AU2020100518A4

AU2020100518A4 - A floatation device

Info

Publication number: AU2020100518A4
Application number: AU2020100518A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joel Dov COHEN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-05-07
Filing date: 2020-04-03
Publication date: 2020-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to swimming accessories and in particular to a floatation device. The floatation device comprising: a plurality of hollow tubes having respective first ends, respective second ends and respective hollow cores; a plurality of cylindrical pipes, adapted to be received in the respective plurality of hollow tubes; a plurality of sealing means for sealing the respective first end and the respective end of the each of the plurality of tubes after the plurality of cylindrical pipes have been received; a sheet of fabric enclosing the plurality of hollow tubes, thereby securing each of the plurality of hollow tubes side by side inside the sheet of fabric and forming the floatation device; wherein the plurality of cylindrical pipes are inserted in two or more of the plurality of hollow tubes to provide stability and reinforcement to the floatation device; wherein the plurality of sealing means are configured to secure the plurality of cylindrical pipes inside the respective plurality of hollow tubes; wherein the sheet of fabric is configured to be sewn at the respective first ends.

Description

A FLOATATION DEVICE

Technical Field [001] The present invention generally relates to swimming accessories and in particular to a a floatation device.

Background [002] Swimming is consistently among one of the top public recreational activities. . In view of the increasing interest in swimming, various accessories such as swim boards, pool noodles, kick boards, rafts, pool floats etc have been introduced by various companies. These accessories have been used by kids as well as adults for learning swimming or staying afloat for leisure primarily in swimming pools.

[003] Most of the existing accessories have a number of challenges to their users, for example, pool floats. Typically, pool floats are required to be inflated with air to enable them to float on water. Though the said pool float helps users to float they fails to provide stability especially in water that is not perfectly calm. As a result, the users need to be careful while boarding or deboarding the pool float. Additionally, they are also easily affected by moving water such as in wave pools and water parks and turned upside down due to such waves in the water.

[004] It is therefore desirable to have floatation device that does not suffer from the abovementioned deficiencies or at least provide a viable and effective alternative. It is also desirable to provide a floatation device that has improved performance in water that is not perfectly calm and can also provide improved performance in oceans and moving water such as rivers.

[005] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[006] Any one of the terms: “including” or “which includes” or “that includes” as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others.

[007] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art nor that such background art

2020100518 03 Apr 2020 is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or worldwide.

Summary [008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floatation device. The floatation device comprises a plurality of hollow tubes having respective first ends, respective second ends and respective hollow cores, a plurality of cylindrical pipes, adapted to be received in the respective plurality of hollow tubes, a plurality of sealing means for sealing the respective first end and the respective end of the each of the plurality of tubes after the plurality of cylindrical pipes have been received and a sheet of fabric enclosing the plurality of hollow tubes, thereby securing each of the plurality of hollow tubes side by side inside the sheet of fabric and forming the floatation device. Further, the plurality of cylindrical pipes are inserted in two or more of the plurality of hollow tubes to provide stability and reinforcement to the floatation device. Additionally, the plurality of sealing means are configured to secure the plurality of cylindrical pipes inside the respective plurality of hollow tubes. Moreover, the sheet of fabric is configured to be sewn at the respective first ends and the respective second ends as well as between each of the plurality of the hollow tubes when placed side by side inside the sheet of fabric.

[009] The plurality of hollow tubes may be made of, but not limited to, a buoyant material.

[010] The buoyant material may be, but not limited to, polyethylene foam.

[Oil] The plurality of cylindrical pipes may made of, but not limited to, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

[012] The sheet of fabric may be made of, but not limited to, a waterproof, flexible and a sewable material.

[013] The waterproof material may be selected from one of, but not limited to, PVC, Polyurethane Laminate(PUL), Thermoplastics Polyurethane (TPU) and polyester.

[014] The sealing means is selected from, but not limited to, a duct tape or a water sealant.

[015] The floatation device may further comprise inflatable boat fenders attached to the floatation device with elastic cords and adapted to provide additional flotation for the floatation device as well as a head support for a user.

2020100518 03 Apr 2020 [016] The floatation device may further comprise a plurality of drainage eyelets adapted to drain away water on the floatation device.

[017] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a floatation device comprising: a plurality of hollow tubes having respective first ends, respective second ends and respective hollow cores; at least one pipe, adapted to be received in at least one of the respective plurality of hollow tubes; a plurality of sealing means for sealing the respective first end and the respective end of the each of the plurality of tubes after the at least one pipes has been received into the at least one tube; a sheet of fabric enclosing the plurality of hollow tubes, thereby securing each of the plurality of hollow tubes side by side inside the sheet of fabric and forming the floatation device.

[018] Preferably, the floatation device includes a plurality of pipes that are respectively inserted in two or more of the plurality of hollow tubes to provide stability and reinforcement to the floatation device.

[019] Preferably the pipes are cylindrical.

[020] Preferably the plurality of sealing means are configured to secure the plurality of pipes inside the respective plurality of hollow tubes.

[021] Preferably the sheet of fabric is configured to be sewn at the respective first ends and the respective second ends as well as between each of the plurality of the hollow tubes when placed side by side inside the sheet of fabric.

Brief Description of Drawings [022] At least one example of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[023] Figure 1A illustrates a floatation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[024] Figures IB illustrates an assembly of a plurality of hollow tubes and the plurality of cylindrical tubes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [025] Figure 2A-2B illustrate an implementation of the floatation device of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[026] It should be noted that the same numeral represents the same or similar elements throughout the drawings.

Description of Embodiments

2020100518 03 Apr 2020 [027] The present invention aims to provide a floatation device. In this regard the invention below has been discussed with the help of figures for clarity. However, a skilled addressee would appreciate that the invention is not limited to particular types of implementations that have been discussed below and may be equally applicable to many different implementations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[028] Figure 1A illustrates a floatation device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The floatation device 100 may be used as a swimming accessory in, but not limited to, swimming pools, water parks, lakes, rivers and seas. The floatation device 100 comprises a plurality of hollow tubes 102 having respective first ends 1022, respective second ends 1024 and respective hollow cores 1026. The plurality of hollow tubes 102 may have, but not limited to, a cylindrical or a cuboidal outer shape and the shape of the respective cores may be, but not limited to, cylindrical shape. Preferably, the plurality of hollow tube have the cylindrical outer shape and the cylindrical hollow cores 1026. The plurality of hollow tubes 102 are made of a buoyant material such as, but not limited to, a polyethylene foam. This ensures that that the floatation device 100 always stays afloat in water. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hollow tubes 102 may include, but not limited to, 4-10 hollow tubes depending on upon the application and the weight-carrying capacity. The same has been illustrated in figure IB.

[029] Further included in the floatation device 100 is a plurality of cylindrical pipes 104, adapted to be received in the respective plurality of hollow tubes 102. The plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 have to be inserted in the plurality of cylindrical pipes 104, therefore, the shape of the plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 should conform with the shape of the respective hollow cores 1026 of the respective plurality of hollow tubes 102. The same has been illustrated in figure IB. The plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 are adapted to provide stability and reinforcement to the floatation device 100 while also increasing strength, carrying capacity and ability to handle water waves. The plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 are made of, but not limited to, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 may be inserted only in the some of the plurality of hollow tubes 102. For example: if there are six hollow tubes arranged side by side, then the cylindrical pipes may be inserted in the 4 hollow tubes in the middle and the outer tubes may be left hollow to provide increased stability.

2020100518 03 Apr 2020 [030] Depending on the required area of use, more or less rigidity and flexibility may be required by adjusting a number of the plurality of the cylindrical pipes used. For example, increased support and rigidity might be needed to get back on for a deep-sea rescue when coming off in deep water. However, this means more shock waves may be transmitted onto a passenger associated with a hard and completely rigid board. Increased flexibility may be desirable in some environment such as use in shallower water with more waves and increased “thrill seeking”. In another embodiment, there may be 4 hollow tubes side by side with the inner hollow two tubes having the cylindrical pipes.

[031] Additionally, the floatation device 100 comprises a plurality of sealing means (not shown) for sealing the respective first end and the respective end of the each of the plurality of tubes after the plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 have been received. The plurality of sealing means are configured to secure the plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 inside the respective plurality of hollow tubes 102. Further, the sealing means is selected from, but not limited to, a duct tape or a water sealant [032] Returning to figure 1A, the floatation device 100 further comprises a sheet of fabric 106. The sheet of fabric 106 is adapted to enclosing the plurality of hollow tubes 102, thereby securing each of the plurality of hollow tubes 102 side by side inside the sheet of fabric 106 and forming the floatation device 100. As previously mentioned, after receiving the plurality of cylindrical pipes 104 and the plurality of sealing means, the respective plurality of hollow tubes 102 are placed/arranged side by side. The sheet of fabric 106 is then wrapped around the plurality of hollow tubes 102 and is then sewn at the respective first ends 1022 and the respective second ends 1024 as well as between each of the plurality of the hollow tubes when placed side by side inside the sheet of fabric 106. The stiches on the respective first ends 1022 and the respective second ends 1024 have been illustrated by dashed lines in figure 1A. The sheet of fabric 106 is made of, but not limited to, a waterproof, flexible and a sew-able material. The waterproof material is selected from one of, but not limited to, PVC, Polyurethane Laminate(PUL), Thermoplastics Polyurethane (TPU) and polyester.

[033] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the invention further comprises inflatable boat fenders 108 attached to the floatation device 100 with elastic cords 110 along a fore deck. The inflatable boat fenders 108 are adapted to provide additional flotation for a bow of floatation device 100 for the bow to keep it ridding high and dry over the waves and not sinking or plunging under the waves. Furthermore, the inflatable boat fenders

2020100518 03 Apr 2020

108 act a head support for a user. The user may easily lie down in a pool on the floatation device 100 while the headrest provides additional comfort. In one embodiment, these may be integrated with the sheet of fabric 106. In addition, there may be provided a plurality of drainage eyelets 112 adapted to drain away water on the floatation device 100. The same has been illustrated in figure 1A.

[034] Figures 2A-2B illustrate an implementation of the floatation device 100 of Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figures 2A and 2B, a user 202 is shown resting on the floatation device 100 in a swimming pool 204. The floatation device 100 may have a length in the range of 4 feet to 10 feet, depending on the requirement of the usage. Figure 2A illustrates the floatation device 100 which allows the user 202 to dip his legs and feet in the swimming pool 204. It may also be used by the kids. Figure 2B illustrates the floatation device 100 that has a longer length, say 7 ft., and allows the user 200 to rest his feet on the floatation device 100 itself. For example: 10 feet gives it more speed, more curvature to the hull to ride over the waves better and so it will float more weight.

[035] The present invention offers a number of advantages. Firstly, it provides a cost effective and easy to implement solution to the problems of prior art. It is an advantage of the present invention that the movements of the water waves that often cause sudden jerk/shock movement can now be negotiated using the present invention. Additionally, the present invention utilises cost efficient and commonly available materials for constructing the floatation device of the present invention. Moreover, the present invention offers a more stability than the devices known in the art and therefore offers much more stability. The plurality of cylindrical pipes provide the required strength and stability to the floatation device.

[036] In the preferred embodiment, the boat fenders used with the hollow tubes are the no. 376012 415 mm x 140 mm Supafend boat fenders (supafend.com.au). The bungy cords used to attach the boat fenders to the floatation device are 7 mm in diameter. To attach the non-slip bungy cords to the boat fenders, double the cords over on themselves, feed and loop the looped end of the cord through the hole at one end of the fender, feeding the end through the loop and wrapping the cord under tension around the device for proper sizing, feed the other end of the doubled-over cord through the hole at the other end of the fender, double it over on itself and tie it off, under tension, with 2 or more cable ties for a non-slip, permanent tie. For ease of installation of the boat fenders on to the device, the user should sit on their knees facing forward astride the top of device, about a foot or two from the front end of the device, fold the device

2020100518 03 Apr 2020 length-wise in on itself, and while holding the folded device in position between the knees under pressure, start out by slipping the bungy cord under the bottom leading edge of the front end of the device, gradually working the cord and fender in stages on to the device until it is in position. Then pressing down on the two noodles running along the sides of the device, stretch out the folded device so it sits flat again.

[037] In the preferred embodiment a flexible waterproof silicon adhesive used to cement in place the rigid 25 mm diameter PVC conduit pipes running nearly all the way through the hollow tubes and the 12 to 18 inch sections of the more flexible PVC black pipes that come in rolls which are used for the joins between the hollow tube sections that don't have the more rigid PVC conduit pipes running almost all the way through (they should be an inch or two recessed at each end for a margin of error) is Fix-All Crystal as supplied by Soudal Australia. To cut down on waste and keep the manufacturing costs down, shorter off-cuts of conduit pipes can be used by using the joins that are moulded into one end of each of the 4 meter lengths of pipe. Preferably the PCV conduit pipes are inserted into the hollow tubes and positioned and secured in place using the silicon adhesive such that they do not protrude or poke out of the hollow tubes.

[038] The double, quick release and faster drainage eyelet rivet system, using locking cable ties, used on the stem can also be used on the front-end for easier extraction. Preferably the front-end of the fabric tubes are closed completely so as to avoid drag.

[039] The 2.6m long floatation device is suitable for a user up to 2 meters tall. A user of 2. Im or more may need a 2.74m floatation device or longer.

[040] Preferably the hollow tubes need to be sewn into the fabric tubes with a 2 or 2 1/2 inch gap between them for greater spread and stability at the back for re-boarding in deep water. Further, the fabric needs to be folded over on itself for double thickness at which ever end the paired locking eyelet rivets are riveted in.

[041] In one embodiment, spacers and/or stoppers are used at both ends of each hollow tube Just another update to prevent the cylindrical pipes shifting inside the hollow tubes.

[042] In one embodiment the floatation device includes at least one or a plurality of eyelet rivets on the PVC fabric layer to lock the hollow tubes in place by threading cable ties through the eyelets, above and below each other, providing an even bigger opening at the stern for faster

2020100518 03 Apr 2020 drainage. This also allows ease of replacing hollow tubes and the ability to add and remove PVC conduit pipes as required.

[043] In one embodiment the hollow tubes are Thermotec branded 4-inch-wide Jumbo Noodles.

[044] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent from the description to those skilled in the art. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments but is to be providing broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed and/or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A floatation device comprising:

a plurality of hollow tubes having respective first ends, respective second ends and respective hollow cores;

a plurality of cylindrical pipes, adapted to be received in the respective plurality of hollow tubes;

a plurality of sealing means for sealing the respective first end and the respective end of the each of the plurality of tubes after the plurality of cylindrical pipes have been received;

a sheet of fabric enclosing the plurality of hollow tubes, thereby securing each of the plurality of hollow tubes side by side inside the sheet of fabric and forming the floatation device;

wherein the plurality of cylindrical pipes are inserted in two or more of the plurality of hollow tubes to provide stability and reinforcement to the floatation device;

wherein the plurality of sealing means are configured to secure the plurality of cylindrical pipes inside the respective plurality of hollow tubes;

wherein the sheet of fabric is configured to be sewn at the respective first ends and the respective second ends as well as between each of the plurality of the hollow tubes when placed side by side inside the sheet of fabric.
2. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of hollow tubes are made of a buoyant material.
3. The floatation device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the buoyant material is polyethylene foam.
4. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of cylindrical pipes are made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
5. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet of fabric is made of a waterproof, flexible and a sew-able material.
6. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waterproof material is selected from one of PVC, Polyurethane Laminate(PUL), Thermoplastics Polyurethane (TPU) and polyester.
7. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing means is selected from a duct tape or a water sealant.

2020100518 03 Apr 2020
8. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising inflatable boat fenders attached to the floatation device with elastic cords and adapted to provide additional flotation for the floatation device as well as a head support for a user.
9. The floatation device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of drainage eyelets adapted to drain away water on the floatation device.
10. A floatation device comprising:

a plurality of hollow tubes having respective first ends, respective second ends and respective hollow cores;

at least one pipe, adapted to be received in at least one of the respective plurality of hollow tubes;

a plurality of sealing means for sealing the respective first end and the respective end of the each of the plurality of tubes after the at least one pipes has been received into the at least one tube; and a sheet of fabric enclosing the plurality of hollow tubes, thereby securing each of the plurality of hollow tubes side by side inside the sheet of fabric and forming the floatation device.
11. A floatation device according to claim 10 further comprising a plurality of pipes that are respectively inserted in two or more of the plurality of hollow tubes to provide stability and reinforcement to the floatation device.
12. A floatation device according to claim 11 wherein the pipes are cylindrical.
13. A floatation device according to claim 12 wherein the plurality of sealing means are configured to secure the plurality of pipes inside the respective plurality of hollow tubes.
14. A floatation device according to claim wherein the sheet of fabric is configured to be sewn at the respective first ends and the respective second ends as well as between each of the plurality of the hollow tubes when placed side by side inside the sheet of fabric.