Personal flotation device

Abstract

A personal flotation device (10) includes a torso flotation pad (21), right armband flotation pad (31) and left armband flotation pad (41). The right armband flotation pad (31) is operatively connected to the torso flotation pad (21). The left armband flotation pad (41) is operatively connected to the torso flotation pad (21).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to a personal flotation device and more particularly to a personal flotation device having armbands.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Swimmers armbands are typically inflatable vinyl film chambers donned by sliding the armbands over a child's upper arms. Most of the designs for armbands are one size fits all. Adjustments can be accomplished by varying the amount of air inside of each chamber in each armband. The armbands have no retention system to keep the armband secured in place other than the friction created by the inflated air pressure around the arms of the child. Such armbands are prone to come off unexpectedly during a child's normal water activity such as when jumping in the water with arms over the head of the child. Also, the armbands are susceptible to easily being removed when the child exits the water to go to the restroom, for example. Then, when returning to th...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such armbands are prone to come off unexpectedly during a child's normal water activity such as when jumping in the water with arms over the head of the child.

Also, the armbands are susceptible to easily being removed when the child exits the water to go to the restroom, for example.

Loose fits may go unnoticed until accidental removal occurs.

Also, the inflatable material (vinyl film) can be punctured when bit by the wearer causing an air leak that results in loss of internal pressure, decreased friction retention and catastrophic loss of buoyancy.

However, when one or both of the arms are raised upward, the armbands may come out of the water to an extent that decreases stability, buoyancy and consequently freeboard.

Respiration will be impeded if the child's mouth and nose are submerged.

Only float coat styles provide sleeves with flotation around the arms, but such coat styles are unsuitable for summer wear or recreational swimming.

A wearer may become unconscious from hypothermia, for example, if rescue is delayed.

Waves may then cause the head to fall forward.

Since head movement changes the center of gravity substantially for a person in the water, proximity of the flotation material to the center of gravity of the wearer can make the device unstable.

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