Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/010,264, filed on April 15, 2020, entitled “FLOTATION DEVICE” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Flotation devices, whether characterized as life vests, swim aids, or otherwise, are used by children and adults alike in order to increase buoyancy in bodies of water.

Children often wear armbands that may be inflatable vinyl film chambers. Such armbands may easily be donned by sliding the armbands over a child's upper arms. However, some armbands are dangerously prone to come off unexpectedly during a child's normal water activity, such as when the child jumps into the water with their arms over their heads. [0003] In order to provide an improved swim aid that is also U.S. Coast Guard approved, the flotation device subject of U.S. Patent Application No. 11/616,308 was developed with a retention member for operatively connecting armband flotation pads and a torso flotation pad about the wearer. The swim aid of that prior application, however, has only a two-dimensional design that restricts the creative appearance that the flotation device may take on.

[0004] In the flotation device industry, the most valued flotation devices are those that are worn by the user. As such, flotation devices should be designed with the idea of attracting as many wearers as possible. An improvement upon the flotation devices of the prior art is desired. The improvement should appeal especially to children to encourage them to wear the flotation device so as to improve water safety. The improved device should also comply with performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] A flotation device is provided that includes three-dimensional features to increase its appeal to children. The three-dimensional features are added to a flotation device such that they are more fun to wear and are generally safer. Not only are they safer because they are more likely to be worn, but they also may include additional buoyant material. In practice, the added three-dimensional features give the flotation device a costume-like appearance. For example, the flotation device may resemble a profession like a firefighter or ballerina, an animal like a tiger or ladybug, or a character like a princess or a robot.

[0006] The three-dimensional feature is generally achieved using a number of different methods. For example, filler materials may be inserted into particular areas of the flotation device. Such filler materials may be polyethylene (PE) foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, synthetic fibers, or other known or foreseeable comparable materials. In another example, molded three-dimensional plastic components may be sewn or otherwise attached to a flotation device. Similarly, die-cut plastic or fabric pieces may be attached to the flotation device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the following accompanying drawings.

[0008] Fig. l is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a flotation device constructed according to the teachings of the invention. [0009] Fig. 2 is a rear plan view of a portion of an assembly for a flotation device such as the flotation device of Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a front plan view of the portion of the assembly of Fig. 2.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a flotation device.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a front plan view of a third embodiment of a flotation device.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a rear plan view of the third embodiment of a flotation device of Fig.

5.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a front plan view of a fourth embodiment of a flotation device.

[0015] Fig. 8 is a front plan view of a fifth embodiment of a flotation device.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a front plan view of a sixth embodiment of a flotation device.

[0017] Fig. 10 is a front plan view of a seventh embodiment of a flotation device.

[0018] Fig. 11 is a front plan view of an eighth embodiment of a flotation device in a first configuration.

[0019] Fig. 12 is a front plan view of the eighth embodiment of the flotation device of Fig. 11 in a second configuration.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0020] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the current invention provides a first embodiment of a flotation device 1 that includes a torso flotation pad 5 and each of a right and left armband flotation pad 10 operatively connected to the torso flotation pad 5. Each armband pad 10 includes an opening 15 for receiving an arm of a wearer (not illustrated). The armband flotation pads 10 may have uniform or varying thicknesses, and they may be thicker on the outside of a wearer's arm than on a wearer's underarm.

[0021] The torso flotation pad 5 may be constructed from closed cell foam and preferably includes first end 20 and a second end 25. An attachment member 30 (illustrated as a strap) extending from each of the first end 20 and the second end 25 may have a first connector 35 (e.g., a female or male buckle) operatively connected to the first end 20 and a second connector (not illustrated) (e.g., the other of a female or male buckle) operatively connected to the second end 25. The first connector 35 may be adapted and configured to be releasably attached to the second connector (not illustrated), so the torso flotation pad 5 is securable around a child’s torso.

[0022] The armband pads 10 may also be constructed from closed cell foam, and each of the armband pads 10 may be operatively connected to the torso flotation pad 5. The torso flotation pad 5 and the armband flotation pads 10 may have a fabric cover that could be used to form a retention member to operatively connect the torso flotation pad 5 to the armband flotation pads 10.

[0023] The flotation device 1 also includes a three-dimensional portion 40 that projects outwardly from the torso flotation pad 5. The three-dimensional portion 40 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 is configured as a unicorn’s head to give the flotation device 1 an overall costume-like feel of a unicorn. However, in alternative embodiments, it may take on another shape, size, and/or appearance.

[0024] The three-dimensional portion 40 may be added to the flotation device 1 using several different methods. For example, filler material may be added to the flotation device 1 on the torso flotation pad 5 (or the armband flotation pads 10) in particular locations to give the three-dimensional portion 40 its unique appearance, such as illustrated in Fig. 1. As such, in the current embodiment, it includes a horn-like protrusion 42, and in alternative embodiments may, for example, include a plurality of three-dimensional flowers. Filler materials that may be used to create the three-dimensional portion 40 may include PE foam, PVC foam, synthetic fibers, or other known or foreseeable materials that are comparable to the aforementioned materials. In some embodiments, the materials used as fillers may be buoyant, while in other embodiments, they may not be buoyant. Similarly, in some embodiments the filler materials may be quick-drying, while in other embodiments, the materials may not be quick-drying.

[0025] Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate one method that may be used to attach a three- dimensional portion 45 to a piece of material 50 that may form a flotation pad such as the torso flotation pad 5. Fig. 2 illustrates a rear side 55 of the material 50, while Fig. 3 illustrates a front side 60 of the material 50. Using the method illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the three-dimensional portion 45 may be added using at least two different methods of construction. [0026] In a first method, filler material may be enveloped within a fabric, plastic film, or other material. The resulting construction may then be placed on a flotation device, such as the flotation device 1 in a desired location. Subsequently, a layer of material 65 may be attached behind the constructed material, as illustrated in Fig. 2 to reinforce the construction in place. The material 65 may be sewn (as illustrated in Fig. 2), glued, or otherwise fastened to the material 50.

[0027] Alternatively, in another construction method, filler material may be enveloped with fabric, plastic film, or other material and placed on a desired location of a flotation device, such as the flotation device 1. Subsequently, it may be attached to the flotation device 1 (or other flotation device similar to the flotation device 1) at the desired location and fastened thereto, for example by sewing. After the constructed material is attached to the flotation device, such as the flotation device 1, in this alternative embodiment, a piece of fabric may be placed over the constructed portion that includes a design, such as fabric 70 illustrated in Fig. 3 (which resembles an owl). Other construction methods are foreseeable [0028] In Fig. 4, an alternative flotation device 75 is illustrated that includes a three- dimensional portion 80 on a torso flotation pad 85 thereof. Unlike the three-dimensional portion 40 illustrated in association with the flotation device 1 of Fig. 1, the three- dimensional portion 80 includes a clear plastic cover member 90 that gives the wearer an improved costume. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the three-dimensional portion 80 gives the flotation device 75 an appearance of a robot. As such, its clear plastic cover member 90 contributes to its robot-like appearance. In other embodiments, a clear molded cover may be used to give a flotation device a “glossy” appearance that a clear plastic cover provides. [0029] It should also be noted that the torso flotation pad 85 of the flotation device

75 includes two additional three-dimensional portions 92 on either side of the three- dimensional portion 85 that may contribute to the overall appearance of the flotation device 75. The three-dimensional portions 92 may be formed using one of the methods described herein and may further add to the product’s buoyancy.

[0030] Turning now to Figs. 5 and 6, yet another alternative embodiment of a flotation device, flotation device 95 is illustrated. Fig. 5 illustrates a front portion 100 of the flotation device 95, while Fig. 6 illustrates a rear portion 105 of the flotation device 95. Unlike the flotation devices 1, 75, the flotation device 95 includes a vest member 110 that includes a flotation pad having substantially similar qualities to the torso flotation pad 5 contained therein. The rear side 105 of the flotation device 95 includes two means for fastening the flotation device 95 once it is donned. More particularly, a buckle member 115 may be provided that allows a user to snuggly fit the flotation device 95 to his or her body. [0031] The rear side 105 of the flotation device 95 also may include a zipper assembly 120 that may allow a wearer to further secure the flotation device 95 when worn. Additionally, the flotation device 95 is preferably provided with an undershirt 125 that may be sewn or otherwise attached to the vest member 110. The undershirt 125 may be made from nylon, polyester, or other substantially fast-drying material and may offer some sun protection to the wearer.

[0032] As illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, because the flotation device 95 appears as a ballerina-like costume, it may be provided with a skirt member 130 that is attached to a lower portion 135 of the vest member 110. More particularly, the skirt member 130 is preferably attached to the front side 100 of the flotation device 95. Like the undershirt 125, the skirt member 130 is preferably made of a light-weight and fast-drying (and potentially sun-blocking) material. While the skirt member 130 is illustrated as being attached to the vest member 110 on its front side 100, in alternative embodiments, it may be attached to the vest member 110 at its rear side 105.

[0033] Turning to Fig. 7, a flotation device 140 that like the flotation device 95, including a vest portion 145, is illustrated. The flotation device 140 preferably includes a three-dimensional portion 150 on its vest member 145. To contribute to the costume-like shark appearance of the flotation device 140, fin portions 155 may be provided that project outwardly from the three-dimensional portion 150. The fin portions 155 may be constructed using at least one of the methods described hereinabove. More particularly, filler material may be placed within any material that is subsequently sewn or otherwise attached to the flotation device 140.

[0034] Turning to Fig. 8, yet another alternative embodiment of a flotation device, flotation device 160, is illustrated. The flotation device 160, like the flotation devices 1, 75, includes a torso flotation pad 165 that is visible. As illustrated, the torso flotation pad 165 includes a three-dimensional portion 170 that gives the flotation device 160 the costume-like appearance of a cheerleader. To further give the flotation device 160 a cheerleader-like appearance, the torso flotation pad 165 includes a skirt member 175 that is attached to a lower portion 180 of the torso flotation pad 165, for example, by sewing. [0035] Additionally, it should be noted that armband pads 185 of the flotation device

160 include a plurality of strips of material 190 that are attached to the arm bands 185. The material 190 preferably makes the armband pads 185 appear as pom-poms. The strips of material 190 that are added to the armband pads 185 to give them a pom-pom-like appearance may be created by using a die-cutting process, such as those known and understood in the art, or foreseeable to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0036] Fig. 9 illustrates yet another flotation device, flotation device 195. The flotation device 195 is like the flotation device 160 in a number of ways. However, unlike the flotation device 160, at a lower portion 200 of a torso flotation pad 205 of the flotation device 195, paw members 210 are provided in lieu of the skirt member 175. The paw members 210 may give the flotation device 195 a tiger-like costumed appearance. Paw members 212 are also provided on arm band pads 213 of the flotation device 195. The paw members 210, 212 may be created and attached to the flotation device using one of the described processes, or a comparable, foreseeable alternative.

[0037] In Fig. 10, another alternative embodiment of a flotation device is illustrated, such as those described above. More particularly flotation device 215 is constructed in a manner substantially similar to those described above. The flotation device 215 is preferably configured such that its appearance resembles that of a police officer. Unlike the flotation devices described above, the flotation device 215 preferably includes a pocket member 220 that includes a button member 225 such that it may be opened and closed. The pocket member 220 is located on a torso flotation pad 230 of the flotation device 215 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10. However, in alternative embodiments, it may be located elsewhere on the flotation device 215. Notably, because the pocket member 220 may be opened or closed, a wearer may be able to store useful articles therein when he or she is donning the flotation device 215. [0038] Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate yet another example of a flotation device, flotation device 235. The flotation device 235 is constructed substantially similarly to the flotation devices described herein and generally aims to take on the appearance of a fire truck. Unlike the flotation devices described above, the flotation device 235 preferably includes a flap member 240 that may be opened and closed. The flap member 240 is located on a torso flotation pad 245 of the flotation device 235 in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. However, in alternative embodiments, it may be located elsewhere on the flotation device 235. In Fig. 11, the flap member 240 is illustrated as closed, and in Fig. 12, it is illustrated as open.

[0039] In Fig. 12 where the flap member 240 is open, a first attachment member 250 and a second attachment member 255 are illustrated. The first attachment member 250 is on the torso flotation pad 245, and the second attachment member 255 is on the flap member 240. Preferably, the attachment members 250, 255 are hook and loop fasteners, though alternative attachment means comparable thereto are also envisioned.

[0040] It should be noted that in order to satisfy safety regulations and other standards, the flotation devices described herein may be constructed in a variety of ways. When the flotation devices are constructed, more or less material, particularly buoyant material, may be needed to provide any particular flotation device with the necessary buoyancy to satisfy safety regulations. Thus, while a nearly limitless number of configurations are possible to give flotation devices such as though described herein various appearances, attention must be paid to the amount and location of material when the garment is produced.

[0041] While the following is non-limiting, a number of different costume-like appearances may be provided for flotation devices that are constructed according to the teachings set forth above. More particularly, for example, flotation devices may be given costume-like appearances that resemble a ballerina, baseball player, bee, cheerleader, clownfish, crab, ladybug, octopus, owl, police, princess, shark, soccer player, tiger, turtle, unicorn, mermaid, robot, or space rocket. Certainly, other costumes are envisioned and contemplated herein. [0042] From the foregoing, it will be seen that the various embodiments of the present invention are well adapted to attain all the objectives and advantages hereinabove set forth together with still other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the present structures. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations of the present embodiments are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Since many possible embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is also to be understood that all disclosures herein set forth or illustrated in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. The various constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts, principles, and scope of the present invention.

[0043] Many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.