Water hammock

Abstract

A buoyant recreational device for use in swimming, sunbathing or exercise on a water surface has an annular buoyant frame with an interior opening and a flexible resilient water permeable platform having an outer perimeter edge connected to the interior opening of the frame. The platform is polypropylene fibre fabric with inherent resilient properties and may be connected to the frame with resilient connectors such as springs or bungee cords. The frame is a hollow rotation moulded polyethylene plastic structure, preferably at least seven feet in outer diameter and five feet in inner diameter and capable of supporting the weight of six adult persons resting on the platform while immersed upon a water surface. The frame may include mounting means for attaching accessories such as: an umbrella; a rudder; an anchor; a towline; and a motor, and optionally includes a storage socket or compartment for sun tan oil or beverage containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/347,704 filed Jan. 11, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a buoyant water hammock for recreational, swimming and play use that has a hollow plastic annular frame suspending an interior flexible water permeable fabric platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Conventional platforms for recreational swimming, sunbathing and other water related activities include fixed rigid docks, floating docks, inflatable mattresses, watercrafts, floating lounge chairs and personal floatation devices of various configurations.

[0004] Disadvantages of such prior art include: hard or rough surfaces that impose risk of injury or discomfort; heavy construction that impedes movement, storage and maintenance; lack of durability; relatively high cost and limited scope of activities for which the device can be used.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a multipurpose floating platform that is durable, inexpensive, lightweight, reduces risk of injury and provides potential for swimming use, sunbathing and exercise for up to six persons.

[0006] Further objects of the invention will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description of the invention below.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention provides a buoyant recreational device for use in swimming, sunbathing or exercise on a water surface. The device has an annular buoyant frame with an interior opening and a flexible resilient water permeable platform having an outer perimeter edge connected to the interior opening of the frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order that the invention may be readily understood, one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows use of the buoyant device as a water hammock for swimming or lounging on the water surface while immersed in water.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the device showing the annular frame and interior resilient fabric platform.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective of device of FIG. 2 showing the fabric platform connections to the annular frame.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the annular frame including an accessory.

[0013] Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an example of an annular buoyant recreational water hammock device according to the invention for use in swimming, sunbathing or exercise on a water surface. With an adapter or legs (not shown), the hammock can be supported above a land surface for sunbathing for example. It will be understood that the device can be made in various shapes and is not restricted to a circular or oval shape.

[0015] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device has an annular buoyant frame 1 with an interior opening and a flexible resilient water permeable platform 2 having an outer perimeter edge connected to the interior opening of the frame 1. The platform 2 is polypropylene fibre fabric with inherent resilient properties and may be connected to the frame with resilient connectors such as springs (not shown) or bungee cords 4 threaded through a plurality of openings 3 formed about the edge of platform 2 and hooked to cord mounts 5 dispersed about frame 1.

[0016] Preferably, the platform openings are protected by grommets. Further, cord mounts 5 are preferably mounted to frame 1 in a recessed manner such as in annular groove 7. The frame 1 is a hollow rotation moulded polyethylene plastic structure, preferably at least seven feet in outer diameter and five feet in inner diameter and capable of supporting the weight of six adult persons resting on the platform 2 while immersed upon a water surface.

[0017] The frame 1 may include mounting means (not illustrated) for attaching accessories such as: an umbrella; a rudder; an anchor; a towline; and a motor, and optionally includes a storage socket or compartment (not illustrated) for sun tan oil or beverage containers. Other accessories include a pillow 10 having straps 11 for releasably wrapping around a segment of frame 1 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0018] Although the above description relates to a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described herein.

Claims

1. A buoyant recreational device comprising:

an annular buoyant frame having an interior opening; and

a flexible resilient water permeable platform having an outer perimeter edge connected to the interior opening of the frame.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the platform is connected to the frame with resilient connectors.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said connectors comprise one of springs and bungee cords.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame is a hollow moulded plastic structure.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the frame is rotation moulded.

6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the frame is of polyethylene plastic.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame is at least seven feet in outer diameter and five feet in inner diameter.

8. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame has a buoyant volume capable of supporting the weight of six adult persons resting on the platform while immersed upon a water surface.

9. A device according to claim 1 wherein the platform is a polypropylene fibre fabric.

10. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame includes mounting means for attaching accessories selected from the group consisting of: an umbrella; a rudder; an anchor; a tow line; and a motor.

11. A device according to claim 1 wherein the frame includes a storage compartment.

12. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a pillow releasably secured to the frame.