Hybrid personal flotation device
US7182662B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C9/1255
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hybrid personal flotation device includes a flotation vest body having a front, back, shoulder straps, and adjustable buckle straps. An expandable cover over at least a portion of the vest body covers an inflatable chamber having a front chamber portion connected to a back chamber portion by a single shoulder pass-through. Inflation of the inflatable chamber is accomplished by an oral inflation tube and/or a manually activated cylinder containing compressed CO2. The low-profile, narrow single shoulder pass-through permits fluid communication for both inflation and deflation between the front and back chamber portions, but does not restrict the wearer's neck or shoulder range of motion. The inflatable front and back chamber portions remain covered when fully inflated, and require no folding or re-packing when deflated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.