FLOATATION DEVICE AND RELATED METHOD OF USE

Abstract

The invention is directed to a floatation device that includes a plurality of buoyant tubes in parallel relationship to one another, where each buoyant tube has a first end, a corresponding second end and a middle portion. Positioned between the plurality of buoyant tubes is a series of tethers capable of securing two or more buoyant tubes together. Preferably, there is at least one tether positioned between a first buoyant tube and a corresponding second buoyant tube, each tether including a first tether portion and a corresponding second tether portion. The floatation device includes a plurality of adjustable couplers, each positioned between the first tether portion and second tether portion. Each adjustable coupler is capable of expanding, contracting, and sizing a tether to a specific linear space to conform to a user's unique body size. Each buoyant tube is preferably made of polystyrene, can include fluorescent coloring and have ornamentation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a floatation device for recreational use, as well as emergency rescue. More specifically, the invention is directed to a portable flotation device that includes a plurality of buoyant tubes connected to one another by one or more tethers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A floatation device is designed to assist the user, either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat with his or her mouth and nose above water while in a pool or other body of water. There exist multiple forms of floatation devices for varying commercial, military and residential uses—all of which function to provide different levels of protection against drowning. Examples of floatation devices include life-preservers (worn about the torso), buoyant rafts (where the user sits or lays on the surface to keep above water), and floatation suits.

There exist several forms of flotation devices popular for recreational use. Most of these floatation devices function to allow one or more users to rest upon the surface of a pool (or other body of water) to enjoy the gentle action of the water. Examples of recreational floatation devices include pool floats, pool loungers (also known and referred to as “pool hammocks”), pool platforms, pool islands and pool rafts.

As one common form of recreational floatation device, a pool lounger is an elongated and essentially rectangular inflatable device that allows a single user to sit (i.e., lounge) above the water's surface. Moreover, a pool lounger has a sufficient size and dimension to conform to the average length and width of user—so that the user is not exposed to the water itself. Accordingly a pool lounger allows a user to remain buoyant in order to relax and float effortlessly at a pool or other body of water. Other similar recreational floatation devices such as pool floats and rafts have similar capabilities and functions.

Current pool loungers, pool hammocks and rafts present multiple design and functional limitations. First, these recreational floatation devices must be inflated prior to use. This requires a user to either breathe into an aperture located on the floatation device, or alternatively to engage an air pump to the aperture. This takes a significant amount of time. Moreover, should a user desire to later reuse the floatation device, they may be required to add additional air to maintain buoyancy.

In addition, once any of these recreational floatation devices are used, they are not easily stored. If the user desires to maintain these flotation devices in an inflated state, they are typically bulky and take large amounts of room up for storage. Alternatively, if the user opts to deflate these devices, the process includes the unfortunate need to again later inflate these items. Both acts of deflating and later inflating limits the overall use of these floatation devices—as many users will opt to not use them when engaging in a recreational activity at a pool or other body of water.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art of recreational flotation devices for a pool lounger, hammock or raft type item that does not require inflation for use—but is still capable of allowing a user to remain buoyant above the water in relaxed state. Likewise, there is a need in the art for a floatation device that is easily stored after use without need for deflation or later inflation. Finally, there is a need in the art for a floatation device that can function not only as a recreational floatation device but also as a device for assisting in emergency rescue at a pool or other water related recreation area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention solves many of the current design limitations found in floatation devices for recreational (and emergency response use)—such as pool floats, pool loungers and related pool hammocks. Moreover, the invention allows for a compact, easy to use and adjustable floatation device, which does not require a user to inflate to enjoy (or to deflate after use). The invention is directed to a floatation device that includes a plurality of flexible buoyant tubes in parallel relationship to one another, where each buoyant tube has a first end, a corresponding second end and a middle portion. Positioned between the plurality of buoyant tubes is a series of tethers capable of securing two or more buoyant tubes together. Preferably, there is at least one tether positioned between a first buoyant tube and a corresponding second buoyant tube, each tether including a first tether portion and a corresponding second tether portion.

In addition, one preferred floatation device includes a plurality of adjustable couplers, each positioned between the first tether portion and second tether portion. Each adjustable coupler is capable of expanding, contracting, and sizing a tether to a specific linear width to conform to a user's unique body size. Each buoyant tube may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene as desired. Alternatively, each buoyant tube may include a flexible hollow sealed tube capable of being inflated as well as deflated. Moreover, each buoyant tube can include a fluorescent color and include ornamentation in the form of a logo or other indicia.

In addition, the invention is directed towards a method of floatation. The method may first includes the step of placing a plurality of buoyant tubes in a parallel relationship to one another, each buoyant tube having a first end, a corresponding second end and a middle portion. Next, the method may call for attaching a series of tethers to secure two or more buoyant tubes together, at least one tether positioned between a first buoyant tube and a corresponding second buoyant tube, each tether including a first tether portion and a corresponding second tether portion. As a third step, the method provides for adjusting one or more couplers positioned between the first tether portion and the second tether portion. Next may be the step of sizing the linear width between the first buoyant tube and the second buoyant tube to conform to a user's unique body size. Lastly, the plurality of parallel buoyant tubes may be placed onto a body of water for use.

The method can further include the additional steps of securing the first tether portion of a first tether to a first slit located on the first buoyant tube as well as a first tether portion of a second tether to a second slit also located on the first buoyant tube. Next may be the additional step of affixing the second tether portion of a first tether to a first slit located on the second buoyant tube as well as a second tether portion of a second tether to a second slit also located on the second buoyant tube. Other embodiments of the method and underlying floatation device will be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art now having the benefit of the teachings of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a buoyant tube, which includes two slits.

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a floatation device that includes a plurality of buoyant tubes connected by tethers.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floatation device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of one embodiment of a tether and adjustable coupler.

FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of an adjustable coupler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The Buoyant Tube

FIG. 1 offers one embodiment for a buoyant tube 200 of a floatation device 100 (shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the buoyant tube 200 includes a first end 210, corresponding second end 220 and a middle portion 230. Positioned between the first end 210 and the middle portion 230 is a first slit 240. Likewise, placed between the middle portion 230 and the second end 220 is a second slit 250. Both slits 240 and 250 are of a sufficient size and dimension so as to each receive tethers 300 (shown in FIG. 2).

As further shown in FIG. 1, each buoyant tube 200 is circular in cross section for the embodiment herein described by way of example, and made of a material that is buoyant in water. While preferable manufactured from polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene, the buoyant tube 200 can be made of any similar material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the buoyant tube 200 can be formed to have varying cross-sectional shapes such as a square, rectangular, elliptical or even a “star” shape.

As an alternative to a polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene construction, the buoyant tube 200 can also simply be a flexible hollow sealed tube. As a yet third embodiment, the buoyant tube 200 can be inflatable, such that it can be filled (and then later refilled) with air as well as later deflated. However, given the smaller volume of this buoyant tube 200 it would take a fraction of the time to inflate or deflate compared to current prior art recreational pool loungers.

In addition, FIG. 1 shows how the buoyant may include ornamentation 270. As shown, there are two specific types of ornamentation 270 placed on each buoyant tube. The first ornamentation 271 is the use of varying bright and distinctive colors such as pastel and fluorescents. The second ornamentation 272 is use placement of varying logos 273. These logos 273, can include, but are certainly not limited to, college or professional sports teams.

The Floatation Device

FIG. 2 offers one embodiment of the floatation device 100. As shown, the floatation device 100 includes a plurality of buoyant tubes 200 (described in greater detail in above), one or more sets of tethers 300 and a series of adjustable couplers 400. Preferably, the floatation device 100 includes six to eight buoyant tubes 200, each of which is in an essentially parallel relationship to one another.

As is further shown in FIG. 2, the floatation device 100 includes a top side 110, a corresponding bottom side 120, a first side 130 and a corresponding second side 140. Accordingly, the preferred floatation device 100 is essentially rectangular in shape with an essentially flat profile. The floatation device 100 further includes a first side 150 and a corresponding second side 160 (not shown). A user 500 can lounge on either side 150 or 160 when using the floatation device 100.

Located at the top portion 110 of the flotation device 100 is a headrest 111 formed from two buoyant tubes 200 fastened together. The headrest 111 includes a first buoyant tube 201 and a corresponding second buoyant tube 202. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first buoyant tube 201 has a length dimension 201L, which is preferably less than a length dimension 202L the second buoyant tube 202. A third buoyant tube 203, located below the second buoyant tube 202, functions to support the back of a user 500. Likewise, a fourth buoyant tube 204 and a fifth buoyant tube 205 are positioned underneath the bottom torso of the user 500. Preferably, a sixth buoyant tube 206 functions to support the legs of the user 500.

As further shown in FIG. 2, located at the bottom side 120 is a footrest 121 formed of two buoyant tubes 200 attached to one another. More specifically, the footrest 121 includes a seventh buoyant tube 207 and a corresponding eighth buoyant tube 208. As shown, the eighth buoyant tube 208 has a length dimension 207L less than a length dimension 207L of the seventh buoyant tube 207.

FIG. 3 offers a perspective view of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the floatation device 100 can be positioned in a non-linear arrangement to support the individual curves of the user 500 (shown in FIG. 2). This allows the user 500 to recline in the water during use. While the floatation device 100 shown in FIG. 3 offers a sufficient surfaced area to contact with a user 500 (shown in FIG. 2), the structure nonetheless allows for easy storage—as the buoyant tubes 200 can simply be bundled together to decrease the overall size of the apparatus. This insures easy storage as well as transport.

The Tether and Adjustable Coupler

FIG. 4 offers one embodiment of a tether 300 used for connecting two buoyant tubes 200 to one another. Each tether 300 can be any material capable of fastening one buoyant tube 200 to another. The tether 300 can be a rope, strap or any similar fastening means known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tether 300 is positioned between the second buoyant tube 202 and the third buoyant tube 203. Additional tethers 300 can be placed in series between other buoyant tubes 205-208 (i.e., the third buoyant tube 203 and the fourth buoyant tube 204 shown in FIG. 2). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is preferable that a first tether 301 and a corresponding second tether 301 are placed between both buoyant tubes 203 and 204. As shown in FIG. 4, this helps adjust the linear space 310 between both buoyant tubes 202 and 203.

As illustrated with reference to FIG. 5, each tether 300 includes a first tether portion 320 and a corresponding second tether portion 330. The first tether portion 320 is secured to the second buoyant tube 202 by affixing a part of the first tether 320 portion within a slit 240 or 250 (illustrated again with reference to FIG. 1). Likewise, the second tether portion 330 connects to the third buoyant tube 203 (through affixing the second tether portion 330 within a slit 240 or 250 shown in FIG. 1). Positioned between the first tether portion 320 and the second tether portion 330 is an adjustable coupler 400. The adjustable coupler 400 functions to not only secure both tether portions 320 and 330, but to allow one tether portion 320 to draw into another 330. Correspondingly, the adjustable coupler 400 can release a first tether portion 320 to expand the linear space 310 between both buoyant tubes 203 and 204.

By way of example, and with continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 one embodiment of an adjustable coupler 400 is illustrated and includes a base plate 410 and a corresponding rotatable latch 420. The rotatable latch 420 can be placed in an open position 421 (shown in FIG. 4) to allow a first tether portion 320 to release from the second tether portion 330. In addition, the rotatable latch 320 can be rotated into a locked position 422—such that the latch 420 is in a parallel relationship with the base plate 410—to ensure the first tether portion 320 is affixed to the second tether portion 330.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other similar adjustable couplers 400 for use in connecting and securing two tether portions 320 and 330 together.

The Method

In addition to the floatation device 100 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the invention is also directed toward a method of flotation. The method first includes the step of placing a plurality of buoyant tubes 200 (shown in FIG. 2) in parallel relation to one another. Here, each buoyant tube 200 (shown in FIG. 1) includes a first end 210, corresponding second end 220 and a middle portion 230.

Next, the method calls for attaching a series of tethers 300 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) to secure two or more buoyant tubes 200 together. As shown in FIG. 2, at least one tether 300 is positioned between the second buoyant tube 202 and the third buoyant tube 203. Here, each tether includes a first tether portion 320 and a corresponding second tether portion 330. As a third step, the method requires adjusting one or more couplers 400 positioned between the first tether portion 320 and the second tether portion 330. Next, is the step of sizing the linear space 310 between the second buoyant tube 202 and the third buoyant tube 203 to conform to a user's 500 unique body size. Lastly, a plurality of parallel buoyant tubes 200 are placed onto a body of water for use.

The method can further include the additional steps of securing the first tether portion 320 of a first tether 301 to a first slit 240 located on the second buoyant tube 203, as well as a first tether portion 320 of a second tether 302 to a second slit 250 also located on the second buoyant tube 202. Next is the additional step of affixing the second tether portion 330 of a first tether 301 to a first slit 240 located on the third buoyant tube 203 as well as a second tether portion 330 of a second tether 302 to a second slit 250 also located on the third buoyant tube 203.

Other embodiments of the preferred method and underlying floatation device will be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flotation device, comprising:

a plurality of buoyant tubes in parallel relationship to one another, each buoyant tube having a first end, a corresponding second end and a middle portion;

a series of tethers capable of securing two or more buoyant tubes together, at least one tether positioned between a first buoyant tube and a corresponding second buoyant tube, each tether including a first tether portion and a corresponding second tether portion; and

a plurality of adjustable couplers, each adjustable coupler positioned between the first tether portion and second tether portion, the adjustable coupler capable of expanding, contracting, and sizing at least one tether of the series of tethers to a specific linear space to conform to a user's body size.

2. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein:

a first slit is positioned between the first end and the middle portion of each buoyant tube;

a second slit is positioned between the second end and the middle portion of each buoyant tube; and

both the first slit and second slit having a sufficient size and dimension to receive, secure and affix one or more tethers.

3. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein each buoyant tube is made of polystyrene.

4. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein each buoyant tube includes a fluorescent color.

5. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein one or more buoyant tubes includes ornamentation.

6. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein:

each buoyant tube can include a flexible hollow sealed tube capable of being inflated and later deflated.

7. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein:

there are eight total buoyant tubes, the first buoyant tube and the second buoyant tube forming a headrest, while a seventh buoyant tube and an eight buoyant tube forming a footrest.

8. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein:

each adjustable coupler includes a base plate and a rotatable latch, the rotatable latch capable of being placed in an open position to allow the first tether portion to release from the second tether portion, as well as rotating to a locked position to secure both the first and second tether portions to one another.

9. A method of floatation, comprising the steps of:

placing a plurality of buoyant tubes in a parallel relationship to one another, each buoyant tube having a first end, a corresponding second end and a middle portion;

attaching a series of tethers to secure two or more buoyant tubes together, at least one tether positioned between a first buoyant tube and a corresponding second buoyant tube, each tether including a first tether portion and a corresponding second tether portion;

adjusting one or more couplers positioned between the first tether portion and the second tether portion;

sizing the linear space between the first buoyant tube and the corresponding second buoyant tube to conform to a user's unique body size; and

placing the plurality of buoyant tubes onto a body of water.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising the additional steps of:

securing the first tether portion of a first tether to a first slit located on the first buoyant tube as well as a first tether portion of a second tether to a second slit also located on the first buoyant tube; and

affixing the second tether portion of a first tether to a first slit located on the second buoyant tube as well as a second tether portion of a second tether to a second slit also located on the second buoyant tube.

11. The method of floatation of claim 9, wherein each buoyant tube is made of polystyrene.

12. The method of floatation of claim 9, wherein each buoyant tube includes a fluorescent color.

13. The method of floatation of claim 9, wherein one or more buoyant tubes includes ornamentation.

14. The method of floatation of claim 9, wherein:

each buoyant tube can include a flexible hollow sealed tube capable of being inflated and later deflated.

15. The method of floatation of claim 9, wherein:

there are eight total buoyant tubes, the first buoyant tube and the second buoyant tube forming a headrest, while a seventh buoyant tube and an eight buoyant tube forming a footrest.

16. The method of floatation of claim 9, wherein:

each adjustable coupler includes a base plate and a rotatable latch, the rotatable latch capable of being placed in an open position to allow the first tether portion to release from the second tether portion, as well as rotating to a locked position to secure both the first and second tether portions to one another.

17. A flotation device, comprising:

at least five buoyant tubes in parallel relationship to one another, each buoyant tube having a first end, a corresponding second end and a middle portion;

at least two sets of tethers capable of securing two or more buoyant tubes together, at least one tether positioned between a first buoyant tube and a corresponding second buoyant tube, each tether including a first tether portion and a corresponding second tether portion; and

a plurality of adjustable couplers, each adjustable coupler positioned between the first tether portion and second tether portion, the adjustable coupler capable of expanding, contracting, and sizing a tether to a specific linear space to conform to a user's body size.

18. The floatation device of claim 17, wherein:

a first slit is positioned between the first end and the middle portion of each buoyant tube;

a second slit is positioned between the second end and the middle portion of each buoyant tube; and

both the first slit and second slit having a sufficient size and dimension to receive, secure and affix one or more tethers.

19. The floatation device of claim 17, wherein each buoyant tube is made of polystyrene.

20. The floatation device of claim 17, wherein one or more buoyant tubes includes ornamentation.