Accessory for recreational floatation device

Abstract

A device fabricated from elastic material and removably attached to a recreational floatation device, such as an inner tube. The device is constructed from sheets that are attached together (by sewing or the like) to form internal chambers. Two of the formed chambers are employed to house ice and beverage containers. Another chamber(s) can be utilized to house small items, such as keys. Openings are positioned in the device to provide access to the chambers. The device is wrapped around a floatation member and secured thereto. Fasteners are utilized to accomplish the securing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/202,099, filed Jan. 28, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to recreational devices for the pool, beach, or the like, and particularly to an accessory for a recreational floatation device that provides a caddy or wrap adapted for attachment to an inner tube for carrying beverages, keys, and other articles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Leisurely floating on the calm surface of a lake or pool while sipping a cool beverage to slake thirst and prevent dehydration is the epitome of total relaxation. Water enthusiasts often employ an inexpensive inner tube as the floatation vehicle. Unfortunately, one must return to poolside or the beach to retrieve another beverage because there is no structure to carry and cool beverages on the inner tube, thereby intruding on the relaxation mood. It would most certainly be convenient if additional cooled beverages could be stored on the inner tube, thereby permitting unbroken continuity of the relaxation mood. Thus, a beverage caddy for an inner tube solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The accessory for a recreational floatation device is a device fabricated from neoprene or similar materials. The device is constructed from sheets that are attached together (by sewing or the like) to form internal chambers. Two of the formed chambers are employed to house ice and beverage containers. Another chamber(s) can be utilized to house small items, such as keys. Openings are positioned in the device to provide access to the chambers. The device is wrapped around a floatation member and secured thereto. Fasteners are utilized to accomplish the securing. Although hook and loop fasteners are preferred, other releasable fasteners (straps, buttons, snaps, etc.) may be used, if suitable. The device can be fabricated in various colors and patterns to appeal to different aesthetic tastes.

Accordingly, the invention presents a device that can be quickly and easily attached to a floatation device, such as an inner tube. The device is capable of housing multiple beverage containers (of different sizes) therein. The device is also capable of housing a medium to keep the beverages cool. At least one compartment is provided for storing small personal items therein. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an accessory for a recreational floatation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the accessory of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the accessory of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an outer sheet of the accessory of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an inner sheet of the accessory of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1, wherein the accessory for a recreational floatation device is generally indicated at 10, hereinafter referred to as a caddy. In use, the caddy 10 is attached to a floatation device 12. Although shown as an inner tube, it should be recognized that other suitable floatation devices may be utilized, if desired.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the caddy 10 is fabricated from a durable, elastic material, e.g., neoprene. As presently contemplated, the caddy is configured in a single strip comprising an outer layer 14, a middle layer 16 and an inner layer 18. The strip terminates in opposed ends 20 and 22. At least one compartment 24 is formed between the outer layer 14 and the middle layer 16. The compartment 24 is adapted to house beverage containers 26 therein. At least one other compartment 28 is formed between the middle layer 16 and the inner layer 18. The compartment 28 is adapted to house a cooling medium, such as an ice pack 30, therein. Respective openings 14a and 16a are formed in the respective outer and inner layers 14, 18 to provide access to the compartments. Respective cover members 15 and 17 are removably attached to respective layers 14, 16 and are employed to cover respective openings 14a and 16a to decrease the potential for water infiltration. Although hook and loop fasteners are preferred to secure the cover members 15, 17, it should be noted that other releasable fasteners (zippers, buttons, etc.) may be utilized, if found suitable. At least one additional compartment 32 is disposed on the inner layer 16 for housing small personal items. Fasteners are disposed on the ends 20, 22 so that the caddy can be securely attached to the floatation device. An additional hook and loop patch 19 is provided adjacent opening 14a so that additional accessories may be attached to the device if desired. Here again hook and loop fasteners are preferred, but other releasable fasteners may be employed, if desired.

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. An accessory for a recreational floatation device, comprising:

an elastic strip having an outer layer, a middle layer and an inner layer;

a first compartment adapted for housing beverage containers, the first compartment being formed between the outer layer and the middle layer; and

a second compartment adapted for housing a cooling medium, the second compartment being formed between the middle layer and the inner layer.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein said outer layer has an opening defined therein for providing access to said first compartment.

3. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein said middle layer has an opening defined therein for providing access to said second compartment.

4. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein said elastic strip has a first end and a second end, the accessory further including fasteners disposed on the first end and the second end for attaching the first end to the second end.

5. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein said elastic strip has a first end and a second end, the accessory further including hook and loop fasteners disposed on the first end and the second end for attaching the first end to the second end.

6. The accessory according to claim 1, further including a third compartment adapted to house small personal items, the third compartment positioned on said inner layer.

7. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein said strip is fabricated from neoprene.

8. An accessory for a recreational floatation device, comprising:

an elastic strip having an outer layer, a middle layer, an inner layer, a first end and a second end;

a first compartment adapted for housing beverage containers, the first compartment having an opening thereto, the first compartment being formed between the outer layer and the middle layer;

a removable cover for selectively closing and exposing the opening to the first compartment;

a second compartment adapted for housing a cooling medium, the second compartment having an opening thereto, the second compartment being formed between the middle layer and the inner layer;

a removable cover for selectively closing and exposing the opening to the second compartment; and

a third compartment adapted for housing small personal items, the third compartment being positioned on the inner layer.

9. The accessory according to claim 8, wherein said third compartment has an opening thereto and a removable cover for selectively closing and exposing the opening to said third compartment.

10. The accessory according to claim 9, further including hook and loop fasteners disposed on said first end and said second end for attaching said first end to said second end.

11. The accessory according to claim 10, wherein said strip is fabricated from neoprene.

12. The accessory according to claim 11, including a hook and loop patch positioned adjacent said opening to said first compartment.