CA2165924C - Flexible tube floatation sling - Google Patents
Flexible tube floatation sling Download PDFInfo
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- CA2165924C CA2165924C CA002165924A CA2165924A CA2165924C CA 2165924 C CA2165924 C CA 2165924C CA 002165924 A CA002165924 A CA 002165924A CA 2165924 A CA2165924 A CA 2165924A CA 2165924 C CA2165924 C CA 2165924C
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- sling
- floatation
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- tube
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
- B63B34/50—Body-supporting buoyant devices, e.g. bathing boats or water cycles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved floatation support comprising floatation means consisting of one or more flexible foam tubes having first and second ends. Sling means having first and second sides is provided with connector means at said first and second sides of the sling means. The foam tube(s) may be retained in a U-shape by attaching the connector means to the first and second ends of the tube so that a person can lie or sit on the sling means.
The sling is attached to the foam tube in such a way as to pull the two ends of the tube together. This creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the sling with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low centre of gravity results because the weight of the user pulls down the centre of the sling.
The sling is attached to the foam tube in such a way as to pull the two ends of the tube together. This creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the sling with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low centre of gravity results because the weight of the user pulls down the centre of the sling.
Description
Title: FLEXIBLE TUBE FLOATATION SLING
BACKGROUND OF T~ INVENTION
Field o:E the invention The present invention relates to improvements in devices for recreational or body-support floatation in water using a flexible foam tube or tubes and a fabric or mesh sling.
Description of the Prior Art Body support of an individual in the water for the purposes of recreational floatation or body-support may currently be accomplished by a number of different means.
The use of recreational floatation devices is widespread.
Most popular are a very large number of inflatable products composed of flexible air-impermeable material such as vinyl plastic. The water mattress as described in U.S. patents 2,068,134, 2,939,158 and 3,068,4g4 are common examples. These inflatable air mattress products may be simple and inexpensive or elaborate and expensive. Inflatable products are distributed in many shapes based such as, for example, dinosaurs, lobsters, whales and many others. Adaptations may provide for example, leg holes, handle grips, drinking glass holders and clear plastic viewing windows to look through into the water under the inflatable.
Other features have been designed into inflatable air mattresses. U.S. patent 4,723,329 describes a device said to improve the posturepedic qualities of an air mattress, incorporating two separate air chambers and other improvements.
These inflatable devices all suffer from a number of disadvantages. They all must be inflated, such as by using a pump or by the user blowing into a valve. Over-inflation or under-inflation is always a concern. They are typically plastic or water impermeable cloth fabric construction and when punctured loose buoyancy partially or completely. A puncture must be repaired to afford full usefulness to the device. Construction typically involves seams, which may be difficult to repair if a puncture or tear occurs on a seam. The inclusion of repair kits with available inflatable flotation devices is very common.
A second type of floatation lounger is a type of construction using a rigid or semi-rigid foam slab material. These are typically composed with two large opposing flat surfaces. There may be a foam pillow or such support incorporated at one end for head and neck support. A disadvantage of this type of product is that lying on the foam slab results in a high centre of gravity above the 21 65~2~
surface of the water. Thus it is very easy to tip about the centre axis of the device or to lose balance while moving about while on the slab.
U.S. patent 5,162,007 describes a water lounger or water mattress having stacked layers of air-bubble sheet plastic encased in flexible plastic sheet or mesh. This design may provide for lower centre of gravity and better stability while in the lying on the device in the water. However, this mattress design is bulky and may not be easily folded or disassembled for storage. Further, during use, accidental puncture or slitting of the outer water impermeable plastic vinyl sheet cover would result in water entering between the outer layer and inner construction. This could cause some loss of floatation. This water cont~m;n~tion would also be difficult, if not impossible, to remove and could result in problems such as bacterial or algae growth or moulding eventually within the layers of the device construction.
Another type of recreational water lounging product consists of some type of chair, such as a lawn chair construction, with buoyant means, such as rigid styrofoam attached to the chair. These devices have the disadvantage that they are bulky and may use metal frames, for example, aluminum tube frame, which may bend or crack.
Typically, metal bolts are also used in the aluminum frame, which are subject to rusting or decay with use, especially when used in ~ 2l 65924 recreational pool water cont~;n;ng traces of chlorine for water. This type of water lounger also tends to be expensive.
Recently, an extruded foam tube has been found to be useful as a pool toy and floatation aid. However, this semi-rigid straight tube construction has not been useable as a lounge device.
SUM~A~Y OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive floatation device for buoyancy of an individual in the water without the need for inflatable, flat slab, mattress-style or lawn chair type means.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an floatation support which has improved stability in the water and will not lose its buoyancy if punctured.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved device which consists of a minimum number of parts that is lightweight and easily disassembled to facilitate storage of the device.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved floatation support comprising floatation means ~ 21 65924 consisting of one or more flexible foam tubes or rods having first and second ends. Sling means having first and second sides is provided with connector means at said first and second sides of the sling means. The foam tube(s) or rods may be retained in a U-shape by attaching the connector means to the first and second ends of the tube so that a person can lie or sit on the sling means. The word tube may be used interchangeably with the word rod to describe the flexible foam floatation means. The tubes or rods preferably have a solid cross-section in order to m~;m; ze the strength, stability and floatation properties for any given cross-sectional diameter.
The sling is attached to the foam tube in such a way as to pull the two ends of the tube together. This creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the sling with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low centre of gravity results because the weight of the user pulls down the centre of the sling. This allows full body support in the water utilizing the floatation properties of the foam tube, without the need to grasp the foam tube. However, one may conveniently rest the arms on one or both sides of the device.
.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, 5the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floatation support according to the present invention in use by a person lying on their back;
10Figure 2 i8 a perspective view of a floatation support according to the present invention in use by a person lying on their stomach;
Figure 3 is a top view of the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2, 15Figure 4 is a plan view of the sling for the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the sling for the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2;
~ 21 65~24 Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the sling for the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2;
Figure 7 shows a canopy attachment for the floatation support of Figure 1;
Figure 8 shows another canopy attachment for the floatation device of Figure 1.
Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiement of the floatatiom means according to the present invention.
Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiement of the sling means of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the floatation support of the present invention is generally indicated at 1. The floatation means 2 consists of one or more flexible foam tubes 3, preferably one, having first and second ends 4 and 5 respectively. The tube 3 is preferably formed of a closed-cell extruded polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polystyrene and while preferably has a substantially round cross section, may be any shape (s~uare, triangular, rectangular, irregular or polyhedral cross section) provided the required buoyancy characteristics are maintained. A
single tube or a plurality of tubes may be used. The density, diameter and volume of the foam tube will determine the floatation characteristics of the support and accordingly the number and shape of the tube 3 will depend on the characteristics required.
Sling means 6 has first and second sides 7 and 8. The sling means is preferably made of a fabric or mesh net such as 100% nylon fabric or any suitable fabric, which may or may not be water repellant, may be W stabilized and/or coated fabric, for example polyurethane coated nylon. In the preferred embodiment the sling is formed from a rectangular piece of material as shown in Figure 4.
Connector means 9 is provided at said first and second sides, 7 and 8, of the sling means 6. In the preferred embodiment, the fabric or mesh net of sling means 6 is formed into sleeves lOa and lOb along sides 7 and 8. The ends 4 and 5 of tube 3 are inserted into the sleeves lOa and lOb. By using a single semi-rigid foam tube preferably of closed cell polyethylene, the foam tube is substantially straight.
When the tube is bent into a concentric U shape, and the ends are inserted into the sleeves at the sides of the sling, the properties of the ~emi-rigid closed cell foam tube result in the tub~ wanting to return to its natural un-bent state. This results in the ends of the tube putting the sling in tension to help hold the tube in the sleeves. The sleeves lOa and lOb can be straight or can be curved or ~ 21 65924 curved as shown in Figure 5. In another embodiment not shown the connector means can be adapted so that the ends of the tube(s) join forming an oval.
The floatation support has excellent stability and lounging qualities in the water and creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the fabric with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low centre of gravity results because of the way the weight of the user pulls down the centre of the sling. This allows full body support in the water utilizing the floatation properties of the foam tube, without the need to grasp the foam tube. However, one may conveniently rest the arms on one or both sides of the device.
Other means may be used to connect the sling and tube. For example it is possible to use hook and loop velcro type attachments or a casing with elasticized or draw-string means about the tube. If the sling means consists of a series of parallel horizontal and vertical strips 30, 31 woven as shown in Figure 6, similar to a lawn ~ 2165q24 chair, loops 33 can be provided in opposite ends of the horizontal strips 30 into which the ends of the tube can be inserted.
In the preferred embodiment the floatation means consists of a tube of closed cell polyethylene of 3 1/2 inches diameter and about 12 feet in length. The sling means is made of 100% nylon 60 inches long by 46 inches wide. The material is looped over at the edges and stitched using twelve inches on opposite sides to form two sleeves of approximately 12 inche~ in circumference. The ends of the tube are inserted into the sleeves so that the tube is bent around in a U shaped configuration.
A casing and drawstring or casing and elastic may be provided on the sleeves to secure the upper edges of the sleeve around the tube to prevent slippage down the tube. In addition a casing and drawstring can be added along the edge of the sling facing the U-bend in the foam tube providing a means to adjust the sling tension on the upper edge of the sling. Typically the ends of the ext~uded closed cell foam tube cut from a longer section are not closed and may absorb some water. When storing it is convenient to hang the tube with the open ends down to permit any water that has been absorbed to drain from the ends. Alternatively the ends may be treated to prevent water absorption.
~ 2165924 Referring to Figures 7 and 8, to provide protection from sun while in use, there may be a canopy attachment 14 such as illustrated in Figure 7 provided. The canopy attachment 14 has a fabric or mesh canopy 15 supported on vertical uprights 17 which are equipped with inverted U ends 18 for connection to the foam tube 3.
An alternative form of canopy attachment 20 is illustrated in Figure 8. The canopy means 21 is formed from a substantially semi-circle of material and provided with a series of parallel flexible ribs 22. The canopy 21 is flexed to form an arch over the U-bend in the foam tube.
No inflation is involved in the present invention and a puncture to the foam tube or to the sling will not result in any significant 108s of function for the device.
The floatation support can easily be disassembled by removing the tube from the sling, and the tube will typically return to a straight shape for storage. It is lightweight and simple to assemble and disassemble. The sling may be slid off the tube for cleaning, storage, or replacement. The tube may be replaced, for example, with a different coloured foam.
While use of a single flexible foam rod is illustrated in Figures 1-4, it may be desirable to reduce the length of flexible foam ~ 21 65924 rod to facilitate packaging and point of sale purposes. Accordingly, in another embodiment as shown in Figures 9 and 10, two flexible foam rods 51 and 52, preferably about three to five feet in length, are used together with a flexible foam connector 53. Fiexible foam connector 53 is a hollow tube having a co-axial hole 54 through its length. The ends 55 and 56 of rods 51 and 52 are sized to fit within opposite ends of hole 54 in connector 53. The diameter of hole 54 is slightly larger than the diameter of the rods 51 and 52. The sling means 60 shown in Figure 10 has ends 61 and 62 and opposite sides 70 and 80. Along sides 70 and 80 sleeves lOOa and lOOb are provided to retain rods 51 and 52. The ends 71 and 81 of sleeves lOOa and lOOb proximate end 62 of sling means 60 are closed. The other ends 72 and 82 of sleeves lOOa and lOOb proximate end 61 of sling 60 are open to permit the free end 57 and 58 of rods 51 and 52 respectivelly to be inserted into the sleeves. A third sleeve 90 is provided along end 61 of sling 60 so that ends 91 and 92 are open. The connector 53 is inserted through sleeve 90 and the ends 55 and 56 of rods 51 and 52 are then inserted in opposite ends of hole 54 in connector 53. This additional sleeve 90 will help retain the connected flexible form rods in place.
The sling material may preferably be of a waterproof type material and may be attached around the tube on each side in such a way that when out of the water, the entire device will dry very quickly and completely with no opportunity for mould growth to occur.
The tube, typically constructed of closed cell polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene blown foam is substantially waterproof and dries quickly when out of the water.
It will be appreciated that the above descrip~ion related to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the ïnvention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly describêd.
BACKGROUND OF T~ INVENTION
Field o:E the invention The present invention relates to improvements in devices for recreational or body-support floatation in water using a flexible foam tube or tubes and a fabric or mesh sling.
Description of the Prior Art Body support of an individual in the water for the purposes of recreational floatation or body-support may currently be accomplished by a number of different means.
The use of recreational floatation devices is widespread.
Most popular are a very large number of inflatable products composed of flexible air-impermeable material such as vinyl plastic. The water mattress as described in U.S. patents 2,068,134, 2,939,158 and 3,068,4g4 are common examples. These inflatable air mattress products may be simple and inexpensive or elaborate and expensive. Inflatable products are distributed in many shapes based such as, for example, dinosaurs, lobsters, whales and many others. Adaptations may provide for example, leg holes, handle grips, drinking glass holders and clear plastic viewing windows to look through into the water under the inflatable.
Other features have been designed into inflatable air mattresses. U.S. patent 4,723,329 describes a device said to improve the posturepedic qualities of an air mattress, incorporating two separate air chambers and other improvements.
These inflatable devices all suffer from a number of disadvantages. They all must be inflated, such as by using a pump or by the user blowing into a valve. Over-inflation or under-inflation is always a concern. They are typically plastic or water impermeable cloth fabric construction and when punctured loose buoyancy partially or completely. A puncture must be repaired to afford full usefulness to the device. Construction typically involves seams, which may be difficult to repair if a puncture or tear occurs on a seam. The inclusion of repair kits with available inflatable flotation devices is very common.
A second type of floatation lounger is a type of construction using a rigid or semi-rigid foam slab material. These are typically composed with two large opposing flat surfaces. There may be a foam pillow or such support incorporated at one end for head and neck support. A disadvantage of this type of product is that lying on the foam slab results in a high centre of gravity above the 21 65~2~
surface of the water. Thus it is very easy to tip about the centre axis of the device or to lose balance while moving about while on the slab.
U.S. patent 5,162,007 describes a water lounger or water mattress having stacked layers of air-bubble sheet plastic encased in flexible plastic sheet or mesh. This design may provide for lower centre of gravity and better stability while in the lying on the device in the water. However, this mattress design is bulky and may not be easily folded or disassembled for storage. Further, during use, accidental puncture or slitting of the outer water impermeable plastic vinyl sheet cover would result in water entering between the outer layer and inner construction. This could cause some loss of floatation. This water cont~m;n~tion would also be difficult, if not impossible, to remove and could result in problems such as bacterial or algae growth or moulding eventually within the layers of the device construction.
Another type of recreational water lounging product consists of some type of chair, such as a lawn chair construction, with buoyant means, such as rigid styrofoam attached to the chair. These devices have the disadvantage that they are bulky and may use metal frames, for example, aluminum tube frame, which may bend or crack.
Typically, metal bolts are also used in the aluminum frame, which are subject to rusting or decay with use, especially when used in ~ 2l 65924 recreational pool water cont~;n;ng traces of chlorine for water. This type of water lounger also tends to be expensive.
Recently, an extruded foam tube has been found to be useful as a pool toy and floatation aid. However, this semi-rigid straight tube construction has not been useable as a lounge device.
SUM~A~Y OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive floatation device for buoyancy of an individual in the water without the need for inflatable, flat slab, mattress-style or lawn chair type means.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an floatation support which has improved stability in the water and will not lose its buoyancy if punctured.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved device which consists of a minimum number of parts that is lightweight and easily disassembled to facilitate storage of the device.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved floatation support comprising floatation means ~ 21 65924 consisting of one or more flexible foam tubes or rods having first and second ends. Sling means having first and second sides is provided with connector means at said first and second sides of the sling means. The foam tube(s) or rods may be retained in a U-shape by attaching the connector means to the first and second ends of the tube so that a person can lie or sit on the sling means. The word tube may be used interchangeably with the word rod to describe the flexible foam floatation means. The tubes or rods preferably have a solid cross-section in order to m~;m; ze the strength, stability and floatation properties for any given cross-sectional diameter.
The sling is attached to the foam tube in such a way as to pull the two ends of the tube together. This creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the sling with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low centre of gravity results because the weight of the user pulls down the centre of the sling. This allows full body support in the water utilizing the floatation properties of the foam tube, without the need to grasp the foam tube. However, one may conveniently rest the arms on one or both sides of the device.
.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, 5the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floatation support according to the present invention in use by a person lying on their back;
10Figure 2 i8 a perspective view of a floatation support according to the present invention in use by a person lying on their stomach;
Figure 3 is a top view of the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2, 15Figure 4 is a plan view of the sling for the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2;
Figure 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the sling for the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2;
~ 21 65~24 Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the sling for the floatation support of Figure 1 and 2;
Figure 7 shows a canopy attachment for the floatation support of Figure 1;
Figure 8 shows another canopy attachment for the floatation device of Figure 1.
Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiement of the floatatiom means according to the present invention.
Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiement of the sling means of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the floatation support of the present invention is generally indicated at 1. The floatation means 2 consists of one or more flexible foam tubes 3, preferably one, having first and second ends 4 and 5 respectively. The tube 3 is preferably formed of a closed-cell extruded polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polystyrene and while preferably has a substantially round cross section, may be any shape (s~uare, triangular, rectangular, irregular or polyhedral cross section) provided the required buoyancy characteristics are maintained. A
single tube or a plurality of tubes may be used. The density, diameter and volume of the foam tube will determine the floatation characteristics of the support and accordingly the number and shape of the tube 3 will depend on the characteristics required.
Sling means 6 has first and second sides 7 and 8. The sling means is preferably made of a fabric or mesh net such as 100% nylon fabric or any suitable fabric, which may or may not be water repellant, may be W stabilized and/or coated fabric, for example polyurethane coated nylon. In the preferred embodiment the sling is formed from a rectangular piece of material as shown in Figure 4.
Connector means 9 is provided at said first and second sides, 7 and 8, of the sling means 6. In the preferred embodiment, the fabric or mesh net of sling means 6 is formed into sleeves lOa and lOb along sides 7 and 8. The ends 4 and 5 of tube 3 are inserted into the sleeves lOa and lOb. By using a single semi-rigid foam tube preferably of closed cell polyethylene, the foam tube is substantially straight.
When the tube is bent into a concentric U shape, and the ends are inserted into the sleeves at the sides of the sling, the properties of the ~emi-rigid closed cell foam tube result in the tub~ wanting to return to its natural un-bent state. This results in the ends of the tube putting the sling in tension to help hold the tube in the sleeves. The sleeves lOa and lOb can be straight or can be curved or ~ 21 65924 curved as shown in Figure 5. In another embodiment not shown the connector means can be adapted so that the ends of the tube(s) join forming an oval.
The floatation support has excellent stability and lounging qualities in the water and creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the fabric with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low centre of gravity results because of the way the weight of the user pulls down the centre of the sling. This allows full body support in the water utilizing the floatation properties of the foam tube, without the need to grasp the foam tube. However, one may conveniently rest the arms on one or both sides of the device.
Other means may be used to connect the sling and tube. For example it is possible to use hook and loop velcro type attachments or a casing with elasticized or draw-string means about the tube. If the sling means consists of a series of parallel horizontal and vertical strips 30, 31 woven as shown in Figure 6, similar to a lawn ~ 2165q24 chair, loops 33 can be provided in opposite ends of the horizontal strips 30 into which the ends of the tube can be inserted.
In the preferred embodiment the floatation means consists of a tube of closed cell polyethylene of 3 1/2 inches diameter and about 12 feet in length. The sling means is made of 100% nylon 60 inches long by 46 inches wide. The material is looped over at the edges and stitched using twelve inches on opposite sides to form two sleeves of approximately 12 inche~ in circumference. The ends of the tube are inserted into the sleeves so that the tube is bent around in a U shaped configuration.
A casing and drawstring or casing and elastic may be provided on the sleeves to secure the upper edges of the sleeve around the tube to prevent slippage down the tube. In addition a casing and drawstring can be added along the edge of the sling facing the U-bend in the foam tube providing a means to adjust the sling tension on the upper edge of the sling. Typically the ends of the ext~uded closed cell foam tube cut from a longer section are not closed and may absorb some water. When storing it is convenient to hang the tube with the open ends down to permit any water that has been absorbed to drain from the ends. Alternatively the ends may be treated to prevent water absorption.
~ 2165924 Referring to Figures 7 and 8, to provide protection from sun while in use, there may be a canopy attachment 14 such as illustrated in Figure 7 provided. The canopy attachment 14 has a fabric or mesh canopy 15 supported on vertical uprights 17 which are equipped with inverted U ends 18 for connection to the foam tube 3.
An alternative form of canopy attachment 20 is illustrated in Figure 8. The canopy means 21 is formed from a substantially semi-circle of material and provided with a series of parallel flexible ribs 22. The canopy 21 is flexed to form an arch over the U-bend in the foam tube.
No inflation is involved in the present invention and a puncture to the foam tube or to the sling will not result in any significant 108s of function for the device.
The floatation support can easily be disassembled by removing the tube from the sling, and the tube will typically return to a straight shape for storage. It is lightweight and simple to assemble and disassemble. The sling may be slid off the tube for cleaning, storage, or replacement. The tube may be replaced, for example, with a different coloured foam.
While use of a single flexible foam rod is illustrated in Figures 1-4, it may be desirable to reduce the length of flexible foam ~ 21 65924 rod to facilitate packaging and point of sale purposes. Accordingly, in another embodiment as shown in Figures 9 and 10, two flexible foam rods 51 and 52, preferably about three to five feet in length, are used together with a flexible foam connector 53. Fiexible foam connector 53 is a hollow tube having a co-axial hole 54 through its length. The ends 55 and 56 of rods 51 and 52 are sized to fit within opposite ends of hole 54 in connector 53. The diameter of hole 54 is slightly larger than the diameter of the rods 51 and 52. The sling means 60 shown in Figure 10 has ends 61 and 62 and opposite sides 70 and 80. Along sides 70 and 80 sleeves lOOa and lOOb are provided to retain rods 51 and 52. The ends 71 and 81 of sleeves lOOa and lOOb proximate end 62 of sling means 60 are closed. The other ends 72 and 82 of sleeves lOOa and lOOb proximate end 61 of sling 60 are open to permit the free end 57 and 58 of rods 51 and 52 respectivelly to be inserted into the sleeves. A third sleeve 90 is provided along end 61 of sling 60 so that ends 91 and 92 are open. The connector 53 is inserted through sleeve 90 and the ends 55 and 56 of rods 51 and 52 are then inserted in opposite ends of hole 54 in connector 53. This additional sleeve 90 will help retain the connected flexible form rods in place.
The sling material may preferably be of a waterproof type material and may be attached around the tube on each side in such a way that when out of the water, the entire device will dry very quickly and completely with no opportunity for mould growth to occur.
The tube, typically constructed of closed cell polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene blown foam is substantially waterproof and dries quickly when out of the water.
It will be appreciated that the above descrip~ion related to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the ïnvention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly describêd.
Claims (18)
1. A personal floatation support comprising elongate resilient and flexible foam floatation means having first and second end portions, sling means having first and second sides and connector means attached to said sling means, whereby said floatation means may be folded about itself into a generally U-shaped configuration when in use and retained in said U-shaped configuration by attaching said connector means to the said floatation means so that a person can lie or sit on said sling means while maintaining a low centre of gravity for stability.
2. A personal floatation support according to claim 1 wherein said foam floatation means comprises one or more buoyant flexible foam tubes.
3. A personal floatation support according to claim 1 wherein said foam floatation means comprises one or more buoyant flexible foam rods.
4. A personal floatation support according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said foam floatation means is a closed cell polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene blown foam extrusion.
5. A personal floatation support according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said sling means is formed of waterproof fabric.
6. A personal floatation support according to claim 5 wherein said sling means is formed of mesh net.
7. A personal floatation support according to claim 5 wherein said sling means is formed of a series of parallel strips of fabric.
8. A personal floatation support according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said connector means consists of a sleeve along said first and second sides of the sling means into which said first and second end portions of said foam floatation means are inserted.
9. A personal floatation support according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said connector means includes one or more loops along said first and second sides of the sling means into which said first and second end portions of said foam floatation means are inserted.
10. A personal floatation support according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said floatation means and said sling means can be submerged at the open end of the U-shape to facilitate a person laying or sitting on said sling means.
11. A personal floatation support according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said a person laying or sitting on said sling means is partially submerged to maintain a low centre of gravity and provide stability.
12. A floatation support including an elongate resilient and flexible foam floatation means folded about itself into a generally U-shaped configuration defining a pair of leg portions moveable between generally parallel and generally converging portions and interconnected by a generally arcuate bight portion when in use;
sling means extending between said leg portions and including opposite side edges secured to said leg portions of said foam floatation means; and a support portion defined by said arcuate bight portion of said foam floatation means to provide support for the head of a person lying on the sling means or the back of a person sitting on the sling means.
sling means extending between said leg portions and including opposite side edges secured to said leg portions of said foam floatation means; and a support portion defined by said arcuate bight portion of said foam floatation means to provide support for the head of a person lying on the sling means or the back of a person sitting on the sling means.
13. A sling for use with a personal floatation support comprising elongate resilient and flexible foam floatation means having first and second end portions, said sling having first and second sides and connector means, whereby said floatation means may be folded about itself into a generally U-shaped configuration when in use and retained in said U-shaped configuration by attaching said connector means to the said floatation means so that a person can lie or sit on said sling means while maintaining a low centre of gravity for stability.
14. A sling according to claims 13 wherein said sling is formed of waterproof fabric.
15. A sling according to claim 14 wherein said sling is formed of mesh net.
16. A sling according to claim 14 wherein said sling means is formed of a series of parallel strips of fabric.
17. A sling according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein said connector means consists of a sleeve along said first and second sides of the sling means into which said first and second end portions of said foam floatation means are inserted.
18. A sling according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein said connector means includes one or more loops along said first and second sides of the sling means into which said first and second end portions of said foam floatation means are inserted.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/360,457 | 1994-12-21 | ||
| US08/360,457 US5571036A (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1994-12-21 | Flexible tube floating sling |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2165924A1 CA2165924A1 (en) | 1996-06-22 |
| CA2165924C true CA2165924C (en) | 2002-05-28 |
Family
ID=23418029
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002165924A Expired - Fee Related CA2165924C (en) | 1994-12-21 | 1995-12-21 | Flexible tube floatation sling |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5571036A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2165924C (en) |
Families Citing this family (36)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5628658A (en) * | 1995-12-07 | 1997-05-13 | Clifford; Pater A. | Flotation device utilizing cylindrical foam tubes |
| NZ299373A (en) * | 1996-09-13 | 1998-06-26 | Graeme James Boddy | Inflatable flotation device of rocker chair form |
| US5947782A (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 1999-09-07 | Siladke; E. Robert | Motorized tubular flotation apparatus |
| JP4426722B2 (en) | 1998-05-19 | 2010-03-03 | ケルシウス，エルエルシー | Towel mat with frame member and removably attached membrane |
| US6276979B1 (en) | 1998-11-20 | 2001-08-21 | Ronald L. Saltel | Floating water chair |
| US6010382A (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2000-01-04 | Earth & Ocean Sports, Inc. | Hydroplane inner tube with adjustable seat |
| US6331128B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2001-12-18 | Christie Liscomb Schmick | Flexible core recreational device |
| US6485344B2 (en) | 2000-10-10 | 2002-11-26 | Gray Matter Holdings, Llc | Collapsible flotation device |
| US6929521B2 (en) * | 2002-10-09 | 2005-08-16 | Larry Howerton | U-shaped float tube with stabilizing frame |
| US6749475B2 (en) | 2002-10-09 | 2004-06-15 | Larry Howerton | U-shaped float tube with stabilizing frame |
| US7223151B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2007-05-29 | Lloyd Randall Anderson | Rigid ballon |
| US6971936B2 (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2005-12-06 | Kelsyus, Llc | Collapsible flotation device having support member |
| USD610216S1 (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2010-02-16 | Kelsyus, Llc | Flotation device with back support |
| USD642232S1 (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2011-07-26 | Kelsyus, Llc | Flotation device |
| US6840830B1 (en) | 2003-04-16 | 2005-01-11 | Matthew Harlan | Buoyant ring lounger |
| US20040217563A1 (en) * | 2003-04-29 | 2004-11-04 | Butts Kenneth E. | Rescue sled |
| US7322868B2 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2008-01-29 | Ross Jennifer D | Water devices and methods for making and using such devices |
| KR100717595B1 (en) * | 2005-04-11 | 2007-05-15 | 김정선 | Salvage system for life jacket |
| US7914352B2 (en) * | 2007-01-24 | 2011-03-29 | C2Mp, Inc. | Cover for a flotation device and flotation device employing same |
| US20120024217A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2012-02-02 | P.M. Giles, Inc. | Party Lounger and Floating Hammock |
| US8651909B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2014-02-18 | Patrick J. Romzek | Segmented recreational device |
| US8747173B1 (en) | 2011-06-10 | 2014-06-10 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company | Flotation device |
| US9017127B1 (en) | 2011-10-04 | 2015-04-28 | H2OChills, LLC | Recreational buoyancy system |
| US9051032B2 (en) | 2013-01-16 | 2015-06-09 | Christopher B. Hanel | Floating chair |
| US20140357141A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-04 | NoodleThings LLC | Multipurpose Personal Flotation Device |
| US9457876B1 (en) * | 2013-09-26 | 2016-10-04 | Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company | Multiple strand pool noodle |
| KR101610915B1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2016-04-08 | 정창희 | An air camp bed |
| US20150197321A1 (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2015-07-16 | Bradley Goldstein | Adjustable buoyant system |
| US9469388B2 (en) * | 2014-03-15 | 2016-10-18 | Jeffrey Ashi Olshan | Liquid flyer, flexi underwater raft |
| US10414137B2 (en) * | 2016-01-22 | 2019-09-17 | Rhino Building Products | Lightweight, insulated, weather-resistant, building products, methods and structures using the same |
| US20180110337A1 (en) * | 2016-10-25 | 2018-04-26 | Danan Smith | Flotation Device |
| CN106628036A (en) * | 2016-12-07 | 2017-05-10 | 成立 | Inflatable buoyancy device |
| US11208177B2 (en) | 2019-05-09 | 2021-12-28 | Greg A. January | Adjustable flotation device |
| USD913399S1 (en) | 2019-08-13 | 2021-03-16 | Comfort Research, Llc | Water floatation device |
| USD913400S1 (en) | 2019-08-13 | 2021-03-16 | Comfort Research, Llc | Water floatation device |
| USD987007S1 (en) | 2021-06-01 | 2023-05-23 | Aqua-Leisure Recreation, Llc | Buoyant chair |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1562276A (en) * | 1924-12-06 | 1925-11-17 | Assenzio Antonino | Buoyant chair |
| US1567555A (en) * | 1924-12-17 | 1925-12-29 | Straussler Nicholas | Float or raft for swimming purposes and the like |
| US3117327A (en) * | 1961-02-20 | 1964-01-14 | Formex Corp | Buoyant chair |
| US4693691A (en) * | 1985-07-26 | 1987-09-15 | His, Inc. | Float mattress |
| US4894033A (en) * | 1988-02-19 | 1990-01-16 | Herry Chang | Multipurpose and inflatable raft |
| US4976642A (en) * | 1989-09-15 | 1990-12-11 | Wilkie Lawrence A | Life ring |
| US5162007A (en) * | 1990-10-18 | 1992-11-10 | Phillip Leslie | Air-bubble cushion, mattress and water float items |
| US5308271A (en) * | 1992-09-11 | 1994-05-03 | Q.P.I. Consumer Products Corporation | Non-slip design pad for surfboard and method |
-
1994
- 1994-12-21 US US08/360,457 patent/US5571036A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1995
- 1995-12-21 CA CA002165924A patent/CA2165924C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2165924A1 (en) | 1996-06-22 |
| US5571036A (en) | 1996-11-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |