CA3002336A1 - Aquatic recreational article - Google Patents

Abstract

A buoyant recreational article for hockey-type play in aquatic settings comprising an inflatable base chamber with an accessible platform surface on or at the top surface of base chamber once inflated. An inflatable frame chamber with netting connected to it, is disposed proximal to, on or at the top surface of the inflated base chamber to form a hockey net once inflated. The inflatable base and frame chambers may or may not be in continuous fluid communication and may be inflated and deflated using one or more gas inlet/outlet valves. Means are included for optionally anchoring or docking the recreational article while floating in a body of water.

Description

AQUATIC RECREATIONAL ARTICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of buoyant aquatic sport and recreational articles, more particularly, compact, inflatable hockey training and amusement aids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Portable recreational articles provide for user amusement and a way to remain active while outdoors by allowing users to engage in activities of interest.
Both land and aquatic sport articles and systems have been developed to allow users to engage in their favourite sporting activities all year round outside of standard arenas, sport fields, gyms and other physical training facilities. Examples of such devices and systems are described in W09744554, W09919031, W02005019019, W02004022175, W02004067105, US2015321061, CN202028137 and US4732399.

[0003] One area of commercial activity has been to provide for recreational hockey activities beyond ice rinks into school yards, neighborhood streets and empty parking lots during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Lightweight and/or collapsible full size goals/nets (e.g. see W09919031) and hockey-play systems have been developed for use off season, as training aids, or to pass the time practice shooting (e.g.
see US200401427751). Many of these articles and systems, however, are limited in terms of the availability and suitability of different venues for engaging in the hockey-type play they facilitate.

[0004] One answer to these limitations has been the design of compact and portable hockey net/goal articles and systems, including a small footprint platform, and suitably sized hockey net with a ramp leading up to the opening of the net. Examples of such articles and systems are disclosed in US Patent No. 7066847, and products on the market branded under the labels Puck CatcherTM, Saucer KingTM and Sauce KitTM.

[0005] Such articles and systems are, however, generally designed for on land, or land-type use. If used near water, play is usually limited to placing the net and platform systems near the shoreline, on a dock or in a boat.

[0006] A custom fit, floating attachment has been made for the Sauce KitTM
goal product, consisting of a rigid frame with foam wrapped around it. When the hockey goal is fitted on top of the frame it can float on water. This attachment is an additional piece of equipment to carry around to different venues and sites.

[0007] It is desirable to consider alternative, simpler and/or more versatile constructions for compact hockey net/goal articles and systems that are designed for aquatic (on water) use, the design of which can also account for the effects of exposure to moisture, UV light, debris, chlorine and salt, as may be found in different aquatic settings.

[0008] Given the growing popularity of year round, on the go, hockey-type play, new ways to create challenges that engage users in a wider range of settings are also sought after to provide users with more varied experiences.

[0009] To address these and other recreational user needs for on water play, new portable, lightweight and compact hockey net and platform configurations are provided for in the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide a buoyant (inflatable) recreational article, exemplified in the form of a compact hockey net and platform base structure.
The exemplary article can be used to experience varied and challenging hockey-type play in aquatic settings and is suitable for on water use.

[0011] The present invention relates generally to an aquatic (buoyant) recreational article with a base and hockey net, made of flexible, fabric-like material that can float in various bodies of water, such as pools, lakes, seas, etc., once inflated.
The article comprises an inflatable base chamber which forms a base upon being inflated, with one or more platform surfaces that span(s) an area of the top surface of the base for balls or pucks to land on. The platform surface(s) may be formed by one or more rigid board-like inserts contained or enclosed in one or more pockets disposed just above or below the top surface of the base (chamber). An inflatable frame chamber with netting connected to it is operatively associated with the base chamber and platform surface(s).
The frame chamber with netting may be disposed on or near the top surface of the base to form a hockey net for receiving balls or pucks once inflated. The general design of the article is compact enough for the positioning of the hockey net to partially obstruct or impede the access of a ball or puck to one or more of the platform surfaces when shot at the target (article) from a particular angle or vantage point.

[0012] In one aspect there is provided a buoyant recreational article comprising:
a) an inflatable base chamber constructed of flexible fabric-like material with top and bottom surfaces and side walls connecting said surfaces to form a buoyant base that floats on the surface of a body of water once inflated;
b) one or more accessible platform surfaces connected to and spanning an area of the top surface of the base chamber;
c) an inflatable frame chamber operatively associated with the base chamber, constructed of flexible fabric-like material with netting connected to said frame chamber to form a buoyant hockey net once inflated that partially impedes access to the one or more platform surfaces; and d) one or more gas inlet/outlet valves for inflating and deflating the base and frame chambers of the article.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base has a generally rectangular shape.

[0014] In another embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces are formed by one or more pockets immediately above or below the top surface of the base chamber containing or enclosing one or more substantially rigid board inserts.

[0015] In still another embodiment, the one of the one or more platform surfaces span an area extending from a first end of the top surface of the base chamber.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the frame chamber comprises two members, a horizontally oriented member and a vertically oriented member relative to the top surface of the base chamber once the base and frame chambers are inflated.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the frame chamber is connected to the top surface of the base chamber, such that the hockey net is positioned proximal to one or more of the platform surfaces.

[0018] In still a further embodiment, the frame chamber is connected to the top surface of the base chamber so as to be positioned proximal to a second end opposite the first end of the top surface of the base chamber.

[0019] In alternative embodiments, the frame chamber of the hockey net abuts one of the one or more platform surfaces, or covers a portion of one of the one or more platform surfaces.

[0020] In another embodiment, the base chamber is configured to form a hole passing through the base of the article underneath the hockey net once inflated.

[0021] In further alternative embodiments, the base and frame chambers are inflated and deflated from the same, or from one or more distinct valves.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the base chamber is connected to one or more weights which do not substantially affect the buoyancy of the article to help maintain the article in an upright orientation when floating on the surface of a body of water and in use.

[0023] In still another embodiment, the base chamber comprises one or more means for connecting a rope or chain to dock or anchor the article when floating on the surface of a body of water.

[0024] In another aspect there is provided a method of using one or more buoyant recreational articles according to the present disclosure comprising the steps of:

a) inflating the article;
b) placing or floating the article on the surface of a body of water; and c) optionally, anchoring or docking the article.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method comprises the further step of shooting a ball or puck at the article from a desired distance.

[0026] In another embodiment, the method comprises the step of tethering one or more articles together after the step of inflating the article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings (Figures), briefly described as follows:

[0028] Figure 1: Top (A) and bottom (B) views of an example of a buoyant recreational article according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2: End views of an example of a buoyant recreational article according to the present disclosure. View A is from the end at which a pocket with a board insert is disposed on the top surface of the base of the article (front end). View B
is from the end at which the hockey net is disposed on the top surface of the base (back end). View C is the same view of the hockey net and platform surface as in View A from the front end and indicative of an accessible path to the platform surface and opening of the net for receiving balls and pucks.

[0030] Figure 3: Side views of an example of a buoyant recreational article according to the present disclosure. View A represents a left side view with reference to View A
of Figure 2. View B represents a right side view with reference to View A of Figure 2.
View C represents a right side view of the hockey net in View B.

[0031] Figure 4: An isometric view of an example of a buoyant recreational article according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5: Top (A), bottom (B), front (C), back (D), left side (E), right side (F) and isometric (G) views of an example of a buoyant recreational article in which the platform surface substantially spans the entire top surface of the base chamber.

[0033] Figure 6: Left side (A), front (B), back (C), bottom (D), and isometric (E) views of an example of a buoyant recreational article with a hole passing through the base chamber with netting connected around the perimeter of the hole to form a receptacle for balls and pucks shot into the hockey net.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention relates to buoyant recreational articles which float on water surfaces to provide compact hockey goal structures and systems for aquatic hockey-type play. The articles comprise an inflatable base and platform structures operatively associated with an inflatable hockey net structure for receiving balls and pucks. The size and shape of the base and platform structures, elevation of the platform and hockey net structure, and relative positioning of the hockey net to the platform structures may all be varied to produce a multitude of embodiments of the buoyant recreational articles provided for herein.

[0035] Various features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the illustrations in the Figures. The design factors, construction and use of the buoyant recreational articles disclosed herein are described with reference to various examples representing embodiments which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described and claimed herein.
The skilled technician in the field to which the invention pertains will appreciate that there may be other variations, examples and embodiments of the invention not disclosed herein that may be practiced according to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Definitions

[0036] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0037] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used herein in conjunction with the term "comprising" may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one" and "one or more than one."

[0038] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "having," "including" and "containing," and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements and/or method steps. The term "consisting essentially of' when used herein in connection with a composition, use or method, denotes that additional elements and/or method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited composition, method or use functions. The term "consisting of' when used herein in connection with a composition, use or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and/or method steps. A composition, use or method described herein as comprising certain elements and/or steps may also, in certain embodiments consist essentially of those elements and/or steps, and in other embodiments consist of those elements and/or steps, whether or not these embodiments are specifically referred to.

[0039] As used herein, the term "about" refers to an approximately +/-10%
variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0040] The recitation of ranges herein is intended to convey both the ranges and individual values falling within the ranges, to the same place value as the numerals used to denote the range, unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0041] The use of any and examples or exemplary language, e.g. "such as", "exemplary embodiment", and "for example" is intended to illustrate or denote aspects, embodiments, variations, elements or features of the invention and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0042] As used herein the terms "buoyant", "buoyancy", "float" and "floating"
refer to an article that can be, or is inflated and able once inflated to rest near or at the surface of a body of water without sinking. One skilled in the art would appreciate that a buoyant or floating article may be partially submerged in water and still be considered to be buoyant or able to float. Similarly, a buoyant article may have weight elements or features connected to it, built in, or otherwise integrated into its construction to influence the resting orientation of the buoyant article at or near the surface of a body of water.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "connect" and "connected" refer to any direct or indirect physical association between elements or features of the recreational article of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these terms may be understood to denote elements or features that are partly or completely contained within one another, attached, coupled, disposed on, joined together, etc., even if there are other elements or features intervening between the elements or features described as being connected. For example, the hockey net frame chamber may be connected to the top surface of the base chamber by way of direct attachment to said surface, or to a platform surface (i.e.
pocket enclosure containing a board insert) that rests on the top surface of the base chamber. Alternatively, connected elements or features may be fused or constructed in such a manner so at to form a continuous element or feature. For example, the upright and horizontally oriented members forming the frame chamber of the hockey net may be connected so as to be one continuous chamber or two separate chambers that may or may not be in fluid communication with each other. Similarly, the frame chamber may be connected to the base chamber so as to form one continuous chamber wherein the base and frame chambers are in fluid communication with each other.

[0044] As used herein, the term "fabric-like material(s)" refers to any flexible, sheet like material that can be manipulated to create different forms and shapes of chambers suitable for use in lightweight, buoyant (inflatable) articles of the present disclosure.
Without limiting the materials and methods that one skilled in the art might use to construct an inflatable article for recreational use as disclosed herein, examples of fabric-like materials for the construction of inflatable chambers include flexible, plastic sheet materials commonly used to make aquatic toys and lounging furniture.
Chambers may be made of one or more pieces of fabric-like material(s) connected (e.g.
sealed) in such a way so as to form seams, edges and to allow for the insertion of inlet/outlet valves to facilitate inflation/deflation.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "inflatable", "inflate" and "inflated" refer to any chamber of fabric-like material(s) that can receive, contain and retain air or gas in amounts and at pressures which expand and maintain the walls of the chamber to reveal the shape and size of an article, or parts thereof, according to its intended design.

[0046] As used herein, the term "operatively associated" refers to the connected configuration of the frame chamber/hockey net relative to the base chamber to provide for a functional aquatic recreational article once inflated.

[0047] As used herein, the terms, "substantially rigid" or "rigid" are used to denote that the shape or form of a structure cannot be readily and markedly changed, e.g. by bending, folding, molding, or otherwise. A substantially rigid structure may have some flexibility or material tolerance to be bent, deformed, etc., in response to a force applied to it while still substantially retaining its original shape or form.

[0048] It is contemplated that any embodiment of the buoyant recreational articles, methods and uses disclosed herein can be implemented by one skilled in the art, as is, or by making such variations or equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
BUOYANT RECREATIONAL ARTICLE CONFIGURATIONS

[0049] The buoyant recreational articles of the present disclosure comprise base, platform and hockey goal/net structures configured to provide a lightweight, portable, and compact floating targets with a net to receive balls and pucks during hockey-type play. The platform structure(s) integrated with the base provide a surface(s) which can absorb some of the force with which balls and pucks may arrive at the top surface of the base near the goal/net, to increase the chances and opportunities for said balls or pucks to enter the hockey net instead of just bouncing off of the inflated base. The size, shape and elevation of the top surface of the base beneath, in front of, or leading into the hockey net may be varied, to create different and challenging target practice experiences for users. Similarly, the size of the hockey net opening may be varied to affect the nature and degree of the challenge for a user to get a ball or puck into the hockey net.
Base Chamber

[0050] The inflated base chamber (base) may comprise one or more sub-chambers and be designed to have a variety of 3D forms.

[0051] In one embodiment the base chamber is a single chamber. In another embodiment, the base chamber is constructed from one or more connected sub-chambers (e.g. fused to one another), wherein one or more partition members separate in whole or in part connected sub-chambers. In related embodiments, the one or more sub-chambers may or may not be in fluid communication with one another.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable base chamber may be connected to a foam structure. Foam structures can be configured to provide an inflatable base chamber with additional stability when floating, provide a platform surface or facilitate the connection of additional floating net/receptable structures to the base chamber for more varied target play options.

[0053] In another embodiment, the base has a generally rectangular shape. In a related embodiment, the dimensions of the base chamber may range from about 3 to about inches for the height, from about 16 to about 36 inches for the length, and from about 16 to about 22 inches for the width. In another related embodiment, the dimensions of the base chamber may range from about 3 to about 6 inches for the height, from about 22 to about 36 inches for the length, and from about 16 to about 22 inches for the width.

[0054] In still another embodiment the base has a generally square shape. In a further embodiment, the base has a generally elliptical shape. In still a further embodiment, the base has a generally circular shape. In yet another embodiment, the base has an irregular shape or a form that can be recognized as a combination or composite of one or more different shapes, such as a T-shaped or cross-shaped structure.

[0055] In one embodiment, one or more holes are formed through the base chamber for a ball or puck to pass through. The perimeters of the one or more hole openings at the top and bottom surfaces may be reinforced with a rigid structure as disclosed in US
Patent No. 7247077. In another embodiment, netting is attached along the perimeter of the bottom surface hole opening(s) to form a receptable for receiving balls or pucks which pass through a hole(s) in the base.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the top surface of the base chamber may have one or more elevations once inflated. The configuration of different elevations for the top surface of the base may result in the formation of pedestals, recesses and like formations as part of the base structure.

[0057] In still a further embodiment, a two level base structure is fabricated, wherein a top surface area extending from one end of the base has a higher elevation than a top surface area extending from a second end opposite the first end. In this embodiment, the transition between top surface elevations may be defined by vertical or angled side walls, the latter of which can act as a ramp leading up from a lower to a higher top surface elevation. In related embodiments, one or more platform surface(s) may or may not be integrated into each elevation and/or used to reinforce a side wall facilitating the transition between elevations. In a further related embodiment, the hockey net structure may be operatively associated, or positioned on a higher top surface elevation.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, a recessed top surface area is provided on the base. In a related embodiment, one or more platform surface(s) may be provided in the recessed top surface area. In another embodiment, multiple recessed surface areas may be sized and spaced at different points of the top surface of the base to receive balls or pucks and provide for more target shooting play options.

[0059] In further embodiments, the hockey net structure may be operatively associated with the recessed top surface area, or with a higher elevation of the top surface that flanks the recessed top surface area of the base.

[0060] In other embodiments, weight structures may be connected to the base chamber on the side walls or bottom surface to assist the base to maintain an upright orientation while floating. In one variation, the weight structures are integrated into and contained within the base chamber. In another variation, weights are selectively attached to the base chamber using various available securing means.

[0061] In still a further embodiment, securing means connected to one or more surfaces or walls of the base for anchoring or docking the buoyant recreational articles are provided. In one variation, the securing means is a ring structure or rope hook for passing through a rope or chain, or clipping a tether to the base structure.
Platform Surface(s)

[0062] One or more platform surfaces are formed on or at the top surface of the base chamber. In one embodiment the platform surface(s) are formed by the insertion or encasement of one or more substantially rigid board structures into one or more pocket chambers above or below the top surface of the base chamber.

[0063] In one embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces are configured as a substantially continuous or uniform platform structure. In an alternative embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces are spaced from one another to provide for several distinct surfaces on the top of the base chamber. In another embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces are configured as a substantially horizontal platform structure.
In a further embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces are configured as platform structures on one or more elevations of the base. In yet another embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces are used to reinforce or provide force impact dampening to a side wall defining the transition between different top surface elevations of the base.

[0064] The integration of one or more platform surfaces with the top surface of the base may be achieved so as to facilitate the coupling of other elements and structures to the top surface of the base. In one embodiment, the hockey net structure is connected to the platform surface. In another embodiment a (removable or protective) cover structure is connected to the top surface of the base at points beyond the surface area(s) spanned by one or more platform surfaces.

[0065] In one embodiment, the base chamber of a buoyant recreational article may be inserted into or under a substantially rigid casing or cover which partially or substantially protects the surfaces and walls of the inflated base. Said casing or cover may provide an alternative platform surface which sits on the top surface of the base chamber instead of, or in addition to any platform surface(s) integrated with the base chamber. Examples of casing and cover constructs for inflatable articles are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 4732399 and 7516960, respectively.
Hockey Goal/Net

[0066] The inflatable frame chamber of the hockey goal/net structure operatively associated with the base chamber may be connected directly or indirectly to the top surface of the base and variably positioned in relation to said top surface.
In one embodiment the frame chamber once inflated comprises vertically and horizontally oriented frame members. The frame chamber may be connected to the base chamber by way of the vertically and/or horizontally oriented frame members at one or more connection points.

[0067] In another embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure covers the entire top surface of the base chamber. In still a further embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure covers a portion of the top surface of the base chamber.

[0068] In one embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is positioned to cover one or more platform surfaces. In yet another embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure covers the entirety of one or more of the one or more platform surfaces. In a further embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure partially covers one or more of the one or more platform surfaces. In yet another embodiment the hockey goal/net structure is positioned to abut or be proximal to one or more of the one or more platform surfaces.

[0069] The size of the net opening once the frame chamber is inflated may be varied to make it easier or harder to target during hockey shooting play. In one embodiment, the height of the hockey goal/net structure as defined by the vertically-oriented (upright) frame member is about 10 to about 16 inches. In another embodiment, the width of the hockey goal/net structure, as defined by the upright frame member and/or horizontally-oriented frame member is about 10 to about 20 inches. In a further embodiment, the depth of the hockey goal/net structure, as defined by the horizontally-oriented and/or upright frame member is about 12 to about 16 inches.

[0070] In another embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is positioned over one or more holes passing through the base structure.

[0071] In a further embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is positioned on one of multiple elevations of the top surface of the base. In still a further embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is positioned on the highest elevation of the top surface. In an alternative embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is positioned on an elevation other than the highest elevation of the top surface.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is positioned in a central region of the top surface of the base.
100731 In still a further embodiment, one or more hockey goal/net structures are operatively associated with a base (chamber) structure. In one variation, two hockey net structures may be positioned back-to-back so that balls and pucks can be shot from opposite vantage points into different nets by different users. In another variation, two or more hockey goal/net structures can be positioned in a side-by-side configuration on a base structure to allow multiple users from a similar vantage point to shoot balls and pucks into different nets. In a further variation, two or more hockey goal/net structures can be positioned angled relative to one another on a base structure (e.g. a circular base) to allow multiple users from different vantage points to shoot balls and pucks into different nets.
[0074] In yet another embodiment, a single hockey goal/net structure can be operatively associated with different regions of the top surface of the base using means for a user to selectively connect and disconnect the hockey goal/net structure to the top surface of the base.
[0075] In still a further embodiment, the hockey goal/net structure is connected proximal to one end of the base chamber (e.g. a side wall) resting on a separate buoyant base structure or extension of the base chamber, which structure or extension may be inflatable, and/or comprise foam.
[0076] In one embodiment, the vertically-oriented member of the frame chamber is connected to the top surface of the base chamber. In another embodiment, the vertically-oriented member of the frame chamber is connected to the side walls of the base chamber.
[0077] In still another embodiment, the horizontally-oriented member of the frame chamber is connected to the top surface of the base chamber. In a further embodiment, the horizontally-oriented member of the frame chamber is connected to the side walls of the base chamber.
[0078] In still another embodiment, the frame chambers of two or more hockey goal/net structures are connected.
[0079] In an embodiment, the netting of the hockey goal/net structure is connected to the two members of the frame chamber and may or may not wrap around part or all of the frame chamber structure.
CONSTRUCTION OF BUOYANT RECREATIONAL ARTICLE(S) [0080] The buoyant recreational articles comprise one or more inflatable chambers made of fabric-like material(s) and one or more plastic inlet/outlet valves integrated into the fabric-like material(s) for inflating and deflating the article.
[0081] In one embodiment, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to construct the buoyant recreational articles of the present disclosure. In related embodiment the PVC
used to construct the buoyant recreational articles is phthalate free (e.g. 6P
phthalate-free PVC). In yet another embodiment, the buoyant recreational articles of the present disclosure is BPA, phthalate and PVC free.
[0082] In another embodiment, the valve(s) of the buoyant recreational articles are made of PVC.

[0083] The base chamber and frame chamber of the hockey net may be made of the same or different fabric-like material(s). In one embodiment, the base chamber is made of one continuous piece or sheet of fabric-like material. In another embodiment, the base chamber and frame chamber are made of one continuous piece, or sheet of fabric-like material. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the base and frame chambers are constructed of two or more pieces, or sheets of fabric-like material.
[0084] In alternative embodiments, each of the exposed surfaces and side walls of the base chamber may be textured or smooth. In other alternative embodiments, either or both of the surfaces of the base may be ribbed. A ribbed surface can be formed in the design of a single chamber, or as a result of connecting one or more sub-chambers.
[0085] In other embodiments, the fabric-like material used to fabricate inflatable chambers of a buoyant recreational article may be single-ply, or multi-ply material, a UV resistant or resilient material, or material that is coated to provide for a more durable construction that resists puncturing and tearing, without substantially affecting the flexibility of the material(s).
[0086] The rigid board insert(s) which provide for one or more platform surfaces integrated with the top surface of the base chamber may also be constructed of light-weight materials, such as plastic (e.g. polypropylene plastic) and at a thickness to provide a sufficiently rigid platform surface that will not readily crack from the repeated impact of balls and pucks shot at the target article. In one embodiment, the thickness of the board insert(s) is/are about 2//8 (1/4) to about 3/8 of an inch.
100871 The pocket(s) for encasing board inserts may be made of fabric-like material(s) that may or may not be the same material(s) used to fabricate the base chamber and/or hockey net frame chamber.
[0088] In one embodiment, the one or more platform surfaces may be permanently fabricated and integrated with the base chamber. In another embodiment, board structures may be selectively inserted and secured or removed by the user from preformed pocket chambers formed on the top surface of the base chamber.

[0089] In another embodiment, the netting of the hockey net is made of plastic, string fibre or light rope mesh.
USE OF BUOYANT RECREATIONAL ARTICLE(S) [0090] The buoyant recreational articles of the present disclosure may be set up for use by inflating the base and frame chambers by applying any one of a number of suitable inflation means, e.g. bicycle pump, electrical tire pump, balloon pump or by the user blowing air directly into the valve(s). The articles may be deflated simply by unsealing the valve(s) to let air or gas escape, with or without assistance from the user applying pressure to the chamber surfaces and walls to push air out.
[0091] In one embodiment, the base and frame chambers of the article are in fluid communication with each other and are inflated and deflated through the same valve(s).
[0092] In another embodiment, the base and frame chambers of the article are in not in fluid communication with each other and are inflated and deflated through one or more valves.
[0093] In yet another embodiment, the members of the frame chamber are not in fluid communication with each other and each comprise one or more valves.
[0094] In an embodiment, all of the elements and features of the buoyant recreational articles are fully integrated into a single construction. The ability to construct fully integrated configurations of the elements and features of the buoyant recreational articles using primarily fabric-like materials provides a self-contained, water-ready product without extra parts to attach. Each article is lightweight and has a compact footprint whether in an inflated or deflated state. When deflated, the article can be folded and easily carried in a plastic bag, satchel, backpack, duffel bag, etc. When inflated, the article is compact and light enough to be carried by tucking the base under one's arm, or else by holding the article from one or more anchoring or docking means (e.g. ring structure(s), rope hooks, etc.), using one or two hands.
[0095] In an alternative embodiment, various elements and features of the buoyant recreational articles may be constructed separately and assembled by the user prior to use. For example, the frame and base chambers may be inflated separately and connected using a means (e.g. snaps) for securing the two chambers together.
Similarly, small weights used to help maintain the article in an upright orientation on the water surface can be packaged separately and inserted into prefabricated pockets, snapped or clipped onto the base using suitable securing means for each of these options, or hung from any anchoring or docking means provided on the base. Alternatively, a user may choose to use objects available at a given venue as weights that can be connected to the base, eliminating the need to carry weights with the article and thereby enhancing the portability of the article without the loss of options for its use in different water conditions.
[0096] To use the buoyant recreational articles of the present disclosure once inflated, the user need only place or set afloat the article on the surface of a body of water. In one embodiment the article is optionally anchored or docked to prevent it from drifting off into open bodies of water. The free float range of an article, once anchored or docked, will depend on the length of, or slack in the tethering means, the presence of surrounding objects and obstacles in the vicinity of the floating article, and the forces applied against the article during normal recreational use, e.g. wave motion and the impact of balls or pucks which hit or land on the base, or go into the hockey net. With each shot on target (i.e. which hits the article), the position and floating trajectory of the article can change. This provides the user with more varied and challenging play options by having to adjust aim to get the next ball or puck on target.
[0097] In another embodiment multiple buoyant recreational articles may be tethered together and optionally, one or more of said articles anchored or docked.
Configurations of multiple articles to provide a multitude of target options provides one or more users with a variety of game play options.
[0098] The following examples of buoyant recreational articles according to the present disclosure are set forth and described with reference to the Figures.
It will be understood that these examples are intended to describe illustrative embodiments of the buoyant recreational articles and uses thereof and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES
Example 1 [0099] With reference to Figures 1-4, an embodiment of the buoyant recreational articles provided for in the form of an inflatable base, platform and hockey net system is illustrated. The illustrated article comprises a generally rectangular, inflatable base chamber 1 and an inflatable hockey net 17 constructed of flexible fabric-like material, such as plastic sheet material commonly used to construct inflatable furniture, aquatic toys and other like recreational articles. The base chamber 1 comprises top 2 and bottom 3 surfaces which may be ribbed as shown in Figures 1A and 1B by the markings 2' and 3', respectively, or without ribbing as shown in Figure 4.
[00100] The top 2 and bottom 3 surfaces of the base chamber 1 are connected to each other by front 9, back 10, left 11 and right 12 side walls as viewed from the vantage point of looking into the opening of the hockey net 17 (see Figures 2A and 2C). A
substantially rigid board insert (not shown) is encased in a fabric pocket 7 above the top surface 2 of the base chamber 1 to form a platform surface 4 defined by sides 4a to 4d as shown in Figure 4. The platform surface 4 spans a surface area extending from the end of the top surface 2 proximal to the front side wall 9 of the base chamber 1 to abut the frame chamber 5 of the hockey net 17, as shown in Figures 3A to 3C and Figure 4.
[00101] Additional utilitarian features may be included on or integrated into the base chamber 1, such as means to secure the article to the floor of a body of water (anchor) or to a boat or dock. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate ring structures 8 connected to the front 9 and back 10 side walls for passing a rope through or connecting a chain which on the other end be secured to a suitable object to secure the article so that it does not float out of range when in use or for retrieval after use.
[00102] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the inflatable hockey net 17 comprises a frame chamber 5 with members 5a and 5b disposed in upright and horizontal orientations, respectively, relative to the top surface 2 of the base chamber 1. A space between the upright 5a and horizontal 5b members, defined in part by the right angle formed at the juncture of the two frame chamber members 5a and 5b, is enclosed by netting 6 connected to the frame chamber 5. The horizontally oriented member 5b may rest touching the top surface 2 of the base chamber 1 as shown in Figures 3B
and 4.
Alternatively, the horizontally oriented member 5b may hover slightly above the top surface 2 of the base chamber, as shown in Figure 3A and inferred from Figure 3C.
[00103] The hockey net spans a surface area of the top surface 2 of the base chamber 1 extending from the abutting edge 4c of the platform surface 4 towards the end of the top surface 2 proximal to the back side wall 10 of the base chamber 1.
[00104] To inflate and deflate the base chamber 1 and frame chamber 5, gas inlet/outlet valves 13, 14, 15 and 16 are provided. It will be within the ability of one one skilled in the art to determine the number and positioning of valves required to facilitate the inflation/deflation of the chambers in a given embodiment of the recreational articles of the present disclosure.
Example 2 [00105] In an alternative embodiment of the buoyant recreational article illustrated in Figures 5A to 5G, the platform surface 4 spans substantially the full surface area of the top surface 2 of the base chamber I (see Figure 5G) with the hockey net 17 positioned on top of the platform surface 4 as shown in Figures 5E to 5G.. In related embodiments (not shown) the hockey net 17 may IN widened for the frame chamber member 5a to connect to the top surface 2 of the based chamber 1 beyond edges 4b and 4d.
Frame chamber member 5b may in such an embodiment rest on or hover over platform surface 4, or just beyond edge 4c on or over the top surface 2 of the base chamber 1.
Example 3 [00106] In a further embodiment of the buoyant recreational article illustrated in Figures 6A to 6E, a continuous hole 19 with openings 20 and 20' passes through the base chamber 1 beneath the hockey net 17. Connected around and to the perimeter of opening 20 is netting 18 to form a receptacle 21 for receiving balls or pucks shot into the hockey net 17.

[00107] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and database entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent application, publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
[00108] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (18)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A buoyant recreational article comprising:
a) an inflatable base chamber constructed of flexible fabric-like material with top and bottom surfaces and side walls connecting said surfaces to form a buoyant base that floats on the surface of a body of water once inflated;
b) one or more accessible platform surfaces connected to and spanning an area of the top surface of the base chamber;
c) an inflatable frame chamber operatively associated with the base chamber, constructed of flexible fabric-like material with netting connected to said frame chamber to form a buoyant hockey net once inflated that partially impedes access to the one or more platform surfaces; and d) one or more gas inlet/outlet valves for inflating and deflating the base and frame chambers of the article.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the base has a generally rectangular shape.

3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more platform surfaces are formed by one or more pockets immediately above or below the top surface of the base chamber containing or enclosing one or more substantially rigid board inserts.

4. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more platform surfaces span an area extending from a first end of the top surface of the base chamber.

5. The article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame chamber comprises two members, a horizontally oriented member and a vertically oriented member relative to the top surface of the base chamber once the base and frame chambers are inflated.

6. The article of anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame chamber is connected to the top surface of the base chamber, such that the hockey net is positioned proximal to one or more of the platform surfaces.

7. The article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the frame chamber is connected to the top surface of the base chamber so as to be positioned proximal to a second end opposite the first end of the top surface of the base chamber.

8. The article of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base chamber is configured to form a hole passing through the base of the article underneath the hockey net once inflated.

9. The article of claim 8, wherein netting is connected around the entire perimeter of the opening of the hole at the bottom surface of the base chamber to form a receptacle for receiving a puck or ball.

10. The article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the frame chamber of the hockey net abuts one of the one or more platform surfaces.

11. The article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the frame chamber of the hockey net covers a portion of one or more of the platform surfaces.

12. The article of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base chamber and frame chamber are in fluid communication with one another and may be inflated and deflated from one or more valves.

13. The article of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base chamber and frame chamber are not in fluid communication with one another and are each inflated and deflated from one or more distinct valves.

14. The article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base chamber is connected to one or more weights which do not substantially affect the buoyancy of the article to help maintain the article in an upright orientation when floating on the surface of a body of water and in use.

15. The article of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base chamber comprises one or more means for connecting a rope or chain to dock or anchor the article when floating on the surface of a body of water.

16. A method of using one or more articles according to anyone of claims 1 to 15, comprising the steps of:
a) inflating the article;
b) placing or floating the article on the surface of a body of water; and c) optionally, anchoring or docking the article.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising the further step of shooting a ball or puck at the article from a desired distance.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein mie or more articles are tethered together.