US3065476A - Foldable yoke life preserver - Google Patents

Foldable yoke life preserver Download PDF

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US3065476A
US3065476A US84806A US8480661A US3065476A US 3065476 A US3065476 A US 3065476A US 84806 A US84806 A US 84806A US 8480661 A US8480661 A US 8480661A US 3065476 A US3065476 A US 3065476A
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life
preserver
body portion
life preserver
buoyant
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Belden B Brown
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/11—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses
    • B63C9/115—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like covering the torso, e.g. harnesses using solid buoyant material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to life saving devices and more particularly to yoke-type life preservers.
  • Pillow and combined cushion and life-belt life preservers are known.
  • the known combined cushions and life belt preservers consist of life belts or jacket or vest type life preservers that are relatively cumbersome to place into use particularly if the wearer is in the water when he attempts to put the life saving device on.
  • Yoke-type life preservers are known, however, these known life preservers require considerable storage space and can only be used exclusively for a life saving function.
  • a feature of the yoke-type life preserver according to the invention is that the life preserver comprises two halves of molded closed cell plastic foam which are buoyant.
  • the two halves are pivotally attached to' each other so that they may be disposed adjacent in side-by-side relation in extended condition forming substantially extensions of each other.
  • One of the halves is provided with a through substantially circular opening for receiving the neck of the wearer;
  • the two halves can be folded so that one overlies the other in registry therewith forming a compact, buoyant folded unit which can be covered to provide a decorative and utilitarian cushion or pillow.
  • One of the halves forming the body of the life preserver is provided with an upstanding portion which is received within the neck-receiving opening of the other half of the life preserver when the preserver is in a folded condition so that a pillow or cushion with substantially smooth surfaces is formed and can be covered as indicated heretofore.
  • the cover is readily removable to allow quick access to the preserver.
  • the life preserver In a folded and covered condition the life preserver can be used as a life saving cushion. It can also be opened readily in the water permitting the release of the life preserver which being a yoke-type life preserver, can be readily put into use by a person in the water without the difliculties encountered when attempting to put on a vest or belt type life preserver while in the water.
  • LFIG.1 is a perspective view of a life preserver according to the invention and is illustrative of a condition in which two body portions forming two halves of the life preserver are in an extended side by-side position;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the life preserver shown in FIG. 1 in a folded condition
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the life preserver according to the invention and is illustrative of one method by which the body halves are pivtally connected;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the life preserver according to the present invention and is illustrative of integral pivoted body halves;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folded life preserver shown in FIG. .2 with a cover thereon;
  • FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are perspective views of a life preserver covered according to the invention in a folded condition and are illustrative of the manner in which the cover can be constructed for easy access to the life preserver.
  • a yoke-type life preserver 1 constructed according to the invention consists of two halves or body portions comprising a buoyant first body portion 2 and a second buoyant body portion 3.
  • the first portion has a through substantially circular opening 4, extending through to the opposite major face surfaces thereof, for receiving the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and is provided with a through slit 5 starting at the opening 4 and extending to a side surface 6 and terminating thereon.
  • the second buoyant body portion 3 is formed from two parts 9, 10 defining a narrow slit 12 between them which is substantially a continuation of the slit 5 when the body halves are disposed adjacent each other in a side-by-side extended relationship in the manner shown, in FIG. 1.
  • the slits 5, 12 are intended to permit the life preserver to be readily donned by the wearer. It is to be understood that at least the one slit 5 is preferred if the preserver is made of relatively inflexible buoyant plastic material. Those skilled in the art can readily appreciate that where relatively flexible plastic material is used in making the life preserver both slits or the longer slit 12 may be disposed with or the other slit 5 made to extend only a part way.
  • the halves have substantially equal thickness and substantially equal peripheral dimensions and are pivotally connected by heavy fabric strips, as for example web strips 14, 16, bonded or otherwise secured to buoyant body portion 2 and the two parts 9 and 10 respectively.
  • the strips 14, 16 are bonded or otherwise secured to the life preserves halves by a water resistant bonding agent and have tear strength suflicient to withstand tension comparable to that which the body halves themselves can withstand.
  • the strips are flexible so that the body portions are positionable face-to-face relative to each other and the body portion 2 can overlie body portion 3 in registry therewith so that the life preserves can be folded into a compact unit in the manner shown in FIG. 2 and when the body portions are in an extended condition a small space is formed between them.
  • the two parts 9, 10 forming the second body half have an upstanding plug-like insert portion 18 which has substantially the same transverse dimensions as the transverse dimensions of the opening 4 and is received therein in the manner shown in FIG. 2 when the life preserver is folded into a compact folded unit.
  • the plug-like element serves also to hold the two halves from excessive relative movement when in a folded condition and the life preserver is being used as a cushion or headrest.
  • the life preserver is worn in the manner of a bib with the pluglike insert portion 18 extending forwardly of the wearer and is provided with suitable tie-straps, for example a pair of web straps 20 secured to the body portion 2 and a pair of straps 21 secured to respective parts of the portion 3 through openings 23, 24 in the manner shown and which may be suitably provided with snaps or other securing means, not shown, if desired.
  • suitable tie-straps for example a pair of web straps 20 secured to the body portion 2 and a pair of straps 21 secured to respective parts of the portion 3 through openings 23, 24 in the manner shown and which may be suitably provided with snaps or other securing means, not shown, if desired.
  • the two body halves are preferably made of a buoyant plastic, for example, a unicellular vinyl or foam formed by treatment of a suitable polyester.
  • the plastic material is of sufficient thickness and area to buoy up or sustain the wearer of a given weight depending on the individual preserver.
  • the body portions preferably have the zone or area in which the openings or holes 23, 24 are disposed and the areas to which the strips 14, 16 are bonded made of a strengthened plastic material to insure adequate strength in these areas.
  • the opening 4 is suitably disposed on the body portion 2 providing a sufiicient distance or space 26 between the opening and a side or end surface 27 of body portion 2 so that the head of the wearer of the life preserver is buoyed up and held up comparable to the function of a collar on a vest life jacket or preserver.
  • FIG. 1 While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has the strips 14, 16 bonded or otherwise secured to corresponding face surfaces of the two portions 2, 3 another embodiment of the life preserver is the use of strap hinges or web strips 29, 30 mounted on the side surfaces 31, 32 of two body halves 34, 35 of a life preserver in the manner shown in FIG. 3.
  • the strap hinges may be bonded or molded directly into the plastic therein and form a strap hinge operable somewhat comparable to butt-hingeswhen the abutting sides 31, 32 are placed in adjacent, sub stantially abutting relationship when the jacket is in an extended position comparable to the manner shown in FIG. 1.
  • the life-preserver is constructable in the manner shown in FIG. 4 with two body halves 37, 38 joined along an adjoining edge 39 of the body portions.
  • the plastic joining the body portions is sufficiently reduced in thickness to permit face-to-face positioning of the body halves 37, 38 in registry in the manner shown in FIG. 2.
  • the plastic in this instance along the area '39 is of suflicient strength to withstand repetitive flexure and the stresses to which the jacket would normally be subjected to in use by a wearer jumping into the water or while in the water.
  • the life preserver according to the invention is preferably made of a material which will not compact so that when the preserver is in a folded condition in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 it may be used as a headrest pillows or cushion.
  • the life preserver is covered with a casing or cover 43 in the manner shown in FIG. 5.
  • the cover 43 is preferably made of a decorative, water repellent material and may be provided with breather holes, not shown, to provide breathing of the life preserver in the event that the preserver is constructed of a material requiring access to the atmosphere or while drying out after use.
  • the insert 18 is flush with the corresponding surfaces of the two halves of the life preserver so that a smooth compact unit usable as a pillow or cushion is formed.
  • a handle 45 is mounted on an edge of a panel of the cover which provides easy removal of the preserver from the cover.
  • the cover is provided with straps 46 secured thereto so that the covered preserver can be used in the manner comparable to a life ring when a user is in the water and he wishes to hang on to the buoyant cushion rather than remove the preserver from its cover.
  • the cover is provided with of a cover 56 in a construction of the type shown in FIG. 9 on seams corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • the rust-proof snaps are made of brass or some similar rust-proof material.
  • each of the embodiments of the life preservers illustrated and described can be made by molding the halves or alternatively the body halves can be made from sheets of suitable buoyant plastic material which are themselves molded or otherwise formed and then cut to dimension.
  • the life preservers are preferably dipped in known manner in a suitable self-vulcanizing plastic material that will strengthen the various bonds and increase the tear strength of the body halves and other component body parts of the life preservers.
  • a foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening spaced inwardly from the edges of said first body portion in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a substantially rectangular configuration, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-toface relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit usable as a cushion in a folded condition and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion having substantially the same peripheral dimensions and peripheral configuration as said first body portion, flexible means pivotally connecting said two portions having a part thereof between said portions and dimensioned to allow said portions to overlie one another when in a folded condition and to be positioned forming
  • a foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body'portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-facerelationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two .body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to
  • a foldable yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, plastic, first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant, plastic second body portion integral with said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion integral with said second
  • a foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, molded plastic, first body portion having a through substantially circular opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant, molded plastic second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding
  • a foldable yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, means pivotally fixing said two parts to said first body portion, an upstanding
  • a foldable yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion over lies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions for-m substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the firstmentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, flexible strap means pivotally fixing said two parts to said first body portion,
  • a foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to and extending normal to

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)

Description

1962 B. B. BROWN FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVER Filed Jan. 25, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ln lvrr bis 1 .iln lrll n midww Nov. 27, 1962 B. B. BROWN 3,065,476
FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVER Filed Jan. 25, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent Ofifice 3,065,476 Patented Nov. 27, 1962 3,055,476 FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVER Belden B. Brown, Wallacks Point, Stamford, Conn. Filed Jan. 25, 1961, Ser. No. 84,806 7 Claims. (Cl. 9345) The present invention relates to life saving devices and more particularly to yoke-type life preservers.
Pillow and combined cushion and life-belt life preservers are known. Generally the known combined cushions and life belt preservers consist of life belts or jacket or vest type life preservers that are relatively cumbersome to place into use particularly if the wearer is in the water when he attempts to put the life saving device on. Yoke-type life preservers are known, however, these known life preservers require considerable storage space and can only be used exclusively for a life saving function.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a foldable, yoke-type life preserver usable as a life saving device, decorative cushion, headrest or pillow easily stored as a compact buoyant folded unit and readily accessible when needed.
A feature of the yoke-type life preserver according to the invention is that the life preserver comprises two halves of molded closed cell plastic foam which are buoyant. The two halves are pivotally attached to' each other so that they may be disposed adjacent in side-by-side relation in extended condition forming substantially extensions of each other. One of the halves is provided with a through substantially circular opening for receiving the neck of the wearer; The two halves can be folded so that one overlies the other in registry therewith forming a compact, buoyant folded unit which can be covered to provide a decorative and utilitarian cushion or pillow.
One of the halves forming the body of the life preserver is provided with an upstanding portion which is received within the neck-receiving opening of the other half of the life preserver when the preserver is in a folded condition so that a pillow or cushion with substantially smooth surfaces is formed and can be covered as indicated heretofore.
The cover is readily removable to allow quick access to the preserver. In a folded and covered condition the life preserver can be used as a life saving cushion. It can also be opened readily in the water permitting the release of the life preserver which being a yoke-type life preserver, can be readily put into use by a person in the water without the difliculties encountered when attempting to put on a vest or belt type life preserver while in the water.
Other features and advantages of the yoke-type life preserver in accordance with the present invention will be better understood as described in the following specification and appended claims, in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
LFIG.1 is a perspective view of a life preserver according to the invention and is illustrative of a condition in which two body portions forming two halves of the life preserver are in an extended side by-side position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the life preserver shown in FIG. 1 in a folded condition;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the life preserver according to the invention and is illustrative of one method by which the body halves are pivtally connected;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the life preserver according to the present invention and is illustrative of integral pivoted body halves;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folded life preserver shown in FIG. .2 with a cover thereon;
- FIG. 5;
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are perspective views of a life preserver covered according to the invention in a folded condition and are illustrative of the manner in which the cover can be constructed for easy access to the life preserver.
According to the drawings a yoke-type life preserver 1 constructed according to the invention consists of two halves or body portions comprising a buoyant first body portion 2 and a second buoyant body portion 3. The first portion has a through substantially circular opening 4, extending through to the opposite major face surfaces thereof, for receiving the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and is provided with a through slit 5 starting at the opening 4 and extending to a side surface 6 and terminating thereon. The second buoyant body portion 3 is formed from two parts 9, 10 defining a narrow slit 12 between them which is substantially a continuation of the slit 5 when the body halves are disposed adjacent each other in a side-by-side extended relationship in the manner shown, in FIG. 1. The slits 5, 12 are intended to permit the life preserver to be readily donned by the wearer. It is to be understood that at least the one slit 5 is preferred if the preserver is made of relatively inflexible buoyant plastic material. Those skilled in the art can readily appreciate that where relatively flexible plastic material is used in making the life preserver both slits or the longer slit 12 may be disposed with or the other slit 5 made to extend only a part way.
The halves have substantially equal thickness and substantially equal peripheral dimensions and are pivotally connected by heavy fabric strips, as for example web strips 14, 16, bonded or otherwise secured to buoyant body portion 2 and the two parts 9 and 10 respectively. The strips 14, 16 are bonded or otherwise secured to the life preserves halves by a water resistant bonding agent and have tear strength suflicient to withstand tension comparable to that which the body halves themselves can withstand. The strips are flexible so that the body portions are positionable face-to-face relative to each other and the body portion 2 can overlie body portion 3 in registry therewith so that the life preserves can be folded into a compact unit in the manner shown in FIG. 2 and when the body portions are in an extended condition a small space is formed between them.
The two parts 9, 10 forming the second body half have an upstanding plug-like insert portion 18 which has substantially the same transverse dimensions as the transverse dimensions of the opening 4 and is received therein in the manner shown in FIG. 2 when the life preserver is folded into a compact folded unit. The plug-like element serves also to hold the two halves from excessive relative movement when in a folded condition and the life preserver is being used as a cushion or headrest. The life preserver is worn in the manner of a bib with the pluglike insert portion 18 extending forwardly of the wearer and is provided with suitable tie-straps, for example a pair of web straps 20 secured to the body portion 2 and a pair of straps 21 secured to respective parts of the portion 3 through openings 23, 24 in the manner shown and which may be suitably provided with snaps or other securing means, not shown, if desired.
The two body halves are preferably made of a buoyant plastic, for example, a unicellular vinyl or foam formed by treatment of a suitable polyester. The plastic material is of sufficient thickness and area to buoy up or sustain the wearer of a given weight depending on the individual preserver. The body portions preferably have the zone or area in which the openings or holes 23, 24 are disposed and the areas to which the strips 14, 16 are bonded made of a strengthened plastic material to insure adequate strength in these areas. The opening 4 is suitably disposed on the body portion 2 providing a sufiicient distance or space 26 between the opening and a side or end surface 27 of body portion 2 so that the head of the wearer of the life preserver is buoyed up and held up comparable to the function of a collar on a vest life jacket or preserver.
While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has the strips 14, 16 bonded or otherwise secured to corresponding face surfaces of the two portions 2, 3 another embodiment of the life preserver is the use of strap hinges or web strips 29, 30 mounted on the side surfaces 31, 32 of two body halves 34, 35 of a life preserver in the manner shown in FIG. 3. The strap hinges may be bonded or molded directly into the plastic therein and form a strap hinge operable somewhat comparable to butt-hingeswhen the abutting sides 31, 32 are placed in adjacent, sub stantially abutting relationship when the jacket is in an extended position comparable to the manner shown in FIG. 1.
The life-preserver is constructable in the manner shown in FIG. 4 with two body halves 37, 38 joined along an adjoining edge 39 of the body portions. In this instance the plastic joining the body portions is sufficiently reduced in thickness to permit face-to-face positioning of the body halves 37, 38 in registry in the manner shown in FIG. 2. It will be understood that the plastic in this instance along the area '39 is of suflicient strength to withstand repetitive flexure and the stresses to which the jacket would normally be subjected to in use by a wearer jumping into the water or while in the water.
It will be understood that in the various embodiments described the configuration of the life preservers is the same and each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are provided with insert portions, not shown, cooperative with neck-receiving openings 40, 41 in the respective body halves 34 and 37. In each case strap means are provided, as shown, and heretofore described for strapping on the life preserver on the body of the wearer.
The life preserver according to the invention is preferably made of a material which will not compact so that when the preserver is in a folded condition in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 it may be used as a headrest pillows or cushion. Preferably the life preserver is covered with a casing or cover 43 in the manner shown in FIG. 5. The cover 43 is preferably made of a decorative, water repellent material and may be provided with breather holes, not shown, to provide breathing of the life preserver in the event that the preserver is constructed of a material requiring access to the atmosphere or while drying out after use. When the life preserver is in a folded condition internally of the casing or cover 43 as shown in FIG. 6, the insert 18 is flush with the corresponding surfaces of the two halves of the life preserver so that a smooth compact unit usable as a pillow or cushion is formed.
A handle 45 is mounted on an edge of a panel of the cover which provides easy removal of the preserver from the cover. The cover is provided with straps 46 secured thereto so that the covered preserver can be used in the manner comparable to a life ring when a user is in the water and he wishes to hang on to the buoyant cushion rather than remove the preserver from its cover. In order to provide easy access to the life preserver and quick re- 'moval of the casing or cover 43 the cover is provided with of a cover 56 in a construction of the type shown in FIG. 9 on seams corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The rust-proof snaps are made of brass or some similar rust-proof material.
It is to be understood that the two body halves or portions of each of the embodiments of the life preservers illustrated and described can be made by molding the halves or alternatively the body halves can be made from sheets of suitable buoyant plastic material which are themselves molded or otherwise formed and then cut to dimension. Moreover, the life preservers are preferably dipped in known manner in a suitable self-vulcanizing plastic material that will strengthen the various bonds and increase the tear strength of the body halves and other component body parts of the life preservers.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described it will be understood that many modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the invention.
What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:
l. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening spaced inwardly from the edges of said first body portion in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a substantially rectangular configuration, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-toface relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit usable as a cushion in a folded condition and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion having substantially the same peripheral dimensions and peripheral configuration as said first body portion, flexible means pivotally connecting said two portions having a part thereof between said portions and dimensioned to allow said portions to overlie one another when in a folded condition and to be positioned forming a continuation of each other when the two body portions are in said extended condition, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
2. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body'portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-facerelationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two .body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to and extending normal to said second body portion parts corresponding substantially in transverse dimension to the transverse dimension of said opening and insertable in said opening when one body portion overlies the other, said body portions being of substantially equal thickness and having substantially equal corresponding peripheral dimensions, said upstanding insert portion having a height substantially equal to the thickness of said first body portion at least in the vicinity of said opening, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
3. A foldable yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, plastic, first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant, plastic second body portion integral with said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion integral with said second body portion parts extending normal to said second body portion parts and insertable in said opening when one body portion overlies the other, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
4. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, molded plastic, first body portion having a through substantially circular opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant, molded plastic second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to and extending normal to said second body portion parts and insertable in said opening when one body portion overlies the other, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
5. A foldable yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, means pivotally fixing said two parts to said first body portion, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to and extending normal to said second body portion parts and insertable in said opening when one body portion overlies the other, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
6. A foldable yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion over lies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions for-m substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the firstmentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, flexible strap means pivotally fixing said two parts to said first body portion, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to and extending normal to said second body portion parts corresponding substantially in transverse dimension to the transverse dimension of said opening and insertable in said opening when one body portion overlies the other, said body portions being of substantially equal thickness and having substantially equal corresponding peripheral dimensions, said upstanding insert portion having a height substantially equal to the thickness of said first body portion at least in the vicinity of said opening, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
7. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant first body portion having a through opening in a major face surface of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life-preserver and having a through slit starting at said opening and terminating on a side surface spaced from said opening, a buoyant second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said second body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining a slit between them corresponding to the first-mentioned slit and forming a continuation thereof when the two body portions are in said extended condition, an upstanding plug-like insert portion fixed to and extending normal to said second body portion parts and insertable in said opening when one body portion overlies the other, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,002,701 Kasztriner Sept. 5, 1911 2,374,580 Brown Apr. 24, 1945 2,623,574 Damsch Dec. 30, 1952 2,724,133 Sorrell Nov. 22, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 6,433 Great Britain '19'14
US84806A 1961-01-25 1961-01-25 Foldable yoke life preserver Expired - Lifetime US3065476A (en)

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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3152343A (en) * 1963-02-12 1964-10-13 Belden B Brown Foldable yoke life presservers
US3167794A (en) * 1961-06-12 1965-02-02 Belden B Brown Foldable yoke life preserver
US4934973A (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-06-19 Taylor Benjamin A Life preserver
FR2666297A1 (en) * 1990-08-28 1992-03-06 Mallet Francois Individual floating survival device
US20090064917A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Pyranha Mouldings Ltd Kayak and Canoe seat
US20100136862A1 (en) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-03 Vick George D Vest personal flotation device saver
US7819715B2 (en) 2008-12-03 2010-10-26 Vick George D Cushion personal flotation device saver
US7985112B2 (en) 2008-12-03 2011-07-26 Vick George D Vest personal flotation device saver
US20210127867A1 (en) * 2019-11-01 2021-05-06 Velma Toy Hung Lee Mutipurpose cushion system
US11452391B2 (en) * 2017-12-16 2022-09-27 Maelee Pham Body-mountable cushion structure for post-surgical support and protection and method of use

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US1002701A (en) * 1910-02-17 1911-09-05 Arpad Kasztriner Couch for use on the water.
GB191406433A (en) * 1914-03-13 1914-11-26 Victor Debotte Improvements in Ships' Bed Mattresses convertible into Life-saving Belts, Buoys or Life Rafts.
US2374580A (en) * 1943-06-09 1945-04-24 American Pad & Textile Company Life preserver
US2623574A (en) * 1950-01-09 1952-12-30 Damsch Herbert Otto Er Wilhelm Air mattress
US2724133A (en) * 1953-04-07 1955-11-22 Daniel J Mulleavey Combination life preserver and antirolling cushion

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1002701A (en) * 1910-02-17 1911-09-05 Arpad Kasztriner Couch for use on the water.
GB191406433A (en) * 1914-03-13 1914-11-26 Victor Debotte Improvements in Ships' Bed Mattresses convertible into Life-saving Belts, Buoys or Life Rafts.
US2374580A (en) * 1943-06-09 1945-04-24 American Pad & Textile Company Life preserver
US2623574A (en) * 1950-01-09 1952-12-30 Damsch Herbert Otto Er Wilhelm Air mattress
US2724133A (en) * 1953-04-07 1955-11-22 Daniel J Mulleavey Combination life preserver and antirolling cushion

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3167794A (en) * 1961-06-12 1965-02-02 Belden B Brown Foldable yoke life preserver
US3152343A (en) * 1963-02-12 1964-10-13 Belden B Brown Foldable yoke life presservers
US4934973A (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-06-19 Taylor Benjamin A Life preserver
FR2666297A1 (en) * 1990-08-28 1992-03-06 Mallet Francois Individual floating survival device
US20090064917A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Pyranha Mouldings Ltd Kayak and Canoe seat
US20100136862A1 (en) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-03 Vick George D Vest personal flotation device saver
US7819715B2 (en) 2008-12-03 2010-10-26 Vick George D Cushion personal flotation device saver
US7985112B2 (en) 2008-12-03 2011-07-26 Vick George D Vest personal flotation device saver
US11452391B2 (en) * 2017-12-16 2022-09-27 Maelee Pham Body-mountable cushion structure for post-surgical support and protection and method of use
US11918135B2 (en) 2017-12-16 2024-03-05 Maelee Pham Body-mountable cushion structure for post- surgical support and protection and method of use
US20210127867A1 (en) * 2019-11-01 2021-05-06 Velma Toy Hung Lee Mutipurpose cushion system

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