Flotation device

Abstract

A flotation device comprising an outer garment and an inflatable bladder comprising a neck region and at least one chest region, the inflatable bladder located adjacent an inner surface of the outer garment and wherein, in use, the inflatable bladder comprises one or more raised support chambers disposed around the neck region.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of safety devices for use in water sports and activities. More particularly, this invention relates to a flotation garment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Water sports and activities such as surfing, sailing and canoeing are extremely popular but participants run an inherent risk of drowning which comes with being in the water. Those who are not confident swimmers are particularly at risk but even strong swimmers can find themselves in danger due to rough ocean conditions, strong currents and the possibility of becoming too tired to swim or even having been rendered unconscious. While participating in water based activities it is therefore important to lower this risk as much as possible.[0003]One means of decreasing the risk of drowning is to wear a safety device such as a life jacket or an equivalent buoyancy aid. One problem with such devices is that they are relatively bulky making them impractical for certa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Adjacent areas of the two chest regions may be prevented from separating laterally by means of a connector.

[0026]c) inflating the inflatable bladder,to thereby assist the person to remain buoyant when in the body of water.

Problems solved by technology

Water sports and activities such as surfing, sailing and canoeing are extremely popular but participants run an inherent risk of drowning which comes with being in the water.

Those who are not confident swimmers are particularly at risk but even strong swimmers can find themselves in danger due to rough ocean conditions, strong currents and the possibility of becoming too tired to swim or even having been rendered unconscious.

One problem with such devices is that they are relatively bulky making them impractical for certain activities such as surfing where a certain amount of freedom around the torso is essential.

There is the further problem that many users do not want to draw attention to themselves by wearing such large garments.

Whilst generally suitable for its intended purpose, when inflated, the inflatable device of WO 03 / 075692 can ride up around the users head and upper torso which can cause panic because the user's freedom of movement and vision are severely restricted.

This problem can also be quite dangerous if the wearer cannot see in which direction they should be swimming or signaling to alert rescuers.

Further, depending on how loosely the shirt is secured and how buoyant the inflatable device is, the wearers head, and particularly their mouth may still remain close to the water level and so drowning is still a possibility.

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