Personal Flotation Assembly with Protective Shell

摘要

A personal flotation assembly is provided that includes flotation device and a protective shell extending therefrom. The flotation device is a buoyant structure that includes an open interior, such as a ring or similar shape. Along the lower end of the flotation device is a protective shell. The shell includes a spiral expansion spring therein and a resilient construction, whereby the shell is adapted to compress against the flotation device when stored and expand outward when deployed. When deployed, the shell forms a rounded sidewall, an enclosed lower, and an interior volume sized to receive the floating user. The shell is made of a resilient material and is water permeable. Therefore, the flotation assembly supports a floating user and protects the user when adrift for long periods. Additional locating elements may be secured to the floatation device, including strobes or signal generators.

主权项

1) A protective personal flotation assembly, comprising:
a flotation device having an open interior; the flotation device comprising a buoyant structure; a protective shell secured to a lower portion of the flotation device; the protective shell having a perimeter sidewall and a lower surface forming an open interior; the protective shell further having an open upper disposed below the open interior of the flotation device; a spiral expansion spring disposed within the sidewall of the protective shell; the spiral expansion spring having a coiled structure, an extended length, and an open interior; the sidewall of the protective shell comprising a flexible structure and the spiral expansion spring having a compressed state and an extended state; whereby in the compressed state, the spiral expansion spring is compressed towards the lower portion of the flotation device; whereby in the extended state, the spiral expansion spring is extends downward from the lower portion of the flotation device; the extended length of the compressed state being less than the extended length of the extended state.