Patent Application
20210291936
The present invention relates generally to the field of floatation devices that protect users from harmful UV rays. More specifically, the present invention relates to a personal, foldable floatation device equipped with, among other things, a sunshade, beverage or other container holder, and a cell phone holder. The flotation device of the present invention allows a user to relax while enjoying a body of water such as, but not limited to, a pool, lake, pond, etc. with little to no effort, while also protecting the user from the harmful effects of the sun, such as dehydration, overheating, sunburn, etc.
More specifically, a user is supported while floating by the frame members of the flotation device, and the sunshade provides a barrier between the user and the sun. Additionally, a beverage holder is attached to the frame of the flotation device, and may be used to support a variety of beverages and containers including, without limitation, cans, plastic bottles, reusable drinking devices, cups, and the like. The user may also utilize the cell phone holder of the flotation device to secure his or her cell phone or other smart device while floating. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, many individuals enjoy relaxing or cooling off in a body of water, such as a pool, lake, pond, stream, etc. To stay afloat with minimal effort, many of such individuals also use some form of a flotation device, such as a life jacket, raft, inner tube or the like. Unfortunately, many such flotation devices are bulky and do not protect the user from the harmful UV rays and other effects of the sun. For example, a life vest does not cover the wearer's head or arms, and only covers those portions of the wearer's skin that are positioned directly beneath the life vest. Accordingly, and in order for a user to protect himself/herself from the harmful effects of the sun, he/she would need to purchase or wear additional items, thereby interfering with the user's enjoyment of the water and the flotation device. More specifically, the user may need to wear a hat, hold an umbrella, or wear UV protective clothing to prevent exposure to the sun's harmful effects.
Another limitation on standard water or pool floatation devices is their lack of ability to hold a user's beverage. More often than not, the user will have, or want to have, a beverage nearby while utilizing a floatation device to relax in a body of water and to prevent dehydration. With a standard water or pool floatation device, in order for the user to partake in a beverage, he/she would need to hold the beverage separately in one hand for the entire time, or set it by the side of the pool where others may inadvertently knock it over. Holding a beverage separately while utilizing a floatation device could cause the user to repeatedly spill the beverage, or drop the container into the water. This, in turn, may cause other ramifications depending on the type of beverage, whether the user is in a private pool, in a body of water in which the beverage would attract unwanted marine life, or other unwanted situations. Having to continually hold a beverage also prevents the user from being able to use both hands to engage in a separate activity such as, for example, paddling the flotation device to a desired destination.
Another limitation typically associated with a standard water or pool floatation device is the user's inability to have a cell phone either on his/her person or nearby. With a standard water or pool floatation device, the user's risk of dropping a cell phone into the water increases exponentially without a built-in, secure holder in which to place the cell phone. This risk is further increased if the user also has a beverage in the other hand.
Yet another limitation on a standard water or pool floatation device is its inability to be folded so that it can be conveniently carried from one place to another, or stored when not in use. As previously stated, most standard water or pool floatation devices are generally bulky or inflatable, thereby making it difficult to transport over long distances, and to store when not in use. The inability to fold the water or pool floatation device oftentimes requires that the user use both hands to transport the device, and requires a larger storage area when the device is not in use. The user may also be at risk of falling or tripping over a water or pool floatation device as it is being carried to and from the body of water, or dropping or losing other items that he/she is carrying.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved floatation device to protect users from the harmful UV rays and other effects of the sun, while also providing an improved waterborne experience. More specifically, there is a long felt need in the art for a floatation device that contains a cover or sunshade that is made of a UV protective material that allows the user to avoid over exposure to the harmful effects of the sun while beneath the sunshade. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a floatation device that provides a mechanism to allow the user to keep a beverage close by for consumption, without requiring the user to continuously hold the same. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a floatation device that provides a mechanism to securely hold the user's cell phone or smart device, and that is foldable to a compact position in order for the user to transport and store the device more efficiently and conveniently. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a flotation device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe and easy to use.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a foldable, floating sun shade device comprised of a tubular frame structure, a protective cover, a beverage holder, and a cell phone holder. The tubular frame structure is relatively lightweight, and is used to support the protective cover, beverage holder, and cell phone holder. The tubular structure is generally comprised of two frames, each of which is comprised of two side tubes and two horizontal tubes connecting the two side tubes on the top and bottom at approximately ninety degree angles. The two frames are connected to one another by two detachable straight tubes and an associated mounting mechanism that attaches to the lower horizontal tube of each of the two frames. Further, the mounting mechanism on the straight tubes is capable of detaching from the bottom horizontal tubes, and, when detached, allows the foldable floating sun shade device to fold into a compact position. The foldable floating sun shade device is further comprised of a protective cover or shade located directly above the user that spans between, and is attached to, each of the upper horizontal tubes of the two frames. Moreover, the foldable floating sun shade device has at least one detachable beverage holder that can be attached to any of the bottom horizontal or straight tubes, and one or more detachable cell phone holders that can be fastened to either of the two top horizontal tubes, or the protective cover/shade.
In this manner, the novel foldable floating sun shade device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a relatively safe, easy, convenient and cost-effective solution to allow a user to relax in a body of water and avoid exposure to the harmful effects of the sun. The novel foldable floating sun shade device also provides the user with the ability to have a beverage and cell phone safe and secure while in the body of water, and folds to a compact position for convenient storage and transportation when not is use.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The present invention relates to a novel and foldable floating sun shade device equipped with a beverage and other holder components suitable for holding one or more containers. As used herein, the term “container” refers to one of a cup, can, glass, mug, bottle, or the like. “Containers” are typically used for holding consumer products, both those intended for human consumption (e.g. coffee, tea, soda, alcohol) and those that are not, such as a smart phone, music player, or other device. Although the preferred use of the beverage holder of the present invention is for containers intended for human consumption, it is not so limiting, and may be used for any other purpose that may satisfy the needs and/or preferences of the user.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a foldable floating sun shade device that allows a user to relax in a body of water with or without his or her arms outstretched, while also avoiding the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to the sun. The sun shade portion of the device is a UV protective cover, that extends above the user and that is attached to two separate frame components. Each of the two frame components is generally rectangular in configuration, and is comprised of a pair of spaced apart side tubes that are connected to one another at each end by a pair of spaced apart horizontal tubes to form a rectangle. Each corner of each of the frames is preferably rounded to avoid sharp or pointed surfaces that could injure a user, but the same may also be angular (e.g., at roughly a ninety degree angle).
Each of the two frames are connected to one another in a spaced apart fashion by two straight tubes to form a generally rectangular base portion. All four sides of the base portion are preferably enclosed in a buoyant foam, or other substance suitable for floatation on water. Similarly, a protective cover is attached to, and spans the space between, the upper horizontal tube of each of the spaced apart frames, and is comprised of a material that is suitable for blocking the harmful UV rays of the sun and providing shade. The protective cover may further comprise a casing, or other type of attachment, to attach the protective cover to the top horizontal tube of each frame. For example, the top horizontal tubes can be inserted into the casing on opposite sides of the protective cover, or the protective cover may be fastened to the two top horizontal tubes. When fully deployed, the foldable floating sun shade device can float on the surface of the water and support the weight of a user.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the foldable floating sun shade device further comprises a beverage holder. The beverage holder is preferably of a generally cylindrical shape and size that is capable of securing many different types of containers including, without limitation, a can, glass, bottle, cup, or the like. The side of the beverage holder has a mounting system that allows the beverage holder to attach and be secured to the base of the foldable floating sun shade device, in convenient reach of the user and above the water line, when the device is in use. The mounting system can include, but is not limited to, a generally c-shaped clasp or other similar device to provide a safe and secure method of holding container of various sizes and weights.
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the foldable floating sun shade device further comprises a cell phone or other device holder. The cell phone holder is preferably generally rectangular in shape and forms a “pocket” for receipt of the user's smart phone, music player or other device. The cell phone holder is preferably positioned along a select one of the top horizontal tubes of the respective frames under the protective cover to avoid direct sunlight, which may result in overheating of the device or battery drain. Additionally, the cell phone holder is positioned so that the device being secured therein faces inward towards the user so that the user can see the screen of the device without having to remove it from the holder which could result in the device being dropped into the water and damaged, particularly when the user's hands are wet or are slick with sunscreen. Notwithstanding, the cell phone holder can attach anywhere along the device, provided that the same is above the water line and preferably out of direct contact with the sun. The cell phone holder has a fastening mechanism that may be similar to the fastening mechanism of the protective cover, or the beverage holder.
In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, each end of the two straight tubes that attach to the bottom horizontal tube of each of the spaced apart frame members contain a fastening mechanism or clasp. The fastening mechanism or clasp allows the user to quickly and efficiently detach the straight tubes from the lower horizontal tubes. When each straight tube is detached from one of the lower horizontal tubes while remaining attached to the other lower horizontal tube, the straight tubes can be folded upward (i.e., in the direction of the protective cover). The detached frame is then capable of being folded in an inward direction, and the protective cover is then capable of folding downward, thereby rendering the foldable floating sun shade device into a relatively flat compact position for convenient storage and/or transportation.
In a yet further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a recreational device for use in water is disclosed. The recreational device is comprised of a frame having a base, wherein the frame is comprised of a plurality of tubular elements forming a generally three dimensional quadrate configuration. Each of the tubular elements is covered, at least in part, with a cellular foam material. The frame is further comprised of a pair of side tubes extending generally upwardly from the base, wherein the side tubes are repositionable between a first position and a second position, and vice versa. The pair of side tubes support a protective cover, wherein the cover blocks between 90 and 98 percent of harmful UV rays.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved floatation device to protect users from harmful UV rays and other effects of the sun, while also providing an improved waterborne experience. More specifically, there is a long felt need in the art for a floatation device that contains a cover or sunshade that is made of a UV protective material that allows the user to avoid over exposure to the harmful effects of the sun while beneath the sunshade. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a floatation device that provides a mechanism to securely hold the user's cell phone or smart device, and that is foldable to a compact position in order for the user to transport and store the device more efficiently and conveniently. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a floatation device that provides a mechanism to allow the user to keep a beverage close by for consumption, without requiring the user to continuously hold the same. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a flotation device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe and easy to use.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The foldable floating sun shade device 100 is comprised of a protective cover 110, a pair of spaced apart frame components 120, a pair of straight connecting tubes 130, a cell phone holder 150 and a beverage holder 160. As explained more fully below, when in use, the protective cover 110 is positioned over the user and is preferably made from a high-density polyethylene, or other suitable material that provides an ample level of sunscreen protection to the user. More specifically, the protective cover 110 is preferably comprised of a material that blocks between 80 and 90 percent of the sunlight, and between 90 and 98 percent of the harmful UV rays from the sun. The protective cover 110 is also of a size and configuration such that it substantially covers the area occupied by the base, so that an individual can be under the protective cover 110 and within the area occupied by the base.
Each of frame components 120 are comprised of a pair of spaced apart side posts or tubes 121 connected to one another by each of a bottom horizontal cross member or tube 122, and a top horizontal cross member or tube 123, thereby forming the generally rectangular frame component 120. As best shown in
The base 140 and top which support the protective cover 110 may have a generally square configuration and the upright posts or tubes 121 form generally square or rectangular areas. If frame 120 created by the posts 121 and horizontal tubes 122, 123 forms a square, then the foldable floating sun shade device 100 will fold into a substantially square or quadrate configuration when in the second or folded position, as explained more fully below in relation to
As previously stated, each of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 of the two frames 120 are connected to one another by two spaced apart and generally parallel cross member tubes 130 to form base 140. More specifically, each of the ends of each of the cross member tubes 130 are further comprised of a mounting mechanism 131 for firmly, but detachably, connecting the straight cross member tube 130 to the bottom horizontal tubes 122. The mounting mechanism 131 may be any suitable mechanism for removably connecting two items such as a clip, clamp, band, etc., provided that the same is capable of attaching, detaching and pivoting about one or both of the bottom horizontal tubes 122. Unless otherwise stated herein, each of the various components of the device 100 may be comprised of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, an aluminum, alloy, plastic or the like, provided that the same is relatively anti-corrosive, lightweight, strong, and durable.
Additionally, each of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 and the cross member tubes 130 are preferably enclosed in a buoyant foam 141, such as a cellular foam material made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, recycled plastic materials, combinations thereof, or other material suitable for floatation. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, each of the horizontal tubes 122 and the cross member tubes 130 may be filled with a foam material to increase the buoyancy of the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention so that it is capable of supporting (in terms of buoyancy) at least one adult user.
As noted above and best shown in
Additionally, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 is further comprised of a beverage holder 160 for supporting a cup, mug, can, bottle, or any other beverage container or food item slightly above the water line and in convenient reach of the user 170. More specifically, beverage holder 160 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape and is comprised of a sidewall 161 that extends from a base 162 to a top 163, and an opening 164 therein that is sized and configured for the receipt of a beverage container 165. Sidewall 161 may be further comprised of an insulating material to, for example, keep the beverage container 165 stored therein in a heated or cooled state. Nonetheless, the beverage holder 160 may also be comprised of a collapsible or flexible material that enables the beverage holder 160 to be stored in a flattened condition when not in use and prior to set up and positioning of the sun shade device 100 in the water 180. Then, when needed, the user 170 may insert the can, bottle or the like into the beverage holder 160, and the beverage holder 160 will then assume the shape of the beverage container 165. The beverage or container holder 160 is preferably attached along the base 140 of the device 100, such as to a select one of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 or connecting tubes 130, via a fastening mechanism 166. More specifically, and as best shown in
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the improved foldable floating sun shade device 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that other configurations of the foldable floating sunshade 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/990,611, which was filed on Mar. 17th, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62990611 | Mar 2020 | US |
