In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an infant recreational flotation device is provided. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to a swim ring for an infant such that the infant can exercise in a body of water, such as a pool, prior to and after developing neck strength and/or head control.
A swim ring is generally a donut-shaped inflatable tube that is made of a flexible plastic material. To achieve this shape, the swim ring generally includes two identically-sized circular layers of plastic, where an inner concentric circle of plastic has been removed and where the inner and outer edges are joined to form an air chamber. The swim ring also includes a valve that allows the air chamber of the swim ring to be inflated with air. Once inflated, the swim ring can, for example, be placed around the torso of the user.
For infants, swim rings are made that can be placed around the neck of an infant. Such swim rings for infants, however, have a number of disadvantages. For example, when placing the swim ring around the neck of an infant, the caregiver is generally required to forcibly create an opening at cut ends of the swim ring, which can be extremely rigid when the swim ring is fully inflated. This procedure of forcibly creating an opening so that the swim ring can be placed around the neck of the infant can be uncomfortable for both the caregiver and the infant. Moreover, additional force is generally needed to create a wider opening to accommodate a larger neck circumference.
There is therefore a need in the art for a new infant recreational floatation device. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an infant recreational floatation device that overcomes these and other deficiencies of the prior art.
In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an infant recreational floatation device is provided.
In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a floatation device for an infant is provided. The floatation device includes an inflatable ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the inflatable ring includes: an air chamber having an upper chamber portion and a lower chamber portion that are divided by a layer; a cut through the air chamber of the inflatable ring that forms a first end of the inflatable ring and a second end of the inflatable ring, wherein the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring are displaced to insert a neck of the infant into an interior space; a plurality of cut-out portions adjacent to the interior space; and a plurality of fasteners placed on the top surface and the bottom surface of the inflatable ring that detachably connect the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring.
In some embodiments, upon inflating the inflatable ring and connecting the first fastener and the second fastener to connect the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring, the flotation ring is substantially toroid-shaped.
In some embodiments, each of the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring is displaced within at least a portion of one of the plurality of cut-out portions.
In some embodiments, the plurality of cut-out portions are circular and a first cut-out portion of the plurality of cut-out portions is adjacent to the first end of the inflatable ring and a second cut-out portion of the plurality of cut-out portions is adjacent to the second end of the inflatable ring.
In some embodiments, upon inflating the inflatable ring and connecting the first fastener and the second fastener to connect the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring, the plurality of cut-out portions are not connected to the interior space.
In some embodiments, upon inflating the inflatable ring and displacing the first end and the second end of the inflatable ring, the plurality of cut-out portions are connected to the interior space based on a neck circumference of the infant.
In some embodiments, the inflatable ring further includes an inner ring portion that is in communication with the upper chamber portion of the air chamber.
In some embodiments, the inner ring portion is substantially half-toroid-shaped.
In some embodiments, a portion of the inner ring portion is used form a chin rest for the infant.
In some embodiments, the inflatable ring further includes a plurality of balls placed within the upper chamber portion of the air chamber.
In some embodiments, the inflatable ring further includes a plurality of handles formed on the top surface of the inflatable ring.
In some embodiments, the inflatable ring further includes at least a first valve on the top surface of the inflatable ring connected to the upper chamber portion of the air chamber and at least a second valve on the bottom surface of the inflatable ring connected to the lower chamber portion of the air chamber.
In some embodiments, the upper chamber portion and the lower chamber portion of the air chamber are not in fluid communication.
In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a floatation device is provided that includes an inflatable ring having an interior space formed in a center region of the inflatable ring, wherein the inflatable ring includes: an air chamber; a plurality of cut-out portions that are adjacent to the interior space; a cut through the air chamber of the inflatable ring that forms opposing ends of the inflatable ring; and a plurality of fasteners that detachably connect the opposing ends of the inflatable ring.
In some embodiments, each of the opposing ends is substantially flat and where the substantially flat opposing ends are connected to form the inflatable ring having a toroid shape.
In some embodiments, each of the opposing ends is displaced within at least a portion of one of the plurality of cut-out portions.
In some embodiments, the plurality of cut-out portions are circular and wherein each of the plurality of cut-out portions is adjacent to one of the opposing ends of the inflatable ring.
In some embodiments, the inflatable ring further comprises an inner ring portion that is in communication with the air chamber, wherein the inner ring portion is substantially half-toroid-shaped.
In some embodiments, a chin rest for the infant is formed on a surface of the inner ring portion.
In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a floatation device is provided, the floatation device including an inflatable ring having an interior space formed in a center region of the inflatable ring, wherein the inflatable ring includes: a toroid-shaped air chamber that includes a cut through a cross-section of the air chamber, wherein the cut forms opposing ends of the toroid-shaped air chamber; a plurality of cut-out portions, wherein each of the plurality of cut-out portions is adjacent to the interior space and one of the opposing ends of the toroid-shaped air chamber; and a plurality of fasteners that detachably connect the opposing ends of the inflatable ring.
Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the invention when considered in connection with the following drawing, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.
In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an infant recreational floatation device is provided.
Generally speaking, the infant recreational floatation device includes an inflatable ring having a top surface and a bottom surface. The inflatable ring can include a chamber that forms a central opening, where the neck of the infant can be placed when using the infant recreational floatation device. The chamber can be constructed and/or cut such that opposing ends of the chamber are formed. The opposing ends of the chamber can be displaced (e.g., in a horizontal direction) such that the infant recreational floatation device, when inflated, can be placed around the neck of an infant.
In addition, the chamber can also include multiple cut-out portions formed on the inner edge of the chamber that are each adjacent to one of the opposing ends. These multiple cut-out portions can, for example, facilitate a caregiver in placing the neck of an infant into the central opening of the infant recreational floatation device when the chamber of the device has been inflated with air (e.g., as the opposing ends can be displaced horizontally with the assistance of the multiple-cut out portions), facilitate a caregiver in the continued use of the infant recreational floatation device as the neck circumference of the infant continues to increase (e.g., as the multiple-cut out portions can facilitate the accommodation of increasing neck circumferences), and/or facilitate the drainage of water on the top surface of the infant recreational floatation device (e.g., as the infant splashes water onto the infant recreational floatation device during use).
When inflated, the inflatable ring can be substantially annular-shaped, ring- shaped, donut-shaped, or toroid-shaped. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners can be provided to removably connect the opposing ends of the chamber. This can, for example, allow the inflatable ring to further achieve an annular or toroid shape.
These and other features of the infant recreational floatation device are further described in connection with
It should be noted that the infant recreational floatation device can be used in a variety of applications. For example, the infant recreational floatation device can be placed around the neck of an infant to allow the infant to move his or her arms and legs in an unrestricted manner in a body of water (e.g., a swimming pool). In this example, an infant can use the infant recreational floatation device to learn to swim or perform swimming motions in a swimming pool prior to being able to walk or crawl. Moreover, the infant recreational floatation device can be used to allow the infant to exercise and, more particularly, to perform physical therapy exercises (e.g., when the infant does not yet possess adequate neck strength and/or head control for performing such exercises). In another example, the infant recreational floatation device can allow a caregiver to safely and comfortably place an infant into the central opening of the infant recreational floatation device when the chamber of the device has been inflated with air as opposing ends can be displaced horizontally with the assistance of the multiple-cut out portions (e.g., as opposed to displacement in the vertical direction that can contact the face or other parts of the infant).
It should also be noted that, although the embodiments of the floatation device are described in connection with the placement of the floatation device around the neck of an infant to allow the infant to move his or her arms and legs in an unrestricted manner in a body of water, this is illustrative. The floatation device can be made for use with older children and/or adults. For example, the floatation device can be enlarged to provide a larger central opening such that it can accommodate the neck circumference of an adult, such as an elderly patient. This can, for example, allow the floatation device to be used in hydrotherapy to help children and/or adults regain muscle strength in, among other things, muscles in their arms and legs. Alternatively, the floatation device and, in particular, the central opening can be modified to accommodate the neck or other body part of animals, such as a dog or a cat.
Turning to
It should be noted that, although only one valve 110 is shown in
In some embodiments, valve 110 can be a one-way valve that allows the intake of air or any other suitable gas, but inhibits the expulsion of air or any other suitable gas from chamber 105 until purposefully released (e.g., using a release mechanism for releasing air from chamber 105). This can, for example, inhibit the release of air from chamber 105 via valve 110.
In some embodiments, a first end 115 and a second end 120 of chamber 105 can be formed by a cut made through chamber 105. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, cut-out portions can be formed on the inner edge of chamber 105. As shown in
Although the embodiments described herein generally show two opposing cut-out portions, this is merely illustrative. Any suitable number of cut-out portions can be provided. For example, four cut-out portions can be provided on the inner edge of chamber 105. The placement of such cut-out portions can be based, for example, on balancing the center of gravity when an infant is placed in infant recreational floatation device 100, accommodating a greater neck circumference of an infant, etc.
In addition, although the embodiments described herein generally show circular cut-output portions, this is merely illustrative. The cut-output portions, such as cut-out portions 125 and/or 130 can be any suitable shape (e.g., oval-shaped, teardrop-shaped, rectangular-shaped, etc.).
Alternatively, in some embodiments, a single cut-out portion can be provided. For example, the cut-out portion and the chin rest (described herein) can be combined and placed at the same location on the infant recreational floatation device. In another example, the infant recreational floatation device can include a single chin rest and a single cut-out portion at different locations on the infant recreational floatation device. In this example, the single cut-out portion can be formed on the inner edge of the infant recreational floatation device to facilitate the opening of the infant recreational floatation device and accommodate varying neck circumferences that may be placed in the infant recreational floatation device. The chin rest can be formed at a different location on the infant recreational floatation device to align the infant on the infant recreational floatation device, while shifting the center of gravity in a direction forward from the chin rest. The placement of the chin rest and the placement of the chin of the infant on the chin rest can shift the center of gravity of the infant recreational flotation device away from the central opening of the infant recreational floatation device to a position in which the center of gravity is located in a direction towards the chin rest. This can, for example, inhibit and/or minimize the amount of water that can enter the top surface of the infant recreational floatation device through the one or more cut-out portions.
In some embodiments, cut-out portions 125 and 130 along with other elements of infant recreational floatation device 100 (e.g., an inner tube portion) can allow portions of infant recreational floatation device 100 to be displaced. For example, cut-out portions 125 and/or 130 can allow portions of infant recreational floatation device 100 to be displaced in a horizontal direction as opposed to a vertical direction that can contact the face of the infant. As an infant grows, the circumference of the neck of the infant tends to increase. Cut-out portions 125 and 130 can allow portions of infant recreational floatation device 100 to spread to conform to the neck as its circumference increases. More particularly, when inflated and unused, cut-out portions 125 and 130 may not be connected to central opening 140, but, when placing the neck of an infant into infant recreational floatation device 100 and spreading portions of infant recreational floatation device 100 to conform to the neck, a space connecting cut-out portions 125 and 130 and central opening 140 can be created. For example, portions of infant recreational floatation device 100 can be spread to accommodate the neck of an infant having a neck circumference that is greater than a particular threshold value (e.g., the circumference of central opening 140). By accommodating for different neck circumferences, this can, for example, provide a comfortable fitting for different infants and allow an infant to continue to use infant recreational floatation device 100 as the infant grows.
In some embodiments, when using infant recreational floatation device 100 on an infant, cut-out portions 125 and 130 can allow water to drain from the surface of infant recreational floatation device 100. For example, when an infant is wearing infant recreational floatation device 100 around his or her neck and splashes water onto infant recreational floatation device 100, water that lands on the surface of infant recreational floatation device 100 (e.g., an inner tube portion) can escape through cut-out portions 125 and/or 130 (e.g., as opposed to pooling on the surface).
It should be noted that, although
It should also be noted that any suitable type of fastener can be used. For example, as shown in
It should be further noted that, when using fastener 135 to connect first end 115 and second end 120, first end 115 and second end 120 can be substantially flat. By providing opposing ends 115 and 120 that are substantially flat, infant recreational floatation device 100 can be substantially annular, donut, ring, or toroid in shape.
Referring back to
Alternatively, as described above, in instances where the neck circumference of the infant being placed in infant recreational floatation device 100 is greater than a particular threshold value (e.g., the circumference of central opening 140), a space between cut-out portions 125 and 130 and central opening 140 can be created when spreading portions of infant recreational floatation device (e.g., first end 115 and second end 120). As such, in some embodiments, when infant recreational floatation device 100 has been inflated with air and portions of infant recreational floatation device have been displaced to accommodate the placement of an infant, central opening 140 can be connected with cut-out portions 125 and 130. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the neck circumference of the infant placed in infant recreational floatation device 100 can determine whether central opening 140 is connected with cut-out portions 125 and 130.
In some embodiments, chamber 105 can include multiple chambers. For example,
It should be noted that, in some embodiments, upper chamber portion 310 and lower chamber portion 320 are not in fluid communication. As such, valve 110 can be connected to upper chamber portion 310 such that upper chamber portion 310 can be inflated with air via valve 110 and another valve (e.g., valve 510) can be connected to lower chamber portion 320. By providing upper chamber portion 310 and lower chamber portion 320 that are not in fluid communication, buoyancy of infant recreational floatation device 100 can be maintained in response to air leaking out of either upper chamber portion 310 or lower chamber portion 320. This can, for example, create a safety mechanism in the event where air leaks out of either upper chamber portion 310 and lower chamber portion 320.
In some embodiments, infant recreational floatation device 100 can include an inner ring portion. For example, as shown in
It should be noted that inner ring portion 145 does not extend past cut-out portions 125 and 130 such that inner ring portion145 is not cut through similarly to chamber 105, where opposing ends 115 and 120 are formed from the cut.
It should also be noted that inner ring portion 145 can be in communication with chamber 105. For example, inner ring portion 145 can be in communication with upper chamber portion 310 of chamber 105 (
In some embodiments, a chin rest 150 can be formed on inner ring portion 145. For example, as shown in
An illustrative example of a cross-section of infant recreational floatation device along line 400 is shown in
In some embodiments, infant recreational floatation device 100 can include one or more toys. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, infant recreational floatation device 100 can include one or more handles. For example, as shown in
It should be noted that, although the embodiments described herein generally show a top surface of the infant recreational floatation device that includes handles, a chin rest, and multiple toys within an upper chamber of the infant recreational floatation device, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, the infant recreational floatation device can be turned on its opposing side, where the opposing side includes similar or different features—e.g., two handles for controlling the infant recreational floatation device, a chin rest in an alternative position, different toys within the chamber of the infant recreational floatation device, etc.
In some embodiments, infant recreational floatation device 100 can include a detachable seat system. For example, the detachable seat system can include a pair of leg holes in which an infant can insert his or her legs and a seat can be attached to infant recreational floatation device 100 so that the infant is not in danger of falling through infant recreational floatation device 100.
In some embodiments, infant recreational floatation device 100 can include a detachable tether. One end of the detachable tether can be connected to the wrist of a caregiver. The other end of the detachable tether can be attached to any suitable portion of infant recreational floatation device 100. For example, the detachable tether can be connected to one of handles 220 on the top surface of chamber 105. In another example, the detachable tether can be connected to the detachable seat system. In yet another example, detachable tether can be connected around the circumference of infant recreational floatation device 100.
Accordingly, an infant recreational floatation device is provided.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in various ways.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/041,846, filed Sep. 30, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/707,418, filed Sep. 28, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/800,946, filed Mar. 15, 2013, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61707418 | Sep 2012 | US | |
61800946 | Mar 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14041846 | Sep 2013 | US |
Child | 15012512 | US |