CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application

No. 61/927,621 , filed on January 15, 2014, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND [0002] Personal flotation devices (PFDs) as well as general flotation aids are utilized in many outdoor sports including water-skiing, fishing, boating and the like. While not always required, many sport enthusiasts appreciate the enhanced safety provided by a flotation aid such as a flotation vest. Whether the flotation vest is certified to a certain level by the United States Coast Guard or other similar authority or not, such flotation aids are beneficial. For certain sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and other similar activies, conventional flotation vests generally comprise a unitary front bib and a unitary rear bib which may be attached to each other by webbing straps at the shoulders and sides. While such conventional vests provide buoancy for the paddler, they lack a comfortable fit due to the inflexible structure of the vest, particularly when in the act of paddling. They are also limited by the range and ease of size adjustment. The present invention provides a paddle sport vest having increased flexibility and adjustability by providing a two- piece front bib for increased movement and criss-crossed front webbing for increased

adjustment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 10004] In an embodiment, a paddle sport vest comprises a front member, a back member, a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member defining armholes and a general vest structure, said front member having a first exterior surface and a second surface intended to be worn adjacent the front torso of a user and said rear member having a first exterior surface and a second surface intended to be worn adjacent the back torso of a user, and a first buoyant member secured adjacent the first exterior surface of the front member via retention means, the first buoyant member being capable of moving independently of said general vest structure to a degree sufficient to allow for at least one of rotational or side to side movement of said first buoyant member with respect to the front member. The retention means may comprise a retaining loop attached to the first exterior surface of the front member and a fabric member having first and second opposed ends, the first and second opposed ends attached to the first buoyant member and oriented in a generally horizontal placement between the front member and the first buoyant member, the fabric member passing through said retaining loop such that the first buoyant member is retained to the front member but remains capable of movement with respect to the front member. The retaining loop is most preferably a "V" shaped strip of webbing attached to the front member at a minimum of four attachment points, the fabric member passing through at least two of the attachment points.

[0005] In another embodiment, a paddle sport vest comprises a front member, a back member, a first shoulder member and a second shoulder member defining armholes and a general vest structure, said front member having a first exterior surface and a second surface intended to be worn adjacent the front torso of a user and said rear member having a first exterior surface and a second surface intended to be worn adjacent the back torso of a user, a first buoyant member attached to the front member in the general torso area, and a second buoyant member secured adjacent the first exterior surface of the front member via retention means, the second buoyant member being capable of moving independently of said general vest structure to a degree sufficient to allow for at least one of rotational or side to side movement of said first buoyant member with respect to the front member. The retention means may comprise a retaining loop attached to the first buoyant member and a fabric member having first and second opposed ends, the first and second opposed ends attached to the second buoyant member and oriented in a generally horizontal placement between the first buoyant member and the second buoyant member, the fabric member passing through said retaining loop such that the second buoyant member is retained to the front member but remains capable of movement with respect to the front member. The retaining loop is most preferably a "V" shaped strip of webbing attached to the front member at a minimum of four attachment points, the fabric member passing through at least two of the attachment points. [0006] in embodiments, the vest may also comprise a fit adjustment system for enabling adjustment of the torso length of the device. A pair of straps is retaining on the vest in a general "X" shape by use of a shell covering the movable buoyant member, the shell having apertures at the upper edge and the lower edge to allow the ends of the pair of straps to pass therethrough. A first end of each strap is attached to a lower region of the front member and a second end of each strap is attached at an upper should member on each side of the vest, the straps crossing each other to form the "X" shape prior to attachment at the second end. An alternative fit adjustment system comprises a pair of fabric sleeves oriented in a general "X" shape for retaining the straps to the vest. The strap ends attached at the shoulder members are capable of adjustment via a buckle. [0007] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a paddle sport vest of the present invention, showing a view-through of the elements, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the paddle sport vest of FIG. 1, showing a view-through of the connection between the elements.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the paddle sport vest of FIG. 1 with the front bib removed, and showing a rear view of the bib. [0011] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the paddle sport vest of FIG. 1, shown with the auxiliary bib front removed to reveal the fit adjustment system.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows an internal view of the fit adjustment system of FIG. 4 within the front bib. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a paddle sport vest 10 comprising a front member 12 having first and second surfaces, a rear member 14 having first and second surfaces, arm holes 16 and shoulder members 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the basic construction of the vest 10 is accomplished in accordance with conventional paddle sport vests known in the industry wherein the front member 12 and rear member 14 are preferably connected to each other at the shoulder members 18, and at the lower edge 17 of the arm holes 16 to define a general vest garment shape. The vest 10 may be formed of a single piece of fabric or with multiple pieces of fabric cut to a pattern and attached to each other by stitching, welding or the like as is known in the industry. The arm holes 16 comprise a sufficiently large opening to allow a user to comfortably paddle during water activities, as with conventional paddle sport vests. Front member 12, rear member 14, and shoulder member 18 are preferably made of neoprene or other woven or knit fabrics known in the industry. Not all element need to made of the same material. It is also possible that additional materials such a mesh or other fabrics commonly used with water sports may be utilized.

[0015] As with conventional vests, paddle sport vest 10 comprises straps to allow for securement to the user. Waist straps 40 are shown in FIGS. 1-4 which encircle the waist of the user and preferably allow for adjustment at the sides of the vest. Although two straps are shown, the vest 10 could easily comprise only a single strap or could utilize more than two straps. The type of webbing strap utilized is preferably nylon webbing strap known and commonly used in the industry although other types of material which provides a similar function could be used. Straps 40 are preferably adjustable at the sides 15 under the ann holes 16 via conventional buckles 42. Other types of adjustable mechanisms known and used in the industry, however, are also within the scope of the present invention, as would be an elastomeric strap material.

Although adjustment on both sides 15 of vest 10 is depicted, it is within the scope of the invention to have no side adjustment or to only have adjustment on a single side. It is also possible for the sides 15 to be open where front member 12 and rear member 14 meet such that vest 10 can be spread apart at one or both sides 15 for ease of donning. Sides 15 could then include zippers or other closure means commonly used in the industry.

[0016] In accordance with a first embodiment, an independently movable front bib 20 is attached to front member 12. The front bib 20 comprises a buoyant member 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the buoyant member 22 is encapsulated in outer shell 24. Preferably, the buoyant member 22 comprises a single piece of flotation foam such as PE or PVC foam, but it is within the scope of the invention for a plurality of separate foam pieces to form buoyant member 22. It is also within the scope of the invention for buoyant member to be formed of a buoyant material other than foam, as is known in the industry. Preferably, buoyant member 22 is contoured to be wider near the upper edge 22a and narrower near the lower edge 22b to allow for easier movement of the user's arms. Outer shell 24 encapsulates buoyant member 22 and is preferably made of neoprene or the like, but could also be another fabric commonly used for flotation aids such as woven and knit fabrics. For ease of manufacture, outer shell 24 is preferably made of at least two distinct pieces of fabric which are stitched together to form the enclosure for buoyant member 22. it is within the scope of the present invention, however, for outer shell 24 to comprise only a single piece or fabric or to comprise any number of pieces.

[0017] Front member 12 preferably comprises front buoyancy component 26 which is attached to a first exterior surface 12a of front member. Front buoyancy component 26 comprises buoyant member 28 and shell 30. Buoyant member 28 is preferably PE or PVC foam or other material commonly used in flotation devices and is shaped and contoured to the shape and size of the central portion of front member 12. Shell 30 is preferably made of neoprene or other woven or knit fabrics known and used in the industry. It is within the scope of the invention for front buoyancy component 26 to be formed integrally with front member 12 or to be a separate element which is securely attached to the exterior surface 12a thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, front buoyancy component 26 includes retaining means. Preferably, retaining means comprises retainer 32 which includes one or two "V" shaped webbing loops secured to the front exterior side of front buoyancy component 26 preferably by stitching, although other means of securement known in the industry could be used. Retainer 32 is preferably secured to front buoyancy component 26 by stitching or other securing means known at spaced-apart points, the space between the attachment points 33 sized to allow passage and limited horizontal movement of a sliding bib strap 34.

[0018] The generally horizontally oriented sliding bib strap 34 is attached to the rear exterior side of front bib 20 or may be securely attached to the sides of front bib 20. Bib strap 34 passes between the front exterior side of front buoyancy component 26 and the rear side of retainer 32 between the attachment point 33, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0019] Retaining means can also comprise a generally horizontal sleeve or a tunnel for retention of the bib strap 34. It is also within the scope of the invention for retainer 32 to comprise shapes other than a "V" such as a "U" or a simpler vertical strap. Although the use of front buoyancy component 26 is described above, it is within the scope of the invention for retaining means to be secured directly to the front exterior side 12a of front member such that the only buoyant element is located within front bib. In addition to the front bib attachment method described above, other joining methods may be utilized to attach the front bib 20 to the front member 12 without fully restricting the movement of the bib 20. For example, a snap type of mechanism that connects the front bib 20 to the front member 12 may be utilized provided the attachments allow for a sufficient degree of side-to-side and rotational movement of the front bib 20. It is also within the scope of the invention for retaining means to be located on a hand warming component (not shown) attached to the front exterior side 12a of front member.

[0020] In another embodiment, vest 10 comprises independently movable front bib 20 as described above and also comprises a fit adjustment system 36 comprising a pair of crossing straps 38 which slidably pass through the front bib 22. Front bib 20 includes auxiliary bib front 44 located adjacent the front exterior 24a of outer shell. Auxiliary bib front 44 is preferably stitched to front bib 20 at the sides, the center upper edge 20a and the center lower edge 20b, leaving four apertures 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d - two at the upper edge of front bib and two at the lower edge of front bib - for passage of straps 38. Although four separate spaced apertures are described, it is within the scope of the invention to have only two apertures - one along the upper edge and one along the lower edge - which allow for passage of both straps 38 (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, straps 38 are criss-crossed to form an "X" shape within front bib 20 such that the crossing is not visible to the wearer, [0021] Straps 38 are preferably nylon webbing as is known and used in the industry, although alternative materials having the same strength and functionality could be used. The ends of straps 38 are fastened to the upper shoulders 18 at upper attachment points 48a and the lower waist of the vest at lower attachment points 48b respectively. The length of each strap 38 is adjustable via a mechanism such as a ladder lock 50 located at the upper shoulder. For additional stability, strap retaining tabs may be located on shoulder member 18 to allow for passage of straps 38 underneath but to restrict movement of straps 38 away from vest 10. To adjust the size of the vest in the length-wise direction, a wearer would pull on the strap 38 ends located near the upper shoulders to tighten the fit of the vest 10 and would lift the ladder locks 50 near the upper shoulders to loosen the straps 38 and thereby loosen the fit of the vest. Other buckles and locks known and used in the industry other than those disclosed herein are also within the scope of the present invention. Although not show, it is also within the scope of the invention for the upper attachment points to be located at points on rear member 14 wherein straps 38 pass over the top of the user's should front the front member 12 to the rear member 14.

[0022] In another embodiment, straps 38 may be slidably retained to front bib 20 by sleeves or tubes of fabric (not shown) which are secured to the front exterior side 24a of outer shell such that auxiliary bib front 44 may not be necessary. It is also within the scope of the invention for straps 38 to pass between buoyant member 22 and outer shell 24 without the need for auxiliary bib front 44, in which case apertures 46a-46d would be located in outer shell 24 as opposed to auxiliary bib front 44, but with the same general structure. [0023] It should be noted that the present invention does not require a certain level of buoyancy nor does it require a specific level of certification from any regulatory agency. More or fewer buoyant elements than those described herein may be added as desired provided that the movement of front bib is not impeded. Additional elements for the user such as storage pockets which may be selectively closable, additional hand-warming pockets, rings, handles, drain holes, clips, bungee cords and the like may be incorporated as is known in the industry. [0024] Although not shown, rear member 14 may comprise a buoyant member which is integrally formed with the rear member 14 or which is attached to the exterior surface of rear member 14. The buoyant member would preferably comprise a foam or other buoyant material element encapsulated in neoprene or other woven or knit fabrics known in the industry. The addition of a buoyant member on the rear side of the vest would serve to provide additional buoyancy for the user.

[0013] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0014] The use of the terms "a' ¹ and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. [0015] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred

embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly co ntrad icted b y context .

[0016] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.