GB2490920A

GB2490920A - Life vest shaped to fit a wearer's shoulders

Info

Publication number: GB2490920A
Application number: GB1108275.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher R Hill
Original assignee: Spinlock Ltd
Current assignee: Spinlock Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-18
Filing date: 2011-05-18
Publication date: 2012-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-18
Also published as: GB2490920B; GB201108275D0

Abstract

A life vest 1 comprises a flotation aid 2 that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over the shoulders, and a securing means (3, Fig 1) attached to the flotation aid for securing the flotation aid to the wearer's torso. A pair of curved shaping elements 20 that each correspond substantially to the shape of a wearerâ s shoulder from front to back are included. These impart a curved structure to the flotation aid where it passes over the shoulders, to distribute the weight of the life vest over the wearer's shoulders. The shaping elements may be formed from a substantially H-shaped sheet of flexible material, where the adjacent arms (26, Fig 5B) of the H are given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element.

Description

TITLE OF TH LNVENT1QN

LIFE VEST

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTiON

The present invention relates to life vests.

Life vests, also called life jackets, are provided for use on boats and ships, for io safety purposes. A life vest is essentially a wearable flotation aid intended to keep the wearer afloat in the event of falling into water.

While modern life vests are considerably less bulky than older designs, they can still be uncomfortable and awkward to wear. Some mariners may therefore choose not to wear one, or may postpone donning of a vest until danger threatens, by which time it is may be more difficult to properly and quickly don a vest. Thus, the safety advantage of wearing a life vest is lost or diminished. In other circumstances, it may be compulsory for persons on particular vessels to wear a life vest at all times. This can be fatiguing. Also, prolonged wear can cause health problems and injuries.

Figure 1 shows a front view of an example of a typical modern design of life vest.

The life vest I comprises a flotation aid 2 and a securing means 3 attached to the flotation aid 2 for securing or fastening the flotation aid to the wearer. In this example the securing means 3 is in the form of a harness, but other securing arrangements may be employed. The flotation aid 2, which in this example is substantially U-shaped or horse-shoe shaped, is intended to be worn so that the curve of the U passes around the back of the wearer's neck and over the wearer's shoulders, and the arms of the U extend down over the wearer's chest! The securing means 3 comprises a belt portion 4 and a back portion 6, which may be made from webbing. The belt portion 4 passes around the wearer's torso and can be fastened and unfastened by means of a buckle, clip or other fastener 6 at the front.. The fastener 6 may be omitted, however, and the securing means configured so that the wearer dons the life vest over the head. The ends of the arms of the flotation aid 2 are attached to the belt portion 4 on either side of the fastener 6. The back portion 6 of the securing means 3 connects the back of the belt portion 4 with the curved part of the flotation aid behind the wearer's neck. The securing means 3 secures the flotation aid in place around the wearer's neck, and may be adjustable to ensure a good fit.

In this example, the flotation aid 2 comprises an inflatable U-shaped bladder 7 inside a U-shaped protective cover 8 that encloses the bladder 7 The bladder 7 and cover 8 may be alternatively be 0-shaped, so that the wearer's head passes through the aperture in the centre of the "0". The cover 8 is typically waterproof and made of fabric or similar, and has a zip fastener 9 around its outer edge The bladder 7 is folded inside the cover 8 in an uninflated state. One or more carbon dioxide cylinders (not shown) are provided to inflate the bladder 7 when required lnflation is activated by an actuator 10 attached to the vest 1 This may be a manual actuator that requires the wearer to pull a cord, or may be an automatic actuator that activates inflation on contact with water to When the bladder inflates, the enlarged volume causes the zip fastener 9 to break openS The wearer does not need to open the zip fastener 9 The inflated bladder 7, which is attached to the cover 8, is held securely around the wearer's neck and torso by the securing means 3, and keeps the wearer buoyed up in the water As will be appreciated from Figure 1, when the wearer is wearing the vest I out of the water with the bladder 7 uninflated and packed inside the protective cover 8, most of the bulk and weight of the vest 1 is at the front of the vest, hanging from the wearer's neck. The securing means 3 is only partially effective in distributing the weight away from the neck.. Consequently, a life vest can be very fatiguing to wear. Also, neck pain and related health problems are common among those who wear life vests, particularly those whose employment requires that a life vest be worn for prolonged periods Thus, there is a need for an improved life vest that addresses these issues

SUMMARY. OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a life vest comprising a flotation aid that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over the wearer's shoulders, securing means attached to the flotation aid for securing the flotation aid to the wearer's torso, and a pair of shaping elements curved to correspond substantially to the shape of a shoulder from front to back, the shaping elements associated with the flotation aid to impart a curved structure to the flotation aid where it passes over the shoulders.

Typically, the flotation aid is a limp and heavy component with no structure or rigidity!! Hence, it hangs around the wearer's neck and pulls down thereon! The shaping elements counteract this by giving some structure to the flotation aid in the region of the shoulders by which the flotation aid can fit around and over the shoulders. In this way, the weight of the flotation aid is at least partly transferred away from the neck and onto the shoulders, where it can be borne more easily and comfortably. Fatigue and neck pain are thereby alleviated! Advantageously, the shaping elements are substantially rigid in a direction of extension Thus, the shaping elements are resistant to bending in the direction that tends to make them less curved. This gives rigidity to the flotation aid as regards maintaining its ability to be fitted or hooked over the shoulders! Hence, the distribution of the weight over the shoulder area is maintained when the wearer moves around or adjusts the life vest! Furthermore, the shaping elements are preferably flexible in a direction of flexion.

In other words, they can be squashed or folded in the direction that tends to make them more curved! This allows for ease of folding the life vest for carrying, packing and storing.

In some embodiments, each shaping element is formed from a substantially "H"-shaped sheet of flexible material, the adjacent arms of the "H" being given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element. It has been found that this structure and configuration is particularly suitable for achieving the properties of rigidity in extension and flexibility in flexion Hence the advantages of both these properties can be combined. The ends can be overlapped, abutted against each other, or merely moved closer together, depending on the desired curvature of the shaping element Flexible sheet material such as a polymer material can be used, giving a light but strong structure.

The overlapped ends of the "H" may be secured in the position of increased proximity. This is useful in arrangements in which the incorporation of the shaping element into the flotation aid does not of itself maintain the ends in the overlapped position.

The "H" may have a curved outline such that the ends of the adjacent arms face in towards each other. Also, the curved outline may be such that the "H is narrowest at its waist! Outlines shaped in this way can give an overall smooth outline to the shaping element when the ends are overlapped, giving a comfortable fit for the wearer and reducing snagging and wear and tear to the materials of the flotation aid..

The flotation aid may comprise an inflatable bladder inside a protective cover. In such a case, the shaping elements may be disposed inside the protective cover! For example, the protective cover may have an underside formed from two layers at least in the regions of the shaping elements1 and the shaping elements may be disposed between the two layers. This can keep the shaping element in position if it is held reasonably tightly between the two layers so that it resists movement. Also, the inflatable bladder is protected from any sharp edges or corners on the shaping element that might puncture the bladder! Further, the two layers may define a pair of pockets in which the shaping elements are removably disposed. This allows the user of the lift vest to take out the shaping elements if they are not required, and also allows differently sized shaping elements to be used according to the size of the wearer.. Thus the life vest can be adapted for different users, which is helpful in situations where a quantity of life vests are provided for the use of a varying population In a further embodiment, the life vest additionally comprises patches on the outer surface of the underside of the flotation aid where the flotation aid passes over the shoulders, the patches formed from material having a higher coefficient of static friction that the outer surface of the underside of the flotation aid The patches perform an anti-slip function by reducing or eliminating slipping between the flotation aid and the wearer's shoulders so that the flotation aid is maintained in a comfortable position over the shoulders In an example, the flotation aid comprises an inflatable bladder inside a protective cover, and the patches are on the outer surface of the protective cover. The patches may be printed onto the flotation aid, although other ways of providing the patches are also contemplated, such as separately formed patches that are then attached to the cover.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a shaping element for incorporation into a life vest, the life vest comprising a flotation aid that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over the wearer's shoulders and securing means attached to the flotation aid for securing the flotation aid around the wearers torso; the shaping element being curved to correspond substantially to the shape of a shoulder from front to back and configured to impart a curved structure to a flotation aid into which it is incorporated where the flotation aid passes over the shoulders, the shaping element formed from a substantially "H"-shaped sheet of flexible material wherein the adjacent arms of the "H" are given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element.

The shaping element may be substantially rigid in a direction of extension and flexible in a direction of flexion BRJEF DESCRIPTIQil OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect reference is now made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a conventional life vest; Figure 2 shows a perspective partial side view of a life vest in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the shoulder region of a life vest io according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the shoulder region of a life vest according to an alternative embodiment Figure 5A shows a plan view of a shaping element according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the shaping element of Figure 5A configured for use in the invention, and Figure 6 shows a partial plan view of the underside of a life vest according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention proposes to improve the fit and comfort of life vests by providing the flotation aid part of a life vest with shaping elements that impart a curved structure to those parts of the flotation aid that pass over the wearer's shoulders. In this way, the flotation aid, which is otherwise limp and structureless, is given a shape so that it fits or hooks over the shoulders rather than merely passing across them The weight of the vest is thereby distributed over the shoulders so that the vest at least partially hangs from the shoulders instead of hanging around the neck. This greatly increases the io comfort of the life vest, and reduces the risk of neck problems for the wearer.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the upper part of a life vest of the type shown in Figure 1 which is configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention A curved shaping element 20 is incorporated into the flotation aid 2 in a position such that the shaping element sits over a shoulder of a person wearing the life vest. A second shaping element will be present in the other side of the flotation aid for the person's other shoulder.. It is to be understood that the invention is applicable to a range of life vests, which may or may not comprise a securing means configured as a harness, and in which the flotation aid may be U-shaped, 0-shaped or any similar shape that passes over the wearer's shoulders when the life vest is worn.

The shaping element 20 has a length in its curved direction that extends along the length of the flotation aid sufficient to reach from a front part of the wearer's shoulder to a rear part of the shoulder, and is curved in this direction to substantially follow the curve of a shoulder from front to back. In the transverse direction, that is across the width of the flotation aid, the shaping element 20 may have any width that can be accommodated by the flotation aid. A greater width can better distribute the weight of the life vest and hence increase comfort. However, a narrow width can still impart the intended curved shape and structure to the flotation aid that allows the flotation aid to fit onto and over the shoulders.

The shaping element may be rigid or flexible. It preferably wholly or largely resists bending in the direction that tends to make it less curved (extension), because such bending would reduce its ability to give a curved rigidity and structure to the flotation aid so that the flotation aid can engage with the wearer's shoulders. There is no requirement for either rigidity or flexibility in the direction that tends to make the shaping element more curved (flexion), so either option may be adopted. However, a shaping element that is flexible in this direction offers the advantage that the life vest may more easily be folded for packing and storage.

In some embodiments, the shaping element 20 is located inside the cover 8 of the flotation aid It may simply be placed inside the cover B underneath the bladder 7.. If the bladder 7 is tightly packed inside the cover 8, this will keep the shaping element 20 roughly in place. However it may be preferable that the shaping element 20 be secured in some way to keep it in the correct position..

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the part of the flotation aid 2 where the shaping element 20 is located, according to one embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the lower surface of the protective cover 8 comprises a double layer of material (fabric, plastics material, or similar). The two layers may be of the same io material or of different materials. An outer layer 22a is in contact with the wearer when the life vest is worn, and an inner layer 22b overlies the outer layer 22a.. The shaping element 20 is placed between the outer layer 22a and the inner layer 22b.. The inner and outer layers hence form a space or pocket for receiving the shaping element 20.. The inner layer 22b may extend only locally, over the area of the shaping element 20, and be attached to the outer layer around the perimeter of the shaping element 20 by stitching, gluing, bonding or similar. This arrangement will secure the shaping element 20 in place without the shaping element 20 being secured directly to the cover 8. Alternatively, the inner layer 22b may extend over a larger area, up to the whole lower surface of the cover 8 if desired. In such an arrangement, the shaping element may be secured directly to the cover 8 to keep it in place. Alternatively, the shaping element may fit closely enough into the space between the inner layer 22b and the outer layer 22a to be sufficiently resistant to movement within the space that it stays in position without further securing.

As a further alternative, the inner layer 22b may form the lower surface of the cover 8 that is in contact with the wearer in use, and the outer layer 22a may be sized similarly to the shaping element 20 and attached to the inner layer 22b as a patch over the shaping element 20 to hold it in place. In another alternative, the inner layer 22b and the outer layer 22a may be configured to form a pocket with an opening so that the shaping element 20 can be added to and removed from the flotation aid according to the desire of the user Also, this arrangement allows the shaping elements to be changed for a larger or smaller size to adapt the life vest for the physiques of different wearers.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a further embodiment. In this example, the lower surface of the cover B comprises a single layer 22 of material, with no pocket for the shaping element 20. Instead, the shaping element is placed inside the cover 8 and fastened to the layer 22, for example by stitching 24. Gluing, bonding or any other suitable securing method may alternatively be used. Another alternative is to fasten the shaping element 20 to the outside surface of the layer 8, so that it lies outside the cover 8.

Embodiments in which the shaping element 20 is located in a pocket or space formed from two layers of fabric may be preferred in that the shaping element 20 is protected Also, the shaping element will not present exposed edges on which the bladder 7 might become caught or punctured during packing or inflation (for shaping elements inside the cover), or which might catch on the wearer's clothing (for shaping elements outside the cover)! On the other hand, embodiments in which the shaping element 20 is secured directly to the layer 22 forming the lower surface of the cover 8 may be preferred for ease of fabrication.

The shaping element 20 may be formed as a simple curved plate or bar, subject to the preferences for flexibility/rigidity in the directions of flexion and extension already discussed. A single layer of material or a laminated structure can be used; a laminate may aid in giving the desired flexion and extension properties!! Holes, openings or other cut-out portions in the plate will reduce weight, and may also contribute to the bending properties! It will be apparent to the skilled person that many different shapes and configurations will be suitable for the shaping element, and allow it to provide the described functionality.

Figures 5A and 56 show views of a particular embodiment of the shaping element that has been found to be advantageous. Figure 5A shows a plan view of a shaping element 20 that has been formed from a flexible polymer material, for example by cutting or stamping from a sheet of the polymer material, or by moulding! The shaping element 20 is a thin planar structure which is shaped in the planar direction. The shape may be thought of as an "H-shape in which the adjacent arms 26 of the "H" have curved outlines so that the ends of arms face in towards each other, and the "H" is thinnest at its waist (the position of the cross-bar). Alternatively, the shape may be considered as a figure-of-eight from which a segment has been removed at each end! The shaping element 20 is not used in the planar form shown in Figure 5k Rather, it is configured for use by bringing the ends of the adjacent arms 26 at each end of the element into closer proximity.! The ends may be overlapped, abutted or merely drawn closer together, depending on the desired curved shape of the shaping element Figure 5B shows the shaping element 20 of Figure SA after it has been configured for use in this way by overlapping the adjacent ends. Bringing the adjacent ends nearer to each other causes the shaping element 20 to adopt a three-dimensional curved structure appropriate for fitting over a wearer's shoulder, with a curve along its length that generally follows the shape and curvature of a shoulder from front to back.. The polymer material and the shape of the element give it a structure and rigidity/flexibility combination which strongly resists bending in the extension direction (arrows E in Figure 5B) but allows easy bending in the flexion direction (arrows F in Figure 5B) If the ends of the arms are overlapped or abutted, the ends can be secured in place by gluing, stitching1 thermal bonding or the like, or by forming slots and tabs in the ends that can be engaged together Alternatively, for overlapping or abutting arrangements or configurations in which the ends are simply brought closer together, the ends may be left unsecured if the chosen technique for positioning the shaping element into or onto the flotation aid is adequate for keeping the ends in the required proximate position. For example1 the shaping element may be sufficiently constrained between inner and outer layers of the protective cover to maintain the proximity! The various curves of the H-shape may be more or less pronounced than shown in Figure 5A; for example a uncurved H-shape may be used, although rounding of the corners would be preferred in such a case to increase comfort and reduce wear. In particular, it is desirable to avoid any sharp corners or edges that might puncture the inflatable bladder in arrangements where the shaping element and the bladder are together inside the protective cover., Otherwise, the curved outlines may be more or less pronounced than the example of Figure 5A.

Suitable materials for the shaping element include, but are not limited to, polyethylene board or sheet, and other planar polymer materials! Non-polymer materials are not precluded, however.

Life vests configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are intended to fit and engage over the shoulders of the wearer to distribute the weight of the vest at least partly away from the neck and onto the shoulders. The shaping elements impart a curved structure that allows the vest to "hook'1 over the shoulders.

According to a further embodiment, anti-slip regions may additionally be provided on the vest to assist in maintaining the position of the vest over the shoulders of the wearer.

Figure 6 shows a partial view of a life vest 1 in accordance with this embodiment.

Two patches 28 of high-friction material are provided on the underside or lower surface 22 of the cover 8.. The patches 26 substantially correspond to the positions of the shaping elements within the cover 8, so that when the life vest 1 is worn, the patches are in contact with the shoulders of the wearer The high-friction material resists slipping between the cover 8 and the wearer's garments, and so helps to maintain the life vest I in an appropriate position for the weight of the vest to be borne largely by the shoulders of the wearer. The patches 28 thus provide an anti-slip utility.

The patches 28 may be made from any material or substance with a surface that has a higher coefficient of static friction than the material from which the cover 8 is made, so that any slipping between the vest and the wearer that may occur is reduced compared to that with no patches The patches 28 may be fabricated as separate parts, using synthetic or non-synthetic materials, and then attached the cover 8 by stitching, gluing or bonding Alternatively, the patches 28 may be printed onto the cover 8, using a printing technique such as silk screening and a material such as silicone. Other printing methods and/or other materials may be used, however The patches may have any shape or design..

Claims

CLAiMS 1 A life vest comprising a flotation aid that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over the wearer's shoulders, securing means attached to the flotation aid for securing the flotation aid to the wearers torso, and a pair of shaping elements curved to correspond substantially to the shape of a shoulder from front to back, the shaping elements being associated with the flotation aid to impart a curved structure to the flotation aid where it passes over the shoulders.
2,, A life vest according to claim 1, in which the shaping elements are substantially rigid in a direction of extension.
3. A life vest according to claim I or cLaim 2, in which the shaping elements are flexible tn a direction of flexion.
4.. A life vest according to any preceding claim, in which each shaping element is formed from a substantially "H"-shaped sheet of flexible material, the adjacent arms of the "H" being given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element..
5. A life vest according to claim 4, in which the ends of the arms of the "H" are secured in a position of increased proximity.
6. A life vest according to claim 4 or claim 5, in which the "H" has a curved outline such that the ends of the adjacent arms face in towards each other 7. A life vest according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in which the "H" has a curved outline such that it is narrowest at its waist.8. A life vest according to any preceding claim, in which the flotation aid comprises an inflatable bladder inside a protective cover.9. A life vest according to claim 1, in which the shaping elements are disposed inside the protective cover..A life vest according to claim 9, in which the protective cover has an underside formed from two layers at least in the regions of the shaping elements, and the shaping elements are disposed between the two layers..11.. A life vest according to claim 10, in which the two layers define a pair of pockets in which the shaping elements are removably disposed.12. A Life vest according to any preceding claim, further comprising patches on the outer surface of the underside of the flotation aid where the flotation aid passes over the TO shoulders, the patches formed from material having a higher coefficient of static friction that the outer surface of the underside of the flotation aid.13. A life vest according to claim 12, in which the flotation aid comprises an inflatable bladder inside a protective cover) and the patches are on the outer surface of the protective cover.14. A life vest according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which the patches are printed onto the flotation aid 15. A shaping element for incorporation into a life vest, the life vest comprising a flotation aid that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over the wearer's shoulders and securing means attached to the flotation aid for securing the flotation aid around the wearer's torso; the shaping element being curved to correspond substantially to the shape of a shoulder from front to back and configured to impart a curved structure to a flotation aid into which it is incorporated where the flotation aid passes over the shoulders, the shaping element formed from a substantially "H"-shaped sheet of flexible material wherein the adjacent arms of the "H" are given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element.16. A shaping element according to claim 15, the shaping element being substantially rigid in a direction of extension and flexible in a direction of flexion.17.. A life vest substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.18. A shaping element for incorporation into a life vest substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows CLA!MS 1. A fife vest comprising a flotation aid that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over the wearer's shoulders, securing means attached to the flotation aid for securing S the flotation aid to the wearer's torso, and a pair of shaping elements curved to correspond substantially to the shape of a shou'der from front to back, the shaping elements being associated with the flotation aid to impart a curved structure to the flotation aid where it passes over the shoulders.2. A life vest according to claim 1, in which the shaping elements are substantially rigid in a direction of extension.3. A life vest according to claim I or claim 2, in which the shaping elements are flexible in a direction of flexion.C'sJ 4. A life vest according to any preceding claim, in which each shaping element is formed from a substantially "H"-shaped sheet of flexible material, the adjacent arms of the "H" being If) given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element.5. A life vest according to claim 4, in which the ends of the arms of the "H" are secured in a position of increased proximity.6. A life vest according to claim 4 or claim 5, in which the "H" has a curved outline such that the ends of the adjacent arms face in towards each other.
7. A life vest according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in which the "H" has a curved outline such that it is narrowest at its waist.
8. A life vest according to any preceding claim, in which the flotation aid comprises an inflatable bladder inside a protective cover.
9. A life vest according to claim 8, in which the shaping elements are disposed inside the protective cover.
10. A life vest accordh-tg to daim 9, in which the protective cover has an underside formed from two layers at least in the regions of the shaping elements, and the shaping &ements are disposed between the two ayers.11 A Hfe vest according to claim 10, in which the two ayers define a pair of pockets in which the shaping elements are removably disposed.12. A life vest according to any preceding claim, further comprising patches on the outer surface of the underside of the flotation aid where the flotation aid passes over the shoulders, the patches formed from material having a higher coefficient of statip friction that the outer surface of the underside of the flotation aid.13. A life vest according to claim 12 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 11, in which the patches are on the outer surface of the protective cover.C'sJ 14. A life vest according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which the patches are printed onto the flotation aid,LU0 15. A shaping element for incorporation into a life vest, the life vest comprising a flotation cJ-20 aid that when worn passes behind a wearer's neck and over, the wearer's shoulders and securing means attached to the flotation aid for securing the flotation aid around the wearer's torso; the shaping element being curved to correspond substantially to the shape of a shoulder from front to back and configured to impart a curved structure to a flotation aid into which it is incorporated where the flotation aid passes over the shoulders, the shaping element formed from a substantially "H"-shaped sheet of flexible material wherein the adjacent arms of the "H" are given an increased proximity at their ends to define the curved shape of the shaping element.16. A shaping element according to claim 15, the shaping element being substantially rigid in a direction of extension and flexible in a direction of flexion.17. A life vest substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.