Michael R Scherer

US Patent:

20080038969, Feb 14, 2008

Filed:

Jul 17, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/879389

Inventors:

Philip DeRiemer - Lotus CA, US
Michael Scherer - Louisville CO, US
Steven Swartzendruber - Santa Barbara CA, US

International Classification:

B63C 9/08

US Classification:

441088000

Abstract:

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a back floatation panel comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel would be joined to each other in such a way as to allow “bellowed” expansion of a space, or a “sleeve,” in between the inner and outer panels. The bellowed expansion space between the inner and outer panels would be adapted for accommodating, for example, a hydration bladder and/or an insert of high density polyethylene (“HDPE”) plastic for protecting the wearer's back. The inner and outer panels would be joined in such a way as to provide a pathway through which a hydration tube can be inserted. Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide differentially cut fabric panels for covering buoyancy panels. An outer fabric panel, comprising an outer panel surface area, would be used to cover an outer surface of a buoyancy panel. An inner fabric panel, comprising an inner panel surface area, would be used to cover an inner surface of the buoyancy panel. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer panel surface area would be greater than inner panel surface area. That is, the outer panel would comprise a greater number of square inches of fabric than will the inner panel. Various embodiments of the present invention would also provide slit buoyancy panels to allow the buoyancy panels to contour over three-dimensional shapes. Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a personal floatation device with a belt pivotally connected to a back panel of the personal floatation device. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide front floatation panels for a personal floatation device comprising an upper buoyancy panel, a lower buoyancy panel, and a baffle system separating the upper buoyancy panel from the lower buoyancy panel.