Patent ID: 6036562
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B63C

Abstract:
A 2-step swimmer's safety belt inflatable into a life vest comprising:a first, substantially hollow inflatable belt, closable to fit the waist of a wearer and of substantially rectangular, elongated, oblong or oval shape;a compressed gas cartridge coupled with said first belt;a pin, movable to puncture said cartridge so as to allow said cartridge to fill said first belt with compressed gas;means, movable between first and second positions, and connected to said pin, for moving said pin to puncture said cartridge when moved to said second position;wherein a portion of said first inflatable belt fitting the waist of a wearer is temporarily secured in folded, overlapping relationship so as to unfold and expand outwardly under action of the compressed gas which fills it when said means is moved to said second position to puncture said cartridge, thereby inflating said first belt and increasing the length of said first belt in forming a tube to ride upwardly towards the arm level of the wearer;a second jacket belt, underlying said first belt, and also closable to fit about the waist of a wearer;wherein each of said first and said second belts are closable by clasps to fit the waist of a wearer;wherein means are provided on said first belt for maintaining the configuration of said tube formed by inflating said first belt, even when said clasp of said first belt is thereafter opened;wherein said last mentioned means includes releasable couplings respectively provided adjacent opposite ends of said first belt;and wherein a drawstrap of adjustable length is connected between said first and said second belts.