US20180028867A1 - Pool noodle connector - Google Patents
Pool noodle connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180028867A1 US20180028867A1 US15/653,763 US201715653763A US2018028867A1 US 20180028867 A1 US20180028867 A1 US 20180028867A1 US 201715653763 A US201715653763 A US 201715653763A US 2018028867 A1 US2018028867 A1 US 2018028867A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- leg
- legs
- central web
- pool
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H37/00—Accessories for massage
- A61H37/005—Body floating supports for relaxation in water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B31/00—Swimming aids
- A63B31/08—Swim fins, flippers or other swimming aids held by, or attachable to, the hands, arms, feet or legs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H23/00—Toy boats; Floating toys; Other aquatic toy devices
- A63H23/10—Other water toys, floating toys, or like buoyant toys
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B7/00—Collapsible, foldable, inflatable or like vessels
- B63B7/02—Collapsible, foldable, inflatable or like vessels comprising only rigid parts
- B63B7/04—Collapsible, foldable, inflatable or like vessels comprising only rigid parts sectionalised
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
- B63C9/081—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like having compartments comprising elements which are filled with gas by deployment, e.g. sponge-like elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/01—Constructive details
- A61H2201/0161—Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/12—Arrangements in swimming pools for teaching swimming or for training
- A63B69/14—Teaching frames for swimming ; Swimming boards
Definitions
- This invention relates to toys for children and adults, and more particularly for a device for forming interlocked structures of the elongated cylindrical foam materials used as water toys, and frequently referred to as foam pool noodles.
- Pool noodles are foam tubes which float in the water and are used for recreation in and out of the water.
- Foam pool noodles typically have a hollow core.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,677 a building kit is shown to connect foam tubes together to make play structures.
- Samlaska U.S. Pat. No. 9,272,226 a constructible water toy is shown with connectors and large links to interconnect noodles.
- the invention provides a unique connector for connecting foam pool noodles together to enable an individual to combine a plurality of foam pool noodles into a structure of a desired shape.
- a single connector may be manipulated into a 4-way connector, a 3-way “T” connector, a 2-way corner connector or a straight connector as desired by an individual.
- the connector may be formed of a plastic, typically polypropylene material having a square central web to which living hinges are disposed at up to all 4 sides, which in some embodiments form up to 4 legs.
- Each leg may have simple bar-like projections which facilitate the retention of a leg of the connector for retention within the interior of a pool noodle. The projections deter separation of the leg of the connector from the pool noodle following insertion therein.
- the living hinge may be formed by simply compressing the plastic at a desired location proximate to the central web establishing a joint/hinge which has a reduced thickness dimension.
- the joint/hinge is flexible to bend back and forth. Once a leg is folded over upon another portion of the connector, the manipulated leg reinforces the opposing leg by covering the bendable joint of the opposing leg, therefore strengthening it.
- Legs which are not folded may articulate in a desired direction relative to the central web. In some embodiments the non-folded legs may be articulated to a position all the way back against the central web.
- two connectors may also be joined together to form an eight way connector.
- a hole in the center/hub of the connector allows for a fastening method such as a bolt or rivet. This singular mounting point allows each connector to rotate individually relative to each other. Also two connectors may be inserted into the end and central hollow area in the same pool noodle.
- the foam pool noodle has an elongate hole extending through the center of the pool noodle. One or more legs of the connector may slide into the hole.
- the connectors combined with the pool noodles allow structures to be formed. These structures can be used indoors, outdoors, or within water.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the connector
- FIG. 3 is a top view showing one leg folded back forming a 3-way Tee connector
- FIG. 4 is a top view showing two legs folded back to form a corner connector
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing four legs folded to form a straight connector
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing connector legs inserted into a pool noodle
- FIG. 7 is an end view of a pool noodle with a leg inserted into the pool noodle
- FIG. 8 is a view of a connector connected to two pool noodles
- FIG. 9 is a view showing two connectors affixed together through a central web opening
- FIGS. 10 shows a structure which may be formed the connectors of the invention.
- FIGS. 11 shows a structure which may be formed the connectors of the invention.
- FIGS. 12 shows a structure which may be formed the connectors of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a connector 10 which includes a central web 12 having four edges. Each respective edge includes a first living hinge 14 , a second living hinge 16 , a third living hinge 18 and a fourth the hinge 20 . Attached to and extending from the living hinges are legs 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, and 22 d. One or more of the legs 22 a - d are designed to be inserted and secured within an opening 32 of a pool noodle 30 as best shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 .
- the legs 22 a - d may be sized to friction fit in the opening 32 of a pool noodle and may include projections 24 which may be in the form of barbs or other projections which would tend to dig into the interior of the opening 32 in the pool noodle 30 material to increase the holding force.
- the connector 10 and legs 22 a - d are releasably engaged to a pool noodle 30 .
- the projections 24 include a ramp surface 34 and a vertical grasping surface 42 .
- the ramp surface 34 facilitates insertion of a leg 22 a - d , and the grasping surface 42 deters the outward separation of the legs 22 a - d , from the interior of the pool noodle 30 , once the legs 22 a - d are inserted within the opening 32 .
- FIG. 2 shows the connector 10 with four legs 22 a - d .
- the connector 10 of FIG. 2 may have one leg 22 a folded back against itself represented by arrow 38 , through the use of the living hinge 14 , as shown in FIG. 3 , to effectively become a 3-way “T” connector capable of being simultaneously secured to three separate pool noodles 30 .
- Two legs 22 a and 22 b may be folded as represented by arrows 38 and 40 through the use of living hinges 14 and 16 as shown in FIG. 4 , to make a corner connector 10 in which two pool noodles 30 may be secured.
- the thickness of the connector 10 proximate to the living hinges 14 - 20 allows more than one leg 22 a - d to be inserted within an opening 32 in a pool noodle 30 .
- a first leg 22 a may be folded upwardly via the living hinge 14 and a third leg 22 c may be folded upwardly via living hinge 18 to be substantially parallel to the first leg 22 a.
- the first and third legs 22 a and 22 c may then be inserted into a single opening 32 of a pool noodle 30 .
- the legs 22 a - d may be folded to provide a straight connector 10 in which two pool noodles 30 are secured longitudinally. This configuration may also occur when the second leg 22 b is folded rearwardly via the living hinge 16 and the fourth 22 d is folded rearwardly via the living hinge 20 to be substantially parallel to the second leg 22 b. The second and fourth legs 22 b and 22 d may then be inserted into a second opening 32 in a second pool noodle 30 as longitudinally aligned to the first pool noodle 30 .
- the attachment is quite rigid since the living hinges 14 - 20 do not provide much flex once they are disposed in a folded configuration. Also, when one leg is folded onto another leg as in FIG. 4 , it forms a much more rigid joint which may be desired for some constructions/configurations of pool noodles 30 .
- FIG. 6 shows a connector 10 in a 3-way configuration being inserted into an opening 32 in a pool noodle 30 .
- the second leg 22 b is folded by the living hinge 16 towards and over the central web 12 , and a portion of the fourth leg 22 d.
- the second leg 22 b and fourth leg 22 d may then be inserted into the opening 32 of a pool noodle 30 as a 3-way “T” connector.
- first leg 22 a is folded over central web 12 and partially over third leg 22 c via the living hinge 14 .
- the second leg 22 b is folded over a portion of the first leg 22 a, the central web 12 , and a portion of the fourth leg 22 d to form an “L” shaped corner connector 10 . (Please also see FIG. 8 )
- FIG. 7 shows an end view of a pool noodle 30 with a connector leg 22 a - d inserted within opening 32 .
- FIG. 8 shows the connector 10 of FIG. 4 in a corner configuration attached to two pool noodles 30 .
- openings 36 may be formed in the legs 22 a - d which would decrease the amount of plastic used as well as to reduce weight of the connector 10 .
- a central opening 44 may be formed within central web 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9 . Opening 44 may be used to join one connector 10 to a second or subsequent connector 10 by a rivet, bolt or even string to interconnect the connectors 10 to each other, forming an 8 legged connector 10 .
- any number of legs may be used in the formation of a connector 10 and the number of legs identified herein has been provided for purposes of illustration of the numerous alternative configurations for the connectors 10 .
- FIGS. 10-12 show some of the structures which may be formed from pool noodles 30 and connectors 10 of the invention. It should be noted that an almost infinite number of configurations of pool noodles 30 may be formed through the use of a plurality of connectors 10 .
- polypropylene may be used to form the connector 10 .
- Other alternative materials may be used provided the same provide a suitable living hinge 14 - 20 .
- the connectors 10 may be molded in a single step with compression on each corner of central web 12 , to thin out the plastic to form a living hinge 14 - 20 .
- the central web 12 of the connector 10 is shown in each of the figures with all four possible legs, the connectors may be formed with fewer than four legs, or the legs may be removed by being cut off as desired. It is also noted that the central web 12 may have only three edges and at least two living hinges. It is possible to have a central web 12 with more than four edges and living hinges although interference with adjacent pool noodles may be an issue as the number increases.
- a connector for pool noodles comprises a central web having at least three edges and at least two of the edges including a living hinge and a leg extending from the living hinges.
- the central web has four edges and four living hinges, each of the living hinges having a leg extending therefrom.
- each of the legs comprises a plurality of grasping members.
- the legs have a first position and a second position, at least one of the legs extending outwardly from the central web in the first position and at least one of the legs being disposed over the central web and at least partially over another of the legs in the second position.
- At least one of the legs is in the second position and the connector is “T” shaped.
- At least one of the legs is manipulated from the first position to the second position about the living hinge.
- At least one of the legs having a first position and a second position, at least one of the legs extending outwardly from the central web in the first position and at least one of the legs extending perpendicularly outward from the central web in the second position.
- two legs extend perpendicularly outward from said central web in a first direction.
- two legs extend perpendicularly outward from said central web in a second direction.
- the first direction is offset from the second direction by 180 degrees.
- the first direction is offset from said second direction by 90 degrees.
- the connector further comprises a first leg, a second leg, a third leg and a fourth leg, wherein the first leg has a first position and a second position, the first leg extending outwardly from the central web in the first position and the first leg being disposed over the central web and at least partially over the third leg in the second position.
- the second leg has an extended position and a folded position, the second leg extending outwardly from the central web in the extended position and the second leg being disposed partially over the first leg, the central web and at least partially over the fourth leg in the folded position.
- the legs are folded to form the connector in the shape of an “L”.
- the connector further comprises a second connector engaged to the central web of the connector.
- the second connector is rotatably engaged to the central web of the connector.
- the second connector is offset from the connector by 90 degrees.
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Abstract
A pool noodle connector includes a central web which has living hinges at each edge to which extending legs are formed. Pool noodles may be attached by inserting a leg within an opening in each noodle used. The living hinges allow one or more legs to be folded back to change the possible configurations available and to provide a more rigid joint, as desired.
Description
- This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/366774 filed Jul. 26, 2016, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- Not Applicable.
- This invention relates to toys for children and adults, and more particularly for a device for forming interlocked structures of the elongated cylindrical foam materials used as water toys, and frequently referred to as foam pool noodles.
- Pool noodles are foam tubes which float in the water and are used for recreation in and out of the water. Foam pool noodles typically have a hollow core. In Leemon, U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,677 a building kit is shown to connect foam tubes together to make play structures. In Samlaska, U.S. Pat. No. 9,272,226 a constructible water toy is shown with connectors and large links to interconnect noodles.
- The art described in this section is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention, unless specifically designated as such. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a) exists.
- The invention provides a unique connector for connecting foam pool noodles together to enable an individual to combine a plurality of foam pool noodles into a structure of a desired shape. A single connector may be manipulated into a 4-way connector, a 3-way “T” connector, a 2-way corner connector or a straight connector as desired by an individual. The connector may be formed of a plastic, typically polypropylene material having a square central web to which living hinges are disposed at up to all 4 sides, which in some embodiments form up to 4 legs. Each leg may have simple bar-like projections which facilitate the retention of a leg of the connector for retention within the interior of a pool noodle. The projections deter separation of the leg of the connector from the pool noodle following insertion therein.
- The living hinge may be formed by simply compressing the plastic at a desired location proximate to the central web establishing a joint/hinge which has a reduced thickness dimension. The joint/hinge is flexible to bend back and forth. Once a leg is folded over upon another portion of the connector, the manipulated leg reinforces the opposing leg by covering the bendable joint of the opposing leg, therefore strengthening it. Legs which are not folded may articulate in a desired direction relative to the central web. In some embodiments the non-folded legs may be articulated to a position all the way back against the central web.
- In some embodiments, two connectors may also be joined together to form an eight way connector. A hole in the center/hub of the connector allows for a fastening method such as a bolt or rivet. This singular mounting point allows each connector to rotate individually relative to each other. Also two connectors may be inserted into the end and central hollow area in the same pool noodle.
- The foam pool noodle has an elongate hole extending through the center of the pool noodle. One or more legs of the connector may slide into the hole. The connectors combined with the pool noodles allow structures to be formed. These structures can be used indoors, outdoors, or within water.
- A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the connector; -
FIG. 3 is a top view showing one leg folded back forming a 3-way Tee connector; -
FIG. 4 is a top view showing two legs folded back to form a corner connector; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing four legs folded to form a straight connector; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing connector legs inserted into a pool noodle; -
FIG. 7 is an end view of a pool noodle with a leg inserted into the pool noodle; -
FIG. 8 is a view of a connector connected to two pool noodles; -
FIG. 9 is a view showing two connectors affixed together through a central web opening; -
FIGS. 10 shows a structure which may be formed the connectors of the invention. -
FIGS. 11 shows a structure which may be formed the connectors of the invention. -
FIGS. 12 shows a structure which may be formed the connectors of the invention. -
FIG. 1 shows aconnector 10 which includes acentral web 12 having four edges. Each respective edge includes afirst living hinge 14, asecond living hinge 16, athird living hinge 18 and a fourth thehinge 20. Attached to and extending from the living hinges are legs 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, and 22 d. One or more of thelegs 22 a-d are designed to be inserted and secured within anopening 32 of apool noodle 30 as best shown inFIG. 6 andFIG. 7 . Thelegs 22 a-d may be sized to friction fit in the opening 32 of a pool noodle and may includeprojections 24 which may be in the form of barbs or other projections which would tend to dig into the interior of the opening 32 in thepool noodle 30 material to increase the holding force. Theconnector 10 andlegs 22 a-d are releasably engaged to apool noodle 30. In some embodiments, theprojections 24 include aramp surface 34 and avertical grasping surface 42. Theramp surface 34 facilitates insertion of aleg 22 a-d, and thegrasping surface 42 deters the outward separation of thelegs 22 a-d, from the interior of thepool noodle 30, once thelegs 22 a-d are inserted within theopening 32. -
FIG. 2 shows theconnector 10 with fourlegs 22 a-d. Theconnector 10 ofFIG. 2 may have one leg 22 a folded back against itself represented byarrow 38, through the use of theliving hinge 14, as shown inFIG. 3 , to effectively become a 3-way “T” connector capable of being simultaneously secured to threeseparate pool noodles 30. Two legs 22 a and 22 b may be folded as represented byarrows living hinges FIG. 4 , to make acorner connector 10 in which twopool noodles 30 may be secured. - In some embodiments the thickness of the
connector 10 proximate to the living hinges 14-20 allows more than oneleg 22 a-d to be inserted within anopening 32 in apool noodle 30. - As may be seen in
FIG. 5 a first leg 22 a may be folded upwardly via theliving hinge 14 and a third leg 22 c may be folded upwardly vialiving hinge 18 to be substantially parallel to the first leg 22 a. The first and third legs 22 a and 22 c may then be inserted into asingle opening 32 of apool noodle 30. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , thelegs 22 a-d may be folded to provide astraight connector 10 in which twopool noodles 30 are secured longitudinally. This configuration may also occur when the second leg 22 b is folded rearwardly via the livinghinge 16 and the fourth 22 d is folded rearwardly via the livinghinge 20 to be substantially parallel to the second leg 22 b. The second and fourth legs 22 b and 22 d may then be inserted into asecond opening 32 in asecond pool noodle 30 as longitudinally aligned to thefirst pool noodle 30. - In this manner, the attachment is quite rigid since the living hinges 14-20 do not provide much flex once they are disposed in a folded configuration. Also, when one leg is folded onto another leg as in
FIG. 4 , it forms a much more rigid joint which may be desired for some constructions/configurations ofpool noodles 30. -
FIG. 6 shows aconnector 10 in a 3-way configuration being inserted into anopening 32 in apool noodle 30. In the configuration of theconnector 10 inFIG. 6 the second leg 22 b is folded by the livinghinge 16 towards and over thecentral web 12, and a portion of the fourth leg 22 d. The second leg 22 b and fourth leg 22 d may then be inserted into theopening 32 of apool noodle 30 as a 3-way “T” connector. - Referring back to
FIG. 4 , the first leg 22 a is folded overcentral web 12 and partially over third leg 22 c via the livinghinge 14. The second leg 22 b is folded over a portion of the first leg 22 a, thecentral web 12, and a portion of the fourth leg 22 d to form an “L” shapedcorner connector 10. (Please also seeFIG. 8 ) - The remaining legs 22 a and 22 c may then be secured into two
additional pool noodles 30.FIG. 7 shows an end view of apool noodle 30 with aconnector leg 22 a-d inserted withinopening 32.FIG. 8 shows theconnector 10 ofFIG. 4 in a corner configuration attached to twopool noodles 30. - In the figures,
optional openings 36 may be formed in thelegs 22 a-d which would decrease the amount of plastic used as well as to reduce weight of theconnector 10. Acentral opening 44 may be formed withincentral web 12 as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 9 .Opening 44 may be used to join oneconnector 10 to a second orsubsequent connector 10 by a rivet, bolt or even string to interconnect theconnectors 10 to each other, forming an 8legged connector 10. In some embodiments any number of legs may be used in the formation of aconnector 10 and the number of legs identified herein has been provided for purposes of illustration of the numerous alternative configurations for theconnectors 10. -
FIGS. 10-12 show some of the structures which may be formed frompool noodles 30 andconnectors 10 of the invention. It should be noted that an almost infinite number of configurations ofpool noodles 30 may be formed through the use of a plurality ofconnectors 10. - In one embodiment, polypropylene may be used to form the
connector 10. Other alternative materials may be used provided the same provide a suitable living hinge 14-20. In some embodiments, theconnectors 10 may be molded in a single step with compression on each corner ofcentral web 12, to thin out the plastic to form a living hinge 14-20. - Although the
central web 12 of theconnector 10 is shown in each of the figures with all four possible legs, the connectors may be formed with fewer than four legs, or the legs may be removed by being cut off as desired. It is also noted that thecentral web 12 may have only three edges and at least two living hinges. It is possible to have acentral web 12 with more than four edges and living hinges although interference with adjacent pool noodles may be an issue as the number increases. - In a first embodiment a connector for pool noodles comprises a central web having at least three edges and at least two of the edges including a living hinge and a leg extending from the living hinges.
- In a second embodiment according to the first embodiment, the central web has four edges and four living hinges, each of the living hinges having a leg extending therefrom.
- In a third embodiment according to the second embodiment, each of the legs comprises a plurality of grasping members.
- In a fourth embodiment according to the third embodiment, the legs have a first position and a second position, at least one of the legs extending outwardly from the central web in the first position and at least one of the legs being disposed over the central web and at least partially over another of the legs in the second position.
- In a fifth embodiment according to the fourth embodiment, at least one of the legs is in the second position and the connector is “T” shaped.
- In a sixth embodiment according to the fifth embodiment, at least one of the legs is manipulated from the first position to the second position about the living hinge.
- In a seventh embodiment according to the sixth embodiment, at least one of the legs having a first position and a second position, at least one of the legs extending outwardly from the central web in the first position and at least one of the legs extending perpendicularly outward from the central web in the second position.
- In a eightieth embodiment according to the seventh embodiment, two legs extend perpendicularly outward from said central web in a first direction.
- In a ninth embodiment according to the eightieth embodiment, two legs extend perpendicularly outward from said central web in a second direction.
- In a tenth embodiment according to the ninth embodiment, the first direction is offset from the second direction by 180 degrees.
- In an eleventh embodiment according to the tenth embodiment, the first direction is offset from said second direction by 90 degrees.
- In a twelfth embodiment according to the third embodiment, the connector further comprises a first leg, a second leg, a third leg and a fourth leg, wherein the first leg has a first position and a second position, the first leg extending outwardly from the central web in the first position and the first leg being disposed over the central web and at least partially over the third leg in the second position.
- In a thirteenth embodiment according to the twelfth embodiment, the second leg has an extended position and a folded position, the second leg extending outwardly from the central web in the extended position and the second leg being disposed partially over the first leg, the central web and at least partially over the fourth leg in the folded position.
- In a fourteenth embodiment according to the thirteenth embodiment, the legs are folded to form the connector in the shape of an “L”.
- In a fifteenth embodiment according to the third embodiment, the connector further comprises a second connector engaged to the central web of the connector.
- In a sixteenth embodiment according to the fifteenth embodiment, the second connector is rotatably engaged to the central web of the connector.
- In a seventeenth embodiment according to the sixteenth embodiment, the second connector is offset from the connector by 90 degrees.
- While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
- This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.
Claims (17)
1. A connector for pool noodles said connector comprising:
a) a central web having at least three edges; and
b) at least two of said edges including a living hinge and a leg extending from said living hinges.
2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein said central web has four edges and four living hinges, each of said living hinges having a leg extending therefrom.
3. The connector of claim 2 , each of said legs comprising a plurality of grasping members.
4. The connector of claim 3 , wherein said leg has a first position and a second position, said leg extending outwardly from said central web in said first position and said leg being disposed over said central web and at least partially over another of said legs in said second position.
5. The connector according to claim 4 , wherein at least one of said legs is in said second position further wherein said connector is “T” shaped.
6. The connector according to claim 5 , wherein at least one of said legs is manipulated from said first position to said second position about said living hinge.
7. The connector according to claim 3 , wherein said legs have a first position and a second position, said legs extending outwardly from said central web in said first position and said legs extending perpendicularly outward from said central web in said second position.
8. The connector according to claim 7 , wherein two legs extend perpendicularly outward from said central web in a first direction.
9. The connector according to claim 8 , wherein two legs extend perpendicularly outward from said central web in a second direction.
10. The connector according to claim 9 , wherein said first direction is offset from said second direction by 180 degrees.
11. The connector according to claim 9 , wherein said first direction is offset from said second direction by 90 degrees.
12. The connector of claim 3 , comprising a first leg, a second leg, a third leg and a fourth leg, wherein said first leg has a first position and a second position, said first leg extending outwardly from said central web in said first position and said first leg being disposed over said central web and at least partially over said third leg in said second position.
13. The connector of claim 12 , wherein said second leg has an extended position and a folded position, said second leg extending outwardly from said central web in said extended position and said second leg being disposed partially over said first leg, said central web and at least partially over said fourth leg in said folded position.
14. The connector according to claim 13 , wherein said legs are formed in the shape of an “L”.
15. The connector of claim 3 , further comprising a second connector engaged to said central web of said connector.
16. The connector of claim 15 , wherein said second connector is rotatably engaged to said central web of said connector.
17. The connector of claim 16 , wherein said second connector is offset from said connector by 90 degrees.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/653,763 US20180028867A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2017-07-19 | Pool noodle connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662366774P | 2016-07-26 | 2016-07-26 | |
US15/653,763 US20180028867A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2017-07-19 | Pool noodle connector |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180028867A1 true US20180028867A1 (en) | 2018-02-01 |
Family
ID=61011513
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/653,763 Abandoned US20180028867A1 (en) | 2016-07-26 | 2017-07-19 | Pool noodle connector |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20180028867A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD900266S1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2020-10-27 | Vivere Ltd. | Pool float |
-
2017
- 2017-07-19 US US15/653,763 patent/US20180028867A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD900266S1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2020-10-27 | Vivere Ltd. | Pool float |
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