Patent Application
20220402580
The present invention relates to the field of transporting and ships including equipment for life-saving in water, more specifically, an adaptation of vessel parts of furnishing for lifesaving purposes for use with people and animals.
Personal floatation devices (PFDs) typically have a fixed shape which limits the ways in which they can be used. There exists a need for a personal floatation device that can be used in a variety of configurations, that is flexible and has retainers for beverages.
The personal floatation device is adapted for use with a person. The personal floatation device is adapted for use with a pet. The personal floatation device (PFD) is configured for use with water. The personal floatation device is a device that provides buoyancy during water-based activities. An exemplary personal floatation device is a multipurpose device that: 1) forms a seat for use such as in a small water craft; 2) forms a raft for use in the water; and, 3) forms a plurality of floatation devices. An exemplary personal floatation system is suitable for providing floatation for a person, child, object and the like. An exemplary personal floatation system comprises a pet pad, a float, an insulated storage case, a dry storage container, and a plurality of straps. A plurality of straps may detachably attach the pet pad, the float, the insulated storage case, and the dry storage container to form the seat and the raft portions of the personal floatation device.
These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the personal floatation device will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A personal floatation device may be configured with a pet pad attached to the horseshoe shaped float and may form a seat that can be used on the water, on land or on another watercraft, such as a wake board, a standing paddle board, boat and the like.
In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the personal floatation device in detail, it is to be understood that the personal floatation device is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the personal floatation device.
It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the personal floatation device. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
An exemplary horseshoe shaped personal floatation device can be used in a number of ways to support or float a person on the water. A person may wrap the opening of the horseshoe shaped personal floatation device around their waist or torso, and extend their arms over the left and right armrest to float in the water. A beverage may be retained in the left or right cup holder while floating in the under-arm floatation configuration. A user may use the floatation device in saddle float configuration, wherein the floatation device is configured with the closed end between their legs and under their crotch and with the one of the left and right armrests extending up in front of them and the other extending up along their back. In the saddle float orientation, a beverage may be retained in the end cup holder of the armrest extending up in front of the person. A person may use the personal floatation device in a hammock float configuration similar to the saddle-float configuration except that they lay back to extend the left armrest away from the right armrest. The armrest extending along their back opens up with respect to the closed end, wherein the length axis of the armrest is open from a parallel orientation with the other armrest to an angle of about 50 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, about 80 degrees more, about 100 degrees or more or about 120 degrees or more or from about 50 degrees to 140 degrees. A person may use the personal floatation device in a back-float configuration similar to the hammock float configuration except that they are in a supine orientation, with the floatation device further extended into an open configuration wherein the length axis of the left and right armrest extend at an angle of about 100 degrees or more, about 120 degrees or more, about 140 degrees more, about 160 degree or from about 100 degrees to about 180 degrees.
An exemplary personal floatation device is made from an elastomeric material, or a material that can be deformed by a load and then substantially return to an original shape after removal of the load. The exemplary personal floatation device may be deformed by opening the left and/or right armrest to enlarge the opening therebetween, and then return substantially to the original horseshoe shape. An exemplary personal floatation device, pet pad and/or dry storage case may be relatively soft, having a shore A value of about 10 to 60, with a preferred range of between about 10 to 35, or no more than about 50. An exemplary personal floatation, device, pet pad and/or dry storage case are buoyant and float on water and may be a foam, such as a closed cell foam or may include a bladder that has an internal volume of air or lightweight material, such as a foam. In an exemplary embodiment, a bladder is an inflatable bladder that can be filled through a fill port, such as a nozzle that can be filled by blowing into the nozzle. An exemplary foam is a water-resistant foam and may be made out of a plastic or polymeric material, such as Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), urethane, low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyimide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone and the like. An exemplary personal floatation device, pet pad and/or dry storage case may comprise a cover layer that extends over the foam and is water impermeable. This cover layer may prevent water from entering into the cells of foam and reducing buoyance overtime. A cover layer may be a skin of the polymer used to make the foam and may be formed in-situ during the molding process of the floatation device. A cover may be a removable cover that can be removed and washed or interchanged for a different cover that may have a different print pattern or design, for example. A cover may be detachably attachable over the personal floatation device and may be configure to encase the personal floatation device therein, wherein at least 90 percent or more or the entire personal floatation device is contained within the cover.
An exemplary personal floatation device may have a PFD strap system comprising a PFD retaining strap that has an extending strap that is couped to one side or armrest of the horseshoe shaped floatation device and is configured to detachably attach or couple with the opposing armrest. An extending strap may have hook-and-loop fastener that is configured to detachably attach with hook-and-loop fastener on the opposing side or armrest, for example. An exemplary PFD strap system may comprise a left PFT extending strap and a right PFD extending strap, each having a buckle to secure the horseshoe shaped float about a person. The strap can be buckled and tightened by pulling on the strap of one or both of the PFD buckles to synch the extended ends of the left armrest and right armrest tight about a person's torso. The PFD retaining strap is secured to the horseshoe shaped float by over-straps, or straps that extend over and around the horseshoe shaped float, such as around the left and/or right armrest or around the closed end, such as on either side of the neck extension. A person can be securely supported in the water with the PFD retaining strap buckled and pulled tight to secure the horseshoe shaped float about a person's torso. Note that a buckle may be on only one of the extending straps and may this buckle may be configured to couple with a buckle on the opposing armrest, such as to a buckle coupled to one of the over-straps, for example.
An exemplary personal floatation system may comprise a cover configured to extend over the personal floatation device that is detachably attachable over the personal floatation device or float. The personal floatation device may be configured to fit within the cover. The cover may be a waterproof cover or may allow for water penetration therethrough. The cover may be a fabric, such as a woven fabric or a plastic cover. The cover may have a design printed thereon and a user may want to change the cover depending on the occasion, July 4th, a birthday, etc. The cover has a seam that may be configured to open for removal and insertion of the personal floatation device. The seam may be configured with a seam closure, such a hook-and-loop fastener or with a zipper, for example. The seam may extend around the personal floatation device from the right arm bulb, down past the the right arm free end, along the right armrest or right arm extension, around the closed end and then along the left armrest, to the left arm free end, and around a portion of the left arm bulb. The seam may extend around the free ends of the left and right arm to allow easier insertion and removal of the personal floatation device. The seam may extend proximal to the bottom of the personal floatation device.
The personal floatation device may be configured with a chin depression in the top of the neck extension. The chin depression may be a concave depression in the top of the next extension. This chin depression may allow a person to float with their head or neck extended over or on the neck depression with their torso between the arm extensions and their arms extending back over the closed end and resting over the armrests, a reverse arm float. The depth of the depression may be about 10 mm or more, about 20 mm or more, about 30 mm or more, about 50 mm or more and any range between and including the values provided.
The personal floatation device may be configured with a second left arm groove and second right arm groove which may be configured proximal to the left arm free end and right arm free end, or just back from the left arm cup cylinder and right arm cup cylinder, respectively. These grooves may allow a strap to be configured around the two armrests to prevent them from opening up to provide more support in certain floating positions. It may also make it easier to carry and store the personal floatation device system.
The personal floatation device system may be configured with strap-loops. The strap-loops may be configured along the armrest and along the closed end of the personal floatation device and/or on a cover configured to fit over the personal floatation device, as described herein. Exemplary strap-loops may be coupled to the cover and/or directly to the personal floatation device. The left armrest strap-loop may extend along the outside of the left armrest and have a first connected end and a second connected end to form a loop that is connected with the cover or directly with the personal floatation device. The right armrest strap-loop may extend along the outside of the right armrest and have a first connected end and a second connected end to form a loop that is connected with the cover or directly with the personal floatation. The closed end strap-loop may extend along the outside of the closed end and have a first connected end and a second connected end to form a loop that is connected with the cover or directly with the personal floatation device.
A personal floatation device may be an inflatable personal floatation device wherein a port is configured to introduce air into the inflatable personal floatation device. A desired amount of air may be introduced into the inflatable personal floatation device for comfort and personal choice. More air will make the inflatable personal floatation device harder and less air will make the inflatable personal floatation device softer or more easily deformed. An exemplary PFD extending strap, may be referred to herein as simply an extending strap.
The summary of the invention is provided as a general introduction to some of the embodiments of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Additional example embodiments including variations and alternative configurations of the invention are provided herein.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications, combinations and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments, combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of the present invention.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
A personal floatation system includes a personal floatation device (PFD) that is adapted for use with a person to provide buoyance for a person in the water and may keep a person afloat in the water. The personal floatation system may be adapted for use with a pet. The PFD is configured for use with water. The PFD is a device that provides buoyancy during water-based activities. The personal floatation system may be a multipurpose system that: 1) forms a seat for use in a small water craft; 2) forms a raft for use in the water; and, 3) forms a plurality of floatation devices. The personal floatation system may include a pet pad, a float, or horseshoe shaped float, an insulated storage case, a dry storage case, and a plurality of straps. The plurality of straps may be configured to interconnect the pet pad, the float, the insulated storage case, and the dry storage case to form the seat and the raft portions. A person may use the float as a PFD in an emergency situation. A pet may use the pet pad as a PFD in an emergency situation
The person 201 refers to an individual who is using the PFD as intended. The pet 202 refers to a domesticated animal that is accompanying the person 201 in the small water 204 craft 203 and the water 204. The small water 204 craft 203 refers to a small vehicle adapted for use in travel over water 204. The water 204 refers to the body of water 204 on which the personal floatation system is being used. The beverage 205 refers to a can, cup or bottle of a consumable liquid.
The exemplary pet pad 101 is a rectangular plate, or panel, molded from a foam, such as a closed cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The EVA foam used in the pet pad 101 provides the buoyancy of the pet pad 101. When the personal floatation system 100 is used as a raft, as shown most clearly in
The exemplary pet pad 101 comprises a buoyant plate 110. The buoyant plate 110 further comprises a first slot 111, a second slot 112, and a third slot 113.
The exemplary buoyant plate 110 is a rectangular plate formed from EVA foam. The buoyant plate 110 provides the buoyancy of the pet pad 101. The first slot 111 is an aperture formed through the buoyant plate 110. The first slot 111 is sized such that a strap selected from the plurality of straps 105 can be inserted through the first slot 111. The second slot 112 is an aperture formed through the buoyant plate 110. The second slot 112 is sized such that a strap selected from the plurality of straps 105 can be inserted through the second slot 112. The third slot 113 is an aperture formed through the buoyant plate 110. The third slot 113 is sized such that a strap selected from the plurality of straps 105 can be inserted through the third slot 113.
The exemplary float 102 and the insulated storage case 103 are mounted on the pet pad 101 when the personal floatation system 100 is used as the seat. The float 102 is a horseshoe shaped structure formed from EVA foam. The EVA foam used in the float 102 provides the buoyancy of the float 102.
When the exemplary personal floatation system 100 is used as a raft, as shown most clearly in
The exemplary personal floatation device 120, or float 102 comprises a buoyant structure 121 and a bias mass 122. The buoyant structure 121 is further defined with a flush or planar bottom surface 224, a structured surface 225, upper or top surface, a negative space 221, and an inner perimeter 222. The negative space 221 refers to the area partially bounded by the inner perimeter 222 of the float 102. The inner perimeter 222 refers to the concave surfaces of the float 102 formed by the left armrest 161, the right armrest 171, and the right armrest 171. The flush surface 224 is the surface of the float 102 that is proximal to the pet pad 101 when the personal floatation system 100 is used as a raft and a seat. The flush surface 224 forms a planar surface such that the flush surface 224 sits flush against the pet pad 101. The structured surface 225 is the surface of the float 102 that is distal from the flush surface 224.
The exemplary buoyant structure 121 is a horseshoe shaped structure formed from a buoyant material, such as an EVA foam. The buoyant structure 121 forms the characteristic horseshoe shape of the float 102. The buoyant structure 121 comprises a left armrest 161, a right armrest 171, and a closed end 181. The left armrest 161 is further defined with a left arm free end 164. The right armrest 171 is further defined with a right arm free end 174. The closed end 181 is further defined with a closed end midpoint 182.
The exemplary left armrest 161 comprises a left arm groove 162 and a left arm cup holder 163. The left arm cup holder 163 further comprises a left arm bulb 165 and a left arm cup cylinder 166. The right armrest 171 comprises a right arm groove 172 and a right arm cup holder 173. The right arm cup holder 173 further comprises a right arm bulb 175 and a right arm cup cylinder 176.
The exemplary left armrest 161 is the arm of the horseshoe shaped float 106 of the float 102 that is proximal to the left side of the person 201, or extends from the right side of the closed end when viewed from the extended ends of the left and right armrests. The left arm groove 162 is a groove formed in the structured surface 225 of the left armrest 161. The left groove 162 receives the first hook-and-loop fastener 151 that the first hook-and-loop fastener 151 will not shift use. The left arm cup holder 163 is a structure that is arm such during formed at the left arm free end 164. The left arm cup holder 163 provides a location to store a beverage 205 during water 204 based activities. The left arm free end 164 is the end of the left armrest 161 that is distal from the closed end 181.
The exemplary left arm bulb 165 is a roughly cylindrical structure that attaches to the left arm free end 164 of the left armrest 161. The left arm cup cylinder 166 is a negative space that is formed as a cylinder. The left arm cup cylinder 166 is coaxially located within the left arm bulb 165. The opening to the left arm cup cylinder 166 is formed in the structured surface 225 of the left armrest 161. The left arm cup cylinder 166 is sized to receive the beverage 205.
The exemplary right armrest 171 is the arm of the horseshoe shape of the float 102 that is proximal to the right side of the person 201. The right arm groove 172 is a groove formed in the structured surface 225 of the right armrest 171. The right arm groove 172 receives the third hook-and-loop fastener 153 such that the third hook-and-loop fastener 153 will not shift during use. The right arm cup holder 173 is a structure that is formed at the right arm free end 174. The right arm cup holder 173 provides a location to store a beverage 205 during water 204 based activities. The right arm free end 174 is the end of the right armrest 171 that is distal from the closed end 181.
The exemplary right arm bulb 175 is a roughly cylindrical structure that attaches to the right arm free end 174 of the right armrest 171. The right arm cup cylinder 176 is a negative space that is formed as a cylinder. The right arm cup cylinder 176 is coaxially located within the right arm bulb 175. The opening to the right arm cup cylinder 176 is formed in the structured surface 225 of the right armrest 171. The right arm cup cylinder 176 is sized to receive the beverage 205.
The exemplary bias mass 122 is an additional structure formed from EVA foam. The bias mass 122 attaches to the structured surface 225 of the buoyant structure 121 at the closed end midpoint 182 of the closed end 181. The bias mass 122 creates an asymmetry in the buoyancy of the float 102. When the personal floatation system 100 is worn as a PFD the asymmetry formed by the bias mass 122 ensures that the head of the person 201 remains above the water 204.
The exemplary insulated storage case 103 is an insulating structure suitable for storing foodstuffs and beverages 205. The insulated storage case 103 is a hollow structure formed in a roughly rounded rectilinear block shape. The insulated storage case 103 is formed from EVA foam. The EVA foam used in the insulated storage case 103 provides the insulated storage case 103 with enough buoyancy that the insulated storage case 103 can keep itself and the contents contained within the insulated storage case 103 afloat. The form factor of the insulated storage case 103 is congruent to the form factor of the hollow interior of the float 102 such that the insulated storage case 103 will fit flush within the hollow center of the float 102. In this configuration the insulated storage case 103 and the float 102 will effectively form a single structure.
When the personal floatation system 100 is used as a raft, as shown most clearly in
The exemplary insulated storage case 103 comprises a container 131, a lid 132, a hinge 133, a handle slot 134, and a plurality of bungee cords 135. The container 131 is further defined with an outer perimeter 223. The outer perimeter 223 refers to the exterior surfaces of the container 131 of the insulated storage case 103 that are congruent to the inner perimeter 222 of the float 102.
The exemplary container 131 is a hollow insulating structure formed from EVA foam. The form factor of the container 131 is congruent to the form factor of the hollow interior of the buoyant structure 121. The container 131 receives the foodstuffs, the beverages 205, and other contents stored in the container 131 through the open face. The EVA foam used in the container 131 ensures that the insulated storage case 103 and the contents of the insulated storage case 103 remain afloat while in the water 204.
The exemplary lid 132 is a cover that is attached to the container 131 such that the lid 132 rotates relative to the open face of the container 131. The lid 132 is a barrier that covers the open face of the container 131. The lid 132 controls access into the hollow interior of the container 131.
The exemplary hinge 133 refers to commercially available hardware that attaches the lid 132 to the container 131 such that the lid 132 rotates in a manner that opens and closes the open face of the container 131. The handle slot 134 is an aperture that forms a channel in a wall of the container 131. The handle slot 134: 1) forms a grip used by the person 201; and 2) forms an anchor point that allows the second hook-and-loop fastener 152 to attach the insulated storage case 103 to the float 102. Each of the plurality of bungee cords 135 attaches to the exterior surface of the container 131. Each of the plurality of bungee cords 135 is an elastic cord used to attach objects to the exterior surface of the container 131.
The exemplary dry storage case 104 is a water 204 tight containment structure. The dry storage case 104 contains items that the person 201 wants to keep dry while on the water 204. When the personal floatation system 100 is used as a raft, as shown most clearly in
The exemplary dry storage case 104 comprises a dry bag 141 and a fourth hook-and-loop fastener 154. The fourth hook-and-loop fastener 154 further comprises a seventh hook/loop surface 197 and an eighth hook/loop surface 198. The dry bag 141 is a commercially available bag that is designed to contain objects in a water 204 impermeable environment. The dry bag 141 attaches to the float 102 using the fourth hook-and-loop fastener 154. The seventh hook/loop surface 197 of the fourth hook-and-loop fastener 154 attaches to the back of the closed end 181 of the float 102 at the closed end midpoint 182. The eighth hook/loop surface 198 attaches to the dry bag 141. The dry bag 141 attaches to the float 102 by pressing the seventh hook/loop surface 197 to the eighth hook/loop surface 198 to form the fourth hook-and-loop fastener 154.
Each of the plurality of straps 105 is a commercially available fastening device. When the personal floatation system 100 is used as a raft, as shown most clearly in
The plurality of straps 105 comprises a first hook-and-loop fastener 151, a second hook-and-loop fastener 152, and a third hook-and-loop fastener 153. The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 further comprises a first hook/loop surface 191, a second hook/loop surface 192, and a first seam 211. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 further comprises a third hook/loop surface 193, a fourth hook/loop surface 194, and a second seam 212. The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 further comprises a fifth hook/loop surface 195, a sixth hook/loop surface 196, and a third seam 213.
The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 is a strap configured as a hook-and-loop fastener. The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 is formed by attaching the first hook/loop surface 191 to the second hook/loop surface 192 using the first seam 211. The first hook/loop surface 191 and the second hook/loop surface 192 are joined back-to-back such that the first hook-and-loop fastener 151 will form a loop when the first hook/loop surface 191 is pressed against the second hook/loop surface 192.
The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 is a strap configured as a hook-and-loop fastener. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 is formed by attaching the third hook/loop surface 193 to the fourth hook/loop surface 194 using the second seam 212. The third hook/loop surface 193 and the fourth hook/loop surface 194 are joined back-to-back such that the second hook-and-loop fastener 152 will form a loop when the third hook/loop surface 193 is pressed against the fourth hook/loop surface 194.
The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 is a strap configured as a hook-and-loop fastener. The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 is formed by attaching the fifth hook/loop surface 195 to the sixth hook/loop surface 196 using the third seam 213. The fifth hook/loop surface 195 and the sixth hook/loop surface 196 are joined back-to-back such that the third hook-and-loop fastener 153 will form a loop when the fifth hook/loop surface 195 is pressed against the sixth hook/loop surface 196.
The first seam 211 is a sewn seam. The second seam 212 is a sewn seam. The third seam 213 is a sewn seam. Sewn seams are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this disclosure.
The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 attaches the left armrest 161 of the float 102 to the pet pad 101 during use of the personal floatation system 100 as a raft or a seat. The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 is placed over the left arm groove 162 of the left armrest 161, threaded through the first slot 111 and looped around the edge of the buoyant plate 110. The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 is secured by pressing the first hook/loop surface 191 against the second hook/loop surface 192. The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 binds the left armrest 161 to the left arm of the person 201 when the personal floatation system 100 is used as a PFD. The first hook-and-loop fastener 151 is secured by pressing the first hook/loop surface 191 against the second hook/loop surface 192.
The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 attaches the right armrest 171 of the float 102 to the pet pad 101 during use of the personal floatation system 100 as a raft or a seat. The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 is placed over the right arm groove 172 of the right armrest 171, threaded through the third slot 113 and looped around the edge of the buoyant plate 110. The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 is secured by pressing the fifth hook/loop surface 195 against the sixth hook/loop surface 196. The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 binds the right armrest 171 to the right arm of the person 201 when the personal floatation system 100 is used as a PFD. The third hook-and-loop fastener 153 is secured by pressing the fifth hook/loop surface 195 against the sixth hook/loop surface 196.
The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 attaches the closed end 181 of the float 102 to the pet pad 101 during use of the personal floatation system 100 as a raft or a seat. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 further attaches the container 131 of the insulated storage case 103 to the pet pad 101 during use of the personal floatation system 100 as a raft or a seat. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 is placed over the closed end 181 of the float 102. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 is threaded through the handle slot 134 of the insulated storage case 103. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 is threaded through the second slot 112 and looped around the edge of the buoyant plate 110. The second hook-and-loop fastener 152 is secured by pressing the third hook/loop surface 193 against the fourth hook/loop surface 194.
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The personal floatation device 120 may be configured with a chin depression 185 in the top of the neck extension 184. The chin depression 185 may be a concave depression in the top of the next extension 184, as best shown in
The personal floatation device 120 may be configured with a second left arm groove 162′ and second right arm groove 172′, as best shown in
The personal floatation device system 100 may be configured with strap-loops. The strap-loops may be configured along the armrest and along the closed end of the personal floatation device 120 and/or on a cover 410. As shown in
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The following definitions are used in this disclosure:
Anchor: As used in this disclosure, anchor means to hold an object firmly or securely.
Anchor Point: As used in this disclosure, an anchor point is a location to which a first object can be securely attached to a second object.
Bind: As used in this disclosure, to bind is a verb that means to tie or secure a first object to a second object by wrapping a third object around the first object and the second object.
Bungee: As used in this disclosure, the term bungee refers to an elastic cord or a mesh of elastic cords.
Channel: As used in this disclosure, a channel is a tubular passage through which an object or fluid is passed through.
Coaxial: As used in this disclosure, coaxial is a term that refers to a first object that is inserted or contained within a second object such: 1) that the first object and the second object share the same center point if the or first object and the second object are treated as a two dimensional objects; or, 2) that the first object and the second object share the same center axis if the first object and the second object are treated as a cylinder.
Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can be superimposed over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with second object.
Copolymer: As used in this disclosure, a copolymer is a polymer formed from two or more repeating molecules, also referred to as monomers.
Cord: As used in this disclosure, a cord is a long, thin, and flexible piece of string, line, rope, or wire. Cords are made from yarns, piles, or strands of material that are braided or twisted together or from a monofilament, such as fishing line. Cords have tensile strength but are too flexible to provide compressive strength and are not suitable for use in pushing objects. String, line, cable, and rope are synonyms for cord.
Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond means that a first object is in some manner linked to a second object in a one-to-one relationship.
Cylinder: As used in this disclosure, a cylinder is a geometric structure defined by two identical flat and parallel ends, also commonly referred to as bases, which are circular in shape and connected with a single curved surface, referred to in this disclosure as the face. The cross section of the cylinder remains the same from one end to another. The axis of the cylinder is formed by the straight line that connects the center of each of the two identical flat and parallel ends of the cylinder. Unless otherwise stated within this disclosure, the term cylinder specifically means a right cylinder which is defined as a cylinder wherein the curved surface perpendicularly intersects with the two identical flat and parallel ends.
Elastic: As used in this disclosure, an elastic is a material or object that deforms when a force is applied to it and that is able to return to its relaxed shape after the force is removed. A material that exhibits these qualities is also referred to as an elastomeric material.
Elastic Cord: As used in this disclosure, an elastic cord is a cord that contains elastic yarns as some of the yarns that make up the cord. An elastic cord is constructed such that the elastic cord will stretch when a force is applied and will return to its original shape when after the force is removed.
Shock cord and bungee cord are synonyms for an elastic cord.
Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate: As used in this disclosure ethylene-vinyl acetate (CAS 24938-78-8—also referred to as polyethylene-vinyl acetate) is a copolymer formed from ethylene and vinyl acetate molecules.
Fastener: As used in this disclosure, a fastener is a device that is used to join or affix two objects. Fasteners generally comprise a first element which is attached to the first object and a second element which is attached to the second object such that the first element and the second element join to affix the first object and the second object. Common fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, zippers, snaps, buttons, buckles, quick release buckles, or hook-and-loop fasteners.
Flush: As used in this disclosure, the term flush is used to describe the alignment of a first surface and a second surface on a single plane.
Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.
Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one-to-one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one-to-one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal.
Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is an accommodation formed on or within an object that allows the object to be grasped or manipulated by a hand.
Hinge: As used in this disclosure, a hinge is a device that permits the turning, rotating, or pivoting of a first object relative to a second object.
Hook-and-loop Fastener: As used in this disclosure, a hook-and-loop fastener is a fastener that comprises a hook surface and a loop surface. The hook surface comprises a plurality of minute hooks. The loop surface comprises a surface of uncut pile that acts like a plurality of loops. When the hook surface is applied to the loop surface, the plurality of minute hooks fastens to the plurality of loops securely fastening the hook surface to the loop surface. A note on usage: when fastening two objects the hook surface of a hook-and-loop fastener will be placed on the first object and the matching loop surface of a hook-and-loop fastener will be placed on the second object without significant regard to which object of the two objects is the first object and which of the two objects is the second object. When the hook surface of a hook-and-loop fastener or the loop surface of a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to an object this will simply be referred to as the “hook/loop surface” with the understanding that when the two objects are fastened together one of the two objects will have a hook surface and the remaining object will have the loop surface.
Horseshoe: As used in this disclosure, a horseshoe refers to an object that has the shape of a horseshoe. The horseshoe refers to a metal structure that is used to protect the hoof of a horse. Specifically, the metal structure is a metal band that is attached around the perimeter of the bottom of the hoof of the horse. The horseshoe has an appearance of open U-shaped ring having a curved closed end and two extension that extend out from the closed end in the same direction.
Insulating Structure: As used in this disclosure, an insulating structure is a structure that inhibits, and ideally prevents, the transfer of heat through the insulating structure. Insulating structures may also be used to inhibit or prevent the transfer of sound through the insulating structure. Methods to form insulating structures include, but are not limited to: 1) the use of materials with low thermal conductivity; and, 2) the use of a structural design that places a vacuum within the insulating structure within the anticipated transfer path of the heat or sound.
Lid: As used in this disclosure, a lid is a removable cover that is placed over an opening of a hollow structure to enclose the hollow structure.
Loop: As used in this disclosure, a loop is a length of a first linear structure including, but not limited to, shafts, lines, cords, or ribbons, that is: 1) folded over and joined at the ends forming an enclosed space; or, 2) curved to form a closed or nearly closed space within the first linear structure. In both cases, the space formed within the first linear structure is such that a second linear structure such as a line, cord or a hook can be inserted through the space formed within the first linear structure. Within this disclosure, the first linear structure is said to be looped around the second linear structure.
Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object.
One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one-to-one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one-to-one correspondence means that the one-to-one relationship exists both from the first set the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one-to-one fashion means that the one-to-one relationship exists in only one direction.
PFD: As used in this disclosure, PFD is an acronym for a personal floatation device. A personal floatation device is safety equipment in the form of a garment or device that assists a person in remaining afloat in water.
Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.
Pivot: As used in this disclosure, a pivot is a rod or shaft around which an object rotates or swings.
Plate: As used in this disclosure, a plate is a smooth, flat and semi-rigid or rigid structure that has at least one dimension that: 1) is of uniform thickness; and 2) that appears thin relative to the other dimensions of the object. Plates often have a rectangular or disk like appearance.
Rectilinear Block: As used in this disclosure, a rectilinear block refers to a three-dimensional structure comprising a plurality of rectangular surfaces. Rectilinear blocks are similar to rectangular blocks and are often used to create a structure with a reduced interior volume relative to a rectangular block. Within this disclosure, a rectilinear block may further comprise rounded edges and corners.
Rounded: A used in this disclosure, the term rounded refers to the replacement of an apex, vertex, or edge or brink of a structure with a generally smooth curvature wherein the concave portion of the curvature faces the interior or center of the structure.
Cylindrical shaped as used to describe the right or left arm bulb includes curved outer and/or inner surfaces of the bulb, such as those that are configured to retainer a cylindrical shaped beverage container, such as a can, bottle, cup and the like. The outer shape may be curved around the cylindrical shaped cup holder to produce a substantially uniform thickness ring or cylinder. Note that the cylinder may be incomplete as and end cup holder may produce an opening to the cup holder.
Seam: As used in this disclosure, a seam is a joining of: 1) a first textile to a second textile; 2) a first sheeting to a second sheeting; or, 3) a first textile to a first sheeting. Potential methods to form seams include, but are not limited to, a sewn seam, a heat bonded seam, an ultrasonically bonded seam, or a seam formed using an adhesive.
Sewn Seam: As used in this disclosure, a sewn seam a method of attaching two or more layers of textile, leather, or other material through the use of a thread, a yarn, or a cord that is repeatedly inserted and looped through the two or more layers of textile, leather, or other material.
Slot: As used in this disclosure, a slot is a long narrow groove or aperture that is formed in an object.
Strap: As used in this disclosure a strap is a strip of leather, cloth, or other flexible material, often with a buckle, that is used to fasten, secure, carry, or hold onto something.
Strip: As used in this disclosure, the term describes a long and narrow object of uniform thickness that appears thin relative to the length of the object. Strips are often rectangular in shape.
With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the personal floatation system described above and in
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications, combinations and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/080,338, filed on Oct. 26, 2020 and currently pending, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/200,218, filed Nov. 26, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,814,943 on Oct. 27, 2020, which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 15/728,866, filed on Oct. 10, 2017 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,219,633 on Mar. 5, 2019 and entitled Personal Floatation Device, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 62/409,527 filed on Oct. 18, 2016, and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/200,218 claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/691,882, filed on Jun. 29, 2018; the entirety of each is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Floatation
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62409527 | Oct 2016 | US | |
| 62691882 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17080338 | Oct 2020 | US |
| Child | 17892234 | US | |
| Parent | 16200218 | Nov 2018 | US |
| Child | 17080338 | US | |
| Parent | 15728866 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Child | 16200218 | US |
