Having Buoyancy Means Patents (Class 441/112)
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Patent number: 11123585Abstract: An electrical safety system and method is provided which includes a flexible electrical safety vest, a lifeline coupled with the vest in various configurations, and leg straps. The electrical safety vest includes a number of loops which are used to couple the lifeline in a variety of relationships that enable different types of maneuvering of a worker with relation to a hazard. Various embodiments of the invention can be used to rapidly and safety remove a worker from proximity to an immediate threat to their life, health, or safety. Direct and indirect extraction from a danger are enabled. A variety of methods are also provided for operating various embodiments of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Glenn E. Howland
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Patent number: 10549827Abstract: A life vest includes a main body, a pair of front coupling member, and a pair of rear coupling member. The main body is divided into a front part surrounding an abdomen and a chest portion, and a rear part surrounding a back portion and having an storage space defined therein. The pair of front coupling members extend from the front part. The pair of rear coupling members are disposed adjacent to the pair of storage spaces and respectively include buckles of different kinds.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Inventor: Young Seok Lee
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Patent number: 8715024Abstract: A flotation device comprises a shoulder strap and a cross strap connected to the shoulder strap. There is an inflatable bladder extending along the shoulder strap and an inflation means for inflating the inflatable bladder. The shoulder strap is configured to extend over one shoulder of the user and under a first arm of the user. The first arm of the user is opposite to the said one shoulder of the user. The cross strap is configured to extend under a second arm of the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: David Westwood
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Publication number: 20120252291Abstract: A flotation device comprises a shoulder strap and a cross strap connected to the shoulder strap. There is an inflatable bladder extending along the shoulder strap and an inflation means for inflating the inflatable bladder. The shoulder strap is configured to extend over one shoulder of the user and under a first arm of the user. The first arm of the user is opposite to the said one shoulder of the user. The cross strap is configured to extend under a second arm of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventor: David Westwood
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Patent number: 7419414Abstract: An infant personal flotation device (PFD) that comprises a torso float, a head float and a harness. The torso float is wider at the leg region than at the neck region and includes a non-conforming and planar buoyant material. The torso float is wider than the torso of an infant, such that an infant falling in water will automatically assume a supinating position regardless of the position the infant had when he entered the water.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Salus Marine Wear Inc.Inventor: Steven G. Wagner
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Publication number: 20080146104Abstract: An infant personal flotation device (PFD) that comprises a torso float, a head float and a harness. The torso float is wider at the leg region than at the neck region and includes a non-conforming and planar buoyant material. The torso float is wider than the torso of an infant, such that an infant falling in water will automatically assume a supinating position regardless of the position the infant had when he entered the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: SALUS MARINE WEAR INC.Inventor: Steven G. WAGNER
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Patent number: 7249988Abstract: A personal flotation device is formed with a neck opening defined by a plurality of discrete lobes projecting in toward the inside of said neck opening and including a chin lobe that is positioned to engage the underside of the chin of a user when device is in operative position on said user and inhibit removal of said device over the head of the user. The chin lobe is spaced from adjacent portions of adjacent said lobes to provide spaces therebetween to facilitate donning and doffing of said device when said chin is aligned with one of the spaces. The device is also preferably provided with cover panels that releasably connect together around their peripheries so that the edges of the bladder contained between the cover panels may be folded and retained in folded position when the sides of the over panels are connected.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Mustang Survival Corp.Inventor: Tyler Francis Bazant
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Patent number: 7169001Abstract: A buoyancy device has a rear buoyancy area interconnected to a pair of lateral under arm buoyancy areas by a pair of front buoyancy areas, and combining to form a simulated W-shape when viewed in a plan view. The provision of the lateral or underarm buoyancy areas function to hold the user more upright and normally higher above the level of the water when in use.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Mustang Survival Corp.Inventors: Paul Higginbotham, Ping Yin Sheu
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Patent number: 7014520Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for a buoyant material, a cover, and a belt arranged between the cover and the buoyant material. The belt is stitched to the cover at at least one location. In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the belt is stitched to the cover near a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the belt passes through the cover and is stitched to the cover near the location where the belt passes through the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Steams, Inc.Inventor: Jean Ellen Johnson
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Patent number: 6749370Abstract: A buoyancy compensating jacket is provided on a waist portion with a pocket having a first flap, a pouch having a flat cord adapted to be inserted into and taken out from the pocket with a weight packed into the pouch. As a guide means for the flat cord, at least one of a substantially C-shaped guide ring provided at a distal end of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle and a groove formed on an outer surface of the pocket and/or an inner surface of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seishiro Urabe, Haruo Kawashima, Minoru Takeuchi, Kenji Kawana
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Patent number: 6582267Abstract: A personal flotation device is provided with a shell including a pair of elements joined to form a continuous pocket for receiving buoyant materials. The shell has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. The first and second end portions have a first part and a second part. Each second part has a strap connected thereto, such that the straps extend away from the second parts to a first coupler defining a neck hole. The intermediate portion has a strap extending away therefrom to a second coupler. Connecting the first and second couplers defines a pair of opposing armholes.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Hedstrom CorporationInventor: Ralph E. Steger
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Patent number: 6478510Abstract: A dive vest that includes a torso-engaging member with a waistband, an air bladder contained throughout the torso-engaging member, beaded weight pads quickly releasable from the waistband, a scuba tank carrier plate attached to the torso-engaging member, a first stage regulator with an extended, flexible base that is permanently attached within the dive vest, an on demand/oral inflation assembly extending upwardly from the torso-engaging member, a second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator, and an octopus second stage regulator assembly fluidly communicating with the first stage regulator and being retractable into, and extendable from, the torso-engaging member, and when retracted, is hidden in the torso-engaging member, and as a result thereof, is protected from wear and tear from, and snagging on, objects on both land and underwater and provides less resistance during a dive.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Adam E. Young
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Patent number: 6354295Abstract: A supplied air snorkeling device is provided. This device includes a flotation vest coupled with a tank holder. This flotation vest contains flotation material that cannot be deflated and substantially prohibits a user from submerging. A tank cover is positioned within the tank holder for holding an air tank. Still further, a hose retainer is coupled with the vest. In use, an air tank is placed within the tank cover which is then placed within the tank holder. A hose extends from the air tank through the hose retainer and is connected to a regulator that is connected to a mouthpiece which fits into a user's mouth. The hose retainer keeps the mouthpiece in close proximity to the user's mouth. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this supplied air snorkeling device. This method includes coupling a tank holder with a flotation vest.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Oceans for Youth FoundationInventor: Wayne R. Hasson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6350168Abstract: A life vest for water sports is taught which is translucent to ultraviolet radiation and visible light. This allows the wearer to achieve uniform tan without having the harsh tan lines where the edges of a life vest would normally be. This allows an individual to enjoy both safety and tanning without having to make a choice between the two.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Kroll Family TrustInventors: Mark W. Kroll, Karl J. Kroll
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Publication number: 20020002020Abstract: A personal floatation device comprises a wide buoyant collar hinged to a thoracic float. The collar has a front portion projecting forwardly under the chin of the wearer to cooperate with the thoracic float to limit forward tilting movements of the wearer's head. The hinge between the collar and the thoracic floater provides for the combination of the buoyancy of the collar and the thoracic float when a wearer fall face down in the water. The juxtaposition of the collar and the thoracic float contributes to rapidly pivot the wearer's head out of the water. A buoyant flap is articulated to a rear end of the collar so as to be only responsive to backward movements of the wearer's upper body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventor: Julien Pascal Deslauriers
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Patent number: 6235661Abstract: Heat, pressure, and glue are used to form a composite material in which a layer of U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation foam is located between a pair of fabric layers which are glued to the foam layer. The process of bonding the fabric layers to the foam layer is accomplished using both heat and pressure whereby a fabric covered, foam composite structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a flotation foam of the type which can be included in the calculation of flotation for a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD is used, so the composite material can be used both as a fabric and as flotation in a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Extrasport, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Khanamirian
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Patent number: 6209253Abstract: A fishing pole mounting assembly is provided including an article to be worn and a mounting housing secured on the article to be worn. Also included is a position selector situated on the mounting housing and adapted to receive a handle of a fishing rod and selectively angle the same about a selected angle with respect to the horizontal.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Daniel Saldana, Jr.
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Patent number: 6206744Abstract: An insulated flotation garment that has an insulating element and a flotation element bonded together by perimeter stitching to protect persons by keeping them warm and preventing them from being submerged in cold water.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventor: Jerald N. Wigutow
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Patent number: 6108816Abstract: A survival vest having a broad central strip forming the stem of a "Y" covering the back of the wearer, with left and right front strips (forming the twin forks of the "Y") dividing from the stem of the "Y" at the back of the neck and running down along each of the front shoulder/armpit areas of the wearer. The tips of each fork of the "Y" expand to form large, pockets which cover the front of the chest, abdomen, and (partially) the sides of the wearer. The twin large pockets are formed using a heavy-duty zipper, sewn around the periphery of each pocket area and are completely detachable. A webbing harness reinforces the vest across the inside of the twin pockets and along the forks of the "Y"-shape of the vest, from the base of the pockets to the point at which they join to form the collar of the vest, and along the outer edges of the stem of the "Y" which forms the back of the vest. A number of hook-and-loop fasteners (such as Velcro.RTM.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Simula Inc.Inventor: Gary F. Bradley
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Patent number: 6007395Abstract: A life vest for water sports is taught which is translucent to ultraviolet radiation. This allows the wearer to achieve a uniform tan without having the harsh tan lines where the edges of a life vest would normally be. This allows an individual to enjoy both safety and tanning without having to make a choice between the two.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
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Patent number: 5766114Abstract: The present invention is an infant walking and swimming aid comprising a harness having at least one adjustable shoulder strap, a lower adjustable body belt, an upper adjustable body belt, at least one crotch strap, and a high back belt. The infant walking and swimming aid also includes at least one of (a) a crossbar having a first end, a second end and two attachment portions such that the crossbar is attachable to two adjustable suspending straps connectable between the crossbar and the harness; and (b) a first float attachable adjacent the high back belt and a second float attachable adjacent the lower adjustable body belt and the upper adjustable body belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Douglas O. Campbell
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Patent number: 5692934Abstract: A single inflatable ring-shaped body that can be drawn together and secured at the chest by a closure mechanism so as to form a neck loop and a back loop. The inflatable body can be subdivided into several air compartments, each of which can be inflated using an inflation nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Joker AGInventors: Meinrad Flury, Maria Flury-Fuerboeck
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Patent number: 5459874Abstract: Two embodiments of swimsuits providing flotation for the wearer of the suits are disclosed, in addition to methods of constructing such suits and a specialized tool facilitating the construction of such suits. The suits include a series of lower flotation pads located approximately adjacent the center of mass of the wearer, which pads provide the majority of buoyancy for the suit and its wearer. Upper flotation pads are located at the upper back and chest areas, to keep the body of the wearer of the suit upright in the water and preclude the lengthy immersion of the wearer's head or breathing passages. Both a generic suit and a suit tailored primarily for boys and men are disclosed. Methods of construction for the two suits are disclosed, in which specific steps preclude the need for time consuming and laborious hand sewing operations. A specialized tool is also disclosed, which tool facilitates the insertion of the foam pads into the pockets of the suits.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignees: Patti Gilmer, Nancy Packard, Pam Thomas, Rodney RobinsonInventor: Jerry R. Meredith
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Patent number: 5060314Abstract: An improved ballistic resistant soft body armor jacket that is fit-adjuste, relatively lightweight, multi-mission adaptable, buoyant, fire-resistant, non hydroscopic and impervious to salt water and most petroleum-based fluids. The jacket shell consists of four basic ballistic resistant components: a back panel, left and right front panels in combination with side portions, and a permanent collar. It is of wrap around character and uniquely provides a minimum of one inch overlap of the respective fabric-encased ballistic inserts at both sides and in the front. It uses hook and loop type fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM., in combination with some elasticized fastener bands to provide essentially one handed capability of the various closure and adjustability features. It uses non-hydroscopic material, such as Spectra Shield.RTM., for the ballistic inserts, and a fire proof fabric, such as Nomex III.RTM., with a water repellant coating.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1990Date of Patent: October 29, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Michael L. Lewis
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Patent number: 5057046Abstract: The present invention, in it several embodiments, provides a harness-type structure for securing equipment, pouches, mountings of safety harnesses to, but not limited to, a personal flotation device in a compact, easily accessible system. The invention is adaptable for use with various types of clothing devices and carrying devices, a preferred such device being a personal flotation device, and where the wearer wishes to expand the capabilities of these devices for carrying or supporting valuables, accessory equipment, or emergency equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventor: Robert F. Scannell, Jr.
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Patent number: 4863409Abstract: A method, and apparatus, for performing the method, for assisting in the rescue of persons from water which comprises the attachment of a highly visible and easily contacted means in cooperation with a life jacket or the like, which means can be safely snared by a hook or the like without danger to the person wearing the life jacket for purposes of retrieval to a boat or the like, together with cooperative handle means for pulling such person into a boat or the like and out of the water.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1987Date of Patent: September 5, 1989Inventors: Russell R. Johnson, James L. Parker
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Patent number: 4694772Abstract: A diver's buoyancy compensator belt to be used with a diver's buoyancy compensator of the type that allows for increases and decreases of air to be provided thereto, depending upon the amount of buoyancy that is required. The buoyancy compensator belt has a first belt made of webbing for attachment to a buoyancy compensator and a backpack that in turn receives a tank connected thereto. The buoyancy compensator belt retains the buoyancy compensator around a diver's waist at distinct locations to allow for movement thereof which allows for the belt to expand and contract, due to the belt being made from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material allows for a stretching and contraction of the belt, due to various pressure conditions and can be made of elastomeric foam having discrete cells therein. As the belt expands and contracts due to the discrete cells being pressurized at various depths, it compensates for the depth.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1985Date of Patent: September 22, 1987Assignee: U.S.D. CorpInventors: Mark Faulconer, Scott E. Greatrake
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Patent number: 4692125Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming and bathing aid especially for young children with a chest ring 19 and with two arm floating elements 17, 18 which are connected with the chest ring 19. The chest ring has such a volume that it creates along the buoyancy necessary for swimming. The arm floating elements (17,18) do not dip into the water in a static swimming position and they are used as balancing elements against lateral swimming movements. For this the arm floating elements extend in a sideward upper direction from the upper arms (34, 35) and they are connected with the upper arms (34, 35) and with the chest ring (19). The chest ring (19) is divided at its rear side by a gap so that it can be adapted to different chest dimensions. The chest ring (19) is held together by a strip (30) which forms with the strips (26,27) a harness in which the arm floating elements (17, 18) the chest ring (19) and a child (33) are contained.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1986Date of Patent: September 8, 1987Inventor: Borje Wessman
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Patent number: 4668202Abstract: A water ski vest is formed of EVA cross-linked polyethylene. The vest fits around the torso or over the shoulders of the wearer and is held in place by belts which extend around the vest. The belts extend through indented loops formed in the polyethylene material to prevent the belts from contacting the wearer's skin. Loops riveted or sewn onto the male ends of the belts extend through the loops in the vest to transmit stress directly to the belts instead of the foam material. The surfaces of the foam material are provided with a fine mesh texturing to give the material a cloth-fine feel and appearance. Creasing patterns formed in the shoulder portions and in the back and side portions provide flexibility. The shoulder material is tapered in thickness to reduce bulk and the upper portion of the back is tapered in thickness to minimize catching water in a hard fall. The outer perimeter edges of the vest are rounded to enhance comfort and appearance.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1985Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Inventors: Robert S. Scheurer, Stephen M. Scheurer
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Patent number: 4662850Abstract: A life preserving device is shown having a body portion with a pair of floating sections which extend in opposite directions from a centrally located fold. Each of the floating sections has an aperture adapted to receive a wearer's head. The floating sections are foldable together along the central fold for use by a single wearer with the single wearer's head passing through both of the apertures. The floating sections are foldable apart for use by two wearers with each of the wearer's heads passing through a selected one of the apertures. A pressure sensing switch is shown for use with the life preserving device. The pressure sensing switch includes a pressure sensing membrane which is affixed to the body and which is responsive to an increase in inflation pressure within the floating section of the body to complete and actuate an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit can be used to power a radio transmitter to transmit a distress signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1986Date of Patent: May 5, 1987Assignee: Dolphin Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Gerald D. Bostic, Sr., deceased
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Patent number: 4655718Abstract: A personal flotation device is provided with auxiliary pads for partially closing the arm openings. The pads are attached to the back of the flotation device, and a strap is attached to each pad. The pads can be maintained at the lower portion of the arm openings by connecting the straps in front of the flotation device. When the straps are not connected, the pads hang freely from their attachment points at the back.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1985Date of Patent: April 7, 1987Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventor: John H. Lucius
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Patent number: 4567961Abstract: A safety device for boaters wherein a tethering line is secured at one end to the boat occupant. The line is wound upon a self-retracting reel affixed to the craft which permits the occupant to withdraw line and move about the boat with relative freedom while assuring that he does not become separate from the boat if he should accidentally fall overboard. The line is of such maximum length that in that event it will enable the boater to pull himself back to the boat. The reel may be of the inertial type which will permit withdrawal of line at a normal speed but which will lock and prevent further withdrawal in the event of sudden lurching movement. The line may also be connected to an inflatable life belt or harness worn by the occupant which automatically inflates upon manual disengagement from the tethering line.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1983Date of Patent: February 4, 1986Inventor: Gerald R. Schoenfeld
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Patent number: 4555234Abstract: A flotation vest includes a back panel and two front panels joined to the lower sides of the back panel. Each front panel includes a lapel portion which extends upwardly to join the back panel at an upper corner. An armhole is defined between each front panel and the back panel, adjacent the respective lapel portion. Each front panel includes two layers of fabric defining between them a pocket which extends continuously through the front panel including the respective lapel portion. Flotation material is provided in each pocket, the flotation material including a plurality of independent sheets of buoyant, flexible material in each pocket below the respective lapel portion, and a single sheet of buoyant, flexible material in the respective lapel portion, the single sheet being folded to provide a plurality of juxtaposed layers connected at folds. In this manner, the folds prevent interleaving of the independent sheets with the folded single sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1985Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Assignee: Guelph Elastic Hosiery Company LimitedInventor: David Kent
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Patent number: 4551107Abstract: A water ski vest is formed of EVA cross-linked polyethylene. The vest fits around the torso or over the shoulders of the wearer and is held in place by belts which extend around the vest. The belts extend through indented loops formed in the polyethylene material to prevent the belts from contacting the wearer's skin. Loops riveted or sewn onto the male ends of the belts extend through the loops in the vest to transmit stress directly to the belts instead of the foam material. The surfaces of the foam material are provided with a fine mesh texturing to give the material a cloth-like feel and appearance. Creasing patterns formed in the shoulder portions and in the back and side portions provide flexibility. The shoulder material is tapered in thickness to reduce bulk and the upper portion of the back is tapered in thickness to minimize catching water in a hard fall. The outer perimeter edges of the vest are rounded to enhance comfort and appearance.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1983Date of Patent: November 5, 1985Inventors: Robert S. Scheurer, Stephen M. Scheurer
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Patent number: 4547165Abstract: A personal flotation apparatus is made of one or more layers of cross-linked polyethylene polymeric foam material. A nylon or polyester cloth preferably having a tight weave is fused to one or both of the inner or outer surfaces. When more than one layer is used the cloth may be fused to interfaces of both layers. Edge portions of the personal flotation apparatus are rounded inward and cloth fused to the outer surface is extended inward around the round edge to abut or overlap and be joined to cloth on an inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1983Date of Patent: October 15, 1985Inventors: Stephen M. Scheurer, Robert S. Scheurer
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Patent number: 4380441Abstract: Foam buoyancy sections carried in the front of a flotation vest are formed in four separate pieces that are cut from rectangular sheets of buoyancy material without any waste material.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1981Date of Patent: April 19, 1983Assignee: America's Cup, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Harr, Gaylord T. Soli
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Patent number: RE32023Abstract: Foam buoyancy .[.section.]. .Iadd.sections .Iaddend.carried in the front of a flotation vest are formed in four separate pieces that are cut from rectangular sheets of buoyancy material without any waste material.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1984Date of Patent: November 5, 1985Assignee: America's Cup, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Harr, Gaylord T. Soli