ES2830029T3 - Floating lounger to hold an individual or object in the water - Google Patents

Abstract

Floating lounger (1) to hold a person or object in the water, wherein said lounger comprises a single floating body (3), whose floating body (3) is made of a solid closed-cell foam, characterized in that the body ( 3) floating is provided with a textile layer (2) on the outside, wherein the textile layer (2) comprises a first portion (2a) of textile layer and a second portion (2b) of textile layer, the first portion (2a) of which ) of textile layer is provided at least on an upper surface (4, 5) of the lounger (1), and whose second portion (2b) of textile layer is provided on a lower surface (6) of the lounger (1), and wherein the second textile layer portion (2b) comprises a mesh-like structure capable of draining water through openings in the mesh-like structure after said lounger (1) has been used as a floating piece of furniture. .

Description

DESCRIPTION

Floating lounger to hold an individual or object in the water

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to floating loungers. Floating loungers are suitable for holding one or more people or objects in the water due to their buoyancy.

More specifically, the invention relates to the lounger area for recreational activities in the water. Typical places are, among others, swimming pools, the beach, lakes, the sea, etc.

Background of the invention

To allow an individual or object to float in the water, he / she may be carried or supported by objects or devices that have sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of the individual or object.

A known application of such floating loungers is inflatable mattresses. These airbeds are usually made of plastic and are used substantially as water toys.

A problem with these mattresses is their inferior quality and lack of comfort. Due to the flexibility of the material, inflatable mattresses can develop leaks or break quickly. Therefore, repairing or patching these leaks is often difficult.

US patent US 6,045,423 entitled "Pool Chair" describes a floating deck chair (10) consisting of a U-shaped portion (Figure 1:12) made of cellular foam with a closed cell structure, a footrest (Figure 1: 40 ) made of cellular foam, a pivoting headrest / backrest (Figure 1:32) made of cellular foam, and a hanging part (Figure 1: 35, 36) that connects the footrest and the headrest / backrest. The U-shaped part (12) is connected to the pendant part (35, 36) by means of a rod (Figure 1:28). The U-shaped portion (12), the footrest (40) and the headrest (32) are covered with a protective cover (22) made of water-repellent canvas, for example, plastic-reinforced canvas. The US 6,045,423 lounger contains many parts, some of which float and some of which do not float. Components have to be produced separately, which makes manufacturing complicated and expensive. Furthermore, a lounger assembled from so many components is susceptible to defects, such as ripping, component detachment, etc., and is therefore not durable.

US patent US 6,062,930 entitled "Multipurpose Recreational Mat" describes a floating lounger (Figure 1: 10) consisting of three floating bodies (Figure 1: 12, 14, 12) made of a closed cell polyurethane. The three floating bodies are covered with a single water-repellent cover (Figure 1:16), made, for example, of waterproof nylon. The three floating bodies are held together by the cover (16) which must be provided with seams (Figure 1: 38) to keep the floating bodies in position. This lounger also contains several components that must be produced separately and that must be assembled to form a lounger that is highly susceptible to defects, such as breakage at the location of the seams (38). Therefore, this lounger is not durable either.

US patent US 5,779,513 entitled "Flotation Apparatus" describes a floating lounger (Figure 1:10) consisting of two floating bodies (Figure 1: 12, 14) made of a closed cell foam and a hanging portion (Figure 1: 16 ) that connects the two floating bodies. A porous cover (Figure 2: 23), for example made of cotton, nylon or vinyl, covers the two floating bodies (12, 14) and can possibly be removed by means of a zip fastener. This lounger also contains several floating parts that must be produced separately and fitted together to form a lounger, and this is not durable due to stitching or other techniques that must be used to hold the floating parts in position (see column 3, lines 62-67 ). Figure 4 shows that the bed is not fully floating. The wearer is in the water on the middle piece of the textile and is therefore wet all the time.

Canadian patent application CA 2,176,066 entitled "Coussin Thermo-Isolant" describes a mattress consisting of a base surface made of leather or plastic (Figure 2 Figure 3: 20), a number of foam strips (Figure 2 Figure 3: 26), and a textile cover (Figure 3:30). The CA 2,176,066 mattress is not a floating structure.

US patent US 5,853,309 entitled "Swimming Pool Float with Anchoring System" describes a floating lounger (Figure 1:10) consisting of a floating body (Figure 1:12), inflatable or made of closed cell foam, a headrest (Figure 1:14), and straps that allow the floating bed to be anchored. The variant which is made of closed cell foam and described with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 contains four compartments for the straps (Figure 8: 56) with separate covers for the compartments (Figure 9: 66). The headrest, compartments and covers make the lounger less durable. Furthermore, the lounger is uncomfortable in use because the user is lying on the closed cell foam.

International patent application WO 2008/007410 A1 entitled "Multi-Use Floating Mattress" describes a floating lounger. A first embodiment of the floating lounger, illustrated in Figure 1-4 of WO 2008/007410 A1, comprises several adjacent segments contained in respective cases connected by means of a line cross. A second embodiment of the floating lounger, illustrated by Figure 5-7 of WO 2008/007410 A1, comprises a single floating segment contained in a case. The cases are made of imitation marine leather according to page 2, lines 20-21 of WO 2008/007410 A1.

There is a need for a more durable and comfortable floating lounger to hold a person or object in the water. Since durability must be improved, there is also a need for a floating piece of furniture that is more capable of adapting to the effects of water and the great outdoors.

Summary of the invention

It is a goal to overcome or improve the aforementioned deficiencies in comfort, durability and repairability.

In a first aspect, this objective is achieved by a floating lounger according to claim 1. In the present invention, it is understood that the expression "solid closed cell foam" is understood as a material in which the material is a foam made of closed solid cells. These closed cells are provided with a gas, gas mixture or air inside. This contributes to the buoyancy of the floating body. Preferably, the solid closed cell foam is a material selected from the group consisting of:

- Polyurethane foam;

- rubber foam;

- XPS or extruded polystyrene foam;

- Polystyrene foam;

- phenolic foam; me

- other suitable closed cell foams.

According to one embodiment, the floating body is produced by means of a technique selected from the group consisting of:

- a manufacturing process suitable for producing a solid closed cell foam of sufficiently low density to function as a floating object in water. Density is also selected to be in an optimal range to ensure optimal reclining comfort;

- a manufacturing process suitable for producing the so-called skin foam, comprising a high-density outer wall and a low-density core, such as an open molding process or a closed molding process, such as for example the so-called reaction injection molding or RIM process.

According to a preferred embodiment, the closed cell solid foam has one or more of the following material parameters:

- a density in the range from 10 to 50 kg / m3, for example, from 20 to 40 kg / m3, preferably from 25 to 35 kg / m3; - a compressive strength at 10% deformation in the range from 5 to 50 kPa, for example, in the range from 10 to 30 kPa, preferably 15 to 25 kPa;

- a Shore hardness in the range from 20 to 60, preferably from 30 to 40;

- a cell size of less than 5 mm, for example less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm. Such material parameters make it possible for the lounger to function as a floating object, but are also optimal for optimizing comfort when reclining.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the textile layer is permeable to water.

According to one embodiment, the textile layer comprises a woven fabric.

The term "mesh-like structure" in the following description is to be understood as a structure for a textile layer, wherein the textile is provided with openings, gauze, mesh, etc., which can transport moisture or water through the latter . A known example of this type of gauze is, for example, gauze known by the brand name Batyline®, but according to alternative embodiments, other gauze, tights, etc. can also be used. that contain suitable openings to allow the passage of water.

According to one embodiment, the textile layer is removable from the floating body.

According to one embodiment, the textile layer is a bag that is suitable for later wrapping the floating body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bag comprises a closure element by means of which the floating body can be received in the bag and which is capable of closing the bag containing the received floating body.

According to a more preferred embodiment, the closure element refers to a slide fastener.

It is obvious that a closure element can also refer to other known elements that can close the bag. Examples of this are one or more magnetic elements, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, etc.

According to one embodiment, the textile layer is resistant to ultraviolet rays and preferably also resistant outdoors, to mechanical damage, is breathable, treated against the formation of mold and / or able to avoid condensation of heat and humidity. .

According to one embodiment, the upper surface at the head of the lounger is at an angle a with respect to the upper surface at the foot of the lounger, with a being between 5 ° and 80 °.

It is advantageous if one end of the floating furniture piece is inclined, as this provides a more comfortable headrest for a person lying on it. As illustrated in the embodiments described below, this sloping end can be an integral part of the shape of the floating body. However, according to alternative embodiments, it can also be configured as a separate body, for example a soft body, such as for example a cushion, and is removably attached to the floating body. This can be done, for example, by means of a detachable connection using magnets. In this way, these separate bodies can consist of a material that has a density that can differ from the density of the floating body and makes it possible to optimize the density of the lounger area at the headboard to support the head. Such a separate body can also be easily replaced or removed, for example, to allow a more frequent cleaning operation compared to the other parts of the lounger. It may also be useful to replace the cushion with a second cushion, for example of a different color or quality. Thus, these cushions can be easily repaired or replaced.

According to one embodiment, the length of the floating body is between 1.5m and 2.5m, preferably about 2m, and the width of the flat body is between 0.40m and 1.00m, preferably about 0.80m.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a floating lounger according to an embodiment according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross section along transverse axis A-A for the floating lounger of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a cross section along the longitudinal axis B-B for the floating lounger of Figure 1.

Figures 4 and 5 show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a floating lounger according to an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3.

Detailed description of the realization (s)

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a floating deck chair (1) according to an embodiment according to the present invention. Such a lounger (1) comprises a floating body (3) that is made of a solid closed-cell foam. As a result, the lounger (1) is adapted to support the weight of an individual while he / she is floating in the water. The floating lounger (1) is also adapted, with respect to length and width, to allow a person to lie on it. The floating body (3) is provided around it with a textile layer (2). The textile layer (2) can be made, for example, of a fabric known by the brand name Sunbrella® or of any other suitable fabric to cover a deck chair. Preferably, the textile layer (2) is a water-permeable woven fabric that is also durable and resistant outdoors, has good resistance to mechanical damage, is breathable, treated against the formation of mildew and / or capable of preventing condensation of the heat and humidity. The lounger (1) has a planar shape, with a sloping part at the head (7) that serves as a headrest for a person lying on it. In the figure, axes A-A and B-B are shown, indicating the cross sections, respectively, of Figure 2 and Figure 3.

Figure 2 illustrates how the textile layer (2) subsequently envelops the inner floating body (3). Furthermore, the upper surface (4) on the foot (8) and the upper surface (5) on the header (7) are indicated. The upper surface (4) on the foot (8) runs parallel to the lower surface (6) of the lounger (1) across the width. It is evident that, as indicated, the upper surface (4, 5) of the lounger (1) and the headboard (7), together with the respective lateral faces (11, 12, 17, 18) and a surface (6) bottom, complete the peripheral surface of the lounger (1).

Figure 3 shows the cross section along the longitudinal axis B-B of the floating lounger (1). The textile layer (2) covers the entire closed-cell solid foam floating body (3). The upper surface (4) on the foot (8) also runs parallel to the flat lower surface (6) of the lounger (1) throughout. The upper surface (5) at the head (7) of the deck chair (i) forms an angle a with the upper surface (4) at the foot (8) of the deck chair (1), as indicated in Figure 3. Preferably, a is between 5 ° and 80 °. Furthermore, it is clear that, according to this embodiment, the lateral face (17) on the headboard (7), the lateral face (18) on the foot (8) and both lateral faces (11, 12) extend between the upper surface (4, 5) of the lounger (1) and lower surface (6), respectively.

Figures 4 and 5 show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a floating lounger according to an alternative embodiment, similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3. The elements of Figure 4 having the same number of reference that in Figure 1 they perform a function that is similar to that of the embodiment of Figure 1. In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1, the periphery of both the upper surface (4, 5) and the surface (6 ) bottom comprises the corresponding rounded corners. These rounded corners have a radius, for example in the range of 2 cm to 30 cm, for example in the range of 5 cm to 15 cm.

The textile layer (2) comprises a first textile layer portion (2a) and a second textile layer portion (2b). As can be seen in the top view of Figure 4, the first textile layer (2a) covers the upper surface (4) of the lounger (1), as well as the upper surface (5) of the head (7). As can also be seen in the bottom view of Figure 5, according to this embodiment, the first portion (2a) of the textile layer subsequently also covers the lateral faces (11, 12, 17, 18) up to the lower surface (6). . To achieve this, the first textile layer can be provided, for example, with one or more suitable seams, for example, at the location of the corners of the lounger (1).

As illustrated, the first textile layer portion (2a), near the periphery of the lower surface (6), that is at a distance of for example less than 10 cm, for example less than 5 cm, abuts a second portion (2b) of textile layer that is provided on the lower surface (6) of the lounger (1). This second textile layer portion (2b) is a mesh-like structure that is capable of draining water away from the environment through openings in the mesh-like structure. This allows the water to drain efficiently after the deck chair (1) has been used as a floating piece of furniture.

As schematically indicated, the first textile layer portion (2a) according to this embodiment is attached to the second textile layer portion (2b) by means of a schematically illustrated slide fastener (9). However, it will be apparent that, according to alternative embodiments, other suitable closure elements may be used to join both portions of the textile layer, at least partially removably, to each other. It will be clear that, when both parts of the textile layer are separated, at least partially, from each other by means of the zip fastener, it is possible in this way to remove the textile layer (2) from the floating body (3) of the deck chair (1) , for example, to clean it. It will be clear that, in addition, alternative embodiments are also possible for the floating lounger (1), in which said textile layer (2) is removable from the floating body (3), for example, by means of an alternative closure element, such as such as a closure element using buttons, press studs, hook and loop fasteners, such as a Velcro type closure element, magnets, etc. It will be clear that, in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, a bag is formed by means of the portions of the textile layer that surrounds the floating body (3). It will be apparent that alternative embodiments are also possible, in which the textile layer (2) forms a bag that is suitable for later wrapping the floating body (3). Preferably, said bag contains a closure element (9) by means of which the floating body (3) can be received in the bag and which is capable of closing the bag containing the received floating body (3).

The lounger must not only have a sufficiently low density to function as a floating object, but it must also guarantee sufficient reclining comfort. A suitable embodiment of the closed cell solid foam in this case preferably has the following material parameters:

- a density in the range of 25 to 35 kg / m3;

- a compressive strength at 10% deformation in the range of preferably 15 to 25 kPa;

- a Shore hardness in the range of 30 to 40;

- a cell size less than 0.5 mm.

The methods for determining the material parameters mentioned above are based, for example, on the respective standards ISO 1923, ISO 845, ISO 844, ISO 1926 and ISO 1856-B.

Although the present invention has been illustrated by means of specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the above illustrative embodiments. The current embodiments, therefore, have to be viewed as illustrative and not restrictive in all areas, and the area of application of the invention is described by the appended claims and not in the foregoing description, and any changes that fall within the scope of the invention. The meaning and scope of the claims is therefore deemed to be incorporated herein. Furthermore, the reader of the present patent application will understand that the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the words "a" or "an" do not exclude the plural. Any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims in question. From likewise, the terms "top", "bottom", "side" and such are used for the benefit of description and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It should be understood that these terms are mutually interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that embodiments of the invention may function in accordance with the present invention in different orientations than those described or illustrated above.

Claims (12)

1. Floating lounger (1) to hold a person or object in the water, wherein said lounger comprises a single floating body (3), whose floating body (3) is made of a solid closed-cell foam, characterized in that the The floating body (3) is provided with a textile layer (2) on the outside, wherein the textile layer (2) comprises a first textile layer portion (2a) and a second textile layer portion (2b), the first portion of which (2a) of textile layer is provided on at least one upper surface (4, 5) of the lounger (1), and whose second portion (2b) of textile layer is provided on a lower surface (6) of the lounger (1 ), and wherein the second portion (2b) of the textile layer comprises a mesh-like structure capable of draining water through openings in the mesh-like structure after said lounger (1) has been used as a piece of floating furniture. Floating deck chair (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the textile layer (2) is permeable to water. Floating deck chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the textile layer (2) comprises a woven fabric. Floating deck chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that said textile layer (2) is removable from the floating body (3). Floating deck chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that said textile layer (2) is a bag that is suitable for subsequently wrapping the floating body (3). Floating lounger (1) according to the preceding claim 5, characterized in that said bag comprises a closure element (9) through which the floating body (3) can be received in the bag and which is capable of closing the bag containing the floating body (3) received. Floating deck chair (1) according to the preceding claim 6, characterized in that said closure element refers to a zip fastener (9). Floating lounger (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said zip fastener (9) is provided on the periphery of the lower surface (6) of the lounger (1). Floating deck chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the textile layer (2) is resistant to ultraviolet rays and preferably also resistant outdoors, to mechanical damage, is breathable, treated against the formation of mold, and / or able to prevent the condensation of heat and humidity. Floating lounger (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the upper surface (5) at the head end (7) of the lounger (1) forms an angle a with respect to the surface (4 ) higher at the foot (8) of the lounger (1), being at between 5 ° and 80 °. Floating deck chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the length of the floating body is between 1.5 m and 2.5 m, preferably about 2.04 m, and the width of the flat body is between 0.40 m and 1.00 m , preferably about 0.70 m. Floating deck chair (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1-11, characterized in that the closed-cell solid foam has one or more of the following material parameters: - a density in the range from 10 to 50 kg / m3, for example, from 20 to 40 kg / m3, preferably from 25 to 35 kg / m3; - a compressive strength at 10% deformation in the range of 5 to 50 kPa, for example in the range of 10 to 30 kPa, preferably 15 to 25 kPa; - a Shore hardness in the range from 20 to 60, preferably from 30 to 40; - a cell size of less than 5 mm, for example less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm.