Foldable flotation device

摘要

A vest type flotation device having means for holding the flotation device in a folded configuration for transport and storage. In one embodiment a transport and storage strap member is attached substantially at its outer end to one of the right and left sides. The transport and storage strap member has a first portion of a first releasable locking member set attached thereto adjacent its inner end. A second portion of the first releasable locking member set is attached to one of the right and left front portions of the device. A second portion of a second releasable locking member set is attached to the right or left side of the device opposite the side to which the outer end of the transport and storage strap member is attached.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a flotation device having a right side portion including a first portion of a back member and a right front portion of the flotation device, the flotation device having a left side portion including a second portion of the back member and left front portion, the right front portion and the first portion of the back member collectively defining a right arm opening, the left front portion and the second portion of the back member collectively defining a left arm opening, the flotation device being movable between (1) a use configuration in which a user can wear the flotation device and the user can place the user's right arm through the right arm opening and the user's left arm through the left arm opening, and (2) a folded configuration in which the flotation device is folded along a longitudinal centerline of the flotation device and the right arm opening is disposed closer to the left arm opening than when in the use configuration; a first strap member coupled to the right side portion of the floatation device; a second strap member coupled to the left side portion of the floatation device; a first releasable connector coupled to an end portion of the first strap member; a second releasable connector coupled to an end portion of the second strap member, the first releasable connector configured to be releasably coupled to the second releasable connector when the flotation device is in the use configuration; a first portion of a releasable locking member coupled to one of the first strap member and the second strap member; and a second portion of the releasable locking member coupled to the other of the first strap member and the second strap member, the second portion of the releasable locking member configured to releasably engage the first portion of the releasable locking member when the flotation device is moved to the folded configuration to maintain the flotation device in the folded configuration.