Personal flotation device
AssigneeHedstrom Corporation
InventorRalph E. Steger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A personal flotation device is provided with a shell including a pair of elements joined to form a continuous pocket for receiving buoyant materials. The shell has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first and second end portions have a first part and a second part. Each second part has a strap connected thereto, such that the straps extend away from the second parts to a first coupler defining a neck hole. The intermediate portion has a strap extending away therefrom to a second coupler. Connecting the first and second couplers defines a pair of opposing armholes.
Claims27
A flotation vest, comprising:
- a shell including a pair of front parts and a back part cooperatively defining a continuous internal cavity;
- each said front part having a torso portion, a lapel portion, a first side and a second side;
- said back part interconnecting the first side of each said front part;
- a buoyancy means disposed within the internal cavity defined in each said front part torso and lapel portions and said back part;
- the second side of each said front part disposed for operative association with said other second side;
- a pair of shoulder straps connected to the shell;
- each one of said pair of shoulder straps having a fixed length and connected to a free end of each said lapel portion and extending therefrom terminating at a first coupling element such that a neck hole is defined;
- and,
- a back strap connected to said back part and extending therefrom to engage said first coupling element such that a pair of oppositely disposed armholes are defined,
- whereby said vest accommodates various differently dimensioned wearers and provides uninhibited arm motion.
A flotation vest, comprising:
- a shell including a pair of sheet elements joined to cooperatively form a continuous pocket for receiving a buoyancy means;
- said shell having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion connecting the first and second end portions;
- said first and second end portions each having a first part generally configured to the intermediate portion and a second part formed extending above each first part;
- said buoyancy means disposed within the pocket in the first and second parts and the intermediate portion;
- each said second part having a strap connected thereto at a free end of the second part opposite the first part;
- said straps extend from each said free end to a first coupler defining a neck hole;
- and,
- said intermediate portion including an intermediate strap connected thereto and extending therefrom,
- whereby releasably connecting said intermediate strap and said first coupler defines a pair of armholes in opposition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.