Beverage and food raft
The beverage and food raft incorporates a pontoon structure that supports a substantially flat upper surface member. A plurality of recessed openings are spaced around the perimeter of the upper surface to accommodate drink receptacles (cans, bottles, cups, etc.). A central recess functions as an ice receptacle for chilling bottled and canned drinks. Other recesses are strategically positioned and sized to retain bowls or plates containing various snack items. A plurality of eyelets are provided for towing or mooring lines. Interlocking handles are provided for securing multiple rafts together, if desired.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/960,866, filed Oct. 17, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to recreational accessories. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a beverage and food raft that provides a floating tray adapted to support refreshments thereon.
2. Description of the Related Art
Water enthusiasts enjoy the camaraderie of friends and/or family at a gathering at a lake or family pool. Aside from the swimming and water sports, good food and drink enhance the festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, it is difficult enjoy the food and drink while in the water because there is no place to set a glass, bottle or a plate of delicious appetizers. Consequently one must leave the water to enjoy a favorite beverage or snack. A floating tray or platform where one may place an unfinished beverage or snack, or, alternatively, retrieve a beverage or snack, would certainly add convenience to a water-theme outing. Thus, a beverage and food raft solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe beverage and food raft incorporates a pontoon structure that supports a substantially flat upper surface. Recessed openings are spaced around the perimeter of the upper surface to accommodate drink receptacles. A central recess functions as an ice receptacle for chilling bottled and/or canned drinks. Also the openings can be utilized as a receptacle for an accessory cooler. Other recesses are strategically positioned and sized to retain bowls or plates containing various snack items. A plurality of openings are provided for towing or mooring lines. Interlocking handles are provided for securing multiple rafts together, if desired.
Accordingly, the invention presents a floatation apparatus that functions as a repository for food and drinks during aquatic, recreational activities. The apparatus is relatively lightweight and can be easily stored when not in use.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSAttention is first directed to
As best seen in
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A beverage and food raft, comprising:
- a contoured hull having a bottom surface and an open top;
- a substantially planar top surface member at least coextensive with the hull, the top surface member being positioned on the hull to close the open top;
- an array of recessed openings disposed in the planar member; and
- a plurality of pontoon structures disposed on the bottom surface of the contoured hull.
2. The beverage and food raft according to claim 1, wherein said pontoon structures are evenly spaced apart on the bottom surface of said hull.
3. The beverage and food raft according to claim 1, wherein the top surface overhangs an end of the hull, the raft further including at least one towing eyelet extending through the overhanging portion of said planar top surface.
4. The beverage and food raft according to claim 1, further including interlocking mechanisms attached to said planar top surface for attaching two beverage and food rafts together.
5. The beverage and food raft according to claim 1, wherein said hull and planar top surface are fabricated from molded plastic material.
6. A beverage and food raft, comprising:
- a contoured hull having a bottom surface and an open top;
- a substantially planar top surface member at least coextensive with the hull, the top surface member having a front end, a rear end and two sides, said planar top surface being positioned on the hull to close the open top;
- an array of recessed openings disposed in the planar top surface member; and
- a plurality of evenly spaced pontoon structures disposed on the bottom surface of the contoured hull.
7. The beverage and food raft according to claim 6, further including towing eyelets disposed through said planar top surface, said towing eyelets positioned on said front end and said rear end of said planar top surface.
8. The beverage and food raft according to claim 6, further including interlocking mechanisms attached to said planar top surface, said interlocking mechanisms being positioned on said two sides of said planar top surface.
9. The beverage and food raft according to claim 6, wherein said hull and planar top surface are fabricated from molded plastic material.
10. A beverage and food raft, comprising:
- a contoured hull having a bottom surface and an open top;
- a substantially planar top surface member at least coextensive with the hull, the top surface member having a front end, a rear end and two sides, the planar top surface being positioned on the hull to close the open top;
- a plurality of towing eyelets disposed through said planar top surface, the towing eyelets being positioned on the front end and the rear end of the planar top surface;
- interlocking mechanisms attached to the planar top surface, the interlocking mechanisms positioned on the two sides of the planar top surface;
- an array of recessed openings disposed in the planar member; and
- a plurality of evenly spaced pontoon structures disposed on the bottom surface of the contoured hull.
11. The beverage and food raft according to claim 10, wherein said hull and planar top surface are fabricated from molded plastic material.
12. The beverage and food raft according to claim 10, wherein the recessed openings include a plurality of receptacles dimensioned and configured for receiving beverage containers.
13. The beverage and food raft according to claim 10, wherein the recessed openings include at least one recess defining a bowl for receiving snack foods.
14. The beverage and food raft according to claim 10, wherein the recessed openings include at least one recess defining a well for receiving ice.
15. The beverage and food raft according to claim 10, wherein the recessed openings include:
- openings defining a plurality of receptacles dimensioned and configured for receiving beverage containers;
- at least one recess defining a bowl for receiving snack foods; and
- at least one recess defining a well for receiving ice.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 25, 2008
Publication Date: Apr 23, 2009
Inventors: Kevin R. Tess (Burlington, WI), Thomas J. Tess (Burlington, WI)
Application Number: 12/232,873
International Classification: B65D 25/00 (20060101);