US20130178124A1

US20130178124A1 - Double pillow flotation device and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20130178124A1
Application number: US13/734,673
Authority: US
Inventors: Donna Meinicke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-06
Filing date: 2013-01-04
Publication date: 2013-07-11

Abstract

A double pillow flotation device that allows users to easily turn over while minimizing the risk of falling off the flotation device, which is accomplished in part by the use of multiple head supports at opposite ends of the flotation device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to and full benefit of, provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/583,867, entitled “DOUBULE PILLOW FLOTATION DEVICES,” filed on Jan. 6, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The disclosure generally relates to a flotation device and a method of using the same, and more specifically to a double pillow flotation device designed to make it easier for users to turn over on the flotation device without falling off.

Description of Related Art

Individuals often use floatation devices, such as inflatable rafts, to support their weight as they float in a body of water, such as a pool. A typical inflatable raft includes a plurality of elongated, substantially cylindrical air chambers that are attached together in a side-by-side arrangement. In some cases, the raft may include an inflatable pillow adjacent one end of the raft to support a user's head as they lie on the raft.
After lying on a raft in a particular position for a period of time, users often wish to reposition their body on the raft. For example, when sunbathing, a user may wish to “flip” from a first position, in which the user is lying face up in the raft, to a second position, in which the user is lying face down on the raft. To do this, users often try to roll over on the raft. Because rafts are often narrow and unstable, this often causes the raft to tip over, which may cause the user to fall into the water.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved flotation rafts, and other floatation devices, that allow users to turn over on the raft without falling off the raft and into the water.
Accordingly, a feature of the double pillow flotation device is its ability to be easy to setup.
Another feature of the double pillow flotation device is its ability to be easy to use.
Still another feature of the double pillow flotation device is its ability to be relatively easy to manufacture.
Yet another feature of the double pillow flotation device is its ability to allow the user to turn over without falling in the water.
Yet another feature of the double pillow flotation device is its ability to be easily reconfigured.
These and other features of the double pillow flotation device will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Detailed Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present double pillow flotation device will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a flotation device of an exemplary embodiment with a user in a first (face up) position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the user transitioning between the first position and a second (face down) position; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of the flotation device of FIG. 1 with the user in the second position.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated an example embodiment flotation device 10 according to a first embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, flotation device 10 comprises: (1) elongated float base portion 20 that extends between first end 22 and second end 24 and that defines top surface 26 and bottom surface 28; (2) first head support 30 disposed adjacent float base portion's first end 22; and (3) second head support 40 disposed adjacent float base portion's second end 24. These various components are discussed in greater detail below.
Float Base Portion
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, elongated float base portion 20 may comprise any suitable floating material. In particular embodiments, elongated float base portion 20 may comprise a substantially solid (e.g., solid) foam body that includes any suitable floating foam (e.g., polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate). In other embodiments, float base portion 20 may comprise any other suitable substantially solid (e.g., solid) material that is adapted to float (e.g., rubber or plastic).
In other embodiments, floatation device 10 is an inflatable raft. In such embodiments, float base portion 20 may comprise at least one inflatable air chamber that is adapted to maintain a volume of air within its interior, which causes the air chamber to float on water. In various embodiments, the at least one air chamber may comprise a valve or other suitable mechanism to allow user 50 to selectively inflate or deflate the inflatable air chamber. In other embodiments, the inflatable air chamber may be substantially permanently (e.g., permanently) inflated. In particular embodiments, float base portion 20 comprises a plurality of elongated, substantially cylindrical air chambers that are attached together in a side-by-side arrangement.
In certain embodiments, the float base portion 20 is substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) and substantially planar (e.g., planar).
First Head Support
In particular embodiments, first head support 30 may comprise any support that is suitable for supporting the head of a user who is lying on floatation device 10. In a particular embodiment, first head support 30 comprises an inflatable air chamber. In various embodiments, the air chamber may comprise any suitable number of valves or other suitable mechanisms for allowing a user to selectively inflate and/or deflate the air chamber. In certain embodiments, the inflatable air chamber may comprise, or be substantially covered by (e.g., covered by) a material, which may, for example, comprise a suitable waterproof material (e.g., canvas, rubber, or plastic).
In other embodiments, first head support 30 may be substantially solid (e.g., solid), and may, for example, comprise any suitable material that is adapted to float (e.g., foam, plastic, or rubber). In other embodiments, first head support 30 may comprise a material that is not adapted to float. In such embodiments, and in other embodiments, first head support 30 may be disposed adjacent float base portion's top surface 26, which may be adapted to support first head support 30 when flotation device 10 is floating.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, floatation device's first head support 30 may extend above elongated float's top surface 26 to any height suitable for supporting user's head 60 when user 50 is lying on float base portion 20 with user's head 60 on first head support 30. First head support may, for example, be disposed adjacent float base portion's first end 22 and may, for example, extend upwardly from float base portion's top surface 26 at least about two to four inches in a substantially pillow shaped (e.g., pillow shaped) arrangement.
Second Head Support
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, second head support 40 is substantially structurally similar (e.g., identical) to first head support 30. In various embodiments, second head support 40 may include any suitable support for supporting user's head 60. For example, second head support 40 may include any of the various forms of head support discussed above.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, floatation device's second head support 40 may extend above elongated float's top surface 26 to any height suitable for supporting user's head 60 when user 50 is lying on float base portion 20 with user's head 60 on second head support 40. Second head support 40 may, for example, be disposed adjacent float base portion's second end 24 and may, for example, extend upwardly from float base portion's top surface 26 at least about two to four inches in a substantially pillow shaped (e.g., pillow shaped) arrangement.
In various embodiments, first head support 30 and second head support 40 are positioned so that, when a user of average height lies on the floatation device and positions their head on first head support 30, the user's feet are adjacent, but do not reach, second head support 40.
Similarly, first head support 30 and second head support 40 may be positioned so that, when a user of average height lies on the floatation device and positions their head on second head support 40, the user's feet are adjacent, but do not reach, first head support 30.
Exemplary Use of the Reversible Flotation Device
In various embodiments, flotation device 10 is adapted to float on a liquid surface (e.g., water) and is further adapted to support user 50 on floatation device 10. FIGS. 1-3 show user 50 transitioning between: (1) a first position in which user's head 60 is disposed adjacent first head support 30 and user's feet 70 are disposed adjacent second head support 40; and (2) a second position in which user's head 60 is disposed adjacent second head support 40 and user's feet 70 are disposed adjacent first head support 30.
As may be understood from FIG. 1, in the first position, user 50 is lying on the elongated float's top surface 26 in a first, face up position while flotation device 10 floats on a liquid surface. User 50 in the first position may desire to move to the second position shown in FIG. 3 to alter the user's orientation on flotation device 10. As may be understood from FIGS. 1-2, in order to transition to a second, face down position from the first position, the user may first sit up from the first position by lifting the user's upper body from the face up position and lowering user's feet 70 to either side of float base portion 20.
FIG. 2 shows user 50 in a position between the first position and second position. In this transitioning position, user 50 is seated substantially upright (e.g., upright) on a central portion of elongated tube's top surface 26. As may be understood from this figure, in the transitioning position, user's feet 70 hang off of opposite lateral sides of float base portion 20. As shown in this figure, in the transitioning position, the user's torso remains substantially out of (e.g., out of) the water while the user transitions between the first and second positions. In various embodiments of flotation device 10, user's feet 70 may briefly enter the water while in the transitioning position.
As may be understood from FIGS. 2-3, in order to move from transitioning position to the second position, user 50 may lean forward from the user's sitting position in the transitioning position and bring user's feet 70 up along the sides of float base portion 20 and then rest user's feet 70 on or laterally adjacent first head support 30. FIG. 3 shows user 50 in the second position, in which user 50 is lying in a prone position on float base portion's top surface 26.
To move from the second position to the first position, the user may simply reverse the steps outlined above.

Alternative Embodiments

Alternative embodiments of the flotation device may comprise, for example, components that are, in some respects, similar to the various components described above. Selected distinguishing features of various alternative embodiments are discussed below.
Selectively Removable and/or Adjustable Head Supports
In particular embodiments, one or both of the first and second head support may be adapted to allow a user to selectively remove them. For example, in various embodiments, the first and second head supports may comprise hook and loop fastener segments that are adapted to selectively attach to hook and loop fastener segments disposed adjacent the ends of the elongated float. In other embodiments, the head supports may comprise other suitable mechanisms, such as zippers, for allowing a user to selectively remove the head supports from the flotation device, and/or for adjusting the position of the head supports between different positions on the flotation device.
Integrated Head Rests
Although the head rests are described above as being separate from the float base portion, in other embodiments, at least one of the head rests and float base portion may be part of a single float structure.
Flotation Devices with Additional Features
In particular embodiments, the flotation device may comprise handles disposed adjacent the elongated tube or head supports. In other embodiments, the elongated tube may define cup holders on the elongated tube's top surface. In other embodiments, the flotation device may further comprise any suitable back rest that is adapted to allow the user to sit upright on the flotation device. Other embodiments of the flotation device may include arm rests, or other additional supports for various other parts of the user's body (e.g., foot rests). Further embodiments may include a bag (e.g., a net/mesh bag) for carrying items such as sunglasses or suntan lotion.
The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A flotation device, comprising:

an elongated float having a first end and a second end, and that defines a top surface and a bottom surface;

a first head support disposed adjacent said first end of said elongated float; and

a second head support spaced apart from said first head support and disposed adjacent said second end of said elongated float, wherein:

a first position in which said user's head is disposed adjacent said first head support, and said user's feet are disposed adjacent said second head support; and

a second position in which said user's head is disposed adjacent said second head support, and said user's feet are disposed adjacent said first head support.

2. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein said first head support and said second head support are adapted to be selectively removed from said flotation device.

3. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein said elongated float is substantially solid.

4. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein said elongated float comprises at least one air chamber.

5. The flotation device of claim 4, wherein said at least one air chamber comprises at least one valve.

6. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein said first head support comprises at least one air chamber.

7. The flotation device of claim 6, wherein said second head support comprises at least one air chamber.

8. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein said first head support is substantially structurally similar to said second head support.

9. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein said flotation device is substantially symmetrical.

10. The method of using a flotation device, said method comprising the following steps:

lying on said flotation device, said flotation device comprising:

a first head support disposed adjacent said first end of said elongated float, and wherein said lying on said flotation device is performed by a user, and wherein said user's head is disposed adjacent said first head support; and

a second head support disposed adjacent said second end of said flotation device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said method further comprises the step of:

sitting up on said flotation device, wherein said sitting up on said flotation device comprises said user straddling said flotation device with said user's legs.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said method further comprises the step of:

lying down on said flotation device, wherein said user's head is now disposed adjacent said second head support.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said elongated float comprises at least one air chamber, and wherein said at least one air chamber comprises at least one valve.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said first head support comprises at least one air chamber, and wherein said second head support comprises at least one air chamber.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said first head support and said second head support are adapted to be selectively removed from said flotation device.

16. A flotation device, comprising:

a float having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface;

a first head support, wherein said first head support is disposed adjacent said first end of said float; and

a second head support, wherein said second head support is disposed adjacent said second end of said float, wherein:

17. The flotation device of claim 16, wherein said first head support and said second head support are adapted to be selectively removed from said flotation device.

18. The flotation device of claim 17, wherein said elongated float comprises at least one air chamber, and wherein said at least one air chamber comprises at least one valve.

19. The flotation device of claim 18, wherein said first head support comprises at least one air chamber, and wherein said second head support comprises at least one air chamber.

20. The flotation device of claim 19, and wherein said first head support is substantially structurally similar to said second head support.