Life jackets

Abstract

To provide a life jacket using an empty PET bottle, capable of effectively preventing the PET bottle from flowing out from a storage part even if there are many obstacles such as rubble on the water surface or in the water. [Solution] The life jacket comprises a main body 2 having a front body 3 and a back body, a front storage section 11 provided on the surface of the front body 3 and large enough to store an empty PET bottle 91, front storage openings 15a, 15b provided on the back surface of the front body 3 and serving as storage openings for the front storage section 11, a rear storage section provided on the surface of the back body and large enough to store an empty PET bottle, and a rear storage opening provided on the back surface of the rear body and serving as a storage opening for the rear storage section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This invention relates to a life jacket that can use an empty plastic bottle as a buoyancy device. [Background technology]

[0002] A life jacket that uses empty plastic bottles is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The life jacket described in this document has multiple storage compartments on the front and back of the jacket that are large enough to store plastic bottles. The opening of each storage compartment is designed to be opened and closed by a fastener. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3177728 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The opening and closing devices for the PET bottle storage compartment are provided on the surface of the front and back panels. In the event of a disaster such as a tsunami, there is a possibility that the opening and closing device will hit an obstacle, as there is a lot of debris and other obstacles on the water surface or underwater. If the opening and closing device is damaged or displaced by hitting an obstacle, the storage opening will open, causing the PET bottle to fall out of the storage compartment and causing the life jacket to lose buoyancy.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a life jacket that can effectively prevent the plastic bottle from spilling out of the storage section, even if there are a lot of obstacles such as debris on the water surface or underwater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The life jacket described in claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, is characterized by comprising a main body having a front body and a rear body, a front storage section provided on the surface of the front body and large enough to store an empty PET bottle, a front storage opening provided on the back surface of the front body and serving as a storage opening for the front storage section, a rear storage section provided on the surface of the rear body and large enough to store an empty PET bottle, and a rear storage opening provided on the back surface of the rear body and serving as a storage opening for the rear storage section.

[0007] The life jacket described in claim 2 is the life jacket described in claim 1, and is characterized in that it comprises a front storage opening opening device that is an opening / closing device capable of opening and closing the front storage opening, and a rear storage opening opening opening device that is an opening / closing device capable of opening and closing the rear storage opening.

[0008] The life jacket described in claim 3 is the life jacket described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front and back surfaces of the front body and the front and back surfaces of the back body are formed on both sides so that they can be turned inside out and used reversibly.

[0009] The life jacket described in claim 4 is the life jacket described in claim 1, and is characterized in that it is attached to either the front or back surface of the rear panel, and is equipped with a main body storage section that is large enough to fold and store the main body, a main body storage opening that serves as the storage opening of the main body storage section, and a main body storage opening opening device that is an opening device that can open and close the main body storage opening. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The life jacket of the present invention has a front storage section on the surface of the front body that is large enough to store an empty plastic bottle, a front storage opening on the back of the front body that serves as the storage opening for the front storage section, a rear storage section on the surface of the back body that is large enough to store an empty plastic bottle, and a rear storage opening on the back of the rear body that serves as the storage opening for the rear storage section.As the front and rear storage openings are not on the surface of the main body, they will not be affected even if they are hit by an obstacle such as debris, and it is possible to effectively prevent plastic bottles from spilling out from the front and rear storage sections.

[0011] When a front storage opening opening / closing device capable of opening and closing the front storage opening and a rear storage opening opening device capable of opening and closing the rear storage opening are provided, the front storage opening and rear storage opening can be more firmly closed and protected, and PET bottles can be more effectively prevented from leaking out from the front storage section and rear storage section.

[0012] If the front and back panels are made reversible, they can be used as a normal jacket by turning them inside out without storing a plastic bottle. When turned inside out, the front and rear storage openings are exposed, so the front and rear storage sections can be used as pockets.

[0013] When a main body storage section large enough to fold and store the main body, a main body storage opening that serves as the storage opening of the main body storage section, and a main body storage opening opening device that can open and close the main body storage opening are provided on either the front or back surface of the rear body, the main body can be stored in the main body storage section to make it small and easy to carry. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the front surface (front view of the life jacket) showing the surface of the front of the life jacket to which the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the back surface of the front body of the life jacket of FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the rear panel surface (rear view of the life jacket) showing the surface of the rear panel of the life jacket of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the rear part of the back panel showing the rear surface of the back part of Fig. 3. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the main body storage section with the main body stored in the lower part of the figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments.

[0016] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the front surface (outer side) of a life jacket 1 to which the present invention is applied. The life jacket 1 has a main body 2 having a front body 3 and a back body 5. In this specification, terms indicating directions or positions such as front, back, right, left, up, down, etc. are shown based on directions or positions as seen by a wearer of the life jacket 1 (not shown).

[0017] The figure shows an example in which the main body 2 is formed in the shape of a vest (a short, sleeveless jacket). The front body 3 and the back body 5 are connected at the shoulders and sides, allowing the wearer to expose their head and arms from the main body 2. The material of the main body 2 is arbitrary, but a durable material such as denim or synthetic resin is preferable. The color of the main body 2 is arbitrary, but a color that is easy to find, such as yellow, orange, or white, is preferable. The main body 2 may be provided with a reflective material that reflects light.

[0018] The front body 3 has, as an example, a right front body 4a and a left front body 4b. The right front body 4a and the left front body 4b are formed symmetrically and are configured to be connectable to each other by a fastener 12. By opening and closing this fastener 12, the front body 3 (the right front body 4a and the left front body 4b) can be opened in the front.

[0019] The fastener 12 is preferably sturdy and not easily damaged or opened by impact. In this example, a reversible fastener that can be used on either the front or back is used. The fastener 12 is a single fastener or a double fastener. Instead of or together with the fastener 12, a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, a hook and eye, a string fastener, a strap, a buckle, or the like may be used.

[0020] On the surface of the front body 3 (right front body 4a and left front body 4b), there are provided front storage sections (front storage sections) 11, 11 large enough to store empty plastic bottles 91, 91. The plastic bottles 91 are stored vertically in the front storage section 11. The plastic bottles 91, 91 and a plastic bottle 92 described below are of a size that provides the necessary buoyancy for a life jacket. As an example, the plastic bottle 91 has a capacity of about 0.5 L to 3 L. In particular, a 2 L plastic bottle can be preferably used as the plastic bottle 91.

[0021] As an example, the front storage sections 11, 11 are formed by sewing the periphery of a cloth member 13 made of cloth to the surface of each of the right front body 4a and the left front body 4b. The figure shows a seam 14 along which the cloth member 13 is sewn. The seam 14 is formed around the entire periphery of the front storage section 11 (cloth member 13) so that there is no opening of the front storage section 11 on the surface side of the front body 3. The seam 11 is preferably a strong seam such as a double stitch or a backstitch in order to firmly sew the cloth member 13.

[0022] The fabric member 13 forming the front storage section 11 is provided with known expansion means (not shown) such as folds, tucks, pleats, gussets, bellows, etc., in order to be able to store the three-dimensional plastic bottle 91. The front storage section 11 that stores the plastic bottle 91 protrudes forward from the front body 3.

[0023] The fabric of the fabric member 13 is arbitrary, but is preferably a durable fabric such as denim fabric, synthetic resin fabric, etc. The fabric member 13 may be made of the same fabric as the front body 3, or may be made of a different fabric.

[0024] As shown in the figure, the front storage section 11 provided on the right front body 4a and the front storage section 11 provided on the left front body 4b are formed in the same shape or in a symmetrical shape. As long as they can store a plastic bottle 91, the left and right front storage sections 11, 11 may be formed in different shapes, for example, to provide a design.

[0025] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the back surface (rear side) of the front body 3 of the life jacket 1. The back surface of the front body 3 is provided with a front storage opening 15 (15a, 15b) which serves as a storage opening for the front storage section 11. The front storage opening 15 (15a, 15b) is formed at a position on the back side of the front storage section 11 so as to communicate with the front storage section 11. The front storage opening 15 (15a, 15b) is preferably provided with a front storage opening opening opener 16 (16a, 16b) which is an opener capable of opening and closing the front storage opening 15 (15a, 15b).

[0026] In the figure, an example is shown in which a front storage opening 15a, which is a vertical cut-shaped storage opening, is formed in the right front body 4a. Also, an example is shown in which a front storage opening 15b, which is a horizontal cut-shaped storage opening, is formed in the left front body 4b. The front storage openings 15a may be vertical or horizontal in both the right front body 4a and the left front body 4b. As long as the plastic bottle 91 can be stored in the front storage section 11, the shape of the front storage opening 15 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, U-shaped.

[0027] In the case of the horizontal front storage opening 15b, it is preferable to provide it on the lower side of the front storage section 11, because the buoyant plastic bottle 91 is less likely to fall out of the front storage section 11. Alternatively, the horizontal front storage opening 15b may be provided on the upper side of the front storage section 11, and the front storage section 11 may be used as a pocket when the plastic bottle 91 is not inserted (when not in use as a life jacket).

[0028] In the figure, a zipper is provided as the front storage opening opening device 16a of the front storage opening 15a. Also, a zipper is provided as the front storage opening opening device 16b of the front storage opening 15b. The type of the front storage opening opening device 16 (16a, 16b) is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a hook, a string fastener, or the like.

[0029] 3 is a schematic diagram of the rear panel surface (front side) of the life jacket 1. A rear storage section (rear storage section) 31 large enough to store an empty plastic bottle 92 is provided on the surface of the rear panel 5. As an example, the plastic bottle 92 has a capacity of about 0.5 L to 3 L. In particular, a 2 L plastic bottle can be preferably used as the plastic bottle 92.

[0030] As an example, the rear storage section 31 is formed by sewing the periphery of a cloth member 33 made of cloth to the surface of the back body 5. The figure shows a seam 34 along which the cloth member 33 is sewn. The seam 34 is formed around the entire circumference of the rear storage section 31 (cloth member 33) so that there is no opening of the rear storage section 31 on the surface side of the back body 5. In order to sew the cloth member 33 firmly, the seam 34 is preferably a strong seam such as a double stitch or a backstitch.

[0031] The fabric member 33 forming the rear storage section 31 is provided with known expansion means (not shown) such as folds, tucks, pleats, gussets, bellows, etc., so as to be able to store the three-dimensional plastic bottle 92. The rear storage section 31 storing the plastic bottle 92 protrudes rearward from the rear body 5.

[0032] The rear storage section 31 is provided in a position close to the wearer's neck (a position on the upper side of the rear body 5) and oriented so that a plastic bottle 92 can be stored in a horizontally elongated shape.

[0033] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the reverse side (reverse side) of the rear body 5 of the life jacket 1. A rear storage opening 35, which serves as a storage opening for the rear storage section 31, is provided on the reverse side of the rear body 5. The rear storage opening 35 is formed at a position on the reverse side of the rear storage section 31 so as to communicate with the rear storage section 31. It is preferable that the rear storage opening 35 is provided with a rear storage opening opening device 36, which is an opening device that can open and close the rear storage opening 35.

[0034] In the figure, an example is shown in which the rear storage opening 35 has a horizontal cut-out shape. As long as the plastic bottle 92 can be stored in the rear storage section 31, the shape of the rear storage opening 35 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, vertical or U-shaped.

[0035] In the figure, an example is shown in which a zipper is provided as the rear storage opening opening device 36 of the rear storage opening 35. The type of the rear storage opening opening device 36 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a hook and eye, or a string fastener.

[0036] As shown in the figure, a main body storage section 41 large enough to store the main body 2 after folding is provided on the underside of the back surface of the rear panel 5. A main body storage opening 45 is formed in the main body storage section 41, which serves as a storage opening for inserting the main body 2. A main body storage opening opener 46 is provided in the main body storage opening 45, which is an opener that can open and close the main body storage opening 45.

[0037] As an example, the main body storage section 41 is formed by sewing the periphery of a cloth member 43 to the back surface of the back panel 5. The figure shows a seam 44 along which the cloth member 43 is sewn. The seam 44 is formed along the entire circumference of the main body storage section 41 (cloth member 43). The seam 44 is preferably a strong seam such as a double stitch or a backstitch, so that it is firmly sewn so that the main body 2 is not damaged when stored in the main body storage section 41. The seam 44 is also visible on the front surface of the back panel 5 (see FIG. 3).

[0038] In Fig. 4, a zipper is provided as main storage opening opening device 46 of main storage opening 45. This zipper is a reversible zipper that can be used on either side. The type of main storage opening opening device 46 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a hook and eye, a string fastener, or the like.

[0039] As shown in the figure, the main body storage section 41, the main body storage opening 45 and the main body storage opening opening device 46 may be provided on the back surface of the back panel 5, but the main body storage section 41 may be provided on the back surface of the back panel 5, and the main body storage opening 45 and the main body storage opening opening device 46 may be provided on the front surface of the back panel 5. Also, the main body storage section 41, the main body storage opening 45 and the main body storage opening opening device 46 may be provided on the front surface of the back panel 5. Also, the main body storage section 41 may be provided on the front surface of the back panel 5, and the main body storage opening 45 and the main body storage opening opening device 46 may be provided on the back surface of the back panel 5.

[0040] In other words, the main body storage section 41 may be attached to either the front or back surface of the back panel 5. Also, the main body storage opening 45 and the main body storage opening opening device 46 may be attached to either the front or back surface of the back panel 5. The main body storage opening opening device 46 is preferable, but may be omitted depending on the need.

[0041] The front and back surfaces of the front body 3 and the back body 5 shown in Figs. 1 to 4 are preferably formed so as to be double-sided so that they can be used reversibly by turning them inside out.

[0042] Next, how to use the life jacket 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0043] [Plastic bottle set] The front storage opening opening devices 16a, 16b on the back surface of the front body 3 shown in Figure 2 are opened, and empty plastic bottles 91, 91 are stored in the front storage sections 11, 11 through the front storage openings 15a, 15b. After storage, the front storage opening opening devices 16a, 16b are closed. Also, the rear storage opening opening device 36 on the back surface of the back body 5 shown in Figure 4 is opened, and empty plastic bottle 92 is stored in the rear storage section 31 through the rear storage opening 35. After storage, the rear storage opening opening device 36 is closed.

[0044] [Used as a life jacket] A wearer puts on the life jacket 1 by opening and closing the fastener 12 shown in Fig. 1. Even if the life jacket 1 hits an obstacle such as debris in water, the front storage opening opening devices 16a, 16b and the rear storage opening opening device 36 will not be damaged or moved because they are not present on the surface of the front body 3 and the rear body 5. Therefore, the plastic bottles 91, 91 and the plastic bottles 92 can be effectively prevented from spilling out from the front storage sections 11, 11 and the rear storage section 31.

[0045] In addition, the front storage openings 15a, 15b are located on the back surface of the front body 3 and are in contact with the wearer. The rear storage opening 35 is located on the back surface of the rear body 5 and is in contact with the wearer. In other words, the PET bottles 91, 91 and the PET bottle 92 are blocked by the wearer and are difficult to get out of the front storage section 11 (front storage openings 15a, 15b) and the rear storage section 31 (rear storage opening 35). Therefore, the front storage opening openings 16a, 16b and the rear storage opening openings 36 may be omitted as necessary.

[0046] Two front storage sections 11, 11 are provided on the front body 3, and one rear storage section 31 is provided on the back body 5 so that the buoyancy of the front body 3 side is greater than that of the back body 5 side. Increasing the buoyancy of the front side of the wearer in this way allows the wearer to lie on his / her back instead of face down, keeping the face from touching the water and allowing breathing to be maintained easily. Also, because the rear storage section 31 of the back body 5 is located near the neck, the wearer's neck is supported above the water, keeping the face from touching the water and allowing breathing to be maintained easily.

[0047] When the main body storage section 41, main body storage opening 45 and main body storage opening opening device 46 are provided on the back surface of the back panel 5 as shown in Fig. 4, only the seam 44 is visible on the back panel 5 as shown in Fig. 3. This is preferable because the main body storage section 41 and main body storage opening opening device 46 will not get caught on debris in the water. It is also preferable because the main body storage section 41 can be used as an inner pocket.

[0048] [Reversible use] The front body 3 and the back body 5 of the life jacket 1 can be used reversibly. Therefore, in normal times, the life jacket 1 can be turned inside out and used as a jacket (vest) without storing the plastic bottles 91, 91 and the plastic bottles 92 in it. In that case, the back side of the front body 3 shown in FIG. 2 becomes the front side, so the front storage sections 11, 11 can be used as pockets. It is preferable that the back side of the front body 3 is formed with a color and design that allows it to be used as a normal jacket. Similarly, when used reversibly, the back side of the back body 5 shown in FIG. 4 becomes the front side, so the rear storage section 31 and the main storage section 41 can be used as pockets. It is preferable that the back side of the back body 5 is formed with a color and design that allows it to be used as a normal jacket.

[0049] [Storage in main body storage compartment 41] When storing the main body 2 shown in Fig. 4 in the main body storage section 41, the main body 2 is folded to a size that can fit into the main body storage section 41 so as to fit the main body storage section 41. Next, the main body storage section 41 is turned upside down, and the folded main body 2 is placed into the main body storage section 41 through the main body storage opening 45. Finally, the reversible main body storage opening opening device 46 is closed to complete the storage of the main body 2. When stored, the main body storage section 41 is upside down, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 4.

[0050] The main body 2 may be stored without turning the main body storage section 41 upside down. In this case, for example, the main body storage opening 45 of the main body storage section 41, which has been formed in advance into a bag shape, may be attached to the back panel 5.

[0051] By storing the main body 2 in the main body storage section 41, the life jacket 1 can be made compact and easily carried. For example, the life jacket 1 can be always carried in a bag or the like that is regularly used.

[0052] [Variations] Although the example in which the main body 2 is in the shape of a vest has been described, the main body 2 may have sleeves such as long sleeves or short sleeves. For example, the main body 2 may be in the shape of a jumper.

[0053] Although an example of a front-opening type main body 2 having a zipper 12 on the front body 3 has been described, the main body 2 may be a pullover type (a jacket worn by pulling it over one's head) that does not have a zipper 12 on the front body 3. When the main body 2 is a pullover type, it is preferable to make the neck area wide so that the head can pass through smoothly. When the main body 2 is a pullover type, it is preferable to connect the sides of the front body 3 and the sides of the back body 5 with multiple wide elastic bands (flat elastic bands). The elasticity of these wide elastic bands ensures that the life jacket fits the wearer's body securely.

[0054] The number of front storage sections 11 provided on the surface of the front body 3, i.e., the number of plastic bottles 91 stored in the front body 3, is arbitrary. For example, a single large front storage section 11 capable of storing only one large-sized plastic bottle 91 may be provided. Also, multiple (e.g., four) front storage sections 11 capable of storing multiple (e.g., four) small-sized plastic bottles 91 may be provided. Although the front storage section 11 for storing the plastic bottles 91 in a vertical orientation has been described, a front storage section 11 for storing the plastic bottles 91 in a horizontal orientation may also be provided. In other words, the size, number, orientation, and attachment position of the front storage sections 11 are not limited and are arbitrary.

[0055] Then, a front storage opening 15 and a front storage opening opening device 16 may be provided on the back surface of the front body 3 so as to correspond to the size, number, orientation and mounting position of the front storage section 11.

[0056] Similarly, the number of rear storage sections 31, i.e., the number of plastic bottles 92 stored in the rear body panel 5, is arbitrary. For example, a plurality (e.g., two) rear storage sections 31 may be provided so as to store a plurality (e.g., two) of plastic bottles 92. Although the rear storage sections 31 that store the plastic bottles 92 in a horizontal orientation have been described, a rear storage section 31 that stores the plastic bottles 92 in a vertical orientation may also be provided. In other words, the size, number, orientation, and mounting position of the rear storage sections 31 are not limited and are arbitrary.

[0057] Then, a rear storage opening 35 and a rear storage opening opening device 36 may be provided on the back surface of the rear body 5 so as to correspond to the size, number, orientation and mounting position of the rear storage section 31.

[0058] Although an example has been described in which the PET bottles 91 and 92 are used as the buoyant bodies stored in the front storage section 11 and the rear storage section 31, any object other than the PET bottles may be used as long as it has buoyancy. For example, a hollow body such as a resin container or a hollow buoy may be used as the buoyant body. In addition, for example, a foam material such as foamed polyethylene, foamed urethane, or foamed polystyrene may be used as the buoyant body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] Reference numeral 1 denotes a life jacket, 2 denotes a main body, 3 denotes a front body, 4a denotes a right front body, 4b denotes a left front body, 5 denotes a back body, 11 denotes a front storage section, 12 denotes a zipper, 13 denotes a cloth member, 14 denotes a seam, 15, 15a, and 15b denote front storage openings, 16, 16a, and 16b denote front storage opening opening opening devices, 31 denotes a rear storage section, 33 denotes a cloth member, 34 denotes a seam, 35 denotes a rear storage opening, 36 denotes a rear storage opening opening opening device, 41 denotes a main body storage section, 43 denotes a cloth member, 44 denotes a seam, 45 denotes a main body storage opening, 46 denotes a main body storage opening opening opening opening device, and 91 and 92 denote plastic bottles.

Claims

1. A main body having a front body and a back body; A front storage section provided on the surface of the front body and large enough to store an empty plastic bottle; A front storage opening is provided on the back surface of the front body and serves as a storage opening for the front storage section; A rear storage section provided on the surface of the rear body and large enough to store empty plastic bottles; A rear storage opening is provided on the back surface of the rear body and serves as a storage opening for the rear storage section; A life jacket comprising:

2. a front storage opening opening / closing device that is an opening / closing device that can open and close the front storage opening; a rear storage opening opening / closing device that is an opening / closing device that can open and close the rear storage opening; 2. The life jacket according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The life jacket according to claim 1, wherein the front and back surfaces of the front body and the back body are formed so as to be reversible by turning them inside out.

4. A main body storage section attached to one of the front and back surfaces of the rear body and having a size that allows the main body to be folded and stored; A main body storage opening that serves as a storage opening for the main body storage section; a main body storage opening opening / closing device that is an opening / closing device capable of opening and closing the main body storage opening; 2. The life jacket according to claim 1, further comprising:

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