Vertically eccentric, horizontally symmetric, mobile and fixed buoyant in combination with mobile and fixed ballast as a type a personal flotation device

Abstract

The invention provides for a fluid ballast, alone or in combination with a solid ballast means, that is functionally directed to different locations within the boater's personal flotation device (“PFD”) or diver's Buoyancy Compensator BC through a rigid or flexible container. Complementing the effect of the shifting ballast on the PFD's airway protective turning action is the torque generated by the structurally enhanced buoyant means. The invention allows both the amount of ballast and buoyancy needed to effect reliable face flotation to be reduced to their minimum by a disclosed inverted configuration of the buoyant moment. Shifting the center of buoyancy away from the axis of rotation creates a longer arm and thus more torque per unit of displacement. The invention provides a vertically eccentric PFD, combining inferior and anterior shift in the center of buoyancy with superior posterior shift in the center of gravity, generating torque needed for improved corrective righting action of the PFD.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A ballast assembly for use with a personal flotation device, said personal flotation device having a body member, said ballast assembly comprising: 
 a container adapted for attachment to a body member of a personal flotation device; and    a ballast member disposed within said container.    
     
     
         2 . The ballast assembly of  claim 1  wherein said ballast member is fluid.  
     
     
         3 . The ballast assembly of  claim 1  wherein said ballast member is a solid.  
     
     
         4 . The ballast assembly of  claim 1  wherein said personal flotation device is a life jacket.  
     
     
         5 . The ballast assembly of  claim 1  wherein said personal flotation device is a buoyancy compensator.  
     
     
         6 . The ballast assembly of  claim 1  wherein said container is incorporated within said personal flotation device.  
     
     
         7 . The ballast assembly of  claim 1  wherein said container is constructed from a fabric material.