Personal flotation device with closure envelope

Abstract

Two zippered panels attached to a personal flotation device with at least one panel being attached at an offset to an edge of the personal flotation device and at least one panel being stretchable. When zipped together the two panels provide a smooth exterior surface for the personal flotation device. The stretchability of the panels allow for a close fit of the personal flotation device while maintaining freedom of movement. The offset of the panels allows for the attachment of closures to the surface of the personal flotation device within the envelope formed by the panels.

1 . A personal flotation device with a closure envelope, said personal flotation device comprising:
 a first panel coupled to a first location on a surface of said personal flotation device, wherein said first location is offset from a first edge of said personal flotation device;   a first zipper half coupled to an edge of said first panel;   a second panel coupled to a second location on a surface of said personal flotation device;   a second zipper half coupled to an edge of said second panel; and   wherein said first zipper half is joinable to said second zipper half to provide an encircling enclosure for a wearer and at least one of said first and second panels is stretchable.   
   
   
       2 . The personal flotation device of  claim 1  further comprising a utility pocket. 
   
   
       3 . The personal flotation device of  claim 1  further comprising a lumbar support. 
   
   
       4 . The personal flotation device of  claim 1  wherein said second location is offset from a second edge of said personal flotation device. 
   
   
       5 . The personal flotation device of  claim 4  further comprising at least one two-part closure coupled to said personal flotation device, wherein said two-part closure is enveloped by said first and second panels when said first zipper half and said second zipper half are joined. 
   
   
       6 . The personal flotation device of  claim 5  wherein said two-part closure comprises a buckle. 
   
   
       7 . The personal flotation device of  claim 5  wherein said two-part closure comprises a snap hook and dee ring. 
   
   
       8 . The personal flotation device of  claim 5  wherein said two-part closure is coupled to said personal flotation device such that when joined, said two-part closure is disposed below the rib cage of a wearer. 
   
   
       9 . The personal flotation device of  claim 5  wherein one part of said two-part closure is coupled to said personal flotation device by said second panel. 
   
   
       10 . The personal flotation device of  claim 1  further comprising a third zipper half coupled to said first edge of said personal flotation device, and a fourth zipper half coupled to a second edge of said personal flotation device. 
   
   
       11 . The personal flotation device of  claim 10  wherein said two-part closure comprises a buckle. 
   
   
       12 . The personal flotation device of  claim 10  wherein said two-part closure comprises a snap hook and dee ring. 
   
   
       13 . The personal flotation device of  claim 10  wherein said two-part closure is coupled to said personal flotation device such that when joined, said two-part closure is disposed below the rib cage of a wearer. 
   
   
       14 . The personal flotation device of  claim 10  wherein one part of said two-part closure is coupled to said personal flotation device by said second panel. 
   
   
       15 . An enveloping closure system for a personal flotation device, said system comprising:
 a first panel for attaching to a first location on a surface of said personal flotation device, wherein said first location is offset from a first edge of said personal flotation device;   a first zipper half attached to an edge of said first panel;   a second panel for attaching to a second location on a surface of said personal flotation device;   a second zipper half attached to an edge of said second panel; and   wherein said first zipper half is joinable to said second zipper half to provide an encircling enclosure for a wearer and at least one of said first and second panels is stretchable.   
   
   
       16 . The enveloping closure system of  claim 15  wherein said second location is offset from a second edge of said personal flotation device. 
   
   
       17 . The enveloping closure system of  claim 16  further comprising a third zipper half coupled to said first edge of said personal flotation device, and a fourth zipper half coupled to said second edge of said personal flotation device. 
   
   
       18 . The enveloping closure system of  claim 16  further comprising one part of a two-part closure, wherein said one part of a two-part enclosure is coupled to said personal flotation device by said second panel. 
   
   
       19 . The personal flotation device of  claim 18  wherein said two-part closure comprises a buckle. 
   
   
       20 . The personal flotation device of  claim 18  wherein said two-part closure comprises a snap hook and dee ring.