Flotation Swimsuit

The floating swimsuit device is a unisex swimsuit with an inbuilt floatation device. It is an objective of the device to make swimmers more comfortable and feel safer in the water. To accomplish this, the device includes removable floatation panels that may be positioned within pockets on the swimsuit. The floatation panels may be removed or kept in pockets of the swimsuit depending on the weight, buoyancy requirements, and comfort level of the user. The floatation panels may be positioned along both a front surface and a rear surface of the swimsuit, thereby providing sufficient buoyancy. Further, a plurality of fasteners enables the floatation panels to be secured well within the pockets, as well as enables the user to wear the swimsuit with ease and comfort. Furthermore, the floatation panels may be of different levels of thickness, which make the device suitable for people of different preferences and dimensions.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a swimsuit. More specifically, the present invention is a swimsuit made for both men and women, with inbuilt floatation devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swimming is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits. Swimming and even floating on water are recreational activities that people prefer during warmer months or when they are on vacation near a waterbody. However, many people who don't know swimming are scared to even enter shallow waters fearing drowning. For such people, as well as for general safety, it is always preferred to have a floatation device around or with users' body, if they are entering unfamiliar water bodies. Different kinds of floatation devices are available in the market. However, most of them are bulky if they go around the user's body. Furthermore, if the floatation device is something external that the user has to hold on to, there is a higher chance of losing hold of the external device. Thus, a floatation device that is comfortable and easy to carry around the body, and that can provide the necessary protection is a rare find in the current market.

It is an objective of the present invention to make swimmers more comfortable and feel safer in the water. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a swimsuit with an inbuilt floatation device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a unisex swimsuit with an inbuilt floatation device. It is an objective of the present invention to make swimmers more comfortable and feel safer in the water. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises removable floatation panels that may be positioned within pockets on the swimsuit. The floatation panels may be removed or kept in pockets of the swimsuit depending on the weight, buoyancy requirements, and comfort level of the user. The panels may be positioned along both front surface and rear surface of the swimsuit, so as to provide sufficient buoyancy. Further, a plurality of fasteners enables the floatation panels to be secured well within the pockets, as well as enables the user to wear the swimsuit with ease and comfort. Furthermore, the floatation panels may be of different levels of thickness, thereby making the present invention suitable for people with different preferences and dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein a user wearing the present invention is floating on water.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention wherein few of the plurality of pockets are partially opened and few of the plurality of floatation panels partially pulled out of the plurality of pockets.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the present invention, wherein one floatation panel is pulled out of the pocket.

FIG. 4 is a top front right perspective view of the plurality of the floatation panels according to present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of floatation panels is positioned within internal pockets of the swimsuit, and internal components concealed under a layer of fabric of the swimsuit are shown in broken lines.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the alternate embodiment, wherein a zipper in the front of the swimsuit is unfastened to reveal the internal pockets and the floatation panels.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, the present invention is a floating swimsuit device. More specifically, the present invention is a unisex swimsuit with an inbuilt floatation device. It is an objective of the present invention to make swimmers more comfortable and feel safer in the water. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises removable floatation panels that may be positioned within pockets on the swimsuit. The floatation panels may be removed or kept in pockets of the swimsuit depending on the weight, buoyancy requirements, and comfort level of the user. The panels may be positioned along both a front surface and a rear surface of the swimsuit, so as to provide sufficient buoyancy. Further, a plurality of fasteners enables the floatation panels to be secured well within the pockets, as well as enables the user to wear the swimsuit with ease and comfort. Furthermore, the floatation panels may be of different levels of thickness, thereby making the present invention suitable for people with different preferences and dimensions.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a swimsuit 1, a plurality of pockets 2, a plurality of pocket openings 3, and a plurality of floatation panels 4. Preferably, the swimsuit 1 is a unisex single piece swimsuit, that is made of a stretchy and swimmable fabric. However, the swimsuit 1 may comprise any other shape, material etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are fulfilled. In the preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of pockets 2 comprises an enclosure 5 and a cavity 6, wherein the cavity 6 traverses into the enclosure 5. Further, the enclosure 5 is made of a fabric that is similar to the material of the swimsuit 1.

As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, the plurality of pockets 2 is laterally integrated onto the swimsuit 1 and comprises different shapes and sizes. This is so that, the plurality of floatation panels 4 of different sizes may be positioned within different pockets from the plurality of pockets 2, according to the preference of the user. Accordingly, the plurality of floatation panels 4 is removably positioned within the cavity 6 of the plurality of pockets 2. Furthermore, the plurality of pocket openings 3 is positioned adjacent a terminal edge 2a of each of the plurality of pockets 2. This is because, the plurality of floatation panels 4 is made accessible through the plurality of pocket openings 3, wherein each of the plurality of floatation panels 4 may be inserted and removed from the cavity 6 of the plurality of pockets 2 through the plurality of pocket openings 3. In other words, the user may easily access the plurality of pockets 2 and thereby insert or remove the plurality of floatation panels 4 into or from the plurality of pockets 2 respectively. Preferably, the terminal edge 2a constitutes an upper edge of the pocket. However, the plurality of pocket openings 3 may be positioned along any edge of the plurality of pockets 2, as long as the intents of the present invention are not hindered.

The plurality of floatation panels 4 enables users to stay afloat on top of water. In other words, puncture-proof removable foam panels on front and back surface of the swimsuit 1 make the user buoyant. Preferably, each of the plurality of floatation panels 4 is mad of polyethylene foam to allow better buoyancy. Further, a thickness of each of the plurality of floatation panel 4 ranges between 0.25 inches and 2 inches. Panels are available in different thicknesses to offer different levels of floatation for different body types. However, the plurality of floatation panels 4 may comprise any other material, shape, size, orientation, components, arrangement of components etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

According to the preferred embodiment, the plurality of floatation panels 4 may be added or removed as needed. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a plurality of first fasteners 7. Preferably, the plurality of first fasteners 7 is operably integrated along the plurality of pocket openings 3, wherein operating the plurality of first fasteners 7 governs access to the cavity 6 of each of the plurality of pockets 2. In other words, the user has to unfasten each of the plurality of first fasteners 7 in order to access the contents of the each of the plurality of pockets 2, which is the plurality of floatation panels 4. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of first fasteners 7 is hook and loop fastener. However, any other fastener and fastening technique may be used for the plurality of first fasteners 7 as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled. Examples of such fasteners include, but are not limited to snap buttons, zippers, clips, magnetic clasps etc.

As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, the swimsuit 1 comprises an external surface 8a and an internal surface 8b. Preferably, the external surface 8a is positioned opposite to the internal surface 8b across a fabric of the swimsuit 1. In other words, the external surface 8a constitutes the surface of the swimsuit 1 that is exposed to the outside, and the internal surface 8b constitutes the surface of the swimsuit that is in contact with the user's body. Further, the present invention comprises a first surface 9a and a second surface 9b, wherein the first surface 9a and the second surface 9b are part of the external surface 8a, and wherein the first surface 9a and the second surface 9b are laterally offset. In other words, the first surface 9a constitutes a front surface of the swimsuit 1 and the second surface 9b constitutes a rear surface of the swimsuit 1. Furthermore, in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, and according to the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a first set of pockets 10 and a second set of pockets 11, wherein the first set of pockets 10 and the second set of pockets 11 are from the plurality of pockets 2. Preferably, the plurality of pockets 2 is mounted onto the external surface 8a. Additionally, the first set of pockets 10 is mounted onto the first surface 9a and the second set of pockets 11 is mounted onto the second surface 9b. This is so that the user may easily insert and/or remove the floatation panels 4 to and from the plurality of pockets 2. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the second set of pockets 11 are longer than the first set of pockets 10. This is because the user would find it easier to deal with bigger and lesser number of pieces of floatation panels from the rear side of the swimsuit 1. Furthermore, the first set of pockets 10 are more in number than the second set of pockets 11. In other words, there are more pockets and floatation panels on the front of the user than at the back of the user. This allows the user to have better accessibility and control over the number of floatation panels that may be used based on the preference and convenience of the user.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 5, the present invention may comprise a third pocket 12, wherein the third pocket 12 is mounted onto the external surface 8a of the swimsuit 1. This additional pocket may be used for additional items or user's belongings such as heart rate monitor, earphones etc. According to the alternate embodiment, the present invention further comprises a tracking device 13, wherein the tracking device 13 is removably positioned within the third pocket 12. The tracking device 13 enables to track the user wearing the swimsuit 1, thereby adding an additional protective feature. The tracking device 13 will be specifically helpful for navy-pilots and anyone who comes in contact with water. The tracking device may track the GPS (global positioning system) location of the user using any relevant wireless technology. The size of the third pocket 12 and the tracking device 13, as well as the brand/technology utilized by the tracking device 13 may comprise anything that is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are fulfilled.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a second fastener 14, wherein the second fastener 14 is operably integrated onto the swimsuit 1, and wherein operating the second fastener 14 enables wearing and removal of the swimsuit 1 with ease. In the preferred embodiment, the second fastener 14 is a zipper that runs vertically along the first surface 9a of the swimsuit 1. The second fastener 14 or the zipper preferably will extend from the neck down past the naval of the user. However, the second fastener 14 may comprise any number, technology etc. and may be located at any other position along the swimsuit 1, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the alternate embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the floatation panels 4 are concealed or positioned within the internal surface 8b of the swimsuit 1. As seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, two floatation panels from the plurality of floatation panels 4 are positioned along the first surface 9a (front surface) within two pockets from the plurality of pockets 2, wherein the plurality of pockets 2 are mounted along the internal surface 8b of the swimsuit 1. The plurality of pockets 2 may be sealed with hook and loop fasteners and opening the second fastener 14 (zipper) will reveal the plurality of floatation panels 4.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A floating swimsuit device, comprising:

a swimsuit;
a plurality of pockets;
a plurality of pocket openings;
a plurality of floatation panels;
each of the plurality of pockets comprising an enclosure and a cavity;
the cavity traversing into the enclosure;
the plurality of pockets being laterally integrated onto the swimsuit;
the plurality of pocket openings being positioned adjacent a terminal edge of each of the plurality of pockets;
the plurality of floatation panels being removably positioned within the cavity of the plurality of pockets; and
the plurality of floatation panels being accessible through the plurality of pocket openings, wherein each of the plurality of floatation panels may be inserted and removed from each cavity of the plurality of pockets through the plurality of pocket openings.

2. The floating swimsuit device of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is made of a fabric.

3. The floating swimsuit device comprising:

a plurality of first fasteners;
the plurality of first fasteners being operably integrated along the plurality of pocket openings, wherein operating the plurality of first fasteners governs access to the cavity of each of the plurality of pockets.

4. The floating swimsuit device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of first fasteners is hook and loop fasteners.

5. The floating swimsuit device of claim 1, the swimsuit comprising:

an external surface and an internal surface;
a first surface and a second surface;
a first set of pockets and a second set of pockets;
the external surface being positioned opposite to the internal surface across a fabric of the swimsuit;
the plurality of pockets being mounted onto the external surface;
the first surface and the second surface being laterally offset;
the first surface and the second surface being part of the external surface;
the first set of pockets being mounted onto the first surface; and
the second set of pockets being mounted onto the second surface, wherein the first set of pockets and the second set of pockets are from the plurality of pockets.

6. The floating swimsuit device of claim 5, wherein the second set of pockets are longer than the first set of pockets.

7. The floating swimsuit device of claim 5, wherein the first set of pockets are more in number than the second set of pockets.

8. The floatation swimsuit device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of pockets being mounted onto the internal surface.

9. The floating swimsuit device of claim 5, comprising:

a third pocket;
a tracking device;
the third pocket being mounted onto the external surface of the swimsuit;
and
the tracking device being removably positioned within the third pocket.

10. The floating swimsuit device of claim 1, comprising:

a second fastener;
the second fastener being operably integrated onto the swimsuit, wherein operating the second fastener enables easy wearing and removal of the swimsuit.

11. The floating swimsuit device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of floatation panels is polyethylene foam.

12. The floating swimsuit device of claim 1, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of floatation panel ranges from 0.25 inches to 2 inches.

13. A floating swimsuit device, comprising:

a swimsuit;
a plurality of pockets;
a plurality of pocket openings;
a plurality of floatation panels;
a plurality of first fasteners;
each of the plurality of pockets comprising an enclosure and a cavity;
the cavity traversing into the enclosure;
the plurality of pockets being laterally integrated onto the swimsuit;
the plurality of pocket openings being positioned adjacent a terminal edge of each of the plurality of pockets;
the plurality of floatation panels being removably positioned within the cavity of the plurality of pockets;
the plurality of floatation panels being accessible through the plurality of pocket openings, wherein each of the plurality of floatation panels may be inserted and removed from the cavity of the plurality of pockets through the plurality of pocket openings; and
the plurality of first fasteners being operably integrated along the plurality of pocket openings, wherein operating the plurality of first fasteners governs access to the cavity of each of the plurality of pockets.

14. The floating swimsuit device of claim 12, comprising:

a second fastener;
the second fastener being operably integrated onto the swimsuit, wherein operating the second fastener enables wearing and removal of the swimsuit with ease.

15. The floating swimsuit device of claim 12, the swimsuit comprising:

an external surface and an internal surface;
a first surface and a second surface;
a first set of pockets and a second set of pockets;
the external surface being positioned opposite to the internal surface across a fabric of the swimsuit;
the plurality of pockets being mounted onto the external surface;
the first surface and the second surface being laterally offset;
the first surface and the second surface being part of the external surface;
the first set of pockets being mounted onto the first surface; and
the second set of pockets being mounted onto the second surface, wherein the first set of pockets and the second set of pockets are from the plurality of pockets.

16. The floating swimsuit device of claim 14, wherein the second set of pockets are longer than the first set of pockets.

17. The floating swimsuit device of claim 14, wherein the first set of pockets are more in number than the second set of pockets.

18. The floating swimsuit device of claim 14, comprising:

a third pocket;
a tracking device;
the third pocket being mounted onto the external surface of the swimsuit;
the tracking device being removably positioned within the third pocket.

19. The floatation swimsuit device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of pockets being mounted onto the internal surface.

20. A floating swimsuit device, comprising:

a swimsuit;
a plurality of pockets;
a plurality of pocket openings;
a plurality of floatation panels;
an external surface and an internal surface;
a first surface and a second surface;
a first set of pockets and a second set of pockets;
each of the plurality of pockets comprising an enclosure and a cavity;
the cavity traversing into the enclosure;
the plurality of pockets being laterally integrated onto the swimsuit;
the plurality of pocket openings being positioned adjacent a terminal edge of each of the plurality of pockets;
the plurality of floatation panels being removably positioned within the cavity of the plurality of pockets;
the plurality of floatation panels being accessible through the plurality of pocket openings, wherein each of the plurality of floatation panels may be inserted and removed from the cavity of the plurality of pockets through the plurality of pocket openings;
the external surface being positioned opposite to the internal surface across a fabric of the swimsuit;
the plurality of pockets being mounted onto the external surface;
the first surface and the second surface being laterally offset;
the first surface and the second surface being part of the external surface;
the first set of pockets being mounted onto the first surface; and
the second set of pockets being mounted onto the second surface, wherein the first set of pockets and the second set of pockets are from the plurality of pockets.
Patent History
Publication number: 20230255277
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 15, 2023
Publication Date: Aug 17, 2023
Inventor: Susan Helane Dalton (Perryville, MO)
Application Number: 18/169,617
Classifications
International Classification: A41D 7/00 (20060101);