Lifejacket

Abstract

An inflatable lifejacket has two lobes connected by a neck portion. The lobes are arranged, in use, to lie over a wearer's chest with opposed edges of the lobes abutting each other. At least one lobe has a first, inflatable, portion towards a free end of the lobe and a second portion. When the lifejacket is inflated, the second portion is less thick than the first portion so as to create a space below the wearer's chin, whilst forming a barrier to water.

1 . An inflatable lifejacket comprising two lobes connected by a neck portion, the lobes being arranged, in use, to lie over a wearer's chest with opposed edges of the lobes abutting each other, wherein at least one lobe comprises a first, inflatable, portion towards a free end of the lobe and a second portion, wherein, when the lifejacket is inflated, the second portion is less thick than the first portion so that, in use, it creates a space below the wearer's chin, whilst forming a barrier to water. 
     
     
         2 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein both lobes of the lifejacket comprise first and second portions. 
     
     
         3 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the second portion is positioned between the first portion of the at least one lobe and the neck portion. 
     
     
         4 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the second portion is inflatable. 
     
     
         5 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the second portion extends from the first portion. 
     
     
         6 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the second portion is arranged such that, in use, the second portion and the neck portion of the lifejacket together encircle the wearer's neck with a close fit. 
     
     
         7 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the second portion is arranged so that, in use, it extends across the wearer's chest towards the opposing lobe such that the second portion abuts the opposing lobe. 
     
     
         8 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 7  wherein each lobe has a second portion, and these are arranged to abut each other in use. 
     
     
         9 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 8  wherein the second portions are arranged so that, in use, they abut each other along a centre line of the lifejacket. 
     
     
         10 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein both lobes of the lifejacket are substantially symmetrical. 
     
     
         11 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein each lobe comprises one or more connecting strips arranged to control the shape of the lobe when inflated. 
     
     
         12 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 11  wherein a connecting strip is attached to the first and second portions of a lobe, so as to limit the distance between an edge of the second portion and an adjacent, inner edge of the first portion. 
     
     
         13 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 11  wherein a connecting strip is attached to the first and second portions so as to limit the distance between an edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the first portion. 
     
     
         14 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the neck portion comprises a head support. 
     
     
         15 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the neck portion and both lobes including any inflatable second portion and head support comprise a single, fluidly connected chamber such that all inflatable portions of the lifejacket inflate together. 
     
     
         16 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 15  wherein the lifejacket is provided with an inflation device to enable inflation of the lifejacket. 
     
     
         17 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the lifejacket comprises a harness arranged to secure the first portions of the lobes relative to one another and to the wearer. 
     
     
         18 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 17  wherein the harness is a three point harness, being connected to the inside surface of each first portion and the inside surface of the neck portion. 
     
     
         19 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the lifejacket is formed from two layers of sheet material. 
     
     
         20 . An inflatable lifejacket according to  claim 1  wherein the lifejacket is formed from two layers of material which are sealed together along an airtight scam, thereby defining an inflation chamber.