1 of 7

2 of 7

PATENT SEARCH

3 of 7

4 of 7

5 of 7

Example: Float-tech

6 of 7

Example: Float-tech

United States Patent 7,059,924

Farmer , et al. June 13, 2006

Personal flotation device

​

Abstract

A personal flotation device that may be worn alone, as well as fitted into a separate garment, such as a jacket or vest. The personal flotation device may include a wearable inflatable bladder that is selectively adjustable into a retaining configuration that fits to a wearer and into a loosened configuration that is removable from the wearer. A closure system maintains the bladder in the retaining configuration. A first component of a releasable attachment system may be provided with the wearable inflatable bladder, whereby the first component is attachable to a complementary second component of the releasable attachment system that is provided on a separate garment to integrate the inflatable bladder and the separate garment.

7 of 7

Example: Float-tech

​

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

​

Certain laws in the United States, and in other countries, require boaters and other waterway users to wear, or have readily accessible, safety equipment that will help prevent drowning, such as life vests, life preservers, and other Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).

​

There are five categories of U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices. Type I is limited to Offshore Lifejackets designed for extended survival in rough open water. Type II is designated as a Near Shore Buoyant Vest meant for calm inland water where there would probably be a fast rescue. Many Type II PFDs are arranged to turn an unconscious person face up in the water to help prevent drowning. A Type III device applies to life jackets to be worn during water sports (i.e. water-skiing, jet-skiing) and are geared for use in calm water where there is a good chance for a fast rescue. A Type III device is generally not designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water. Type IV flotation devices are throwable devices including boat cushions and ring buoys, and Type V devices are restricted to special uses, such as work vests, deck suits and hybrid vests.

​

​