Abstract:
Two zippered panels attached to a personal flotation device with at least one panel being attached at an offset to an edge of the personal flotation device and at least one panel being stretchable. When zipped together the two panels provide a smooth exterior surface for the personal flotation device. The stretchability of the panels allow for a close fit of the personal flotation device while maintaining freedom of movement. The offset of the panels allows for the attachment of closures to the surface of the personal flotation device within the envelope formed by the panels.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to buoyant garments for use in an aquatic environment. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Personal flotation devices such as a lifejacket or life vest are constructed with various types of closures. Closures with a quick and positive locking mechanism, such as a buckle or a snap hook and dee ring, are generally preferred. Zippers and buttons are not considered closures with a quick and positive locking mechanism. 
         [0005]    Although there are a number closures that may be used with a personal flotation device that provide ease of operation and secure fastening of the personal flotation device to the wearer, the closures are typical exposed on the surface of the device and can be susceptible to snags. Exposed closures and straps can also cause abrasion to the arms of the user and are a potential safety hazard. 
         [0006]    Due to the requirement for strength of the closures used in personal flotation devices, there is often a limited amount elasticity in the closures. Lack of elasticity in the closures reduces the ability of the personal flotation device to adapt to the movement of the wearer. 
         [0007]    Thus, a need exists for an improved personal flotation device that provides a secure closure system and reduces the possibility for snagging of the closure. A need also exists for a closure system and method that provides increased elasticity for improved adaptability to the wearer. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention provides two panels that are attached at an offset to the edges of a personal flotation device and coupled by a zipper. The coupled panels provide a smooth exterior surface for the personal flotation device when donned by a wearer. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the panels is fabricated from a stretchable material and is attached at a distance from an edge of the personal flotation device. Both panels may be fabricated from a stretchable material. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment one or more two-part closures are attached to adjacent surfaces of the personal flotation device. When coupled by the zipper, the two panels envelop the closures that are attached to the adjacent surfaces of the personal flotation device when the closures are joined. 
         [0011]    In a further embodiment one or more two-part closures are attached to a surface of the personal flotation device and to one of the panels. When coupled by the zipper, the two panels envelop the closures. 
         [0012]    In a still further embodiment one or more closures are attached to a surface the personal flotation device and the edges are coupled by a zipper. When the edge zipper and panel zipper are coupled, the closures are enveloped. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1A  shows a front view of a personal flotation device with zippered panels in an unzipped configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 1A  with the zippered panels in a zipped configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1C  shows a rear view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  shows a front view of a front closing personal flotation device with zippered panels and interior closures in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 2A  in a partially closed configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 2A  in a fully closed configuration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3A  shows a front view of a side closing personal flotation device with zippered panels and interior closures in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3B  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 3A  in a partially closed configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3C  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 3A  in a fully closed configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  shows a front view of a front closing personal flotation device with zippered panels and interior closures and zipper in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 4A  in a partially closed configuration with the interior zipper zipped. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4C  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 4A  in a partially closed configuration with interior zipper zipped and buckle fastened. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4D  shows a front view of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 4A  in a fully closed configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]      FIG. 1A  shows a fully open view  100  of an embodiment of a personal flotation device. panels  110   a  and  110   b  are attached to the front surfaces of a buoyant trunk portion  105 , and zipper halves  115   a  and  115   b  are attached to panels  110   a  and  110   b , respectively. Although panels  110   a  and  110  are shown as attached at on offset from the edge, in other embodiments one of the panels may be attached to an edge. 
         [0027]    Buoyant trunk portion  105  is fabricated from materials that are capable of providing buoyancy when immersed in water. For example, a trunk portion  105  may be fabricated from a closed-cell foam core covered by a nylon fabric shell. 
         [0028]    At least one of panels  110   a  and  110   b , and preferably both, are fabricated from a material that is both flexible and stretchable (e.g. nylon/spandex fabric). Panels  110   a  and  110   b  are each attached at an offset from the mating edges of the trunk portion  105 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 1B  shows a closed front view  101  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 1A , with panels  110   a  and  110   b  joined by the closed zipper  115  to provide an encircling enclosure for a wearer. The stretchable panels  110   a  and  110   b  provide a reduced resistance to movement that is not dependent upon the properties of the buoyant trunk portion  105 . In other embodiments stretchable panels may include a portion that is not stretchable while maintaining overall stretchability. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1C  shows a rear view  102  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 1A . A utility pocket  120   a  is closed by a cover  120   b . The cover  120   b  has a hole  120   c  that allows the pocket  120   a  to be used with a music player with headphones. 
         [0031]    The trunk portion  105  has an internal pocket  125  that contains lumbar support elements  130 . The lumbar support elements are flexible, yet preferably stiffer than the surrounding trunk portion  105 . The lumbar support elements  130  may be stiffened by selection of a material that is intrinsically stiffer that the materials used in fabricating the trunk portion  105 . Alternatively, the lumbar supports  130  may be fabricated from a material that is common to the trunk portion  105 , with greater stiffness being achieved by increasing the cross-sectional thickness of the lumbar supports  130  with respect to the trunk portion  105 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2A  shows a fully open view  200  of an embodiment of a personal flotation device similar to that shown in  FIG. 1A . panels  210   a  and  210   b  are attached to the front surfaces of a buoyant trunk portion  205 , and zipper halves  215   a  and  215   b  are attached to panels  210   a  and  210   b , respectively. 
         [0033]    Buckle receivers  220   b  are attached by webbing  235  to the surface of the buoyant trunk portion  205  adjacent to panel  210   a , and buckle inserts  220   a  are attached by webbing  225  to the surface of the buoyant trunk portion  205  adjacent to panel  210   b . The length of webbing  235  provides a range of adjustment for the girth of the wearer. 
         [0034]    Buckle insert  22   a  and buckle receiver  220   b  form a two-part closure that provides a quick and positive locking. Other two part closures (e.g., a snap hook and dee ring) may be used in other embodiments. The locking of the two-part closure provides an encircling closure of the wearer. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2B  shows a partially closed front view  201  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 2A , with closed buckles  220 . The webbing  235  may be adjusted to provide a fit that avoids restriction over the range of motion anticipated by the wearer. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2C  shows a closed front view  202  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 2A , with panels  210   a  and  210   b  joined by the closed zipper  215 . The stretchable panels  210   a  and  210   b  provide a gentle cinching that gives a closer fit than that provided by buckles alone without significant restriction of movement. The zipped panels  210   a  and  210   b  also present a smoother exterior surface that prevents the snagging of buckles. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3A  shows a fully open view  300  of an embodiment of a personal flotation device. panel  310   a  is attached to the front surface of a buoyant trunk portion  305 , and panel  310   b  is attached to the rear surface. Zipper halves  315   a  and  315   b  are attached to panels  310   a  and  310   b , respectively. 
         [0038]    Buckle receivers  320   b  are attached by webbing  335  to the surface of the buoyant trunk portion  305  adjacent to panel  310   a , and buckle inserts  320   a  are attached by webbing  325  to panel  310   b . The length of webbing  335  provides a range of adjustment for the girth of the wearer. 
         [0039]      FIG. 3B  shows a partially closed front view  301  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 3A , with closed buckles  320 . The webbing  335  may be adjusted to provide a fit that avoids restriction over the range of motion anticipated by the wearer. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3C  shows a closed front view  302  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 3A , with panels  310   a  and  310   b  joined by the closed zipper  315 . The stretchable panels  310   a  and  310   b  provide a gentle cinching that gives a closer fit than that provided by buckles alone without significant restriction of movement. The zipped panels  310   a  and  310   b  also present a smoother exterior surface that prevents the snagging of buckles. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4A  shows a fully open view  400  of an embodiment of a personal flotation device similar to that shown in FIG.  2 A. Panels  410   a  and  410   b  are attached to the front surfaces of a buoyant trunk portion  405 , and zipper halves  415   a  and  415   b  are attached to panels  410   a  and  410   b , respectively. 
         [0042]    In contrast to the personal flotation device shown in  FIG. 2A , the personal flotation device of  FIG. 4A  has zipper halves  440   a  and  440   b  attached to the central edges of the front surfaces of the buoyant trunk portion  405 . 
         [0043]    Buckle receiver  420   b  is attached by webbing  435  to the surface of the buoyant trunk portion  205  adjacent to panel  410   a , and buckle insert  420   a  is attached by webbing  425  to the surface of the buoyant trunk portion  405  adjacent to panel  410   b . The points of attachment for the webbing  435  are below the rib cage of the wearer. The length of webbing  435  provides a range of adjustment for the girth of the wearer. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4B  shows a partially closed front view  401  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 2A , with zipped zipper  440 . The zipper  440  may be used to provide a close fit at the expense of reduced freedom of movement, but it is not required that it be zipped. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4C  shows a partially open front view  402  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 4A , with closed buckle  420 . The webbing  435  may be adjusted to provide a fit that avoids restriction over the range of motion anticipated by the wearer. The closed buckle  420  provides an encircling enclosure of a wearer that is situated below the rib cage of the wearer. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4D  shows a closed front view  403  of the personal flotation device of  FIG. 4A , with panels  410   a  and  410   b  joined by the closed zipper  415 . The stretchable panels  410   a  and  410   b  provide a gentle cinching that gives a closer fit than that provided by buckles alone without significant restriction of movement. The zipped panels  410   a  and  410   b  also present a smoother exterior surface that prevents the snagging of buckles. 
         [0047]    While the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention.