US20010047533A1 - Apparel having side-adjustable shoulder supports - Google Patents
Apparel having side-adjustable shoulder supports Download PDFInfo
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- US20010047533A1 US20010047533A1 US09/865,087 US86508701A US2001047533A1 US 20010047533 A1 US20010047533 A1 US 20010047533A1 US 86508701 A US86508701 A US 86508701A US 2001047533 A1 US2001047533 A1 US 2001047533A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- continuous member
- rear portion
- apparel
- front portion
- wearer
- Prior art date
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- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 claims description 101
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 37
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 210000001015 abdomen Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009189 diving Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/0007—Garments with built-in harnesses
Definitions
- the present invention relates to apparel including shoulder straps or shoulder supports.
- the present invention relates to such apparel wherein the shoulder supports are adjustable at locations proximate the sides of a person wearing the apparel.
- Various apparel such as backpacks, buoyancy compensators and life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD's) include vest-like configured bodies having shoulder supports.
- shoulder supports are formed as straps or webbing and extend from the wearer's chest, across the wearer's shoulders, and to the wearer's back. Due to different anatomies of different wearers, it is frequently desirable to adjust the length of the shoulder supports extending across the wearer's shoulders to thereby adjust the relative positioning of front or rear portions of the apparel on the wearer.
- Such shoulder supports typically have a first end affixed to a rear portion of the apparel and a second end adjustably affixed to the front portion of the apparel. Adjustment is typically achieved by pulling the shoulder strap through a buckle or ladder lock.
- the buckle or ladder lock is typically located proximate the wearer's shoulders and at or above the chest of the person wearing the piece of apparel.
- the buckles allow the person wearing the apparel to adjust the length of the shoulder supports, the buckles are frequently difficult to access and adjust. In particular, because the buckles are located at or above the individual's chest, accessing and grasping the buckle is difficult and tedious, making adjustment difficult. Adjustment of the shoulder supports is even more difficult in those pieces of apparel, such as personal flotation devices, that inherently restrict complete freedom of movement due to one or more layers of relatively thick flotation foam or material. At the same time, with personal flotation devices, appropriate adjustment of the personal flotation device is even more critical to ensure safety to the person wearing the personal flotation device.
- the present invention is an apparel including a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member and a second continuous member.
- the front portion is configured to extend along a wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend along the wearer's back.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member extend between the front portion and the rear portion across the wearer's shoulders when the apparel is worn.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member further slidably extend along one or both of the front portion and the rear portion.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each also extend between the front portion and the rear portion along the wearer's side when the apparel is worn.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each have an adjustable length.
- the present invention includes an apparel comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member and a second continuous member.
- the front portion is configured to extend along a wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend to along the wearer's back.
- the rear portion includes a plurality of layers.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member are each configured to extend from the front portion to the rear portion such that the first and second continuous members are adapted to extend over the wearer's shoulders when the apparel is worn.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each slidably extend along the rear portion between the plurality of layers.
- the first continuous and the second continuous member are each further configured to extend from the rear portion to the front portion along the wearer's side.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each have an adjustable length.
- the present invention comprises includes a personal flotation device comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member, a second continuous member and at least one guide coupled to the rear portion.
- the front portion is configured to extend along the wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend along the wearer's back.
- the rear portion includes a plurality of layers. At least one of the plurality of layers includes a flotation material.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each extend from the front portion to the rear portion, such that the first and second continuous members are adapted to extend over the wearer's shoulders.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each include a cushioned portion adapted to contact the wearer's shoulder.
- the first continuous member and the second continuous member each further slidably extend along the rear portion and extend from the rear portion to the front portion along the wearers side.
- the at least one guide is configured to direct at least one of the first continuous member and the second continuous member from a longitudinally extending orientation to a transversely extending orientation.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a personal flotation device of the present invention taken along lines 1 -- 1 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the personal flotation device of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the personal flotation device of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIGS. 1 - 3 while being worn by a user (shown in phantom) in an upright orientation, wherein portions are broken away for purposes of illustration.
- FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the personal flotation device of FIG. 4 being worn by a user, wherein portions are shown broken away for purposes of illustration.
- FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of a second alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of a third alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIGS. 1 - 3 , wherein the sectional view is taken generally along the same relative location as FIG. 1.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIGS. 1 - 3 , wherein the sectional view is taken generally along the same relative location as FIG. 1.
- FIGS. 1 - 3 schematically illustrate an apparel (shown as personal flotation device 10 ), an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- Personal flotation device 10 generally includes front flotation panel 12 , rear flotation panel 14 , shoulder supports 16 , guide 18 , adjustment straps 20 and adjustable connectors 22 .
- Front flotation panel 12 comprises a conventionally known front flotation panel including flotation foam or other buoyant material adapted to be positioned along a front of a user's torso and chest.
- the materials and layering of front flotation panel 12 , as well as rear panel 14 are similar to the front and rear flotation panels disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/880,867 filed on Jun. 23, 1997 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,277, the full disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- Rear flotation panel 14 comprises a rear panel including one or more layers of flotation foam or other buoyant material and covering layers such as nylon. Panel 14 is sized and configured so as to extend along a user's back.
- Shoulder supports 16 are elongate straps or webbing of material having a first end 26 affixed to front panel 12 , a length 28 extending through guide 18 and a second end 30 secured to connector 22 . Shoulder supports 16 are adapted to extend across each of a user's shoulders to support front panel 12 and rear panel 14 on a user.
- Guide 18 is secured to rear panel 14 and provides at least one guide surface about which support 16 is at least partially wrapped so as to change direction from a longitudinal direction to a transverse direction so as to extend toward the side of rear panel 14 .
- guide 18 is triangular shaped and has three legs 34 A, 34 B and 34 C. Leg 34 A and point 36 of guide 18 are secured to rear panel 14 by stitching, sonic welds, adhesive or other fastening means.
- shoulder supports 16 wrap about legs 34 B and 34 C so as to extend toward sides 38 of rear panel 14 .
- guide 18 is sandwiched between separate layers of rear panel 14 .
- shoulder supports 16 extend between layers 40 and 42 which slidably receive supports 16 .
- Shoulder supports 16 extend through an opening 46 between layers 40 and 42 along a top portion of rear panel 14 , extend through guide 18 and extend out side openings 48 between layers 40 and 42 along side portions of rear panel 14 .
- layer 42 comprises flotation foam while layer 40 comprises a layer of thin material such as nylon.
- layer 42 may comprise a thin covering layer such as nylon while layer 40 comprises a layer of flotation foam or other buoyant material.
- rear panel 14 may include multiple layers of various combinations of flotation foam and covering layers.
- Guide 18 may alternatively be positioned on an exterior surface of rear panel 14 such that shoulder support 16 also extends along an exterior surface of rear panel 14 .
- Shoulder supports 16 may comprise a single strap or webbing of material, such as nylon or neoprene, or may include multiple straps of different material secured to one another so as to overlap one another or so as to be secured to one another end-to-end.
- shoulder support 16 includes a cushioned portion 50 and a strap portion 52 .
- Cushioned portion 50 comprises a soft and preferably stretchable band or web of material such as neoprene.
- strap portion 52 comprises a thin, preferably non-stretchable material such as nylon secured to cushioned portion 50 .
- shoulder supports 16 may each be formed from a single material, such as entirely out of nylon, or entirely out of a stretchable material, such as neoprene.
- Connector 22 is fastened to support 16 at end 30 and is configured to adjustably connect end 30 of support 16 to strap 20 .
- connector 22 comprises a conventionally known ladder-lock connector.
- various other conventionally known adjusting hardware may be employed in lieu of connector 22 .
- connector 22 may alternatively be secured to strap 20 or may be directly secured to front panel 12 , wherein end 30 of each shoulder support 16 is sent through connector 22 for adjusting shoulder support 16 .
- Strap 20 extends on each side of personal flotation device 10 and includes a first end 58 affixed to front panel 12 and a second opposite end 60 threaded through connector 22 .
- End 60 is easily grasped by the wearer of personal flotation device 10 and may be pulled through connector 20 to adjust the overall length of supports 16 and straps 20 extending over the user's shoulders and along a user's sides.
- the length of shoulder support 16 extending between front panel 12 and rear panel 14 is adjusted such that rear panel 14 telescopically receives shoulder support 16 to a greater extent to draw personal flotation device 10 up on the user and closer about the user's upper chest.
- shoulder supports 16 , adjustment straps 20 and adjustable connectors 22 form a pair of continuous members that extend from front portion 12 to rear portion 14 over the wearer's shoulders when personal flotation device 10 is worn.
- Each continuous member slidably extends along rear portion 14 and also extends between rear portion 14 and front portion 12 along the wearer's side when personal flotation device 10 is worn.
- Each continuous member has an adjustable length. Adjustment of the length of the continuous member formed by support 16 , strap 20 and connector 22 causes rear portion 14 to slide along the continuous member to a new position relative to front portion 12 . As a result, the relative positions of front portion 12 and rear portion 14 as well as the length of the shoulder support 16 extending across the wearer's shoulders may be easily adjusted.
- each continuous member is illustrated as comprising two elongate spans of material interconnected by an adjustable connector, each continuous member may alternatively comprise a single elongate span of material or materials or greater than two spans of material or materials joined to one another.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate personal flotation device 110 , an alternative embodiment of personal flotation device 10 , being worn by a user.
- personal flotation device 110 is similar to personal flotation device 10 in most respects except that personal flotation device 110 has a front panel 12 and a rear panel 14 which include side lobes or portions 113 which overlap one another and which are releasably secured to one another by Velcro, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners or other fastening mechanisms.
- side portions 113 may be permanently affixed to one another such that personal flotation device 110 is configured similar to a shirt.
- front panel 12 of personal flotation device 10 may alternatively be formed by two halves which are releasably secured to one another by buckles, by hook and loop fasteners, by zipper mechanisms or by other fastening mechanisms such that personal flotation device 110 is worn like a jacket.
- FIG. 4 illustrates personal flotation device 110 with portions of rear panel 14 broken away to best illustrate support 16 extending into opening 46 between panels 42 and 40 , through and about guide 18 and through opening 48 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate personal flotation devices 210 and 310 , respectively, alternative embodiments of personal flotation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- Personal flotation devices 210 and 310 are substantially identical to personal flotation device 10 except that personal flotation devices 210 and 310 include guides 218 and 318 A, respectively, in lieu of guide 18 .
- guides 218 and 318 A respectively, in lieu of guide 18 .
- those remaining components of devices 210 and 310 which correspond to the described components of personal flotation device 10 are numbered similarly. As best shown by FIG.
- guide 218 generally comprises a circular ring affixed at spaced points to rear panel 14 so as to allow shoulder support 16 to loop about portions of guide 218 so as to change direction and so as to extend outward to sides of rear panel 14 for connection to strap 20 (not shown) via connector 22 .
- guide 218 may be oval or have any of a variety of alternative shapes.
- guide 18 may be replaced by separate spaced guides 318 A, 318 B adapted to guide each shoulder support 16 independent of one another.
- Guides 318 A comprise sleeves or loops having opposite ends secured to rear panel 14 and configured to allow shoulder support 16 to be looped or wrapped thereabout so as to change direction to extend outward away from one another to sides of rear panel 14 for connection to strap 20 (not shown) via connector 22 .
- guides 318 A, 318 B are preferably angled.
- guides 318 A, 318 B may be positioned at various other angles.
- guides 318 A, 318 B may alternatively comprise triangular shaped members such as member 18 or circular or oval-shaped members such as guide 218 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates personal flotation device 410 , yet another alternative embodiment of personal flotation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- Personal flotation device 410 is similar to personal flotation device 10 except that personal flotation device 410 includes front flotation panel 412 and strap portion 452 in lieu of front portion 12 and strap 20 , respectively.
- Device 410 additionally includes guide 418 .
- Those remaining components of personal flotation device 410 which correspond to similar components of personal flotation device 10 are numbered similarly.
- Front flotation panel 412 is substantially similar to rear flotation panel 14 in structure. Depending upon the application and the intended wearer, front flotation panel 412 may have slightly different dimensions as well as a different buoyancy as compared to rear flotation panel 14 .
- Front flotation panel 412 includes layers 440 and 442 which slidably receive strap portion 452 therebetween.
- Layer 440 preferably comprises one or more layers of flotation foam.
- Layer 440 comprises a layer of covering material such as nylon.
- both layers 440 and 442 may comprise a layer of flotation foam or other buoyant material.
- layer 440 may alternatively comprise a layer of covering material while layer 442 comprises a layer of flotation foam or other buoyant material.
- the layers of flotation foam each preferably include one or more layers of a protective covering material such as nylon or neoprene.
- a protective covering material such as nylon or neoprene.
- one or both of layers 440 and 442 may be selectively creased to provide bend lines.
- front panel 412 is illustrated as being composed of such two layers, panel 412 may alternatively be comprised of greater than two layers coupled to one another or a single layer, wherein strap portion 452 is slidably supported along an exterior surface of front panel 412 by sleeves, rings or other guiding structures.
- Strap portion 452 replaces strap 20 and is substantially identical in function to strap portion 52 . Strap portion 452 extends from shoulder support 16 between layers 440 and 442 and through guide 418 to adjustable connector 422 . Strap portion 452 slides relative to front panel 412 and is preferably formed from one or more materials similar to that of strap portion 52 .
- Guide 418 is substantially identical to guide 18 .
- Guide 418 redirects strap portion 452 from a generally longitudinally extending orientation to a generally transversely extending orientation when personal flotation device 410 is being worn and the person wearing device 410 is in an upright orientation. Similar to personal flotation devices 110 , 210 and 310 , guide 418 may alternatively comprise various other configured guides. Guide 418 enables end 460 of strap portion 452 to be adjustably connected to connector 22 whereby the length of each continuous member formed by shoulder support 16 , strap portion 452 , strap portion 52 and connector 22 may be easily adjusted.
- personal flotation device 410 enables front panel 412 and rear panel 14 to be easily adjusted relative to one another and to further enable shoulder supports 16 to be adjusted by simply adjusting the length of the continuous member formed by shoulder supports 16 , strap portion 52 , strap portion 452 and connector 22 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates personal flotation device 510 , yet another alternative embodiment of personal flotation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- Personal flotation device 510 is similar to personal flotation device 10 except that personal flotation device 510 omits strap 20 and includes connector 522 in lieu of connector 22 .
- Connector 522 comprises an adjustable connector, such as a ladder lock, secured or coupled directly to front panel 12 so as to be located along front panel 12 below the chest and adjacent the abdomen of the person wearing personal flotation device 510 .
- Connector 522 receives end 30 of strap portion 52 of shoulder support 16 .
- Connector 522 enables end 30 to be adjustably positioned relative to connector 522 so as to enable adjustment of the length of shoulder support 16 .
- the person wearing flotation device 510 may adjust the relative positions of front panel 12 and rear panel 14 as well as the length of shoulder support 16 .
- personal flotation device 510 enables the person wearing the personal flotation device to easily adjust the positioning of front panel 12 and rear panel 14 by accessing an adjustment mechanism located distant the user's shoulders, below the user's chest, generally along the user's abdomen and preferably at the user's sides.
- personal flotation devices 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 and 510 provide personal flotation devices or life jackets which have shoulder straps that are easily adjustable from the user's sides rather than from above or near the user's shoulders. Moreover, personal flotation devices 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 and 510 eliminate the need for buckles or other fasteners adjacent the user's shoulders for adjustment of the shoulder supports. As a result, personal flotation devices 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 and 510 do not include buckles which at times may catch upon other objects. In addition, personal flotation devices 10 , 110 , 210 , 310 , 410 and 510 are simpler and cleaner, providing such personal flotation devices with an improved aesthetic appearance and a reduced manufacturing cost.
- each of the above described features is described for beneficial use as on a personal flotation device, such features may alternatively be used on other apparel also requiring shoulder straps having adjustable lengths. In such alternative applications, slight modifications may be required.
- the above described features may additionally be employed in scuba diving buoyancy compensators wherein the front portion and/or rear portion of the buoyancy compensator apparel is selectively inflated and deflated to provide the buoyancy compensator with temporary buoyancy or to adjust the buoyancy thereof.
- the above described features may also be utilized in various load carrying apparel such as backpacks, fire fighting equipment supporting apparel, camera equipment carrying apparel and the like.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/206,856, filed on May 24, 2000 and entitled PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE HAVING SIDE-ADJUSTABLE SHOULDER SUPPORTS, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to apparel including shoulder straps or shoulder supports. In particular, the present invention relates to such apparel wherein the shoulder supports are adjustable at locations proximate the sides of a person wearing the apparel.
- Various apparel such as backpacks, buoyancy compensators and life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFD's) include vest-like configured bodies having shoulder supports. Such shoulder supports are formed as straps or webbing and extend from the wearer's chest, across the wearer's shoulders, and to the wearer's back. Due to different anatomies of different wearers, it is frequently desirable to adjust the length of the shoulder supports extending across the wearer's shoulders to thereby adjust the relative positioning of front or rear portions of the apparel on the wearer.
- Such shoulder supports typically have a first end affixed to a rear portion of the apparel and a second end adjustably affixed to the front portion of the apparel. Adjustment is typically achieved by pulling the shoulder strap through a buckle or ladder lock. The buckle or ladder lock is typically located proximate the wearer's shoulders and at or above the chest of the person wearing the piece of apparel.
- Although the buckles allow the person wearing the apparel to adjust the length of the shoulder supports, the buckles are frequently difficult to access and adjust. In particular, because the buckles are located at or above the individual's chest, accessing and grasping the buckle is difficult and tedious, making adjustment difficult. Adjustment of the shoulder supports is even more difficult in those pieces of apparel, such as personal flotation devices, that inherently restrict complete freedom of movement due to one or more layers of relatively thick flotation foam or material. At the same time, with personal flotation devices, appropriate adjustment of the personal flotation device is even more critical to ensure safety to the person wearing the personal flotation device.
- Thus, there is a continuing need for a piece of apparel having easily adjustable shoulder supports. There is also a continuing need for easily adjustable shoulder supports in those pieces of apparel which inherently restrict complete freedom of movement. Furthermore, there is a continuing need for personal flotation devices having easily adjustable shoulder supports.
- According to one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is an apparel including a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member and a second continuous member. The front portion is configured to extend along a wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend along the wearer's back. The first continuous member and the second continuous member extend between the front portion and the rear portion across the wearer's shoulders when the apparel is worn. The first continuous member and the second continuous member further slidably extend along one or both of the front portion and the rear portion. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each also extend between the front portion and the rear portion along the wearer's side when the apparel is worn. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each have an adjustable length.
- According to another exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an apparel comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member and a second continuous member. The front portion is configured to extend along a wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend to along the wearer's back. The rear portion includes a plurality of layers. The first continuous member and the second continuous member are each configured to extend from the front portion to the rear portion such that the first and second continuous members are adapted to extend over the wearer's shoulders when the apparel is worn. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each slidably extend along the rear portion between the plurality of layers. The first continuous and the second continuous member are each further configured to extend from the rear portion to the front portion along the wearer's side. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each have an adjustable length.
- According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises includes a personal flotation device comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a first continuous member, a second continuous member and at least one guide coupled to the rear portion. The front portion is configured to extend along the wearer's chest while the rear portion is configured to extend along the wearer's back. The rear portion includes a plurality of layers. At least one of the plurality of layers includes a flotation material. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each extend from the front portion to the rear portion, such that the first and second continuous members are adapted to extend over the wearer's shoulders. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each include a cushioned portion adapted to contact the wearer's shoulder. The first continuous member and the second continuous member each further slidably extend along the rear portion and extend from the rear portion to the front portion along the wearers side. The at least one guide is configured to direct at least one of the first continuous member and the second continuous member from a longitudinally extending orientation to a transversely extending orientation.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a personal flotation device of the present invention taken along
lines 1--1 of FIG. 2. - FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the personal flotation device of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the personal flotation device of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIGS.1-3 while being worn by a user (shown in phantom) in an upright orientation, wherein portions are broken away for purposes of illustration.
- FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the personal flotation device of FIG. 4 being worn by a user, wherein portions are shown broken away for purposes of illustration.
- FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of a second alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of a third alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIGS.1-3, wherein the sectional view is taken generally along the same relative location as FIG. 1.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the personal flotation device of FIGS.1-3, wherein the sectional view is taken generally along the same relative location as FIG. 1.
- FIGS.1-3 schematically illustrate an apparel (shown as personal flotation device 10), an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Personal flotation device 10 generally includesfront flotation panel 12,rear flotation panel 14,shoulder supports 16,guide 18,adjustment straps 20 andadjustable connectors 22.Front flotation panel 12 comprises a conventionally known front flotation panel including flotation foam or other buoyant material adapted to be positioned along a front of a user's torso and chest. The materials and layering offront flotation panel 12, as well asrear panel 14, are similar to the front and rear flotation panels disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/880,867 filed on Jun. 23, 1997 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,277, the full disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. -
Rear flotation panel 14 comprises a rear panel including one or more layers of flotation foam or other buoyant material and covering layers such as nylon.Panel 14 is sized and configured so as to extend along a user's back. - Shoulder supports16 are elongate straps or webbing of material having a
first end 26 affixed tofront panel 12, alength 28 extending throughguide 18 and asecond end 30 secured toconnector 22.Shoulder supports 16 are adapted to extend across each of a user's shoulders to supportfront panel 12 andrear panel 14 on a user. -
Guide 18 is secured torear panel 14 and provides at least one guide surface about whichsupport 16 is at least partially wrapped so as to change direction from a longitudinal direction to a transverse direction so as to extend toward the side ofrear panel 14. As best shown by FIG. 3,guide 18 is triangular shaped and has threelegs Leg 34A and point 36 ofguide 18 are secured torear panel 14 by stitching, sonic welds, adhesive or other fastening means. As shown by FIG. 3, shoulder supports 16 wrap aboutlegs rear panel 14. - In the exemplary embodiment, guide18 is sandwiched between separate layers of
rear panel 14. As best shown by FIG. 1, shoulder supports 16 extend betweenlayers opening 46 betweenlayers rear panel 14, extend throughguide 18 and extend outside openings 48 betweenlayers rear panel 14. In the exemplary embodiment,layer 42 comprises flotation foam whilelayer 40 comprises a layer of thin material such as nylon. Alternatively,layer 42 may comprise a thin covering layer such as nylon whilelayer 40 comprises a layer of flotation foam or other buoyant material. Furthermore, in lieu of utilizing two spaced layers,rear panel 14 may include multiple layers of various combinations of flotation foam and covering layers.Guide 18 may alternatively be positioned on an exterior surface ofrear panel 14 such thatshoulder support 16 also extends along an exterior surface ofrear panel 14. - Shoulder supports16 may comprise a single strap or webbing of material, such as nylon or neoprene, or may include multiple straps of different material secured to one another so as to overlap one another or so as to be secured to one another end-to-end. In the exemplary embodiment,
shoulder support 16 includes a cushionedportion 50 and astrap portion 52. Cushionedportion 50 comprises a soft and preferably stretchable band or web of material such as neoprene. At the same time,strap portion 52 comprises a thin, preferably non-stretchable material such as nylon secured to cushionedportion 50. Although less desirable, shoulder supports 16 may each be formed from a single material, such as entirely out of nylon, or entirely out of a stretchable material, such as neoprene. -
Connector 22 is fastened to support 16 atend 30 and is configured to adjustably connectend 30 ofsupport 16 to strap 20. In the exemplary embodiment,connector 22 comprises a conventionally known ladder-lock connector. As will be appreciated, various other conventionally known adjusting hardware may be employed in lieu ofconnector 22. Although less desirable,connector 22 may alternatively be secured to strap 20 or may be directly secured tofront panel 12, wherein end 30 of eachshoulder support 16 is sent throughconnector 22 for adjustingshoulder support 16. -
Strap 20 extends on each side ofpersonal flotation device 10 and includes afirst end 58 affixed tofront panel 12 and a secondopposite end 60 threaded throughconnector 22.End 60 is easily grasped by the wearer ofpersonal flotation device 10 and may be pulled throughconnector 20 to adjust the overall length ofsupports 16 andstraps 20 extending over the user's shoulders and along a user's sides. When a user adjusts the length ofstrap 20 by pulling onend 60, the length ofshoulder support 16 extending betweenfront panel 12 andrear panel 14 is adjusted such thatrear panel 14 telescopically receivesshoulder support 16 to a greater extent to drawpersonal flotation device 10 up on the user and closer about the user's upper chest. - Overall, shoulder supports16, adjustment straps 20 and
adjustable connectors 22 form a pair of continuous members that extend fromfront portion 12 torear portion 14 over the wearer's shoulders whenpersonal flotation device 10 is worn. Each continuous member slidably extends alongrear portion 14 and also extends betweenrear portion 14 andfront portion 12 along the wearer's side whenpersonal flotation device 10 is worn. Each continuous member has an adjustable length. Adjustment of the length of the continuous member formed bysupport 16,strap 20 andconnector 22 causesrear portion 14 to slide along the continuous member to a new position relative tofront portion 12. As a result, the relative positions offront portion 12 andrear portion 14 as well as the length of theshoulder support 16 extending across the wearer's shoulders may be easily adjusted. Although each continuous member is illustrated as comprising two elongate spans of material interconnected by an adjustable connector, each continuous member may alternatively comprise a single elongate span of material or materials or greater than two spans of material or materials joined to one another. - FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate
personal flotation device 110, an alternative embodiment ofpersonal flotation device 10, being worn by a user. For ease of illustration, those basic components ofpersonal flotation device 110 which correspond to the above described components ofpersonal flotation device 10 are numbered similarly.Personal flotation device 110 is similar topersonal flotation device 10 in most respects except thatpersonal flotation device 110 has afront panel 12 and arear panel 14 which include side lobes orportions 113 which overlap one another and which are releasably secured to one another by Velcro, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners or other fastening mechanisms. Alternatively,side portions 113 may be permanently affixed to one another such thatpersonal flotation device 110 is configured similar to a shirt. Although not illustrated,front panel 12 ofpersonal flotation device 10 may alternatively be formed by two halves which are releasably secured to one another by buckles, by hook and loop fasteners, by zipper mechanisms or by other fastening mechanisms such thatpersonal flotation device 110 is worn like a jacket. FIG. 4 illustratespersonal flotation device 110 with portions ofrear panel 14 broken away to best illustratesupport 16 extending into opening 46 betweenpanels guide 18 and throughopening 48. - FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate
personal flotation devices personal flotation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3.Personal flotation devices personal flotation device 10 except thatpersonal flotation devices guides guide 18. For ease of illustration, those remaining components ofdevices personal flotation device 10 are numbered similarly. As best shown by FIG. 6, guide 218 generally comprises a circular ring affixed at spaced points torear panel 14 so as to allowshoulder support 16 to loop about portions ofguide 218 so as to change direction and so as to extend outward to sides ofrear panel 14 for connection to strap 20 (not shown) viaconnector 22. In lieu ofguide 218 being circular, guide 218 may be oval or have any of a variety of alternative shapes. - As best shown by FIG. 7, guide18 may be replaced by separate spaced
guides 318A, 318B adapted to guide eachshoulder support 16 independent of one another.Guides 318A comprise sleeves or loops having opposite ends secured torear panel 14 and configured to allowshoulder support 16 to be looped or wrapped thereabout so as to change direction to extend outward away from one another to sides ofrear panel 14 for connection to strap 20 (not shown) viaconnector 22. In the exemplary embodiment, guides 318A, 318B are preferably angled. Alternatively, guides 318A, 318B may be positioned at various other angles. Moreover, guides 318A, 318B may alternatively comprise triangular shaped members such asmember 18 or circular or oval-shaped members such asguide 218. - FIG. 8 illustrates
personal flotation device 410, yet another alternative embodiment ofpersonal flotation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3.Personal flotation device 410 is similar topersonal flotation device 10 except thatpersonal flotation device 410 includesfront flotation panel 412 andstrap portion 452 in lieu offront portion 12 andstrap 20, respectively.Device 410 additionally includesguide 418. Those remaining components ofpersonal flotation device 410 which correspond to similar components ofpersonal flotation device 10 are numbered similarly. -
Front flotation panel 412 is substantially similar torear flotation panel 14 in structure. Depending upon the application and the intended wearer,front flotation panel 412 may have slightly different dimensions as well as a different buoyancy as compared torear flotation panel 14.Front flotation panel 412 includeslayers strap portion 452 therebetween.Layer 440 preferably comprises one or more layers of flotation foam.Layer 440 comprises a layer of covering material such as nylon. Alternatively, bothlayers layer 440 may alternatively comprise a layer of covering material whilelayer 442 comprises a layer of flotation foam or other buoyant material. Although not specifically illustrated, the layers of flotation foam each preferably include one or more layers of a protective covering material such as nylon or neoprene. Moreover, although not specifically illustrated, one or both oflayers front panel 412 is illustrated as being composed of such two layers,panel 412 may alternatively be comprised of greater than two layers coupled to one another or a single layer, whereinstrap portion 452 is slidably supported along an exterior surface offront panel 412 by sleeves, rings or other guiding structures. -
Strap portion 452 replacesstrap 20 and is substantially identical in function to strapportion 52.Strap portion 452 extends fromshoulder support 16 betweenlayers guide 418 to adjustable connector 422.Strap portion 452 slides relative tofront panel 412 and is preferably formed from one or more materials similar to that ofstrap portion 52. -
Guide 418 is substantially identical to guide 18.Guide 418 redirectsstrap portion 452 from a generally longitudinally extending orientation to a generally transversely extending orientation whenpersonal flotation device 410 is being worn and theperson wearing device 410 is in an upright orientation. Similar topersonal flotation devices Guide 418 enablesend 460 ofstrap portion 452 to be adjustably connected toconnector 22 whereby the length of each continuous member formed byshoulder support 16,strap portion 452,strap portion 52 andconnector 22 may be easily adjusted. Similar to personal flotation devices, 10, 110, 210 and 310,personal flotation device 410 enablesfront panel 412 andrear panel 14 to be easily adjusted relative to one another and to further enable shoulder supports 16 to be adjusted by simply adjusting the length of the continuous member formed by shoulder supports 16,strap portion 52,strap portion 452 andconnector 22. - FIG. 9 illustrates
personal flotation device 510, yet another alternative embodiment ofpersonal flotation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3.Personal flotation device 510 is similar topersonal flotation device 10 except thatpersonal flotation device 510 omitsstrap 20 and includesconnector 522 in lieu ofconnector 22. For ease of illustration, those remaining components ofpersonal flotation device 510 which correspond to similar components ofpersonal flotation device 10 are numbered similarly.Connector 522 comprises an adjustable connector, such as a ladder lock, secured or coupled directly tofront panel 12 so as to be located alongfront panel 12 below the chest and adjacent the abdomen of the person wearingpersonal flotation device 510.Connector 522 receives end 30 ofstrap portion 52 ofshoulder support 16.Connector 522 enablesend 30 to be adjustably positioned relative toconnector 522 so as to enable adjustment of the length ofshoulder support 16. By simply pulling uponend 30, the person wearingflotation device 510 may adjust the relative positions offront panel 12 andrear panel 14 as well as the length ofshoulder support 16. Similar topersonal flotation devices personal flotation device 510 enables the person wearing the personal flotation device to easily adjust the positioning offront panel 12 andrear panel 14 by accessing an adjustment mechanism located distant the user's shoulders, below the user's chest, generally along the user's abdomen and preferably at the user's sides. - Overall,
personal flotation devices personal flotation devices personal flotation devices personal flotation devices - Although each of the above described features is described for beneficial use as on a personal flotation device, such features may alternatively be used on other apparel also requiring shoulder straps having adjustable lengths. In such alternative applications, slight modifications may be required. For example, the above described features may additionally be employed in scuba diving buoyancy compensators wherein the front portion and/or rear portion of the buoyancy compensator apparel is selectively inflated and deflated to provide the buoyancy compensator with temporary buoyancy or to adjust the buoyancy thereof. The above described features may also be utilized in various load carrying apparel such as backpacks, fire fighting equipment supporting apparel, camera equipment carrying apparel and the like.
- Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although different preferred embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described preferred embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present invention is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present invention described with reference to the preferred embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
Claims (26)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/865,087 US6421833B2 (en) | 2000-05-24 | 2001-05-24 | Apparel having side-adjustable shoulder supports |
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US20685600P | 2000-05-24 | 2000-05-24 | |
US09/865,087 US6421833B2 (en) | 2000-05-24 | 2001-05-24 | Apparel having side-adjustable shoulder supports |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010047533A1 true US20010047533A1 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
US6421833B2 US6421833B2 (en) | 2002-07-23 |
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US09/865,087 Expired - Lifetime US6421833B2 (en) | 2000-05-24 | 2001-05-24 | Apparel having side-adjustable shoulder supports |
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US20070083975A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-19 | Senegal Reginald J | Exercise system and components |
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WO2015109087A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-23 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Paddle sport vest |
WO2016042392A1 (en) * | 2014-09-19 | 2016-03-24 | Universidad Eafit | Load-distributing body protection system for handling heavy loads |
US20190082750A1 (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2019-03-21 | Daniel R. Matuszak | Jacket with openings for harness rings and method |
US20200399822A1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2020-12-24 | Hempvana, Llc | Compression garment enhanced with hemp fibers |
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US20070083975A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-19 | Senegal Reginald J | Exercise system and components |
US7707652B2 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2010-05-04 | Level 10 Fitness Products Llc | Exercise system and components |
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WO2013037676A1 (en) * | 2011-09-15 | 2013-03-21 | Zotter Karl | Training device |
WO2015109087A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-23 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Paddle sport vest |
WO2016042392A1 (en) * | 2014-09-19 | 2016-03-24 | Universidad Eafit | Load-distributing body protection system for handling heavy loads |
US20190082750A1 (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2019-03-21 | Daniel R. Matuszak | Jacket with openings for harness rings and method |
US20200399822A1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2020-12-24 | Hempvana, Llc | Compression garment enhanced with hemp fibers |
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