US20080078788A1

US20080078788A1 - Floating beverage and cooler holder

Info

Publication number: US20080078788A1
Application number: US11/542,317
Authority: US
Inventors: Nathaniel Lee Degges; Jean Ann Degges
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-03
Filing date: 2006-10-03
Publication date: 2008-04-03

Abstract

A vinyl coated closed cell foam float assembly for beverages. The foam float assembly has a buoyant hollow closed cell foam cylindrical body having an open top end, a partially closed bottom end with a drain hole and an outside surface. A counter weight is included having a drain hole adhered on the partially closed bottom end. A buoyant closed cell foam collar is secured to the outside surface at a distance approximately ⅓ from the top end. A towing fastener is attached to the cylindrical body below the collar. A vinyl coating encapsulates the body, counter weight, collar and towing fastener. A tow ring can be connected to the towing fastener with a flexible towing means connected to the tow ring enabling a user to tow the vinyl coated assembly.

Description

FIELD

The present embodiments relate generally to a vinyl coated closed cell foam float assembly for beverages.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals enjoy aquatic activities such as floating on inner tubes, floating around in their pools, or relaxing by the water. Often when floating in these areas individuals get thirsty and seek the need for a refreshing beverage.
There exists a need for a float assembly that would allow a beverage to float along with the user and eliminate the constant need of holding the beverage between drinks while enjoying aquatic activities.
The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts a top angled view of the float assembly with an inserted beverage can.

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom angled view of the float assembly with an inserted beverage can.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-cut of the float assembly.

FIG. 4 depicts a strap in which the float assembly can be attached to.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a one piece buoyant foam collar.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the particular embodiments and that they can be practiced or carried out in various ways.
The present embodiments relate to a float assembly or a beverage that includes a molded exterior float assembly including a cylinder shaped body portion having a molded float ring. A counterweight is included on the bottom end to ensure that the float assembly is properly oriented even when empty. The insulating float liner has a receiving cavity provided that would allow beverages to slide into and connect with the interior of the receiving cavity of the float assembly. An optional flexible towing means can be attached so allowing a user to secure the float assembly to the user.
Benefits of the current embodiment include never losing your beverage in aquatic environments ever again due to the flexible towing means.
The present embodiments also prevent water from entering the user's beverage by ensuring that the opening of the beverage is always kept above the water level.
The present embodiments also aid business owners, organizations, and other entities that wish to advertise by providing them with a means of placing advertising on the float assembly.
The present embodiments additionally help individuals enjoy cool refreshing refreshments on a hot day by keeping the drinks cool though the insulation of the foam exterior.
The present embodiments allows an individual freedom of movement, while keeping their beverage close at hand.
The present embodiments relate to a vinyl coated closed cell foam float assembly for beverages. A preferred choice of foam would be both buoyant and waterproof. The foam float assembly can include a buoyant hollow closed cell foam cylindrical body having an open top end, a partially closed bottom end with a drain hole and an outside surface. The foam float assembly can be from 4¼ to 4½ in height and from 5⅜ to 5⅝ in width. A counter weight can be added having a drain hole adhered on the partially closed bottom end. A buoyant closed cell foam collar can be secured to the outside surface at a distance approximately ⅓ from the top end. A towing fastener can be attached to the cylindrical body below the collar. A vinyl coating can encapsulate the body, counter weight, collar and towing fastener. A towing ring can be connected to the towing fastener with a flexible towing means connected to the tow ring enabling a user to tow the vinyl coated assembly.
Advertising can be displayed on the collar of the float assembly. Advertising can be placed on the collar of the float assembly though methods such as adhesive labels, silk screening or embossing.
In one embodiment the flexible towing means engages the tow ring with a hook and loop fastener or otherwise commonly known as a Velcro™ connection. Other means of engaging the tow ring can be done with snaps or buckles.
In yet another embodiment the counter weight is a circular disc weighting between 120 and 130 grams. The counterweight can be made of material such as metal, stone, or concrete in either a pellet form or as a single disc.
In one embodiment the drain hole has a diameter from ¼ to ¾ inch.
In yet another embodiment the cylindrical body is from 4¾ inches to 7.25 inches in height.
In one embodiment the cylinder can include a suction release hole disposed in the cylindrical body between the collar and the bottom end.
In yet another embodiment the flexible towing means can include a webbed strap. It is preferred that the webbed strap extends to a length comfortable enough for a user to have full range of motion of their arms without upending the device while permitting the device to be close enough to the user for easy accessible access. The preferred length of the towing strap is from 26 inches to 28 inches.
In one embodiment the flexible towing can include a connector. Examples of such connectors can include quick connect connectors, snap connectors, buckles and clips.
In yet another embodiment the flexible towing means can include a detachable adjustable wrist band comprising attaching ring for engaging the connector.
In one embodiment wherein the detachable adjustable wrist band comprises a Velcro closure. Other non-limiting embodiments can be used such as snaps, buckles, or clips.
In one embodiment the flexible towing means can be removed from or attached to both a user or his clothing and to the float assembly, enabling the user to tow the float assembly as he moves through the water
In yet another embodiment the cylindrical body is adapted to contain an 8 ounce, a 12 ounce, a 16 ounce or a 24 ounce sized drink.
In yet another embodiment the connector is a swiveling connector.
The present embodiments relate to a vinyl coated closed cell foam floating collar for a cooler having handles. The float assembly can have a one piece buoyant closed cell foam collar secured beneath the cooler handles. The float assembly can have a plurality of towing fasteners attached to the collar, in addition to a vinyl coating encapsulating the one piece buoyant closed cell foam collar and the towing fasteners. The float assembly can also have a tow ring connected to each towing fastener and a flexible towing means connected to at least one tow ring.
In one embodiment the collar can have a plurality of holes for holding cans, drinks or bottles for a user.
In yet another embodiment the flexible towing means engages the tow ring with a Velcro™ connection.
In one embodiment the collar has a width from 1⅛ inches to 1⅜ inches.
In yet another embodiment the collar can have a thickness from 1 inch to 1¼ inches.
In one embodiment the flexible towing means can be a webbed strap.
In yet another embodiment the flexible towing means can be a connector.
In one embodiment the flexible towing means further can be a detachable adjustable webbed wrist band comprising attaching ring for engaging the connector.
In yet another embodiment the flexible towing means can be attached to both a user or his clothing and to the float assembly, enabling the user to tow the float assembly as he moves through the water.
FIG. 1 depicts the foam float assembly 10 with a beverage 12 inserted within. The foam float assembly has a open top end 14 where the beverage is inserted and a partially closed bottom end 16 with a drain hole. The drain hole 18 is shown in FIG. 2.
A counter weight 20 as shown in FIG. 3 is shown adhered to the foam float assembly.
Referring back to FIG. 1, a closed cell foam collar 22 is secured to the outside surface of the float assembly. A towing fastener 84 is also shown attached to the foam float assembly wherein a tow ring 26 can be attached.
FIG. 4 demonstrates the tow strap 64 with a hook 66 selectively disposed on both ends. The tow strap can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to webbed straps, fabric, and cloth.
The present embodiments additionally relate to a one piece buoyant foam collar. The one piece buoyant foam collar can have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. This example can be seen in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 the float assembly 30 is seen with an inner float assembly 70 disposed within. The float assembly can have a vinyl coating encapsulating the one piece buoyant foam collar in addition to at least one depression within the one piece buoyant foam collar disposed between the inner diameter and the outer diameter as seen in element 32. Beverages 12 can be placed within the float assembly alone or with a foam float assembly 10. This one piece buoyant foam collar can serve as a collection/storage point for the float assemblies that are not currently in use by individuals or while they are away from the area. The size of the one piece buoyant foam collar assembly can be an independent height from 1½ inch to 3 inches; an independent outer diameter from 20 inches to 30 inches; and an independent inner diameter from 8 inches to 20 inches.
Multiple towing fasteners 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 can be attached to the multiple foam float assembly so that the assembly can be kept stable through several stabilization points. The multiple foam float assembly can be made of the same material as the single foam float assembly. Each towing fastener would have a tow ring attached 44, 46, 48, 50, 52. A flap 100 can also be disposed wherein the strap can be used to tie the one piece buoyant foam collar to a boat, a tree, or some other stable object in order to prevent the collar from floating away.
The inner float assembly can be a scaled up version of the foam float assembly 10.
The inner float assembly can be designed to hold ice, additional beverages or any other objects that the user requires.
While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A vinyl coated closed cell foam float assembly for beverages comprising;

a foam float assembly comprising:

a buoyant hollow closed cell foam cylindrical body having an open top end, a partially closed bottom end with a drain hole and an outside surface;

a counter weight having a drain hole adhered on the partially closed bottom end;

a buoyant closed cell foam collar secured to the outside surface at a distance approximately ⅓ from the top end; and

a vinyl coating encapsulating the body, counter weight, collar and towing fastener.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a towing fastener is attached to the cylindrical body below the collar.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein a tow ring is connected to the towing fastener.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein a flexible towing means is connected to the tow ring enabling a user to tow the vinyl coated assembly.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the flexible towing means comprises a webbed strap and a connector.

6. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the flexible towing means further comprises a detachable adjustable wrist band comprising attaching ring for engaging the connector.

7. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the flexible towing means can be removed from or attached to both a user or his clothing and to the float assembly, enabling the user to tow the float assembly as he moves through the water.

8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the detachable adjustable wrist band comprises hook and loop fabric fasteners.

9. The float assembly of claim 6 wherein the connector is a swiveling connector.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible towing means engages the tow ring with hook and loop fabric fasteners.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the counter weight is a circular disc weighting from 120 to 130 grams.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the drain hole has a diameter from ¼ to ¾ inch.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is from 4¾ inches to 7.25 inches in height.

14. The float assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical body is adapted to contain a 8 ounce sized drink, a 12 ounce sized drink, a 16 ounce sized drink or a 24 ounce sized drink.

15. A vinyl coated closed cell foam floating collar for a cooler having handles comprising:

a float assembly comprising:

a one piece buoyant closed cell foam collar secured beneath the cooler handles;

a plurality of towing fasteners attached to the collar;

a vinyl coating encapsulating the one piece buoyant closed cell foam collar and the towing fasteners;

a tow ring connected to each towing fastener and;

a flexible towing means connected to at least one tow ring.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the flexible towing means engages the tow ring with a hook and loop fabric fastener connection.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the flexible towing means comprises a webbed strap.

18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the flexible towing means comprises a connector.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the flexible towing means further comprises a detachable adjustable webbed wrist band comprising attaching ring for engaging the connector.

20. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the flexible towing means can be attached to both the user or his clothing and to the float assembly, enabling the user to tow the float assembly as he moves through the water.

21. A float assembly comprising:

a one piece buoyant foam collar, wherein the one piece buoyant foam collar comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter;

a vinyl coating encapsulating the one piece buoyant foam collar; and

at least one depression within the one piece buoyant foam collar disposed between the inner diameter and the outer diameter.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the collar comprises:

an independent height from 1½ inch to 3 inches;

the independent outer diameter from 20 inches to 30 inches; and

the independent inner diameter from 8 inches to 20 inches.

23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein a foam float assembly comprising:

a vinyl coating encapsulating the body, counter weight, collar and towing fastener is disposed within the inner diameter of the one piece buoyant foam collar.