WO2021097499A1

WO2021097499A1 - Inflatable float

Info

Publication number: WO2021097499A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2020/050060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Grant RUTENBERG
Original assignee: Rutenberg Grant
Priority date: 2019-11-11
Filing date: 2020-11-09
Publication date: 2021-05-20

Abstract

An inflatable float (10) includes: a first sheet (12) defining at least two apertures (18); and a second sheet (14) overlapping the first sheet (12), the second sheet (14) defining at least two apertures (18) that are aligned with the apertures (18) defined by the first sheet (12). The first sheet (12) is sealed to the second sheet (14): (i) in the vicinity of the perimeters of the first (12) and second (14) sheets; and (ii) in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures (18), to define a sealed internal chamber (22) between the first (12) and second (14) sheets, which chamber (22) extends to the apertures (18) defined by the first (12) and second (14) sheets. Each of the aligned apertures (18) defines a through-hole that extends through the inflatable float (10). A first inlet (16) permits inflation of the internal chamber (22) defined by the first (12) and second (14) sheets. In use, the inflatable float (10) is intended to be used to support an animal, such as a dog (24).

Description

INFLATABLE FLOAT

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an inflatable float. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable float for supporting a dog thereon. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to a float that defines apertures through which a dog’s legs may extend to enable a supported dog to paddle about a water body.

Various floats are known. For instance:

US2003/0220031 “Animal life preservers” and US2008/0337346 “Canine swim safe vest and collar” describe buoyant bodies that are strapped to a dog. A drawback of these devices is that they are rather cumbersome to attach to and detach from a dog.

DE9013865.1 , DE19617720, W02005/082705 “Towable recreational water board”, US5,655,939 “Towable board for underwater swimming and riding on the water surface”, CN3-178676, GB2288337 “Swimming float board”, US2005/0202738 “Children’s water board with manually-operable spray mechanism”, US4,973,279 “Appliance for assisting a swimmer swim, float and/or being towed behind a boat”, US5, 314,395 “Aquatic rehabilitation platform” and US7,648,449 “Aquatic exercise device” describe buoyant solid bodies defining a pair of apertures, typically for enabling a user to grip the buoyant body.

US2010/0229960 “Inflatable apparatus”, US2015/0139723 “Float connector” and US6,053,790 “Train coupleable flotation tube for waterslides” describe a tubular ring float that is connectable to adjacent tubular ring floats.

USD864.330 “Flotation device” illustrates a pair of side-by-side, connected inflatable toroid floats. A similar float is described in US5,358,438 “Recreational floatation device”; and a three-toroid version is described in US5, 122,086 “Towable riding apparatus”.

US2017/0305514 “Buoyant anti-hypothermia apparatus”, US3,574,244 “Kiddie’s tube float”, US4,747,797 “Man overboard retrieval apparatus” and US5,167,554 “Inflatable human support structure with liquid squirter” describe an inflatable tubular ring with a sheet spanning the central bore, wherein the sheet defines one or two apertures. Drawbacks of such floats are that: the sheet is not inflatable, which would otherwise increase buoyancy of the float underneath a body supported thereon; and the float defines less than four apertures.

US2,800,666 “Floater” describes an inflatable toroid with straps extending across the central bore for supporting a body thereon. A similar float is described in US3,860,976 “Bathing float device”. A drawback of such floats is that the straps are not inflatable, which would otherwise increase buoyancy of the float underneath a body supported thereon.

The WINSUN “Inflatable floating game” (model no. EMSP-001) describes an inflatable toroid float with two sheets, each sheet defining a pair of apertures to permit two infants to be supported by the float, with their legs extending through the apertures. Similarly, the DUO FLOAT (model number S4MDU01) describes a pair of side-by-side, connected inflatable toroid floats with a sheet spanning each torroid bore, wherein each sheet defines a pair of apertures, thereby enabling two infants to be supported by the float, with their legs extending through the apertures. Drawbacks of the WINSUN float and the DUO FLOAT are that: the sheets defining the apertures are not inflatable, which would otherwise increase buoyancy of the float underneath a supported infant; and the floats include operatively upward extending inflatable portions (i.e. inflatable barriers) between each pair of apertures, which would cause discomfort to a body straddling the pairs of apertures / support sheets.

The VANKI Inflatable Coasters Drink Holder (ASIN number B073NWXV17) describes an inflatable body that defines four blind bores (i.e. bores that extend through the inflatable body, but which are closed at one axial end by a sheet). A comparable arrangement is described in US1 ,203,631 “Life saving device”. A drawback of the VANKI float is that the blind bores do not permit a dog’s legs to extend therethrough, and protrude therefrom.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above drawbacks and to provide a body that defines apertures specifically suited to receive a dog’s legs therethrough, wherein: the body (including the portion of the inflatable body between the apertures) is inflatable; and the operative upper surface of the inflatable body between the apertures is substantially planar, suitable for supporting the belly of a dog thereon without causing discomfort to the dog. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an inflatable float that includes: a first sheet defining at least two apertures; a second sheet overlapping the first sheet, the second sheet defining at least two apertures that are aligned with the apertures defined by the first sheet; the first sheet being sealed to the second sheet: in the vicinity of the perimeters of the first and second sheets; and in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures, to define a sealed internal chamber between the first and second sheets, which chamber extends to the apertures defined by the first and second sheets; each of the aligned apertures defining a through-hole that extends through the inflatable float; and a first inlet for inflating the internal chamber defined by the first and second sheets. Preferably, the internal chamber defined between the first and second sheets is divided into: a first sub-chamber that extends between the aligned apertures defined by the first and second sheets; and a second sub-chamber that extends from the first sub-chamber to the perimeter of the first and second sheets, wherein: the first sub-chamber is sealed from the second sub-chamber; and the through-hole defined by each of the aligned apertures extends through the first sub-chamber.

Typically: the first and second sheets are elongate, having a length that is greater than their width; and each of the apertures defined by the first and second sheets are elongate, having a length that is greater than its width.

Generally, a major axis of each aperture defined by the first and second sheets that extends along the aperture lengthwise is either: substantially parallel to a major axis of each of the first and second sheets that extends along the sheets lengthwise; or substantially orthogonal to the major axis of each of the first and second sheets. Preferably: each elongate aperture defined by the first and second sheets is at least 2.5cm in width and at least 3cm in length; and the apertures defined by the first sheet are spaced from each other at least 5cm (centre-to-centre).

Typically, the first sheet defines four elongate apertures that are aligned with four elongate apertures defined by the second sheet.

Generally: in respect of each of the first and second sheets: a first pair of apertures defined by the sheet is larger than a second pair of apertures defined by the sheet; and the first pair of apertures defined by the first sheet is aligned with the first pair of apertures defined by the second sheet; and the second pair of apertures defined by the first sheet is aligned with the second pair of apertures defined by the second sheet.

Preferably, each elongate aperture in the first pair of apertures defined by each of the first and second sheets has a major axis that extends along the aperture lengthwise and that is directed towards an aperture included in the second pair of apertures.

Typically, each elongate aperture in the second pair of apertures defined by each of the first and second sheets has a major axis that extends along the aperture lengthwise and that is directed towards an aperture included in the first pair of apertures.

Generally, the first sheet is: sealed directly to the second sheet in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures defined by the first and second sheets; or sealed indirectly to the second sheet in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures defined by the first and second sheets via a tube that extends between each set of aligned apertures defined by first and second sheets.

Preferably, the elongate apertures are oval in shape.

Typically, the first sheet in the region between the apertures defined thereby is substantially planar.

Generally, the inflatable float further defines: a first bulge that extends along the length of the float between a first major side of the first sheet and the apertures defined by the first sheet that are proximal the first major side; and a second bulge that extends along the length of the float between a second major side of the first sheet and the apertures defined by the first sheet that are proximal the second major side, which bulges protrude in a direction away from the second sheet, in use, to extend along and cradle the sides of a dog supported on the float.

Preferably, the inflatable float defines a third bulge that extends along a minor side of the first sheet and protrudes in a direction away from the second sheet, in use, to provide a raised support for the head of a dog supported on the float.

Optionally, the inflatable float includes plugs that are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the apertures defined by the first and second sheets, so as to: be received therein; and be removably retained therein via a friction fit.

According to a further embodiment of the invention: a single sheet is folded into an overlapping configuration to provide the first and second sheets, and the fold-line provides a seal between the first and second sheets perimeter portion along which the fold-line extends.

Preferably: the first inlet is associated with the first sub-chamber; and the float further includes a second inlet that is associated with the second subchamber, such that the first and second sub-chambers may be inflated independently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a first perspective view of an inflatable float according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the inflatable float in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the inflatable float in Figure 1 with a dog supported thereon;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an inflatable float according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an inflatable float according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, an inflatable float 10 includes a first sheet 12, a second sheet 14 and a first inlet 16.

Each of the first and second sheets 12 and 14:

• is made of a flexible, impermeable plastic material; · is elongate, having a length greater that its width (e.g. rectangular or oval in shape); and

• defines four elongate apertures 18 with the centres arranged at corners of a virtual square or rectangle. Each aperture 18 is typically oval in shape.

The first and second sheets 12 and 14 are arranged in overlapping configuration, with the apertures 18 defined by the first sheet 12 aligned with corresponding apertures 18 defined by the second sheet 14.

Each aperture 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14 is elongate, having a length that is greater than its width. Figures 1 to 3 show the major axis of each aperture 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14 (that extends along the aperture lengthwise) aligned substantially parallel to a major axis A-A of each of the first and second sheets 12 and 14 (that extends along the sheets lengthwise). Preferably, each elongate aperture 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14 is at least 2.5cm in width and at least 3cm in length. Furthermore, the apertures 18 defined by the first sheet 112 are preferably spaced from each other at least 5cm (centre-to-centre).

In respect of each of the first and second sheets 12 and 14: (i) a first pair of apertures 18a defined by the sheet 12 and 14 is larger than a second pair of apertures 18b defined by the sheet 12 and 14; (ii) the first pair of apertures 18a defined by the first sheet 12 is aligned with the first pair of apertures 18a defined by the second sheet 14; and (iii) the second pair of apertures 18b defined by the first sheet 12 is aligned with the second pair of apertures 18b defined by the second sheet 14. Furthermore, each elongate aperture 18a in the first pair of apertures 18a defined by each of the first and second sheets 12 and 14 has a major axis that extends along the aperture 18a lengthwise and that is directed towards an aperture 18b included in the second pair of apertures 18b. Similarly, each elongate aperture 18b in the second pair of apertures 18b defined by each of the first and second sheets 12 and 14 has a major axis that extends along the aperture 18b lengthwise and that is directed towards an aperture 18a included in the first pair of apertures 18a.

The first sheet 12 is sealed to the second sheet 14: (i) in the vicinity of the perimeters of the first and second sheets 12 and 14; and (ii) in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures 18. In this specification: the phrase “in the vicinity of the perimeters” is intended to mean that it is “within 3cm of the perimeter” (but, preferably at the perimeter). Although the first sheet 12 may be sealed directly to the second sheet 14 in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14, Figures 1 to 3 show the first sheet 12 sealed indirectly to the second sheet 14 in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14 via a tube 20 that extends between each set of aligned apertures 18 defined by first and second sheets 12 and 14. The tube is similarly made of an impermeable material. Similarly, although the first sheet 12 may be sealed directly to the second sheet 14 in the vicinity of the perimeters of the first and second sheets 12 and 14, the first sheet 12 may be sealed indirectly to the second sheet 14 in the vicinity of the perimeters of the first and second sheets 12 and 14 via a skirt (not shown) that extends between the first and second sheets 12 and 14.

It will be appreciated that the inflatable float 10 defines a sealed internal chamber 22 between the first and second sheets 12 and 14, which chamber 22 extends to (and, preferably between) the apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14. This is a major point of difference between the float 10 according to the present invention and many of the prior art floats.

Each of the aligned apertures 18 defines a through-hole that extends through the inflatable float 10. In other words, each set of aligned apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14 provide a bore that is open at both axial ends.

With the inflatable float 10 in an inflated condition, the first sheet 12 in the region between the apertures 18 defined thereby is substantially planar. In this specification “substantially planar” means that it is sufficiently planar to enable a dog’s 24 belly to be supported thereon without causing discomfort to the dog 24 / uncomfortably protruding into the dog’s 24 belly.

The inflatable float 10 further defines:

• a first bulge 26 that extends along the length of the float 10, between a first major side of the first sheet 12 and the apertures 18 defined by the first sheet 12 that are proximal the first major side; and

• a second bulge 26 that extends along the length of the float 10, between a second major side of the first sheet 12 and the apertures 18 defined by the first sheet 12 that are proximal the second major side, which bulges 26 protrude in a direction away from the second sheet 14, in use, to extend along and cradle the sides of a dog 24 supported on the float 10.

The inflatable float 10 further defines a third bulge 28 that extends along a minor side of the first sheet 12 and protrudes in a direction away from the second sheet 14, in use, to provide a raised support for the head of a dog 24 supported on the float 10.

The first inlet 16 permits inflation and deflation of the internal chamber 22 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14. A plug or valve associated with the inlet 16 regulates venting of air from the internal chamber 22.

The internal chamber 22 defined between the first and second sheets 12 and 14 could be divided into first and second sub-chambers 22a and 22b - a first sub-chamber 22a extending between the aligned apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14; and a second sub-chamber 22b extending from the first sub-chamber to the perimeter of the first and second sheets 12 and 14. An impermeable sheet 32 could be used to seal the first sub-chamber 22a from the second sub-chamber 22b, and a second inlet 34 could be provided - the first inlet 16 associated with the first sub-chamber 22a; and the second inlet 34 associated with the second sub-chamber 22b, independently to inflate / deflate the two sub-chambers 22a and 22b. It will be appreciated that the through-hole defined by each of the aligned apertures 18 extends through the first sub-chamber 22a. This arrangement is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

In use, the inflatable float 10 is inflated via the inlet(s) 16 and 34, and each of a dog’s 24 four legs is received within a set of aligned apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14, protruding from the aligned apertures 18 beyond the second sheet 14. With the dog’s 24 belly supported on the substantially planar portion of the first sheet 12 between the apertures 18 defined by the first sheet 12, the dog 24 may be placed in a water body and paddle about. The first and second bulges 26 extend operatively upwards along the dog’s sides providing additional buoyancy and stability. Should the dog 24 wish to rest, his head may be supported on the third bulge 28. It will be appreciated that the elongate shape of the first pair of apertures 18a corresponds to the non-circular shape of dog’s 24 upper back legs. Furthermore, the elongate shape of both the first and second pairs of apertures 18a and 18b facilitate paddling of the dog’s 24 legs - providing space for the dog’s 24 legs to move back and forth.

For dogs 24 with relatively short legs, the first sub-chamber 22a may be deflated to: reduce the effective axial length of the through-bore provided by the aligned apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14; and thereby enable the dog 24 to use its protruding legs to paddle about a water body.

Optionally, the inflatable float 10 includes plugs 30 that are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the apertures 18 defined by the first and second sheets 12 and 14, so as to: be received therein; and be removably retained therein via a friction fit. The plugs 30 cover the through bores provided by the apertures 18.

It will be appreciated that, although the float 10 has been described as being made of separate first and second sheets 12 and 14, the first and second sheets 12 and 14 could be formed by folding a single sheet in an overlapping configuration, with the fold-line providing a seal between the first and second sheets 12 and 14 perimeter portion along which the fold-line extends.

Figure 4 shows an inflatable float 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this second embodiment, each of the first and second sheets 112 and 114 defines only two elongate apertures 118, The apertures 118 are larger than the apertures 18 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3, and oriented with the major axis of each aperture 118 defined by the first and second sheets 112 and 114 (that extends along the aperture lengthwise) aligned substantially orthogonal to a major axis of each of the first and second sheets 112 and 114 (that extends along the sheets lengthwise).

In use, a dog places both his front legs through one of the apertures 118 and both his back legs through the other of the apertures 118.

Figure 5 shows an inflatable float 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention. In this third embodiment, each of the first and second sheets 212 and 214 defines only two elongate apertures 218, The apertures 218 are larger than the apertures 18 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3, and oriented with the major axis of each aperture 218 defined by the first and second sheets 212 and 214 (that extends along the aperture lengthwise aligned) substantially parallel to a major axis of each of the first and second sheets 212 and 214 (that extends along the sheets lengthwise).

In use, a dog places both his left front and back legs through one of the apertures 218 and both his right front and back legs through the other of the apertures 218.

It will be appreciated that by inflating the internal chamber 22 in the vicinity of, and between the apertures 18, 118, 218 defined by the first and second sheets 12, 14, 112, 114, 212 and 214, the float 10 provides more buoyancy to a dog 24 supported on the substantially planar portion of the first sheet 12, 112 and 114 (i.e. between the apertures 18, 118 and 218). Furthermore, the substantially planar portion of the first sheet 12, 112 and 212 is particularly suited to support a dog’s 24 belly thereon without causing discomfort to the dog 24. Even further, by providing a through-hole / through-bore via the apertures 18, 118 and 218, a dog 24 supported on the float 10 may use his front and back legs (which protrude beyond the second surface 14, 114, 214) to paddle about a water body.

Claims

1. An inflatable float including: a first sheet defining at least two apertures; a second sheet overlapping the first sheet, the second sheet defining at least two apertures that are aligned with the apertures defined by the first sheet; the first sheet being sealed to the second sheet: in the vicinity of the perimeters of the first and second sheets; and in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures, to define a sealed internal chamber between the first and second sheets, which chamber extends to the apertures defined by the first and second sheets; each of the aligned apertures defining a through-hole that extends through the inflatable float; and a first inlet for inflating the internal chamber defined by the first and second sheets.

2. The inflatable float according to claim 13, wherein the internal chamber defined between the first and second sheets is divided into: a first sub-chamber that extends between the aligned apertures defined by the first and second sheets; and a second sub-chamber that extends from the first sub-chamber to the perimeter of the first and second sheets, wherein: the first sub-chamber is sealed from the second sub-chamber; and the through-hole defined by each of the aligned apertures extends through the first sub-chamber.

3. The inflatable float according to claim 2, wherein: the first and second sheets are elongate, having a length that is greater than their width; and each of the apertures defined by the first and second sheets are elongate, having a length that is greater than its width.

4. The inflatable float according to claim 3, wherein a major axis of each aperture defined by the first and second sheets that extends along the aperture lengthwise is either: substantially parallel to a major axis of each of the first and second sheets that extends along the sheets lengthwise; or substantially orthogonal to the major axis of each of the first and second sheets.

5. The inflatable float according to claim 4, wherein: each elongate aperture defined by the first and second sheets is at least 2.5cm in width and at least 3cm in length; and the apertures defined by the first sheet are spaced from each other at least 5cm (centre-to-centre).

6. The inflatable float according to claim 5, wherein the first sheet defines four elongate apertures that are aligned with four elongate apertures defined by the second sheet.

7. The inflatable float according to claim 6, wherein: in respect of each of the first and second sheets: a first pair of apertures defined by the sheet is larger than a second pair of apertures defined by the sheet; and the first pair of apertures defined by the first sheet is aligned with the first pair of apertures defined by the second sheet; and the second pair of apertures defined by the first sheet is aligned with the second pair of apertures defined by the second sheet.

8. The inflatable float according to claim 7, wherein each elongate aperture in the first pair of apertures defined by each of the first and second sheets has a major axis that extends along the aperture lengthwise and that is directed towards an aperture included in the second pair of apertures.

9. The inflatable float according to claim 8, wherein each elongate aperture in the second pair of apertures defined by each of the first and second sheets has a major axis that extends along the aperture lengthwise and that is directed towards an aperture included in the first pair of apertures.

10. The inflatable float according to claim 9, wherein the first sheet is: sealed directly to the second sheet in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures defined by the first and second sheets; or sealed indirectly to the second sheet in the vicinity of the perimeters of the aligned apertures defined by the first and second sheets via a tube that extends between each set of aligned apertures defined by first and second sheets.

11 . The inflatable float according to claim 10, wherein the elongate apertures are oval in shape.

12. The inflatable float according to claim 11 , wherein the first sheet in the region between the apertures defined thereby is substantially planar.

13. The inflatable float according to claim 12, wherein the inflatable float further defines: a first bulge that extends along the length of the float between a first major side of the first sheet and the apertures defined by the first sheet that are proximal the first major side; and a second bulge that extends along the length of the float between a second major side of the first sheet and the apertures defined by the first sheet that are proximal the second major side, which bulges protrude in a direction away from the second sheet, in use, to extend along and cradle the sides of a dog supported on the float.

14. The inflatable float according to claim 13, wherein the inflatable float defines a third bulge that extends along a minor side of the first sheet and protrudes in a direction away from the second sheet, in use, to provide a raised support for the head of a dog supported on the float.

15. The inflatable float according to claim 14, wherein the inflatable float includes plugs that are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the apertures defined by the first and second sheets, so as to: be received therein; and be removably retained therein via a friction fit.

16. The inflatable float according to claim 14, wherein: a single sheet is folded into an overlapping configuration to provide the first and second sheets, and the fold-line provides a seal between the first and second sheets perimeter portion along which the fold-line extends.

17. The inflatable float according to claim 16, wherein: the first inlet is associated with the first sub-chamber; and the float further includes a second inlet that is associated with the second subchamber, such that the first and second sub-chambers may be inflated independently.