Patent ID: 7186158
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: B63C

Abstract:
1. An inflatable necklace comprising: a cylindrically shaped fabric shell having a reclosable fastener thereon for attaching opposing ends of said necklace around an individual's neck, a portion of said fabric shell defining a housing; a sensor positioned within said housing, said sensor having a pair of sensor contacts set a apart a spaced distance thereby preventing sensor activation unless the sensor is submerged in water, said sensor further having a time delay interval requiring sensor contacts to be continuously immersed in water for about 5 seconds before activation of said sensor; a gas source capable of releasing a desired volume and rate of gas in response to a signal from said sensor; at least one expandable bladder, said bladder adapted for receiving said released gas and thereby inflating said bladder; wherein, when said bladder is inflated, the necklace provides sufficient buoyancy to support a child within a body of water.