GB2475516A

GB2475516A - Buoyancy suit

Info

Publication number: GB2475516A
Application number: GB0920355A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Nelson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-20
Filing date: 2009-11-20
Publication date: 2011-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-11-20
Also published as: GB2475516B; GB0920355D0

Abstract

A buoyancy suit 2 comprises a body suit 4 and a float 6, wherein the body suit 2 is configured to be worn on the upper torso at least, and the buoyancy suit 2 is configured to urge a wearer towards an upright position by providing the float 6 above the wearer's centre of gravity. The buoyancy suit comprises an attachment portion 14, shoulder 12, front and side floats and flotation collar. A closing means extends from the upper to the lower torso and includes a cover.

Description

BUOYANCY SUIT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to buoyancy suits.

Background of the Invention

Buoyancy suits are typically worn by people increase their buoyancy in water. A typical buoyancy suit comprises low-density floats attached to the suit that serve to reduce the overall density of the suit and wearer, to thereby reduce the likelihood of the wearer sinking. Wearing a buoyancy suit enables a user to carry out exercises in water such as rehabilitation exercises.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a buoyancy suit comprising a body suit and a float, wherein the body suit is configured to be worn on the upper torso at least, and the buoyancy suit is configured to urge a wearer towards an upright position by providing the float above the wearer's centre of gravity.

Suitably, the body suit is additionally configured to be worn around the pelvis. Suitably, the body suit is additionally configured to be worn around the upper legs. Suitably, the body suit is additionally configured to be worn around the upper arms. Suitably, the body suit is configured to be worn next to the skin.

Suitably, the body suit comprises a closing means extending substantially along the length of the torso from an upper torso region to a lower torso region. Suitably, the closing means comprises a zipper. Suitably, the body suit further comprises a closing means cover. Suitably, the closing means cover comprises a flap. Suitably, the body suit comprises a first side of the closing means and a second side of the closing means and the flap is permanently attached to the body suit at the first side of the closing means. Suitably, the closing means is configured to be releasably attached to the body suit at the second side of the closing means.

Suitably, the float is integrated into to the torso of the body suit. Suitably, the buoyancy suit comprises more than one float. Suitably, floats are integrated into the body suit in torso side regions. Suitably, floats are integrated into the body suit in upper torso side regions. Suitably, floats are integrated along the sides of the torso regions. Suitably, the floats are configured such that they do not restrict the movement of the wearer's limbs. Suitably, the floats are spaced apart on the body suit. Suitably, body suit material is provided between the floats.

Suitably, the sections of the body suit configured to be worn around the upper arms are unhindered by the floats. Suitably, the sections of the body suit configured to be worn around the upper legs are unhindered by the floats. Suitably, the section of the body suit configured to be worn around the pelvis is unhindered by the floats.

Suitably, the buoyancy suit comprises flotation shoulder pads. Suitably, the flotation shoulder pads extend from a neck region to upper arm regions at either side of the neck region.

Suitably, the flotation shoulder pads are configured such that their length along the contour of the shoulder region is greater than their width. Suitably, the flotation shoulder pads are flexible to adapt to the shape of a wearer's body.

Suitably, the buoyancy suit further comprises a flotation collar. Suitably, the flotation collar extends around the neck region of the body suit. Suitably, the flotation collar is flexible to adapt to the shape of a wearer's body.

Suitably, the buoyancy suit further comprises an attachment point. Suitably, the attachment point is configured such that a tether can be secured to the body suit. Suitably, the attachment point comprises a closed loop. Suitably, the attachment point is located in a central torso area at the back of the body suit. Suitably, the attachment point is located in a lower torso area.

Suitably, the attachment point is located in a region at or above of the centre of gravity of the wearer.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a buoyancy suit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front view of a buoyancy suit having a closing means cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front view of a buoyancy suit having flotation shoulder pads according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of a buoyancy suit having an attachment point according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a rear view of a buoyancy suit having a flotation collar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In a first embodiment, Figure 1 shows a buoyancy suit 2 comprising a body suit 4, floats 6 and a closing means 8. The floats 4 comprise a foam material with a density less than that of water. The closing means 8 comprises a zipper extending from an upper torso region to a lower torso region along a central region of the body suit 4. The body suit 4 is arranged to be worn over the torso, shoulders, pelvis and upper legs and next to the skin. Floats 6 are integrated into the body suit 4 in regions at both sides of the closing means 8 in the torso region.

In use, the buoyancy suit 2 is worn by a wearer while the wearer is floating in a body of water.

The buoyancy suit 2 acts to lower the overall density of the wearer, improving the wearer's ability to float. The floats 6, are located on the torso region of the body suit 4 provide a lower density in the wearer's upper body region. The floats thereby act to stabilise and urge a wearer into an upright position in the water, with the lower effective density upper body section floating better than the higher effective density lower body section.

This has the advantage that a wearer is urged into an upright position and a wearer's floating ability is enhanced, enabling a wearer to conduct activities in the water such as rehabilitation exercises and exercises using water as a resistance to movement. Also, the wearer's limbs are not hindered by the floats, allowing the wearer a good degree of movement.

In a second embodiment, Figure 2 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the first embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the first embodiment and additionally comprises a closing means cover 10. The closing means cover 10 comprises a flap that is attached to the body suit 4 at a first side of the closing means 8 and covers the closing means 8.

In use, the buoyancy suit is put on by the wearer and the closing means 8 is closed by the wearer. The closing means cover 10 is moved over the closing means 8 so as to cover the closing means 8. Covering the closing means 8 decreases the chance of a part of the body suit 4 being court on or interfering with the closing means 8 and provides a more aesthetically pleasing look to the buoyancy suit.

In a third embodiment, Figure 3 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the second embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the second embodiment and additionally comprises flotation should pads 12. The flotation shoulder pads 12 are integrated into the body suit 4 in the shoulder regions of the body suit 4 and extend along the shoulder regions from a neck region towards an upper arm region. The shoulder pads 12 are flexible such that they curve around the contours of the shoulders when the body suit 4 is worn by a wearer.

In use, the body suit 4 is worn in a manner described above. The flotation shoulder pads 12 provide enhanced flotation in the upper region of the body, further urging the wearer towards an upright position.

In a fourth embodiment, Figure 4 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the third embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the third embodiment and additionally comprises an attachment point 14. The attachment point 14 is a closed loop of material and is located at the back of the body suit 4 in a region at the centre of wearer's back torso, at or above the user's centre of gravity.

In use, a releasable tether is secured at one end and clipped on to the attachment point 14.

The wearer then acts to move in the water against the tether and is prevented from advancing once the tether becomes taut. The attachment point 14 is sufficiently strong to hold the wearer in position in the water without tearing the body suit 4 or breaking the attachment point 14.

In a fifth embodiment, Figure 5 shows a buoyancy suit 2 similar to that of the fourth embodiment. The buoyancy suit 2 has the same features as that of the fourth embodiment and additionally comprises a flotation collar 16. The flotation collar 16 is an integral part of the body suit 4 and is located in the region around the neck of the body suit 16.

In use, the body suit 4 is worn in a manner described above. The flotation collar 16 provides enhanced flotation in the upper region of the body, further urging the wearer towards an upright position.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The floats are not restricted to being made from foam material and can comprise other low density materials such as low density polymers. The attachment point is not restricted to being a closed loop and can comprise other known attachment means such as a hook.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A buoyancy suit comprising a body suit and a float, wherein the body suit is configured to be worn on the upper torso at least, and the buoyancy suit is configured to urge a wearer towards an upright position by providing the float above the wearer's centre of gravity.
2. A buoyancy suit according to claim 1, wherein the buoyancy suit further comprises an attachment point and wherein the attachment point is configured such that a tether can be secured to the body suit.
3. A buoyancy suit according to claim 2 wherein the attachment point comprises a closed loop and/or the attachment point is located in a region at or above of the centre of gravity of the wearer.
4. A buoyancy suit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the attachment point is located in a Q central torso area at the back of the body suit.
5. A buoyancy suit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the attachment point is located in a lower torso area. a)
6. A buoyancy suit according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy suit comprises more than one float.
7. A buoyancy suit according to any preceding claim, wherein the buoyancy suit comprises floatation shoulder pads.
8. A buoyancy suit according to claim 7, wherein the floatation shoulder pads extend from a neck region to upper arm regions at either side of the neck region and/or wherein the flotation shoulder pads are configured such that their length along the contour of the shoulder region is greater than their width.
9. A buoyancy suit according to any preceding claim, wherein floats are integrated into the body suit in upper torso side regions
10. A buoyancy suit according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the buoyancy suit comprises a flotation collar.
11. A buoyancy suit according to any preceding claim, wherein the body suit is additionally configured to be worn around the pelvis and/or wherein the body suit is additionally configured to be worn around the upper legs and br wherein the body suit is additionally configured to be
12. A buoyancy suit according to any preceding claim, wherein the body suit comprises a closing means extending substantially along the length of the torso from an upper torso region to a lower torso region.
13. A buoyancy suit according to claim 12, wherein the body suit further comprises a closing means cover.
14. A buoyancy suit substantially as described herein with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. a)