Patents Assigned to Bruce Randolph Bateman
  • Patent number: 5759076
    Abstract: A one-piece lightweight personal flotation device which is aerodynamic and form-fitting for a male or female wearer includes an inflatable bladder having front and rear panels, the front panel having generally concave longitudinal side edges to create an hourglass shape suitable for a conforming and comfortable fit by a male or female wearer, and the rear panel defined by two sections separated by a vertical seam. The bladder is held to the torso of the wearer by lightweight elastic fabric side panels, to enhance the torso-conforming fit, particularly at the arm-holes and around the waist, so that the device fits the wearer similar to a relatively tight vest. Bladder inflation components are located at accessible positions adjacent the outer surface of the bladder, and held within covers or pockets made of stretchable material, thereby to minimize aerodynamic drag, optimize comfort and to reduce the possibility of inadvertent filling of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Bruce Randolph Bateman
    Inventors: Bruce Randolph Bateman, Joshua R. Uth