US3037220A - Sail-float - Google Patents

Description

June 5, 1962 w. l.. JANTzl-:N

SAIL-FLOAT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb.. 25. 1960 Md( ff ATTORNEYS 3,037,220 SAIL-FLOAT William L. Jantzen, 117 Grand View Ave., White Plains, NY. Filed Feb. 25, 1960, Ser. No. 11,060 6 Claims. (Cl. 9-312) This invention relates to a water buoyant garment such as a buoyant swimming garment in conjunction with sailing means coupled to the garment, whereby the wearer may be propelled through the water.

Generally speaking, most buoyant water garments comprise iniiated, flexible devices contoured to fit the shape of the human body and are provided with fastening means for fastening the device near or about the arms, or in the region of the legs, e.g. the thighs, or by straps about the waist. Where fastening means have been used about the arms or legs, movement of such bodily extremities in the water was usually impeded. Where the inflated article has been fastened by straps about the waist in order lto fasten the garment to the front of the wearer With the aim of keeping his head above water, it was necessary generally, because of the extreme flexibility of the inflated article, to tighten the straps somewhat about the waist to compensate as far as possible for any give that might occur during readjustment due to residual elasticity in the tightened garment. Generally, this tightening Would result in flattening out of the inflated article against the body so as to decrease its buoyancy effect, particularly in the aforesaid type of buoyant water garment. Further, an inflated type garment or cushion is rendered useless when punctured. Often, life saving appurtenances are also used as seat cushions. An inflated device is, of course, subjected to severe strain when so used, and often ruptures at the seams.

As a substitute for the inflated device, kapoc is often used in life saving garments and cushions. Kapoc is a vegetable fiber which derives its buoyancy from the air surrounding the libers. When kapoc is subjected .to a compressive force, such as produced by one sitting on the material, the air around the bers is correspondingly reduced in volume, thereby decreasing the buoyancy of the material.

I have found that in order to provide a water buoyant apparel of the foregoing type, but without the attendant shortcomings, it should have substantial structural rigidity and stiffness yet be characterized by sufficient overall resilience conducive to wearing comfort without adversely affecting the buoyancy of the article or its stability in use.

It is the object of the invention to provide a rigid though somewhat resilient water buoyant garment adapted to support the wearer in a position with his head well above water and capable of being tightly strapped to the front of the body without changing the thickness of or tiattening out the garment.

Another object is to provide a substantially rigid water garment capable of maintaining the wearer in stable onback position while maintaining the wearers head well above water.

A further object is to provide a buoyant article of substantially rigid structure in combination with a sail assembly, whereby the wearer may be propelled through the Water.

These and other objects will more clearly appear from the disclosure and the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of my invention comprising a panel with an upper buoyant head rest portion and a lower buoyant body portion partially cut away to reveal the internal structure thereof;

FIG. 2 is a cross section taken lthrough line 12-2 of FIG. 1 showing the contour and the general internal structure of the upper head rest portion and the lower body portion of the water garment;

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment yof the invention wherein the water garment has associated therewith a small sail assembly to enable the wearer to manipulate himself through the water;

FIG. 4 is a cross section taken along line 44 showing one type of support or well which may be used in supporting the sail assembly; and

vlFIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of another support for the sail assembly.

In essence, my water garment sail-float combination comprises a single substantially rigid panel having an elliptieally shaped opening near one end through which the head of the wearer can be inserted, the major axis of the ell-iptical opening running transverse to the longitudinal axis of the panel. By slipping the head into the opening with the longitudinal axis of the panel transverse to the body of the wearer and then turning the panel about the wearers neck so that its longitudinal axis lines up with that of the body of the wearer, the disposition of the panel is then such that it rests on the wearers chest with the wearers head resting on a portion of the panel above the opening. The part of the garment on both sides of the opening are sutiiciently flexible to permit the garment to be secured against the wearers chest. By providing an adjustable belt or strap on the panel, the panel can then be Ibuckled about the wearers waist. A sailing assembly is secured to the panel, whereby the wearer while on his back may be propelled through the water as a sail boat. In effect, the wearers body corresponds to the boat hull; `and his head is free from possible immersion as a result of a head rest portion of the garment supporting his head well above the water.

In one embodiment, the sailing assembly or auto-sail is formed of a single panel of substantially rigid construction comprising a lower buoyant body portion and an upper buoyant head rest portion with buoyant connecting portions therebetween. The entire surface of the panel is surrounded by a layer or padding of resilient sponge material having elastomeric properties, e.g. artiiicial or natural rubber. The outer surface of the sponge layer has a smooth substantially wat-er resistant coating of resilient material, e.g. vinyl, adhering toit.

This outer surface, skin or rind serves several pur poses. It provides a tough and durable wearing surface; it adds to the overall impermeability of the device, it provides color and eye appeal; and further, it presents a surface which dries rapidly and therefore may be stored almost immediately after use.

The lower portion of the panel has confined within the surrounding sponge padding a compar-tment containing in its cross-section blocks of rigid sponge material of very low density, such as sponge glass separated from each other by shims of resilient sponge material also having elastomeric properties. The upper buoyant head rest portion also has within ythe surrounding sponge layer or padding a compartment containing cross members of resilient sponge material securely bonded to the upper and lower inner surfaces of the surrounding sponge layer, the bond comprising any known adhesive, such as an air-curable type bonding cement commonly used for elastomeric materials. An opening is provided near one end of the panel between the head rest portion and the body portion for receiving the head of the wearer, fastening means being associated with the body portion for securing i-t to the front of the wearer.

The foregoing structure, while non-inflatable and substantially rigid in construction, is light weight Iand very buoyant. of resilient material, it has resilience conducive to con- Be'cause of the outer sponge layer or paddingI J ferring comfort to the wearer. The vinyl or other similar coating on the outer surface of the sponge layer -maintains the panel water tight as well as adds to its appearance, since such coatings may be applied in any desired color.

I prefer, however, that each structural component mal;- ing up the panel be structurally self-buoyant so that any opening that may occur in the surface of the panel will not result in the garment becoming water logged with the resulting loss in buoyancy. Thus, the outer sponge layer preferably has a unicellular structure, that is each pore or cell would be sealed off from the other so that the sponge padding can not absorb water. Likewise, the rigid blocks of sponge glass are also unicellular in structure as are the sponge shims separating the blocks. The cross members of resilient sponge material employed in the head rest compartment would be similarly constructed.

To aid in the better understanding of the invention, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the panel is indicated generally by the numeral 1 comprising upper buoyant head rest portion 2 and lower buoyant body portion 3. The panel is provided with an elliptical opening 4 near the head rest portion adapted to receive the head of the wearer, the lower body portion having associated with its upper and reverse surfaces fastening means comprising aprons of exible material 5, such as canvas, bonded to the panel surface. The upper apron may be used to display or advertise a name. In addition the aprons secure belts or straps 6 and 7 to the panel. The belt 7 is only partially shown and has at its end (not shown) suitable buckle clasping means well known to the art for cooperating with a buckle 8.

The entire surface of panel 1 is covered with a layer or padding of sponge rubber 9 or other suitable elastomeric material of unicellular structure, the layer enveloping two compartments, one a head rest portion Z and the other a lower body portion 3. As seen in the drawing, the head rest portion and lower body portion are integrally connected together on opposite sides of the head opening 4, whereby the garment throughout its entire construction is buoyant. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the compartment of the lower body portion of the panel contains three blocks of low density sponge glass 10 of unicellular structure separated by shims 11 of sponge rubber or other elastomeric material also of unicellular structure. In the head rest compartment, I provide three cross members 12 of sponge rubber or other elastomeric material of unicellular structure bonded by known cementing material to the upper and lower inner surfaces of layer 9 as shown for one of the members at 13. As previously mentioned, the entire panel is coated with vinyl or other water-proofing material.

In forming the panel, two sheaths of about one-half inch thick sponge rubber may be employed, one shaped peripherally to form the bottom and the other similarly shaped for the top. The peripheral edges of the respective sheaths are joined together at seam 15 to form the side edges of the panel by appropriate air or heat curable bonding cement, whereby the entire outer sponge casing is rendered impermeable.

Alternatively, by a suitable molding technique, the whole outer casing may be made in situ about the inner structural components of the panel by utilizing la foamed in-place plastic or rubber composition. The sponge blocks and sponge rubber components would be suitably indexed and encased in a mold and a foaming rubber or plastic composition poured in the mold and allowed to expand and till in the empty space surrounding the surfaces of the components, thereby forming a seam-free unitary panel structure having substantially the same internal structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Because the blocks of sponge glass might have a wearing effect on the inner surface of outer sponge layer 9, I prefer that each block lbe wrapped up with a protective layer of thin plastic sheathing 14 (note FIG. l), for example pliolm.

For a panel having a length of about several feet and a width of 14 to 16 inches, the Outer sponge layer 9 or padding of rubber would be about one-half inch thick and have an apparent density in the neighborhood of 0.12. oz. per cubic inch. The overall thickness of the panel would be about three inches, the blocks of sponge glass being about two inches thick and having an apparent density in the neighborhood of about 0.22 oz. per cubic inch. Referred to fresh water, the sponge rubber would have a weight displacement effect of about 5 to l while the sponge glass would be in the neighborhood of 21/2 to l. Shims ll separating the blocks of sponge glass may be one-half inch thick or more, depending upon the amount of flexing resilience desired in the overall panel structure. Cross members 12 in the head rest compartment may be about one and a half inches thick.

The water garment, presen/er or oat, when used without the sailing assembly is particularly conducive for relaxing in water. Because it is somewhat stift" and substantially rigid, the wearer is not prone to turn uncontrollably in the Water while floating and therefore his head is maintained above water. The top of the panel is preferably provided with a water-tight pouch associated with it for carrying cigarettes, matches, sunglasses, reading matter or other notions in general use at the shore.

In accordance with the primary aspect of my invention the novel buoyant garment is used in combination with a small sail and mast to provide some measure of mobility through the water. One embodiment of this cornbination is illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows a simple mast 16 which may be rigid or telescopic and several feet in length is seated at one end in well I7 shown in more detail in FIG. 4. The mast in cross section preferably comprises a rigid tubular support 18 which extends completely through the panel and through a block of material 19, such as a block of stiff sponge rubber. Gripping anges Ztl and 21 are provided for structurally supporting the tubular member i8; the ange 2l being also in the nature of a cap forming the bottom of the well, and the cap being covered with soft resilient material 22, e.g. rubber, to shield the wearer.

The mast may be provided at its lower end with a handle 23 for manipulation. In this embodiment, a rigid sail 24 of, for example, cured plastic, is provided rigidly jointed along the mast. Thus, as the wearer is iioating, he can maneuver himself via handle 23.

In FIG. 5 an alternative embodiment of the sailing assembly is illustrated. In this embodiment a cup-socket 25 for the mast 26 is secured to a flexible belt 27 which is fastened by buckle means around the panel. The mast 26, sail 27 and boom 2S are secured by guy strings 29 to guy-rings 3G which are sewn to the belt 27, and ring 31 which is preferably cemented to the panel. Movement of the sail is controlled by strings 32 which are hand manipulated by the wearer.

It will be appreciated that many ramifications are possible to eect mobility of the garment-preserver article. For example, the wearer might utilize a cycle type propelling device actuated by means of his arms.

In talking of certain materials used in the construction of the panel as being resilient and having elastomeric properties, such materials are meant to include plastic composition, natural rubber and the like. The plastic compositions may comprise polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, styrene or other elastomeric materials of like properties.

Moreover, the foam glass blocks arranged internally provide lateral stability as well as buoyancy. The stability of these blocks, or their equivalent, is instrumental in the support of the sail and mast. If the buoyant device is used as a cushion, the blocks may easily support the weight of an adult without imposing any strain on the seams of the panel. In other words, when the glass blocks are subjected to compression, such as by sitting, there is no significant increase in internal air pressure on the seams of the device. This is a major advantage of my invention over the iniiated type devices.

While the present invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the invention and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A sail-oat comprising in combination a panel comprising a lower buoyant body portion and an upper buoyant head rest portion, the entire surface of said panel being comprised of a surrounding layer of resilient sponge material having adhering to its exposed surface a smooth substantially water resistant coating of resilient material, the buoyant body portion comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer containing substantially throughout its cross section blocks of a rigid sponge material of low density separated by shims of resilient sponge material, the buoyant head rest portion also comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer, said head rest compartment having contained therein cross members of resilient sponge material securely bonded to the upper and lower inner surface of the surrounding sponge layer, an opening in the panel between the buoyant head rest portion and the buoyant body portion for receiving the head of the wearer to enable the disposition of said head rest portion to the back of the head, means associated with the buoyant body portion for securing said portion to the front of the wearers body, and a sailing assembly, comprising a mast adapted to be secured to the body portion of said panel, and a sail adapted to be fastened to said mast, whereby the wearer of said panel may float on his back and be propelled through the water by wind action on the sail.

2. A water garment formed of a panel comprising a lower buoyant body portion and an upper buoyant head rest portion, the entire surface of said panel being comprised of a surrounding layer of sponge elastomeric material having adhering to its exposed surface a smooth substantially water resistant coating of resilient material, the buoyant body portion comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer containing substantially throughout its cross section blocks of a rigid material of sponge glass of low density separated by shims of sponge rubber, the buoyant head rest portion also comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer, said head rest compartment having contained therein cross members of sponge elastomeric material securely bonded to the inner surface of the surrounding layer, an opening in the panel between the buoyant head rest portion and the buoyant body portion for receiving the head of the wearer to enable the disposition of said head rest portion to the back of the head, and means associated with the buoyant body portion for securing said portion to the front of the wearers body.

3. A swimming garment formed of a panel comprising a lower buoyant body portion and an upper buoyant head rest portion, the entire surface of said panel being comprised of a surrounding layer of resilient sponge material of unicellular structure having adhering to its eX- posed surface a smooth substantially water resistant coating of resilient plastic material, the buoyant body portion comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer containing substantially throughout its cross section blocks of a rigid sponge material of unicellular structure of low density separated by shims of resilient sponge material also of unicellular structure, the buoyant head rest portion also comprising a compartment within said surrounding layer of sponge material, said head rest compartment having contained therein cross members of resilient sponge material of unicellular structure securely bonded to the inner surface of the surrounding sponge layer, an opening in the panel between the buoyant head rest portion and the buoyant body portion for receiving the head of the wearer to enable the disposition of said head rest portion to the back of the head, and belting means associated with the upper surface of said buoyant body portion for securing said garment to the front of the wearers body.

4. The swimming garment as deiined in claim 3, wherein said garment is provided with means to effect mobility thereof through the water.

5. A swimming garment formed of a panel comprising a lower buoyant body portion and an upper buoyant head rest portion, the entire surface of said panel being comprised of a Surrounding layer of elastomeric material of unicellular structure having laminated to its exposed surface a smooth coating of vinyl, the buoyant body portion comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer containing substantially throughout its cross section blocks of sponge glass of unicellular structure of l-ow density separated by shims of sponge elastomeric material also of unicellular structure, the buoyant head rest portion also comprising a compartment within said surrounding sponge layer, said head rest compartment having contained therein cross members of sponge elastomeric material of unicellular structure securely bonded to the inner surface of the surrounding sponge layer, an opening in the panel between the buoyant head rest portion and the buoyant body portion for receiving the head of the wearer to enable the disposition of said head rest portion to the back of the head, and belting means associated with the upper surface of said buoyant body portion for securing said garment to the front of the wearers body.

6. The swimming garment of claim 5 wherein the blocks of sponge glass in the buoyant body portion are enveloped in at least one layer of thin plastic sheathing.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 692,278 Hamberger Feb. 4, 1902 1,706,090 Walcher Mar. 19, 1929 1,938,610 Robertson Dec. 12, 1933 2,692,994 King Nov. 2, 1954 2,794,756 Levernz June 4, 1957 2,894,270 Manthos July 14, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 127,390 Great Britain May 27, 1919 OTHER REFERENCES A publication entitled APCO, published by Atlantic- Pacific Mfg. Corp., 124 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn 1,

N.Y.; Catal-og Number 56, page 4; received in Patentr Oiice Feb. 26, 1957.

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