclose this
aspect, attention is now directed to FIG. 7 which illustrates an
alternate embodiment of a personal location indicator assembly 130.
In common with assembly 20, assembly 130 shares covering 21, straps
34, 35, 44, and 45, the engagement assemblies formed between straps
34, 35, 44, and 45, and covering 21, and flag 90, including inner
and outer ends 91 and 92. In this example, a fastener assembly is
formed between covering an inner end 91 of flag 90, which is
operable to detachably secure inner end 91 of flag 90 to covering
21, and this is the only structural difference between assembly 130
and assembly 20, in which case the foregoing discussion of assembly
20 applies to assembly 130 in every respect. In assembly 130, the
fastener assembly formed between covering 21 and inner end 91 of
flag is a hook and loop fastener, such as the type founder under
the trademark Velcro, including an element 131 thereof formed in
outer face 23 of covering 21, a complementing element 132 thereof
formed in inner end 91 of flag. FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of
assembly 130 illustrating element 131 formed in covering 21 engaged
to complementing element 132 formed in inner end 91 of flag 90
detachably securing inner end 91 of flag 90 to covering 21. In this
example, element 131 is the loop portion of the hook and loop
fastener, and complementing element 132 is the corresponding hook
section of the hook and loop fastener, and this can be reversed if
so desired. Complementing element 132 formed in inner end 91 of
flag is elongate and extends along substantially the entire length
of inner end 91 of flag 90, and element 131 formed in covering 21
is substantially coextensive with respect to complementing element
132.
[0034] In assembly 20, inner end 91 of flag 90 and flag 90 are
vertically arranged with respect to covering 21 such that inner end
91 of flag 90 is vertically oriented extending from upper end 24 of
covering 21 to lower end 24 of covering 21. In an alternate
embodiment, flag 90 may be horizontally arranged with respect to
covering 21, and this is illustrated in FIG. 9 showing another
alternate embodiment of a personal location indicator assembly 140.
In common with assembly 20, assembly 140 shares covering 21, straps
34, 35, 44, and 45, the engagement assemblies formed between straps
34, 35, 44, and 45, and covering 21, and flag 90, including inner
end 91 secured or otherwise affixed to covering 21, such as with
stitching 93, and outer end 92. In assembly 140, inner end 91 of
flag 90 is secured horizontally and is, in addition to flag 90,
horizontal with respect to covering 21. In this respect, inner end
91 of flag 90 extends along substantially the entire width of
covering 21 from side 26 of covering 21 to side 27 of covering at
an intermediate position with respect to opposed upper and lower
ends 24 and 25 of covering. The horizontal attachment of inner end
91 of flag 90 to covering 21, and the associated horizontal
orientation of flag 90 with respect to covering 21, are the the
only structural difference between assembly 20 and assembly 140, in
which case the foregoing discussion of assembly 20 applies to
assembly 140 in every respect. Should person 101 wearing lifejacket
100 with assembly 140 attached thereto find himself afloat in a
body of water as shown in FIG. 10, the brightly colored attributes
of covering 21 and flag 90 and the provision of flag 90 extending
outwardly into the water increasing the overall profile of person
101 greatly improves the ability of onlookers to see and locate
person 100 afloat in the body of water, in accordance with the
principle of the invention. Because flag 90 is horizontally
arranged with respect to covering 21 in assembly 140, flag 90
extends horizontally outward into the water.
[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates yet a further alternate embodiment of a
personal location indicator assembly 150 that, in common with
assembly 130, shares covering 21, straps 34, 35, 44, and 45, the
engagement assemblies formed between straps 34, 35, 44, and 45, and
covering 21, and flag 90, including inner and outer ends 91 and 92,
and fastener assembly, including element 131 and complementing
element 132, formed between covering an inner end 91 of flag 90. In
assembly 150, flag 90 horizontally arranged with respect to
covering 21 as in assembly 140. As such, element 131 is formed in
outer face 23 of covering 21 and extends horizontally across the
width of covering 21 from proximate to side 26 of covering 21 to
proximate to side 27 of covering, and complementing element 132 is
formed in inner end 91 of flag 90 engages element 131 to secure
inner end 91 of flag 90 and flag 90 in a horizontal orientation
with respect to covering 21 as discussed in connection with
assembly 140. The operation of the fastener assembly between inner
end 91 of flag 90 and covering 21 in assembly 150 is exactly as
explained in connection with assembly 130.
[0036] The present invention is described above with reference to
preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the
described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope
of the present invention. Various changes and modifications to the
embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily
occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such
modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the
invention, they are intended to be included within the scope
thereof.
* * * * *