US3750205A - Life preserver - Google Patents

Life preserver Download PDF

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Publication number
US3750205A
US3750205A US00173814A US17381471A US3750205A US 3750205 A US3750205 A US 3750205A US 00173814 A US00173814 A US 00173814A US 17381471 A US17381471 A US 17381471A US 3750205 A US3750205 A US 3750205A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
ring
ring member
life preserver
neck
slits
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00173814A
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English (en)
Inventor
G Pfeifer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3750205A publication Critical patent/US3750205A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C9/15—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments
    • B63C9/155—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist having gas-filled compartments inflatable
    • 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
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C9/135—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist using solid buoyant material
    • 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
    • B63C9/13—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist
    • B63C2009/133—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like attachable to body member, e.g. arm, neck, head or waist specially adapted for being attachable to the user's head or neck, e.g. like a cap or collar

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A buoyancy device, especially for persons learning to swim in the form of a buoyant ring adapted to be placed over the head of the person and engage the chin and nape of the neck.
  • the ring is either inflatable or of a material lighter than water, and has an inner slit to enable the person to put his hand in it.
  • the invention relates to a live preserver, more specifically to a buoyancy device especially for persons learning to swim.
  • the device may be constructed so as to be inflatable or may be made of a specific material which is lighter than water.
  • the device is attached to the body of the person.
  • Known buoyancy devices of the above-mentioned type are, for example, chains made of cork or hollow bodies connected by strips and tied around the body of the person in the water.
  • the so-called swimming belts obstruct movement in the water, impede the movements of the learner or swimmer and do not guarantee a satisfactory degree of safety since the learners head can easily sink below the water if he loses his sense of balance, for example, in connection with accidents while water skiing.
  • Buoyancy devices are also known which are inflatable cushions placed about the upper arm of a person. With these devices there is a danger that the blood stream in the lower arms and hands is affected by the pressure of the inflated cushions. Such cushions on the upper arm also impede swimming movements.
  • the life preserver is shaped as a ring adapted to be placed about the neck of a person in the fashion of a collar which fits closely about the neck but without pressure.
  • a buoyancy ring which is shaped as taught by this invention and placed about the neck of the swimmer or learner reliably assures that the person's head is kept above the water. The movement of the arms is not impeded and progress through the water is not hindered.
  • the present ring-shaped buoyancy device is especially useful for learning to swim. If the learners body is calmly floating in a vertical position in the water a slight pressure is felt below the chin and in the nape of the neck thus permitting the learner to sense the supporting action of the ring. This pressure is very slight because the human body is very nearly statically balanced in the water and does not sink so that only a light load affects the ring. Any appropriate movement, for example, a swimming movement disturbs the state of equilibrium and the human body assumes an inclined position or even horizontal position thereby experiencing an uplift whereby the body is raised slightly. This stage is momentarily detected by a reduction of the pressure with which the head has rested against the ring. In this way the learner or swimmer discovers which movements ensure buoyancy and propulsion.
  • buoyancy device in different sizes to flt different neck sizes.
  • a slit is provided in the ring to allow the ring to stretch when it is pulled over the head.
  • the slit extends from the inner edge of the ring opening outwardly in a radial direction as far as the ring has to be expanded to allow the head to pass through it.
  • the present bouyan'cy device may be made of foam material with closed cells or alternatively as an inflatable hollow body.
  • each cavity extends from one slit to the next.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a person in the water using the buoyancy device according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the life preserver or swimming-buoyancy device constructed according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a further refinement of the buoyancy device according to FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 1 shows a person 1 in a perpendicular or rest position in the water.
  • the weight of the body is very nearly in equilibrium as a result of the negligible difference between the specific weight of water and that of the human body.
  • the head 2 will be kept above the water by the present life preserver 3 which counteracts the slight tendency to sink.
  • the life preserver 3 is constructed as a closed inflatable ring, extending about the neck of the person 1.
  • the ring 3 is adapted to conform to the neck in such a way that it fits close without exerting too much pressure.
  • FIG. I clearly shows that in the resting position, the chin and neck parts are supported on the ring. The head 2 is thus kept safe above water and cannot sink below the water unless the ring 3 is removed.
  • the safe feeling of being supported is felt through the gentle pressure of the ring on the head 2.
  • FIG. 1 The dotted lines in FIG. 1 show the person in an inclined position which occurs when the person makes the appropriate movements with his arms or legs. in the course of these movements a force arises which is directed in the sense of the arrow 4 in FIG. 1 and which comprises a propulsion component 6 and a buoyancy component 5.
  • the body of the person 1 is raised slightly above the water by the buoyancy component 5. This is immediately detectable from the reduction of the pressure of the ring 3 on the neck.
  • This possibility of feeling the result of a swimming movement as a buoying-up sensation constitutes a fundemental psychological factor which substantially aids in the learning process.
  • the buoyancy device or ring 3 is provided with an inner opening 16. This opening is adapted to conform to the width of the neck. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown, two slits 8 extend radially outwards from the inner edge 7 as far as the aperture 16 requires to be expanded to allow the head 2 to pass through it.
  • Solid webs 9 extend radially outwardly from the slits 8, to separate the inflatable ring 3 into two separate cavities 10, each of which has its own valve 11. At one point on the circumference of the inner edge 7 is a slightly reduced area 12 where the surface of the ring is contoured to fit the chin.
  • a middle wall 13 divides each cavity into two cavities to form two closed chambers disposed one above the other.
  • One edge is lengthened or formed as a flap 14 by suitable moulding and having at least one eyelet 15, so that small children can be held safely on a line during swimming instruction whereby the line is safely attached to the eyelet.
  • a life preserver having a closed flexible buoyant ring with an inner opening sized to elastically fit over the head of a person to a position about the persons neck
  • the improvement comprising a front ring member and a rear ring member, means for interconnecting said front and rear ring members to each other to provide sub-stantially diametrically opposed slits between the ring members where the ring members are connected to each other, said slits extending radially outwardly from said inner opening partially through the ring members, said front ring member having at least a por tion of reduced diameter substantially intermediate said slits to form a chin rest, said rear ring member having a cross sectional shape larger than said chin rest whereby the rear ring member conforms to the shape of the human neck.
  • each of said ring member is comprised of a separately inflatable cavity, further comprising separate inflating valves for said cavities.
  • buoyant ring has at least one flap extending from the outer circumference thereof, said flap having an eyelet therein.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
US00173814A 1971-02-24 1971-08-23 Life preserver Expired - Lifetime US3750205A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19712108666 DE2108666A1 (de) 1971-02-24 1971-02-24 Auftriebskörper für Schwimmschüler oder dergl

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3750205A true US3750205A (en) 1973-08-07

Family

ID=5799633

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00173814A Expired - Lifetime US3750205A (en) 1971-02-24 1971-08-23 Life preserver

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US3750205A (it)
AT (1) AT305114B (it)
AU (1) AU3144171A (it)
BE (1) BE769191A (it)
CH (1) CH547200A (it)
DE (1) DE2108666A1 (it)
FR (1) FR2127477A5 (it)
IT (1) IT1012015B (it)
LU (1) LU63304A1 (it)
NL (1) NL7106131A (it)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4051568A (en) * 1975-07-23 1977-10-04 Strolenberg Willem Josef Georg Life saving garment
US4800871A (en) * 1985-09-03 1989-01-31 Pvg Patentverwertungsgesellschaft Mbh Muscle relaxing device
EP1069041A3 (de) * 1999-07-14 2002-02-13 Alfred Huhn Rettungskragen
WO2002098728A1 (en) * 2001-06-04 2002-12-12 Foss Jonathan G Self-inflating floatation device
US6659046B2 (en) * 2002-02-11 2003-12-09 Linda Anne Schmid Inflatable, split Elizabethan collar
US6776678B2 (en) * 2000-12-08 2004-08-17 William H. Courtney Integrated or attached space occupying cephalic restraint collar for improved life jacket performance
US20050101204A1 (en) * 2002-08-15 2005-05-12 Shaofei Zhao Swim ring for an infant
GB2424626A (en) * 2005-04-02 2006-10-04 Andrew St-Pierre Libberton Neck mounted buoyancy aid
US7186158B1 (en) 2005-12-07 2007-03-06 Barber Gerald L Life saving necklace
US20070054572A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-08 Bazant Tyler F Life preserver
WO2007102131A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Laura Cecilia Tregear Sevenus Collar to assist floating of infants
US9125729B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2015-09-08 Aquatic Therapy Innovations, Llc Buoyancy-based cervical traction system
US9914511B2 (en) * 2012-09-28 2018-03-13 Tiffany An-Ting Chiu Infant recreational floatation device
IT201700039418A1 (it) * 2017-04-10 2018-10-10 Baby Bubble S R L Salvagente per infanti

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0220425B1 (de) * 1985-09-03 1991-05-29 PVG-Patentverwertungsgesellschaft mbH Ringförmige Muskelentspannvorrichtung
GB2291780B (en) * 1994-08-02 1998-07-22 Phanupong Roy Asvakiat Safety collars
ITBO20090026U1 (it) * 2009-04-29 2010-10-30 Alberto Boni Dispositivo salvavita gonfiabile antiannegamento ad attivazione automatica e/o manuale

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1400976A (en) * 1921-01-11 1921-12-20 William G Parmele Life-saving device
US1544672A (en) * 1922-02-28 1925-07-07 Seth R Milbury Swimming collar

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1400976A (en) * 1921-01-11 1921-12-20 William G Parmele Life-saving device
US1544672A (en) * 1922-02-28 1925-07-07 Seth R Milbury Swimming collar

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4051568A (en) * 1975-07-23 1977-10-04 Strolenberg Willem Josef Georg Life saving garment
US4800871A (en) * 1985-09-03 1989-01-31 Pvg Patentverwertungsgesellschaft Mbh Muscle relaxing device
EP1069041A3 (de) * 1999-07-14 2002-02-13 Alfred Huhn Rettungskragen
US6776678B2 (en) * 2000-12-08 2004-08-17 William H. Courtney Integrated or attached space occupying cephalic restraint collar for improved life jacket performance
WO2002098728A1 (en) * 2001-06-04 2002-12-12 Foss Jonathan G Self-inflating floatation device
US6659825B2 (en) 2001-06-04 2003-12-09 Jonathan G. Foss Self-inflating child floatation device
US6659046B2 (en) * 2002-02-11 2003-12-09 Linda Anne Schmid Inflatable, split Elizabethan collar
US20050101204A1 (en) * 2002-08-15 2005-05-12 Shaofei Zhao Swim ring for an infant
US6948991B2 (en) * 2002-08-15 2005-09-27 Shaofei Zhao Swim ring for an infant
GB2424626A (en) * 2005-04-02 2006-10-04 Andrew St-Pierre Libberton Neck mounted buoyancy aid
US7249988B2 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-07-31 Mustang Survival Corp. Life preserver
US20070054572A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-08 Bazant Tyler F Life preserver
US7186158B1 (en) 2005-12-07 2007-03-06 Barber Gerald L Life saving necklace
US20070155264A1 (en) * 2005-12-07 2007-07-05 Jerry Barber Life saving necklace
WO2007102131A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Laura Cecilia Tregear Sevenus Collar to assist floating of infants
GB2448647A (en) * 2006-03-08 2008-10-22 Laura Cecilia Tregear Sevenus Collar to assist floating of infants
GB2448647B (en) * 2006-03-08 2011-06-15 Laura Cecilia Tregear Sevenus Floating Device
US9125729B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2015-09-08 Aquatic Therapy Innovations, Llc Buoyancy-based cervical traction system
US10881573B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2021-01-05 Aquatic Therapy Innovations, Llc Buoyancy-based cervical traction system
US9914511B2 (en) * 2012-09-28 2018-03-13 Tiffany An-Ting Chiu Infant recreational floatation device
IT201700039418A1 (it) * 2017-04-10 2018-10-10 Baby Bubble S R L Salvagente per infanti

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL7106131A (it) 1972-08-28
IT1012015B (it) 1977-03-10
BE769191A (fr) 1971-11-03
AU3144171A (en) 1973-01-25
FR2127477A5 (it) 1972-10-13
CH547200A (de) 1974-03-29
DE2108666A1 (de) 1972-08-31
AT305114B (de) 1973-02-12
LU63304A1 (it) 1971-09-13

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