Abstract:
The apparatus of the present invention has a shell, an indicator and straps. The shell has flanges at the top and bottom, respectively, constricting the hole size at the ends of the shell. The shell can be comprised of a body and a cap. The indicator is in telescoping engagement with the shell. The indicator has two ends. The first end of the indicator protrudes from the second end of the shell. A weight is at the second end of the indicator. The weight has a sidewall with an outer periphery greater in size than the inner periphery of the shell ends. The straps are used to secure the apparatus to a person. The indicator extends from the shell when the person enters the water. The indicator, aided by the weight, retracts into the shell when the person exits the water. The shell can have wings.

Description:
This utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 60/967,947 filed Sep. 7, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to water safety apparatus and in particular to a device wearable about a user and having a water activated indicator for alerting others of a person in the water. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Boats and other types of watercraft can pose threats to persons in the water. People who water ski, ride on tubes or are just swimming in a lake or body of water can be at risk of being unnoticed by passing boats or other watercraft. Typically, when a person is water skiing, they wear a floatation vest. While the floatation vest works well for its intended purpose (to keep the head of the wearer above water), the user still may not be visible to an approaching boat. This problem may be exacerbated by the fact that, in circling around to pick up the downed skier, some tow boats are several hundred yards from the swimmer. 
     Fortunately, several products have been invented to assist in alleviating this problem. While each of the products described in the following patents may work well for their intended purposes, each can be improved upon. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,786 to Stevens is titled Automatic Telescoping Buoyant Identification Device for Use with a Water Spout Life Vest. The Stevens patent shows a spotting pole that is constructed of buoyant foam. The pole slides freely within a tubular main housing. The spotting pole is described to automatically telescope from the main housing into the air when the wearer becomes submerged in water. A spotting pole flange is disclosed to come into a mechanical interference with either of two main housing flanges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,956 to Chraghchian et al. is titled Water Warning Device. The Chraghchian et al. patent discloses a self elevating signaling device for water skiers. An enlarged visual luminescent marker having an outer guide tube and a buoyant tube freely mounted inside the guide tube is secured to a flotation jacket. A curved flange (number 42) is provided for guiding the floatation tube into the guide tube. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,551 to Rosen is titled Safety Device to Increase the Visibility of Persons Afloat in the Water. The Rosen patent teaches an automatically activated device for increasing the visibility of a person floating in the water. An inflatable flag assembly is shown to be within a circular housing which is pivotally connected to a plate. The pivotal connections maintain the flag assembly in the vertical posture even as the wearer bobs in the water. 
     Some other patents include: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Title 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 6,749,473 
                 Lower 
                 Extensible Safety Signal Device 
               
               
                 5,423,282 
                 Krull et al. 
                 Signal for Indicating Location of Floating 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Person 
               
               
                 5,114,369 
                 Coffey 
                 Water Skier&#39;s Safety System 
               
               
                 4,598,661 
                 Roe 
                 Safety Signal Device 
               
               
                 4,035,856 
                 Oberg 
                 Water Ski Safety Flag 
               
               
                 3,104,644 
                 Burton 
                 Water Skier Safety Device 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     None of these patents show a telescopic indicator having a weighted end remaining within a shell. Accordingly, none of these patents show a water safety apparatus having immediate response upon the user being submerged in the water and the user rising from the water. 
     Some of the patents show the use of flags or the like. While flags may be useful in some circumstances, their use can have unintended drawbacks. For example, the use of a flag can increase drag on the apparatus, and if the drag is sufficient, can cause the indicator to extend even though the apparatus is out of the water. This can leave the indicator vulnerable to damage if it is extended as the person falls into the water. The extended indicator can also pose a hazard to others if multiple people are, for example, tubing simultaneously. 
     Thus there exists a need for a water safety device that solves these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to water safety apparatus and in particular to a device wearable about a user and having a water activated indicator for alerting others of a person in the water. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a shell, an indicator and straps. The shell has flanges at the top and bottom, respectively, constricting the hole size at the ends of the shell. The indicator is in telescoping engagement with the shell. The indicator has a first end and a second end. The first end of the indicator protrudes from the first end of the shell. A weight is at the second end of the indicator. The weight has a sidewall with an outer periphery greater in size than the inner periphery of the shell ends. The straps are used to secure the apparatus to a person. The indicator extends from the shell when the person enters the water. The indicator, aided by the weight, retracts into the shell when the person exits the water. In one embodiment, the indicator can have wings. 
     According to one advantage of the present invention, the indicator is telescopically connected to the shell. Advantageously, the indicator rises from the shell when the apparatus enters the water, and the indicator retracts into the shell when the apparatus exits the water. 
     According to another advantage of the present invention, the indicator stores nicely within the shell when the user is out of the water. Advantageously, the end of the indicator extends only a limited amount from the shell when not extended. Any drag on the end of the indicator is therefore minimized. 
     According to a further advantage of the present invention, the apparatus is light weight and comfortable. In this regard, the use of the device should not inconvenience any user, which may limit its use. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the indicator can be made of an inflatable plastic material. This advantageously yields an indicator that is extremely light, is bendable and thus safe, and is highly buoyant. Safety is of particular importance in situations where multiple riders are skiing or tubing simultaneously. This is accomplished by eliminating a hard surface that can strike a third person. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the water safety apparatus has a weighted end within the shell. This advantageously allows the indicator remain fully retracted when the apparatus is out of the water. Yet, it is understood that the buoyancy force caused by the water displacing the tube is strong enough to cause the indicator to extend when the apparatus enters the water. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the water safety apparatus has an indicator with a low profile. Accordingly, the end of the indicator projecting from the shell during a retracted state will have low wind resistance. Accordingly, the indicator will remain retracted when the user is out of the water without the need for mechanical latching devices. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of one embodiment of the present invention, the shell has a winged structure. This structure has a rounded outer perimeter that is unlikely to cause injury, and also provides a large surface for advertising materials. In particular, the advertising surface can be an arched surface viewable from the rear and both sides. 
     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the apparatus in the extended position. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and taken along line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , but in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a person wearing the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the person is out of the water and the indicator is retracted. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a person wearing the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the person is submerged in the water and the indicator is extended. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the shell of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the embodiment of the shell shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of an alternative cap of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the cap shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the weight of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 6 , showing the apparatus in the extended position. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  and taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , but in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a person wearing the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11  wherein the person is out of the water and the indicator is retracted. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a person wearing the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11  wherein the person is submerged in the water and the indicator is extended. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention will be described in connection with several preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     The present invention is intended for use with a person  10 . A person  10 , or user, has a torso  11 , arms  12  and a head  13 . The user  10  can play in or around bodies of water  15 . Portions of the user  10  may be submerged within the water  15 , or may extend up from the water  15  into the air  16 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-3 , an apparatus  20  is shown having a top  21  and a bottom  22 . The apparatus  20  preferably has several components, described in detail below. Those components include a shell  30 , an indicator  40  and straps  60  and  70 . 
     Shell  30  is preferably a hollow thin walled plastic shell. The shell can have a length of approximately 2-3 feet. Yet, it is understood that the shell  30  could be longer or shorter without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The shell  30  has a top  31  and a bottom  34 . A flange  32  is at the top of the shell. The shell  30  is open at the top  31 , and the flange  32  constricts the size of the opening  33  or hole. A flange  35  is also at the bottom  34  of the shell  30 . The shell  30  is open at the bottom  34 , and the flange constricts the size of the opening  36 . It is preferable, for reasons apparent below, that either or both of the top  31  or bottom  34  are removable from the shell  30 . The wall of the shell  30  has an inside  37  and an outside  38 . The shell preferably has a generally circular interior periphery. Yet, it is appreciated alternative shapes can be utilized without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. For example, a shell  130  with an oblong shape is provided in  FIG. 6 , which can have a relatively flat back. The shape of the shell  130  can have a wing on each side. 
     Indicator  40  preferably has a tube  41  that is inflatable through valve  46 , and a weight  47 . The tube  41  has a top  42  and a bottom  43 . The outer perimeter of the tube  41  is defined by wall  44 . The tube is preferably an inflatable tube, and as such is inflated with air  45 . The tube  41  can be inflated or deflated through valve  46 . Valve  46  is preferably located at the top  42  of tube  41  to facilitate inflation and deflation of the tube  41 . The buoyancy of the tube  41  increases with the inflation of the tube. The indicator  40  preferably has a round periphery to facilitate movement within the shell  30 . 
     A weight  47  is provided and can be connected to the bottom  43  of the tube  41 . The weight  47  has a top  48  and a bottom  49 . The weight  47  also has a sidewall  50 , which preferably has a generally circular periphery. The periphery of sidewall  50  is preferably greater than the interior periphery of holes  33  and  36  at the top and bottom  31  and  34 , respectively, of shell  30 . The periphery of sidewall  50  is preferably smaller than the interior periphery of shell  30 . In this regard, the weight  47  is free to move about within the shell  30  between the ends  31  and  34 , but is incapable of exiting the shell  30  through either end. Thus it is apparent why one of the ends of the shell  30  is preferably removable. 
     A first strap  60  is provided, and is shown in the preferred embodiment to be connected to the outside  38  of the shell  30 . The strap  60  has a first end  61  with a first buckle piece  62 , and a second end  63  with a second buckle piece  64 . It is understood that the buckle pieces  62  and  64  are mating buckle pieces that can easily be fastened and unfastened. 
     A second strap  70  is further provided. The second strap  70  has a first end  71  with a first buckle piece  72 , and a second end  73  with a second buckle piece  74 . It is understood that the buckle pieces  72  and  74  are mating buckle pieces that can easily be fastened and unfastened. 
     It is appreciated that alternative strapping may be incorporated without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. Further, it is appreciated that the strapping can be incorporated into or embedded into a traditional floatation jacket without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Calling attention now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the operation of the present invention is illustrated. In  FIG. 4 , when the person  10  is out of the water, the apparatus  20  is fully out of the water and within the air  16 . The weight  47  at the bottom  43  of the indicator  40  causes the tube  41  to remain retracted within the shell  30 , such that the bottom  49  of the weight  47  is adjacent the flange  35  at the bottom of the shell  30 . 
     When the person  10  is submerged in the water  15 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , the water rushes into the hole  36  at the bottom of the shell  30 . The force due to the buoyancy of the inflatable tube  41  is enough to overcome the force of the weight  47  causing the tube  41  to telescopically extend from the shell  30 . In the fully extended position, the top  48  of the weight  47  is adjacent the flange  32  at the top  31  of the shell  30 . The top  42  of the tube  41  of the indicator  40  rises above the head  13  of the user  10  enabling the indicator  40  to be viewed from all directions. The indicator  40  is preferably brightly colored to attract attention. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6-15 , an alternative embodiment of the apparatus  120  is shown having a top  121  and a bottom  122 . The apparatus  120  preferably has several components, described in detail below. Those components are a shell  130 , an indicator  240  and a jacket  270 . 
     Shell  130  is preferably a hollow thin walled plastic shell. The shell can have a length of approximately 1-3 feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell  130  has a height of approximately 16 inches. Yet, it is understood that the shell  130  could be longer or shorter without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The shell  130  has a top  131  and a bottom  132 . Shell  130  further has a back  133  and a front  134 . A central chamber  140  is provided having a top  141  and a bottom  142 . Chamber  140  has an internal diameter. A lip  143  is provided at the bottom  142 . The lip has an internal diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the chamber  140 . The central chamber  140  preferably has a round internal diameter, and has a central axis. 
     A first wing chamber  150  is provided. The wing chamber  150  has a top  151  and a bottom  152 . A lip is provided at the bottom. The lip  153  has dimensions smaller than the internal diameter of the wing chamber  150 . The first wing chamber  150  preferably has a central axis. Several openings  154  are provided into the chamber  150  from the front side  134  of the shell. The openings  154  are water permeable, and aid in alleviating any pressure from developing within the wing chamber. 
     A second wing chamber  160  is provided. The wing chamber  160  has a top  161  and a bottom  162 . A lip is provided at the bottom. The lip  163  has dimensions smaller than the internal diameter of the wing chamber  160 . The second wing chamber  160  preferably has a central axis. Several openings  164  are provided into the chamber  160  from the front side  134  of the shell. The openings  164  are water permeable, and aid in alleviating any pressure from developing within the wing chamber. 
     The central axis of the central chamber  140 , the first wing chamber  150  and the second wing chamber  160 , respectively, are preferably parallel. The three chambers form a shell  130  having a rounded front  134  that is aerodynamic, and is free of sharp edges. The shell is relatively light weight in comparison to its volume. The rounded from  134  provides an ideal surface for the placement of advertisements, logos and of highly visible materials. The back  133  is generally flat, and accordingly presents a large surface area to distribute any force to the user, such as if a user was to land on their back. 
     The shell further comprises a cap  180 . The cap is best illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . While the cap  180  is described to be at the top  131  of the shell  130 , it is understood that the cap could alternatively be located at the bottom of the shell without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The cap  180  has a top  181  with a perimeter  182  and a lip  183 . The cap  180  further has a bottom  184 , a back  185  and a front  185 . The perimeter  182  is slightly larger than the external dimensions of the shell  130 , such that the cap  180  can be placed at the top  131  of the shell  130 . 
     A central hole  190  is provided through the cap  180 . A lip  191  is around the central hole  190 . The lip  191  defines the internal diameter of the central hole  190  of the cap  180 . The central hole  190  is concentric with the central chamber  140  of the shell  130  when the cap is in place. The central hole  190  has an internal diameter that is preferably smaller than the internal diameter of the central chamber  140 . In this regard the central hole  190  can act as a lip, and can have a similar or identical internal diameter as lip  143  at the bottom  142  of the central chamber  140 . 
     Wing  200  is provided having opening  201 . Wing  210  is also provided having hole  211 . A sidewall  220  is further provided, and engages the outer perimeter of shell  130  when assembled. Tabs  225  and  226 , respectively, are provided for frictionally securing the cap  180  on the shell  130 . It is understood that the cap  180  is part of the shell  130 , as the two are intended for use together. A fastener or adhesive can be used, if desired, to permanently join the cap  180  and the remainder of the shell  130 . 
     The indicator  240  is preferably comprised of a tube  250  and a weight  260 . The tube has a top  251 , a bottom  252  and a sidewall  253 . Air  254  is placed within the tube  250  by injecting air through a valve  255 . The valve  255  can be at the top  251  of the tube  250 . The weight  260  is preferably connected to the bottom  252  of the tube  250 . The weight  260  has a top  261 , a bottom  262  and a sidewall  263 . The top  261  can be an open top that engages the outside of the wall  253  of the tube at and near the tube&#39;s bottom  252 . The weight has an outside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the central chamber  140 , yet larger than the internal diameter of both the hole defined by lip  143  and hole defined by lip  183 . In this regard, the weight  260  can move freely within the chamber under the forces of nature, yet is constrained from exiting the chamber. The tube  250  preferably has a generally round diameter to facilitate movement within the central chamber  140 . 
     It will be appreciated that a light source, such as an LED indicator can be provided and located on the distal end of the indicator. The light can automatically turn on (either continuously or intermittently) when the tube extends a selected amount out of the shell. This can be accomplished by having the tube complete an electrical circuit when the tube reaches a certain point relative the shell. 
     The tube  250  is preferably flexible when inflated. In this regard, the tube  250  will bend under a strike condition, such as when another person hits the indicator. Yet, when the indicator is not under a strike condition, the tube sidewall  220  is sufficiently stiff to remain straight. 
     A life jacket  270  is further provided, and has a strap  271  that is used to secure the jacket to the user. It is understood that while the embodiment  120  is shown as integral with a jacket  270 , the embodiment  120  may also be used independent of a jacket without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Looking now in particular to  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  15  the indicator  140  of the present invention is illustrated in an extended position, such as when the user is submerged in the water. In this regard, the buoyant force of the tube  250  is sufficient to overcome the force of gravity of the weight  260 , and the tube  240  extends from the shell  130 . The distance that the tube extends is limited by the depth that the tube is in the water. The lip  183  of the cap of the top of the shell  130  prevents the tube from fully exiting the shell  130  when the shell is fully submerged. 
     Looking now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the indicator  140  of the present invention is illustrated in a retracted position. The weight  260  is sufficiently heavy in comparison to any upward forces acting of the tube  250  that the indicator remains fully retracted when the user is out of the water. 
     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a water safety device that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.