Flotation device

Abstract

A flotation device comprising an outer garment and an inflatable bladder comprising a neck region and at least one chest region, the inflatable bladder located adjacent an inner surface of the outer garment and wherein, in use, the inflatable bladder comprises one or more raised support chambers disposed around the neck region.

1 . A flotation device comprising:
 a) an outer garment; and   b) an inflatable bladder comprising a neck region and at least one chest region, the inflatable bladder located adjacent an inner surface of the outer garment   wherein, in use, the inflatable bladder comprises one or more raised support chambers disposed around the neck region.   
     
     
         2 . The flotation device of  claim 1  wherein the one or more raised support chambers are permanently raised structures. 
     
     
         3 . The flotation device of  claim 2  wherein the one or more raised support chambers are constructed from hollow plastic or solid foam. 
     
     
         4 . The flotation device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one chest region of the inflatable bladder is provided with a bladder locating strap. 
     
     
         5 . The flotation device of  claim 4  wherein the bladder locating strap extends between opposite lateral surfaces of the at least one chest region of the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         6 . The flotation device of  claim 5  wherein, in use, the bladder locating strap extends around a torso of the wearer and, when tensioned, secures the at least one chest region of the inflatable bladder adjacent the wearer's torso. 
     
     
         7 . The flotation device of  claim 1  wherein the inflatable bladder comprises two chest regions. 
     
     
         8 . The flotation device of  claim 7  wherein the two chest regions are prevented from separating laterally by means of a connector. 
     
     
         9 . The flotation device of  claim 8  wherein the connector is a releasable connector. 
     
     
         10 . The flotation device of  claim 1  further comprising an inner lining located within the outer garment and attached thereto. 
     
     
         11 . The flotation device of  claim 10  wherein the inflatable bladder is located between the inner lining and the outer garment. 
     
     
         12 . The flotation device of  claim 11  wherein the outer garment comprises one or more shoulder flaps to provide access to the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         13 . The flotation device of  claim 11  wherein the inner lining can be opened at a lower extent to access the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         14 . The flotation device of  claim 10  wherein the inflatable bladder is encapsulated within the inner lining. 
     
     
         15 . The flotation device of  claim 14  wherein the inner lining is removable. 
     
     
         16 . The flotation device of  claim 1  further comprising a tensioning strap located at a lower extent of the outer garment. 
     
     
         17 . The flotation device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one chest region comprises a manual inflation tube and/or an inflation cylinder to inflate the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         18 . The flotation device of  claim 1  wherein the neck region comprises an inflation valve. 
     
     
         19 . A method of assisting a person to remain buoyant when in a body of water, the method comprising:
 a) placing a flotation device on the person's body before entering the water, the flotation device comprising an outer garment, an inflatable bladder having a neck region and at least one chest region, the inflatable bladder located adjacent an inner surface of the outer garment wherein, in use, the inflatable bladder comprises one or more raised support chambers disposed around the neck region;   b) entering the body of water; and   c) inflating the inflatable bladder,   
       to thereby assist the person to remain buoyant when in the body of water. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising the step of tensioning a bladder locating strap to secure the at least one chest region of the inflatable bladder adjacent a torso of the person's body.