SWIMSUIT

Abstract

A swimsuit comprising a swimsuit body; a waistband extending from the swimsuit body and defining a waistband volume; and, an inflatable drawstring arranged at least partially within the waistband volume and configured to be removed therefrom.

Claims

1. A swimsuit comprising a swimsuit body; a waistband extending from the swimsuit body and defining a waistband volume; and, an inflatable drawstring arranged at least partially within the waistband volume and configured to be removed therefrom.

2. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waistband further comprises entrance and exit apertures, the drawstring extending through the entrance and exit apertures into the waistband volume.

3. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swimsuit is a pair of swimming trunks.

4. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable drawstring comprises a folded bag.

5. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflatable drawstring comprises a rolled bag.

6. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve connected to the inflatable drawstring for admitting air into the inflatable drawstring.

7. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a tube connected to the one-way valve.

8. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a gas source connected to the one-way valve.

9. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the drawstring is reflective.

10. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one light source or source of sound.

11. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one inflatable volume connected to the swimsuit body.

12. A swimsuit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one inflatable volume is detachably connected to the swimsuit body.

Description

[0026] FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, a first embodiment of a swimsuit 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment the swimsuit 1 is a pair of swimming trunks 1. The swimsuit 1 comprises a swimsuit body 2. Extending from the swimsuit body 2 is a waistband 3 which in turn comprises entrance and exit apertures 4,5.

[0027] The waistband 3 is shown in cross section in FIG. 2. The waistband 3 defines a waistband volume 6. Partially arranged within the waistband volume 6 is an inflatable drawstring 7. The inflatable drawstring 7 extends through the entrance and exit apertures 4,5 and into the waistband volume 6 as is best seen in FIG. 1.

[0028] The inflatable drawstring 7 is configured such that it can be removed from the waistband volume 6. In this embodiment this is achieved by pulling the drawstring 7 through either the entrance or exit apertures 4,5.

[0029] In this embodiment the inflatable drawstring 7 comprises a deflated bag 8 which in its deflated state is shaped as a string as shown. Connected to the bag 8 and extending through the bag wall is a one-way valve 9 by means of which air can be introduced into the bag 8. Connected to the one-way valve 9 is an inflation tube 10.

[0030] In use a wearer of the swimsuit 1 removes the inflatable drawstring 7 from the waistband volume 6. The wearer then blows into the inflation tube 10 so inflating the drawstring 7. In its inflated state the drawstring 7 is tubular. Once inflated the wearer can use it for support, positioning it wherever provides the best support.

[0031] Shown in FIG. 3(a) is the inflatable drawstring 7 of a further embodiment of a swimsuit 1 according to the invention in end view. In this embodiment the inflatable drawstring 7 is again a bag 8 but is now folded along its length into the shape of a string. When inflated the bag 8 may be any of a number of shapes, for example elliptical, cubic or curved.

[0032] Shown in FIG. 3(b) is the inflatable drawstring 7 of a further embodiment of a swimsuit 1 according to the invention in end view. In this embodiment the inflatable drawstring 7 is again a bag 8 but is now arranged as a roll as shown. In use the bag 8 is unrolled before being inflated. In an alternative embodiment the bag 8 unrolls as air enters the bag 8.

[0033] In this embodiment a portion of the surface of the bag 8 is reflective which is useful when trying to locate the wearer in the dark.

[0034] Shown in FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of a swimsuit 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment the swimsuit 1 further comprises an air horn 11 connected to the waistband 3. The swimsuit 1 further comprises a plurality of lights 12 connected to the waistband 3. The lights 12 and air horn 11 can be used by a wearer to attract attention to themselves if necessary.

[0035] The swimsuit 1 of FIG. 4 further comprises a source of compressed air 13 connected to the one-way valve 9. In use, after removing the drawstring 7 from the waistband volume 6 the wearer activates the source of compressed air 13, so inflating the inflatable drawstring 7. Use of a source of compressed air 13 enables rapid inflation of the inflatable drawstring 7 which may often be desired in an emergency. Further, use of a source of compressed air means that the wearer does not need to concentrate on inflation of the inflatable drawstring 7 which may be useful in an emergency.

[0036] The swimsuit 1 of FIG. 4 comprises a plurality of further inflatable volumes 14 connected to the swimsuit body 2. These can either be manually inflated or inflated by means of a source of compressed air. The further inflatable volumes 14 may be fixedly connected to the swimsuit body 2 or detachably connected to the swimsuit body 2.