Wearable Flotation Device

Abstract

A wearable flotation device. The wearable flotation device includes a garment having an interior volume that can receive a bladder therein, wherein the bladder is designed to receive a compressed gas to enable flotation of a wearer of the garment in a body of water. A deployable signal is operably connected to the bladder via a tube having a sensor, wherein the sensor can actuate a one-way valve upon detection of moisture. The one-way valve is designed to enable the flow of the compressed gas, whereby the compressed gas actuates the deployable signal upon the sensor's detection of moisture. When actuated, the deployable signal extends upwardly beyond a periphery of the garment to alert a nearby individual of the wearer's location in the event of an emergency. The garment further includes a plurality of lights thereon for illuminating the wearer to assist in identifying the wearer's location.

I claim: 
     
         1 ) A wearable flotation device, comprising:
 a garment comprising an interior volume and a bladder that is disposed within the interior volume, wherein the bladder is configured to receive a compressed gas;   a deployable signal that is configured to move to an elevated position relative to the garment upon actuation thereof;   wherein a tube extends between the bladder and the deployable signal, whereby the deployable signal is in fluid communication with the bladder via the tube;   wherein the tube comprises a one-way valve that is configured to release the compressed gas in order to move the deployable signal upon detection of moisture via a sensor.   
     
     
         2 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the garment comprises a first light that is disposed on an upper end of the deployable signal, whereby the light is illuminated when the deployable signal is in the elevated position. 
     
     
         3 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the elevation position is defined by the deployable signal extending upwardly beyond a periphery of the garment. 
     
     
         4 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the garment further comprises an air horn thereon, such that the user may audibly notify a nearby individual of the user's proximal distance relative to the nearby individual therewith. 
     
     
         5 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the deployable signal is disposed within a cavity on a rear side of the garment. 
     
     
         6 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the garment further comprises a second light that is configured to illuminate within the interior volume of the garment. 
     
     
         7 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the deployable signal is composed of a flexible material, wherein the deployable signal is in fluid communication with the bladder, such that actuation of the deployable signal corresponds to inflation thereof. 
     
     
         8 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the bladder comprises a pair of first bladders and a second bladder;
 wherein the pair of first bladders are disposed within the interior volume on opposing ends of a front side of the garment;   wherein the second bladder is disposed within the interior volume on the rear side of the garment.   
     
     
         9 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 7 , wherein the first bladders and second bladder comprise flexible and inflated bodies having cavities configured to receive the compressed gas therein. 
     
     
         10 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 7 , wherein the tube within the interior volume extends outwardly from the second bladder and bifurcates, whereby the tube is in fluid communication with the pair of first bladders on the front side of the garment. 
     
     
         11 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the garment comprises a vest that is dimensioned to be received about the user's upper torso. 
     
     
         12 ) The wearable flotation device of  claim 10 , wherein the vest comprises a zipper fastener on a front side thereof, whereby the garment is moveable from an open position to a closed position.