US20190185120A1

US20190185120A1 - Wearable Flotation Device

Info

Publication number: US20190185120A1
Application number: US16/166,817
Authority: US
Inventors: Shaun Clark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2018-10-22
Publication date: 2019-06-20

Abstract

A wearable flotation device. The wearable flotation device includes a garment having an interior volume that can receive a bladder therein, wherein the bladder is designed to receive a compressed gas to enable flotation of a wearer of the garment in a body of water. A deployable signal is operably connected to the bladder via a tube having a sensor, wherein the sensor can actuate a one-way valve upon detection of moisture. The one-way valve is designed to enable the flow of the compressed gas, whereby the compressed gas actuates the deployable signal upon the sensor's detection of moisture. When actuated, the deployable signal extends upwardly beyond a periphery of the garment to alert a nearby individual of the wearer's location in the event of an emergency. The garment further includes a plurality of lights thereon for illuminating the wearer to assist in identifying the wearer's location.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/607,515 filed on Dec. 19, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wearable flotation device. More specifically, the present invention provides a wearable flotation device having a garment and a tube disposed within an interior volume thereof. The tube is operably connected to a bladder that is designed to store compressed gas therein, wherein the compressed gas is configured to provide buoyancy of a wearer of the garment to enable flotation of the wearer. The tube is further operably connected to a deployable signal that is configured to extend beyond a periphery of the garment upon actuation thereof, wherein a sensor designed to detect moisture actuates a one-way valve that is designed to enable a flow of compressed gas to the deployable signal. The garment further includes a plurality of lights for illuminating the wearer. The deployable signal and the plurality of lights are configured to assist nearby individuals in identifying the location of the wearer if the wearer of the garment is in an emergency.
When swimming or boating, an individual may travel a substantial distance within a body of water. However, the individual faces a risk of being stranded or lost if the boat malfunctions or the individual loses their bearings. Further, an individual who is swimming may inadvertently collide with a nearby boat, which can be fatal or cause serious injury. Further, it can be difficult for search-and-rescue crews to locate stranded or lost swimmers, especially in low-light conditions, such as during the nighttime. Traditional lifejackets exist that provide flotation for the individual swimming in a body of water, but such traditional lifejackets typically provide limited visibility such that the search-and-rescue crews may be unable to easily find the individual. Thus, an improved wearable flotation device for allowing a search-and-rescue team or other persons to more easily locate an individual otherwise stranded in a body of water is desired.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing ladder paint can holders. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of carpet removal tools now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new wearable flotation device wherein the same can be utilized for providing improved safety to a user when the user is engaging in a desired activity in a body of water.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved wearable flotation device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. The wearable flotation device includes a garment having a bladder disposed in an interior volume thereof. The bladder is adapted to receive compressed gas therein, wherein the compressed gas enables flotation of the garment. A tube is in fluid communication with the bladder and a sensor, wherein the sensor is designed to detect moisture and actuate a one-way valve disposed within the tube. Upon actuation, the one-way valve is adapted to actuate a deployable signal that is in fluid communication with the tube, whereby the deployable is adapted to extend beyond a periphery of the garment upon actuation thereof. The garment further includes a plurality of lights for illuminating the wearer, wherein the combination of the plurality of lights and the deployable signal, and an air horn in one iteration, enable a search-and-rescue crew or other persons to identify a location of the wearer to provide immediate relief if the wearer in the event of an emergency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of a tube and a bladder of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a cavity for a deployable member of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a block diagram of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the wearable floatation device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing improved safety to a user when the user is engaging in a desired activity in a body of water. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a front elevation view and a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device. In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable flotation device 10 comprises a garment 15 having an interior volume in which a pair of first bladders 65 and a second bladder 69 is disposed. More specifically, the first bladders 65 are disposed on opposing ends of a front side 21 of the garment 15 and the second bladder 69 is disposed on a rear side 29 of the garment 15. In the shown embodiment, the first bladder 65 and the second bladder 69 each define an interior volume enclosed by an annular sidewall, wherein a compressible gas is stored within the interior volume and is configured to provide buoyancy to the garment, such that a user thereof may float in a body of water or other liquid therewith. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the garment 15 is moveable from an open position to a closed position via a zipper fastener 75.
The zipper fastener extends lengthwise along a lateral side of opposing sides of a front side 21 of the garment 15, whereby the zipper fastener is configured to substantially obscure a portion of the user's upper torso. In alternate embodiments, any suitable fastener is used to join the lateral sides of the garment, such as clips, hooks and loop material, and snaps. In the open position, the user is able to don the garment and in the closed position, the user is able to secure the garment to his or her body. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 15 resembles a vest but may resemble a jacket, a shirt, or any other suitable garment in other embodiments.
A tube 35 is in fluid communication with each of the first bladders 65 and the second bladder 69, wherein the tube 35 extends outwardly from the interior volume of the second bladder 69 and bifurcates on the rear side 29 and extends to each lateral end of the front side 21 of the garment 15, whereby the tube 35 extends in the interior volume of the first bladders 65. In this way, the compressible gas within the first bladders 65 and the second bladder 69 is configured to travel within the tube 35 and provide a substantial fluid pressure that is delivered to a deployable member 43, which is further operably connected to the tube 35.
In the illustrated embodiment, a deployable member 43 extends through a cavity 38 on the rear side 29. The deployable member 43 is disposed within the rear side of the garment and is configured to extend beyond a periphery of the garment 15 upon actuation of the deployable member 43. A first light 51 disposed on an upper end of the deployable member 43 and is configured to illuminate to alert nearby individuals of the presence of the user of the garment 15 in water or other. A second light 52 is selectively positioned within the interior volume of the garment 15 on the front side 21 thereof and the rear side 29 thereof, wherein the second light is configured to further illuminate the garment 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the second light comprises a plurality of lights that are positioned throughout the interior volume of the garment 15, wherein the plurality of lights is configured to perpetually illuminate, such that a nearby individual may easily view the wearer in lowlight conditions. In an alternate embodiment, the second light is configured to illuminate Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the garment 15 is composed of a semi-transparent material, such that the first light 51 and the second light 52 are visible through the garment 15.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a close-up view of a tube and a bladder of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device. A one-way valve 83 is disposed at a position above the second bladder 69, wherein the one-way valve 83 is configured to enable a flow of the compressed gas to the deployable member 43 upon actuation of the one-way valve 83. In the shown embodiment, the one-way valve 83 comprises a cylindrical shape but may comprise any other suitable shape in other embodiments. A stopper member 48 is disposed on a lower end of the second bladder 69, wherein the stopper member 48 is configured to provide a liquid impermeable seal to a lower end of the deployable member 43, whereby the compressed gas stored within the second bladder 69 is not infiltrated by water or any other liquid. In one embodiment, the stopper member 48 is removeable to enable replacement of compressed gas within the second bladder 69.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a close-up view of a cavity for a deployable member of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity on the rear side 29 of the garment 15. The cavity 38 is disposed on the rear side 29 of the garment 15 and configured to receive the deployable member 43 therein, wherein the deployable member 43 is in fluid communication with the tube 35. In one embodiment, the cavity 38 comprises a rigid member protruding from an exterior of the rear side 29, wherein the rigid member is configured to provide structural support to the cavity 38. In this way, the cavity 38 is prevented from collapsing inward and further prevents fluid communication between the tube 35 and the deployable member 43. In one embodiment, the cavity 38 is dimensioned to secure about the lower end of the deployable member 43, whereby infiltration of any water or other liquid is prevented.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of a block diagram of an embodiment of the wearable flotation device. In the illustrated embodiment, a power source 123 is disposed within the garment 15, wherein the power source 123 is configured to provide power to a sensor 220 that is configured to detect moisture and actuate the one-way valve 83 once moisture is detected. Further, the power source 123 is configured to be liquid impermeable, whereby the power source 123 is operable even when contacting a fluid such as water. In one embodiment, the power source 123 is disposed within the tube 35 near the cavity but may be disposed on any other suitable portion of the garment 15 in other embodiments. Further, in one embodiment, the sensor 220 is disposed on the rear side 29 of the garment 15 near the cavity 38, whereby the sensor may be contact with a fluid. In an alternate embodiment, the sensor 220 is disposed on any other suitable portion of the rear side 29 or the front side 21 of the garment 15, whereby the sensor 220 is operably connected to the one-way valve 83.
Upon actuation of the one-way valve 83, the deployable member 43 extends through the cavity 38 by a substantial fluid pressure caused by the delivery of the compressed gas within the first bladders 65 and the second bladder 69. In one embodiment, actuation of the deployable member 43 is defined by an inflation of the deployable member 43, wherein the deployable member 43 comprises a flexible body to enable an expansion of an interior volume thereof that causes the deployable member 43 to move beyond a periphery of the cavity 38 and the garment 15. The power source 123 is further configured to provide power to the first light 51 and the second light 52. In one embodiment, the power source 123 comprises a low form factor, such that the power source 123 does not excessively bulge within the garment 15.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1) A wearable flotation device, comprising:

a garment comprising an interior volume and a bladder that is disposed within the interior volume, wherein the bladder is configured to receive a compressed gas;

a deployable signal that is configured to move to an elevated position relative to the garment upon actuation thereof;

wherein a tube extends between the bladder and the deployable signal, whereby the deployable signal is in fluid communication with the bladder via the tube;

wherein the tube comprises a one-way valve that is configured to release the compressed gas in order to move the deployable signal upon detection of moisture via a sensor.

2) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a first light that is disposed on an upper end of the deployable signal, whereby the light is illuminated when the deployable signal is in the elevated position.

3) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the elevation position is defined by the deployable signal extending upwardly beyond a periphery of the garment.

4) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises an air horn thereon, such that the user may audibly notify a nearby individual of the user's proximal distance relative to the nearby individual therewith.

5) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the deployable signal is disposed within a cavity on a rear side of the garment.

6) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises a second light that is configured to illuminate within the interior volume of the garment.

7) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the deployable signal is composed of a flexible material, wherein the deployable signal is in fluid communication with the bladder, such that actuation of the deployable signal corresponds to inflation thereof.

8) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the bladder comprises a pair of first bladders and a second bladder;

wherein the pair of first bladders are disposed within the interior volume on opposing ends of a front side of the garment;

wherein the second bladder is disposed within the interior volume on the rear side of the garment.

9) The wearable flotation device of claim 7, wherein the first bladders and second bladder comprise flexible and inflated bodies having cavities configured to receive the compressed gas therein.

10) The wearable flotation device of claim 7, wherein the tube within the interior volume extends outwardly from the second bladder and bifurcates, whereby the tube is in fluid communication with the pair of first bladders on the front side of the garment.

11) The wearable flotation device of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a vest that is dimensioned to be received about the user's upper torso.

12) The wearable flotation device of claim 10, wherein the vest comprises a zipper fastener on a front side thereof, whereby the garment is moveable from an open position to a closed position.