WO2012174599A1 - Vêtement comprenant un dispositif de flottaison - Google Patents

Vêtement comprenant un dispositif de flottaison Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012174599A1
WO2012174599A1 PCT/AU2012/000717 AU2012000717W WO2012174599A1 WO 2012174599 A1 WO2012174599 A1 WO 2012174599A1 AU 2012000717 W AU2012000717 W AU 2012000717W WO 2012174599 A1 WO2012174599 A1 WO 2012174599A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
garment
bladder
wearer
compartment
opening
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2012/000717
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Scott
Original Assignee
Aqua Life Vest Pte Ltd
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
Priority claimed from AU2011902432A external-priority patent/AU2011902432A0/en
Application filed by Aqua Life Vest Pte Ltd filed Critical Aqua Life Vest Pte Ltd
Publication of WO2012174599A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012174599A1/fr

Links

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
    • A41D13/012—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches for aquatic activities, e.g. with buoyancy aids
    • A41D13/0125—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches for aquatic activities, e.g. with buoyancy aids with buoyancy 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a garment incorporating a flotation device and relates more particularly, though not exclusively, to a wetsuit or surf shirt incorporating a flotation device.
  • rashi Surfing enthusiasts often wear a shirt to protect the skin on their torso from abrasion or rash from sand and grit while surfing, sometimes called a "rashi.”
  • This is a T-shirt typically made of lycra swimwear fabric or other suitable lightweight fabric, which also provides sun protection.
  • surfers typically wear a wetsuit which provides thermal insulation as well as skin protection.
  • These garments are worn by both stand-up and body surfers.
  • Recently concerns have been raised about the number of drowning incidents at popular surfing spots, for example, when a person is unexpectedly caught in a rip tide and is dragged out to sea. Many of these incidents could have been avoided if the person was wearing some kind of personal flotation device.
  • the present invention was developed with a view to providing a garment which incorporates a flotation device to provide improved safety for surfers and that will not restrict their freedom of movement in the, water. It will be apparent that the garment is also suitable for other water-sports and for recreational swimmers of all ages. References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.
  • a garment incorporating a flotation device comprising: a torso section adapted to cover substantially the whole of a wearer's torso and comprising a neck opening and arm holes, a first zipper being provided in the torso section extending downwards from the neck opening, to open the torso section and enable the garment to be donned by the wearer; at least a portion of the torso section having two layers of material and forming a compartment between the layers, the compartment extending over substantially the whole of a chest area of the wearer; an opening to permit access to the compartment; an inflatable bladder positioned in the compartment; and, inflating means provided in connection with the bladder for inflating the bladder in use.
  • the compartment also extends over the shoulders of the wearer and around the neck opening of the garment. Preferably the compartment also extends partially over the abdomen area of the wearer.
  • the opening is provided with closure means for closing the opening to prevent the bladder from slipping out of the compartment in use.
  • the closure means may take the form of a second zipper or a hook and loop fastener or other suitable fastener.
  • the opening is one of first and second openings provided on either side of the first zipper.
  • the garment is provided with at least a further opening to permit an alternate access to the compartment.
  • the inflatable bladder may comprise a single inflatable chamber designed to cover substantially the whole of the wearer's chest region.
  • the bladder may comprise two inflatable chambers designed to extend upwards over the shoulders and partially around the neck of the wearer.
  • the bladder comprises two inflatable chambers designed to cover substantially the whole of the wearer's chest region and part of the abdomen region, and linked by a collar chamber that extends upwards over the shoulders and around the neck of the wearer.
  • the inflating means is provided in connection with the bladder for inflating the bladder in use.
  • the inflating means comprises a replaceable C0 2 canister and a pull-cord attached to a trigger valve mechanism for releasing the flow of CO2 gas from the canister into the bladder.
  • the inflating means further comprises a back-up blow tube through which air can be blown manually to inflate the bladder.
  • the back-up blow tube may be fitted with a reversible one-way valve, wherein after use, the reversible one-way valve may be activated to release the gas from within the bladder.
  • the garment is a shirt and the first zipper is provided in the front of the torso section.
  • the garment is a wetsuit and the first zipper is provided in a back of the torso section.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a garment according to the present invention in the form of wetsuit incorporating a flotation device;
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged back view of the torso section of the garment of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a bladder employed in the garment of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of a garment according to the present invention in the form of surf shirt incorporating a flotation device;
  • Figure 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of a garment according to the present invention in the form of surf shirt incorporating a flotation device.
  • a preferred embodiment of the garment incorporating a flotation device in accordance with the invention comprises a torso section 12 adapted to cover substantially the whole of a wearer's torso.
  • the garment takes the form of a full-body wetsuit 10 comprising a torso section 12 with a neck opening 14 and arm holes 16 with full-length sleeves 18 attached.
  • the wetsuit 10 also has full-length leg portions 19.
  • the wetsuit 10 is also provided with a first zipper 20 in the torso section 12, as can be seen in Figure 2.
  • the zipper 20 is provided in the back of torso section 12, extending downwards from the neck opening 14, as in a conventional wetsuit, to enable the torso section 12 to be opened and the garment to be donned by the wearer.
  • a wearer will step into the torso section 12 of the wetsuit 10, and then push his or her legs into the leg portions of the wetsuit.
  • the torso section 12 is constructed with two layers of material so as to form a compartment 22 between the layers, the compartment 22 extending over substantially the whole of a chest area of the wearer.
  • An opening 24 is provided in the garment to permit access to the compartment 22, and an inflatable bladder 26 is positioned in the compartment 22.
  • the compartment is made from a double layer of neoprene material, each layer being, for example, 3mm thick. Of course two or more layers of material may be provided, and different materials may be employed in each layer to provide maximum flexibility and comfort for the wearer.
  • the compartment 22 is preferably shaped to conform generally to the shape of the bladder 26, as can be seen quite clearly by the broken lines in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the compartment 22 also extends over the shoulders and around the neck opening 14 of the torso section 12.
  • FIG 3 illustrates the bladder 26 employed in the garment 10, shown by itself.
  • the bladder 26 comprises a single inflatable chamber designed to cover substantially the whole of the wearer's chest region, and also has two arms which extend upwards over the shoulders and partially around the neck of the wearer. In this way, when the bladder 26 is fully inflated, the buoyancy of the flotation device will keep the wearer's head above water.
  • Inflating means 30 is provided in connection with the bladder 26 for inflating the bladder in use.
  • the inflating means 30 comprises a replaceable CO 2 canister 32 which is located in a pocket 34 provided in the torso section of the wetsuit 10.
  • a pull-cord 36 is attached to a trigger valve mechanism 37 provided in the pocket 34 for releasing the flow of CO2 gas from the canister into the bladder 26. This provides for rapid inflation of the bladder in an emergency situation.
  • Inflating means 30 further comprises a back-up blow tube 38 through which air can be blown manually to inflate the bladder 26.
  • Back-up tube 38 is fitted with a reversible one-way valve, which can be easily activated when it is desired to release the gas from within the bladder 26 after use.
  • the pocket 34 comprises a small opening in the torso section of the wetsuit 10, the small opening being of sufficient size to allow access to the pull-cord 36.
  • the opening 24 for the compartment 22 is provided with closure means for closing the opening to prevent the bladder 26 from slipping out of the compartment 22 in use.
  • closure means takes the ⁇ form of a second zipper 40, however it will be understood that any suitable fastener may be used, for example, a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro.
  • the second zipper 40 is provided on the front of the torso section 12 and extends horizontally across the chest region for opening and closing the opening 24. Opening 24 permits the bladder 26 to be removed from the compartment, for example, when cleaning the garment or to repair the bladder.
  • the bladder 26 will be left in its deflated condition, and hence will not interfere with the free movement of the wearer in any way.
  • the wearer can quickly inflate the bladder 26 by tugging on the pull-cord 36 to provide increased buoyancy, sufficient to keep the wearer's head above water until rescued or able to safely reach the shore.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the garment according to the invention in the form of a surf shirt 50.
  • This second embodiment is similar in many respects to the first embodiment, and therefore the like parts will be identified using the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.
  • the surf shirt 50 comprises a torso section 52 adapted to cover substantially the whole of a wearer's torso and comprising a neck opening 54 and arm holes 56.
  • the arm holes 56 are provided with short sleeves 58.
  • a first zipper 60 is provided in the torso section 52 extending downwards from the neck opening 54, to open the torso section and enable the garment to be donned by the wearer.
  • the first zipper 60 is provided in the front of the torso section.
  • Preferably at least a portion of the torso section 52 is constructed with a double layer of material so as to form a compartment 62 between the layers.
  • the compartment 62 extends over substantially the whole of a chest area of the wearer and partially over the abdomen area as well.
  • An opening 64 is provided to permit access to the compartment 62.
  • the opening 64 is one of first and second openings 64a and 64b provided on either side of the first zipper 60.
  • an inflatable bladder 66 is positioned in the compartment 62.
  • Each of the first and second openings 64 is provided with closure means 68 for closing the openings 64 to prevent the bladder 66 from slipping out of the compartment 62 in use.
  • the closure means may take the form of respective second zippers 68, however it will be understood that any suitable fastener may be used, such as a hook and loop fastener.
  • the bladder 66 comprises two inflatable chambers designed to cover substantially the whole of the wearer's chest region and part of the abdomen region, and linked by a collar chamber that extends upwards over the shoulders and around the neck of the wearer.
  • the buoyancy of the flotation device will keep the wearer's head above water.
  • the garment further comprises an inflating means provided in connection with the bladder 66 for inflating the bladder in use.
  • the inflating means comprises a replaceable CO2 canister 32 which is located in a pocket 34 provided in the torso section of the surf shirt 50.
  • a pull-cord 36 is attached to a trigger valve mechanism 37 provided in the pocket 34 for releasing the flow of CO2 gas from the canister into the bladder 66.
  • a back- up blow tube 38 is also provided, through which air can be blown manually to inflate the bladder 26.
  • Additional optional safety features include a whistle 70 and a strobe light 72.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the garment according to the invention in the form of a surf shirt 80.
  • This third embodiment is similar in many respects to the first and second embodiments, and therefore the like parts will be identified using the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.
  • the surf shirt 80 comprises a torso section 52 adapted to cover substantially the whole of a wearer's torso and comprising a neck opening 54 and arm holes 56.
  • the arm holes 56 are provided with short sleeves 58.
  • a first zipper 60 is provided in the torso section 52 extending downwards from the neck opening 54, to open the torso section and enable the garment to be donned by the wearer.
  • the first zipper 60 is provided in the front of the torso section.
  • Preferably at least a portion of the torso section 52 is constructed with a double layer of material so as to form a compartment 62 between the layers.
  • the compartment 62 extends over substantially the whole of a chest and abdomen area.
  • An opening 64 is provided to permit access to the compartment 62.
  • the opening 64 is one of first and second openings 64a and 64b provided on either side a portion of the first zipper 60. Furthermore, in this embodiment a further opening 82 is also provided to permit an alternate access to the compartment 62 for insertion or removal of a bladder.
  • the further opening 82 is typically one of first and second openings 82a and 82b provided in the torso section of the surf shirt 80 adjacent to the arm holes 56.
  • an inflatable bladder 66 is positioned in the compartment 62.
  • Each of the first and second openings 64 is provided with closure means 68 for closing the openings 64 to prevent the bladder 66 from slipping out of the compartment 62 in use.
  • the closure means may take the form of respective second zippers 68, however it will be understood that any suitable fastener may be used, such as a hook and loop fastener.
  • each of the first and second further openings 82 is provided with closure means 84 for closing the openings 82 to prevent the bladder 66 from slipping out of the compartment 62 in use.
  • closure means 84 for closing the openings 82 to prevent the bladder 66 from slipping out of the compartment 62 in use.
  • the main difference between the second and third embodiments is the size of the openings 64 and the further openings 82, which are smaller than the openings 64 of the second embodiment.
  • the benefits are mostly visual but it does also help reduce drag when swimming. Both internal compartments can still be accessed through the internal Velcro openings on the chest area either side of the zip.
  • the bladder 66 comprises two inflatable chambers designed to cover substantially the whole of the wearer's chest and abdomen region, and linked by a collar chamber that extends upwards over the shoulders and around the neck of the wearer.
  • the buoyancy of the flotation device will keep the wearer's head above water.
  • the garment further comprises a replaceable C0 2 canister 32 which is located in a pocket 34 provided in the torso section of the surf shirt 80 for inflating the bladder in use.
  • a pull-cord 36 is attached to a trigger valve mechanism 37 provided in the pocket 34 for releasing the flow of CO2 gas from the canister into the bladder 66.
  • a back-up blow tube 38 is also provided, through which air can be blown manually to inflate the bladder 26.
  • Additional optional safety features include a whistle 70 and a strobe light 72.
  • the second and third embodiments provide a surf shirt which can be donned and removed easily. Further, the wearer of the shirt can unzip the first zipper 60 in the torso section 52 to regulate their core temperature.
  • the ⁇ garments can be worn like a normal wetsuit or surf shirt while the bladder is not inflated and do not interfere with the normal movements of the wearer.
  • the flotation device can be rapidly activated in an emergency situation to give the wearer sufficient buoyancy to keep their head above water.
  • the garments can be donned in a conventional manner and for all intents and purposes function in a conventional manner unless the flotation device is activated.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Garments (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un vêtement (10) comprenant un dispositif de flottaison, le vêtement comprenant une section de torse (12) conçue pour recouvrir sensiblement l'ensemble du torse d'un utilisateur et comprenant une ouverture au niveau du cou (14) et des trous pour les bras (16). Une première fermeture éclair (20) s'étendant vers le bas depuis l'ouverture au niveau du cou (14) est fournie dans la section de torse, qui permet d'ouvrir la section de torse et qui permet à l'utilisateur de revêtir le vêtement. Au moins une partie de la section de torse (12) présente deux couches de matériaux de manière à former un compartiment (22) entre les couches, le compartiment (22) s'étendant sur sensiblement l'ensemble d'une zone de poitrine de l'utilisateur. Le vêtement (10) comprend en outre une ouverture (24) destinée à permettre l'accès au compartiment (22). Une poche gonflable (26) est positionnée dans le compartiment (22) et un moyen de gonflage (30) est fourni en liaison avec la poche (26) pour gonfler la poche (26) lors de l'utilisation.
PCT/AU2012/000717 2011-06-21 2012-06-21 Vêtement comprenant un dispositif de flottaison WO2012174599A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2011902432A AU2011902432A0 (en) 2011-06-21 Garment incorporating a flotation device
AU2011902432 2011-06-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012174599A1 true WO2012174599A1 (fr) 2012-12-27

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2012/000717 WO2012174599A1 (fr) 2011-06-21 2012-06-21 Vêtement comprenant un dispositif de flottaison

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2012174599A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8978693B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2015-03-17 Windcatcher Technology LLC Inflation valve allowing for rapid inflation and deflation of an inflatable object
CN107519590A (zh) * 2017-09-14 2017-12-29 杨晓峰 一种个人消防应急防护装备
CN108926052A (zh) * 2017-05-23 2018-12-04 英雄产品有限公司 结合有漂浮装置的服装
GB2576737A (en) * 2018-08-29 2020-03-04 John Boulton Christopher Inflatable garment
WO2021014119A1 (fr) * 2019-07-22 2021-01-28 Safequip Limited Vêtement avec dispositif gonflable destiné à être utilisé dans l'eau
US20240067316A1 (en) * 2022-08-30 2024-02-29 Joseph Jefferson Keever Pop Up Vest

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5603646A (en) * 1996-03-19 1997-02-18 Tobias; Charles S. Expedition jacket
US20060253950A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2006-11-16 Kerr Andrew R E Protective garment
US7150668B2 (en) * 2002-03-13 2006-12-19 Aquasafe Australasia Pty Ltd. Buoyancy garment
US7351126B2 (en) * 2004-09-24 2008-04-01 Turner Franklin A Combination wetsuit and flotation device, and method of use

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5603646A (en) * 1996-03-19 1997-02-18 Tobias; Charles S. Expedition jacket
US7150668B2 (en) * 2002-03-13 2006-12-19 Aquasafe Australasia Pty Ltd. Buoyancy garment
US20060253950A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2006-11-16 Kerr Andrew R E Protective garment
US7351126B2 (en) * 2004-09-24 2008-04-01 Turner Franklin A Combination wetsuit and flotation device, and method of use

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8978693B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2015-03-17 Windcatcher Technology LLC Inflation valve allowing for rapid inflation and deflation of an inflatable object
US9395007B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2016-07-19 Windcatcher Technology LLC Inflation valve allowing for rapid inflation and deflation of an inflatable object
US9709183B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2017-07-18 Windcatcher Technology LLC Inflation valve allowing for rapid inflation and deflation of an inflatable object
CN108926052A (zh) * 2017-05-23 2018-12-04 英雄产品有限公司 结合有漂浮装置的服装
CN107519590A (zh) * 2017-09-14 2017-12-29 杨晓峰 一种个人消防应急防护装备
GB2576737A (en) * 2018-08-29 2020-03-04 John Boulton Christopher Inflatable garment
WO2021014119A1 (fr) * 2019-07-22 2021-01-28 Safequip Limited Vêtement avec dispositif gonflable destiné à être utilisé dans l'eau
GB2587882A (en) * 2019-07-22 2021-04-14 Safequip Ltd Garment with inflatable device for use in water
US20240067316A1 (en) * 2022-08-30 2024-02-29 Joseph Jefferson Keever Pop Up Vest
US11975809B2 (en) * 2022-08-30 2024-05-07 Joseph Jefferson Keever Pop up vest

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