US20180312232A1 - Self-inflating swim aid - Google Patents
Self-inflating swim aid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180312232A1 US20180312232A1 US15/947,316 US201815947316A US2018312232A1 US 20180312232 A1 US20180312232 A1 US 20180312232A1 US 201815947316 A US201815947316 A US 201815947316A US 2018312232 A1 US2018312232 A1 US 2018312232A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- core element
- valve
- casing
- open cell
- aid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/081—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like having compartments comprising elements which are filled with gas by deployment, e.g. sponge-like elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B31/00—Swimming aids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/11—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses
- B63C9/125—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments
- B63C9/1255—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses having gas-filled compartments inflatable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/03—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player the user being in water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/60—Apparatus used in water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/60—Apparatus used in water
- A63B2225/605—Floating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/62—Inflatable
Definitions
- This invention relates to flotation devices used to teach swimming, such as vests, arm bands, waist bands, and the like, and particularly to such devices that require inflation before use.
- Various devices are available to assist in teaching a child to swim. Many of the devices are attached to the child to provide some degree of buoyancy as the child attempts to learn to swim. Some of these devices are inflatable and typically require that a bladder be inflated via a valve, the inflation being effected either by mouth or sometimes by operation of a mechanical or automatic pump. When the child is eager to plunge into the water, it may be inconvenient to inflate the device orally or via a pump.
- the swimming aid comprises a vest having a pocket within.
- a flotation member comprising an appropriately shaped core of open cell foam closely encompassed in a waterproof casing of impermeable plastic, is secured in the pocket.
- An inflation valve allows fluid communication with the foam core through the cover. The valve is accessible through an opening in the back panel of the vest.
- the valve In order to inflate the device, the valve is opened and the foam core is allowed to assume its expanded shape. The valve is then closed so that the device may be put into use. To deflate the foam core, the valve is opened and the device is squeezed or compressed to force out the air from within the foam core. Once the flotation member is deflated to a desirable size and shape, the valve may be closed and the device may be folded or rolled up for storage.
- the consumer needs only to open the valve.
- the open cell foam will expand from its compressed condition, drawing in air through the intake valve and expanding the foam.
- FIG. 1 depicts a swim aid in the form of a vest.
- FIG. 2 depicts the back of the vest and the inflation valve.
- FIG. 3 depicts the flotation member, the location of the three panels of the foam core within its cover being shown in dashed lines.
- FIG. 4 depicts the rear of the flotation member, the inflation valve protruding therefrom.
- FIG. 5 depicts the vest of FIG. 1 , unzipped and opened up, the dashed lines showing the placement of the flotation member within a closed pocket formed in the inside of the vest.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B depicted another self-inflating swim aid.
- FIG. 1 One possible construction of a swim aid 10 in accordance with the instant invention is shown in FIG. 1 , in the form of a vest comprised of fabric jacket 12 that wraps around the upper torso of the user, and having two armholes 14 and a zipper fastener 16 in the front. Adjustable strap 18 may be employed to secure the vest to the user.
- FIG. 2 shows the inflation valve 20 located at the rear of the swim aid 10 , the inflation valve protruding through aperture 22 in jacket 12 to allow convenient inflation and deflation of the device.
- FIG. 3 depicts inflation member 24 comprised of waterproof cover 26 and, shown in dashed lines, rectangular foam core elements 28 A, 28 B, and 28 C having a thickness of approximately one inch.
- the foam core elements are held in place within cover 26 by heat sealed areas 30 in cover 26 . These sealed areas 30 also facilitate the folding and fitting of the vest to the wearer by allowing the flotation member 24 to be bent or folded at or near the hips of the wearer.
- FIG. 4 depicts the valve attached to and protruding from the back of cover 26 of flotation member 24 .
- FIG. 5 depicts the swim aid 10 in its unzipped and open state.
- Flotation member 24 represented by dashed lines, is fully enclosed in a fabric pocket 32 stitched to and located on the interior of fabric jacket 12 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B depict another swim aid that may incorporate a self-inflating flotation element as described above.
- the inflation valve is depicted in FIG. 6B , on the rear surface of the device.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/490,100 entitled “SELF-INFLATING SWIM AID,” filed on Apr. 26, 2017, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
- This invention relates to flotation devices used to teach swimming, such as vests, arm bands, waist bands, and the like, and particularly to such devices that require inflation before use.
- Various devices are available to assist in teaching a child to swim. Many of the devices are attached to the child to provide some degree of buoyancy as the child attempts to learn to swim. Some of these devices are inflatable and typically require that a bladder be inflated via a valve, the inflation being effected either by mouth or sometimes by operation of a mechanical or automatic pump. When the child is eager to plunge into the water, it may be inconvenient to inflate the device orally or via a pump.
- The instant invention provides a swimming aid that is self-inflating. In one aspect of the invention, the swimming aid comprises a vest having a pocket within. A flotation member, comprising an appropriately shaped core of open cell foam closely encompassed in a waterproof casing of impermeable plastic, is secured in the pocket. An inflation valve allows fluid communication with the foam core through the cover. The valve is accessible through an opening in the back panel of the vest.
- In order to inflate the device, the valve is opened and the foam core is allowed to assume its expanded shape. The valve is then closed so that the device may be put into use. To deflate the foam core, the valve is opened and the device is squeezed or compressed to force out the air from within the foam core. Once the flotation member is deflated to a desirable size and shape, the valve may be closed and the device may be folded or rolled up for storage.
- To re-inflate the device, the consumer needs only to open the valve. The open cell foam will expand from its compressed condition, drawing in air through the intake valve and expanding the foam.
- Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figure, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In the figures:
-
FIG. 1 depicts a swim aid in the form of a vest. -
FIG. 2 depicts the back of the vest and the inflation valve. -
FIG. 3 depicts the flotation member, the location of the three panels of the foam core within its cover being shown in dashed lines. -
FIG. 4 depicts the rear of the flotation member, the inflation valve protruding therefrom. -
FIG. 5 depicts the vest ofFIG. 1 , unzipped and opened up, the dashed lines showing the placement of the flotation member within a closed pocket formed in the inside of the vest. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B depicted another self-inflating swim aid. - One possible construction of a
swim aid 10 in accordance with the instant invention is shown inFIG. 1 , in the form of a vest comprised offabric jacket 12 that wraps around the upper torso of the user, and having twoarmholes 14 and a zipper fastener 16 in the front.Adjustable strap 18 may be employed to secure the vest to the user. -
FIG. 2 shows the inflation valve 20 located at the rear of theswim aid 10, the inflation valve protruding throughaperture 22 injacket 12 to allow convenient inflation and deflation of the device. -
FIG. 3 depictsinflation member 24 comprised ofwaterproof cover 26 and, shown in dashed lines, rectangularfoam core elements cover 26 by heat sealedareas 30 incover 26. These sealedareas 30 also facilitate the folding and fitting of the vest to the wearer by allowing theflotation member 24 to be bent or folded at or near the hips of the wearer. -
FIG. 4 depicts the valve attached to and protruding from the back ofcover 26 offlotation member 24. -
FIG. 5 depicts theswim aid 10 in its unzipped and open state.Flotation member 24, represented by dashed lines, is fully enclosed in afabric pocket 32 stitched to and located on the interior offabric jacket 12. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict another swim aid that may incorporate a self-inflating flotation element as described above. The inflation valve is depicted inFIG. 6B , on the rear surface of the device. - The foregoing description of the invention is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. Variations, alterations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art, and they are intended to be within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
- From the description of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting.
- While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one of more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are mean to be exemplary and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is therefore to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, with the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (3)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/947,316 US20180312232A1 (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2018-04-06 | Self-inflating swim aid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201762490100P | 2017-04-26 | 2017-04-26 | |
US15/947,316 US20180312232A1 (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2018-04-06 | Self-inflating swim aid |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180312232A1 true US20180312232A1 (en) | 2018-11-01 |
Family
ID=63915503
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/947,316 Abandoned US20180312232A1 (en) | 2017-04-26 | 2018-04-06 | Self-inflating swim aid |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20180312232A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2550562A (en) * | 1948-02-05 | 1951-04-24 | Us Rubber Co | Life preserver |
US3675244A (en) * | 1970-05-18 | 1972-07-11 | Sanders Nuclear Corp | Self-compensating thermal insulation garments |
US3747141A (en) * | 1970-09-25 | 1973-07-24 | Nat Res Dev | Buoyancy garment |
US4998296A (en) * | 1989-11-28 | 1991-03-12 | Stames Rebecca M | Hypothermia protection suit collapsible into compact package for storage |
US5037341A (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1991-08-06 | Howard Thomas L | Inflatable life preserver |
US20030200910A1 (en) * | 2002-04-29 | 2003-10-30 | Corlett Edwin H. | Self inflating marine fender |
-
2018
- 2018-04-06 US US15/947,316 patent/US20180312232A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2550562A (en) * | 1948-02-05 | 1951-04-24 | Us Rubber Co | Life preserver |
US3675244A (en) * | 1970-05-18 | 1972-07-11 | Sanders Nuclear Corp | Self-compensating thermal insulation garments |
US3747141A (en) * | 1970-09-25 | 1973-07-24 | Nat Res Dev | Buoyancy garment |
US4998296A (en) * | 1989-11-28 | 1991-03-12 | Stames Rebecca M | Hypothermia protection suit collapsible into compact package for storage |
US5037341A (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1991-08-06 | Howard Thomas L | Inflatable life preserver |
US20030200910A1 (en) * | 2002-04-29 | 2003-10-30 | Corlett Edwin H. | Self inflating marine fender |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
2018-536302 * |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AQUA-LEISURE INDUSTRIES, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DE GRASSE, SCOTT R.;REEL/FRAME:045463/0817 Effective date: 20180406 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |