Abstract:
The instant invention relates to a kit for converting an elongated flexible noodle-type personal floatation device into a floating exercise assembly. Specifically, the rider straddles the flexible noodle-type device while rotating the first exercising assembly and/or the second exercising assembly for exercising the user&#39;s lower and upper body, respectively.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to aquatic exercise devices. Particularly, a kit for converting an elongate, noodle-type personal floatation device into an aquatic exercise assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Underwater exercise is well known for conditioning and strengthening the human body using the water resistance. The resistance of water reduces the gravitational stresses on joints, ligaments, and tendons associated with exercising on land. Exercising in water also has the additional advantage of cooling the body. Underwater exercise equipment has long been used by persons desiring increased muscle tone, weight loss, rehabilitation of injuries, and recreation. In particular, underwater jogging and cycling is popular due to its low impact on joints and decreased risk of injury. 
     Often aquatic exercise equipment is designed for a single purpose, that is, providing exercise. Thus, the equipment may not get much use except during exercise. Additionally, most aquatic equipment is bulky and takes up storage space. It would be advantageous to convert a recreational personal floatation device into aquatic exercise equipment when desired and back again. 
     Currently, the elongated personal floatation device, often called the water or pool “noodle,” is a very popular and inexpensive water toy used by kids and adults alike. The typical noodle-type floatation device is formed from a flexible, buoyant, closed-cell foam material having a density that permits the user to float in the water. The noodle-type floatation device can be solid or include a hollow core formed along the longitudinal length thereof. These flexible noodle-type floatation devices allow the user to place them between the legs, under their arms and across the back or chest for buoyant support for at least the head of the user. While mostly used to provide passive buoyant support, these noodle-type floatation devices are often incorporated into water aerobic exercises for their added resistance and drag underwater. These water aerobic exercises have the user push, pull, step, float, and balance on the noodle-type floatation device; however, these exercises do not entail modifying the noodle-type floatation device in any manner. 
     Thus, it is the purpose of the present invention to teach an aquatic exercise kit capable of being removably attached to a conventional noodle-type personal floatation device to convert it into an aquatic exercise assembly when desired and back again. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Numerous patents have been directed toward aquatic exercise devices or recreation floatation devices; however, these devices are often designed for a single purpose and cannot be readily converted between a recreational floatation device and floating exercise assembly. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,317, to Poissonniere discloses a rigid or inflatable water craft propelled by a double-flipper device. The device consists of an elongated floating body specifically linked to a propelling system for moving aquatic flippers. The device may be utilized in an aquatic environment for leisure, sport, or exercise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,522, to Santos describes a bicycle-like pedal exerciser in a flotation structure designed for use in water. Two crescent shaped inflatable tubes are oppositely affixed in a fold-in frame horizontally disposed point to point. A curved, flat bottom seat suspended downwardly in the opening faces a yoke-attached adjustable shaft downwardly affixed with a small flywheel turnable by bicycle-type pedals. The user sits or stands submerged to arm pit level and exercises by cranking the flywheel with the bicycle-like pedals. A variety of positions may be assumed for in-water therapy or for healthful exercising. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,610,778, to Helm discloses a water bike that includes a pneumatic ring for floatation. A pair of supports extend downwardly from the pneumatic ring to support a gear box and a seat. An offset crank extends outwardly from the gearbox having pedals for foot operation. A shaft extends rearwardly from the gear box for supporting a propeller. In operation, the rider sits on the seat about chest deep in the water to rotate the crank. Rotation of the crank causes rotation of the propeller to move the device through the water. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,774 to Beasley, is drawn to an aquatic exercise device for use in a swimming pool. The device includes a substantially columnar-shaped, flexible buoyant body having a first and second end. Hand-grips extend through both ends of the device to allow the user to grip the device in various manners. The device is partially flexible in nature to allow the user to bend the device around his/her body in different ways to provide support for the various exercises. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,058 to Sanso discloses an elongate, noodle-like recreational floatation device which can be integrated with a hand-held tool at the ends thereof. According to one embodiment, the floatation device is fitted with a squeeze-ball bladder pumping device so that when squeezed, a stream of fluid is expelled through an orifice. In another embodiment, the end portion of the floatation device is a paddle tool shape that may be used to propel the floatation device through the water. 
     While the foregoing described prior art aquatic devices may have advanced the art in a variety of ways, there nevertheless remains a need for a kit that can convert an inexpensive noodle-type floatation device into an effective aquatic exercise device when desired. All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains and are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Consequently, in view of the deficiencies found in the prior art, the present invention is related to an aquatic exercise kit capable of being either temporarily or permanently attached to, and removed from, a noodle-type personal floatation device which the user or rider straddles during use. The noodle-type personal floatation device is defined by an elongated body having a first end and a second end and formed from a flexible material with sufficient buoyancy to maintain at least the user&#39;s head above the surface of the water when the user straddles the body. 
     Specifically, the first assembly is for exercising the lower body of the user. The first assembly includes an elongated adjustable member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is constructed and arranged to attach to the elongated body of the floatation device. The distal end has rotatably connected thereto an off-set crank member. The off-set crank member includes a pair pedaling means constructed and arranged to receive the user&#39;s feet. After attaching the lower body exercising assembly onto the noodle-type floatation device, the user simply straddles the elongated body and begins to rotate the pedals. The water provides a natural resistance to the rotating movement, thereby safely exercising the user&#39;s lower body. 
     The second exercise assembly is for exercising the upper body of the user. The second exercise assembly is constructed and arranged to attach to the elongated body of the floatation device. According to one embodiment, the upper body exercising assembly includes a second off-set crank member rotatably connected to the elongated member of the floatation device. 
     The inventive assembly may include either the first exercise assembly for exercising the lower body, the second exercise assembly for exercising the upper body, or both attached to the noodle-type personal floatation device. 
     It is an objective of the instant invention to provide an aquatic exercise assembly that may include additional appurtenant assemblies, e.g., at least one means for holding a beverage. 
     Yet another objective of the instant invention is to disclose the first exercise assembly removably attached to the elongate body of the floatation device by a strap-like member and buckle-like member. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an aquatic exercise kit that can be incorporated into an existing noodle-like personal floatation device without influencing the buoyancy and flexibility when removed. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is side perspective view of the aquatic exercise assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the aquatic exercise assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the first exercising assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first exercising assembly attached to the noodle-type floatation device; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional side view of the first exercising assembly attached to the noodle-type floatation device according to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view according to another embodiment of the aquatic exercising device; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the second exercising assembly as seen along the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the floatation device; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the second exercising assembly as seen along the axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the floatation device; and 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational side view illustrating one embodiment of the aquatic exercise device in combination with an ornamental head. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representation basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , wherein like elements are numbered consistently throughout,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate one embodiment of the inventive aquatic exercise assembly, generally referenced as  10 . By way of an overview, the aquatic exercise assembly includes a flexible noodle-type personal floatation device  16  having removably attached thereto either a first exercising assembly  12  and/or a second exercising assembly  14  (both the first and second exercising assembly are shown attached). 
     Noodle-type personal floatation devices  16  are well known in the art and include a generally elongated cylindrical body formed from a soft, closed cell plastic foam material (polyurethane, polycarbonate, etc.) with sufficient density to maintain at least the user&#39;s head above the surface of the water when the user straddles the body, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The floatation device may have any cross-sectional geometric shape, such as, circular, square, rectangle, or scalloped. In addition, the floatation device might also include air bladders or other means to further enhance its buoyancy. 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first exercising assembly includes an elongated member  20  having a proximal end  22  and a distal end  24 . The proximal end is constructed and arranged for permanent or temporary attachment onto the personal floatation device, and the distal end includes a first off-set crank member  26  rotatably connected to the elongated adjustable member  20 . The first off-set crank has bicycle-type pedaling means  28  rotatably attached on opposites sides thereof. 
     As discussed above, the distal end  24  of the elongated member is connected to the first off-set crank. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first off-set crank comprises an axial portion  42  connected on either side to L-shaped crank arms  44 . Each of these crank arms is rotatably connected to the pedal means any suitable means of attachment. In addition, the pedal means may include pedal straps  30  which hold the user&#39;s foot against the pedal means. During use the user places their feet in the respective pedal means and begins to move their legs in a cycling motion. Underwater this motion is resisted, thereby working the user&#39;s lower body for healthful exercising with decrease risk of injury to the rider&#39;s joints and other tissues. Rotation of the off-set crank member provides motive force to propel the rider around in the water. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the elongated member is adjustable. For example, the elongated member may be comprised of two telescoping sections, with a first section  28  encompassing a second section  30  or vice versa. Each section having adjustment apertures therethrough constructed and arranged to receive a pin-like member  32  to lock the first and second members in fixed position relative to each other. This enables the aquatic exercise assembly of the present invention to be employed by users of various sizes. 
     As discussed above, the proximal end of the elongated member is permanently or temporarily attached to the personal floatation device at a generally central location with respect to the longitudinal axis of the floatation device. According to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the noodle-type floatation device includes a hollow portion  36  formed along the longitudinal axis. Inside the hollow portion is positioned a flexible support member  38  made from any durable and corrosion resistant material, for example, rubber. The proximal end of the elongated member includes a T-coupler designed to receive the flexible support member therethrough. The T-coupler projects from the hollow portion through an aperture  40  toward the outside surface of the noodle-type floatation device and is attached to the first section  28  of the elongated member by any suitable means of attachment. For example, the couple may include threads (not shown) which cooperate with threads (not shown) formed on the first section of the elongated member. In this manner, the user may be able to remove the elongated member from the floatation device, so that it may be able to be used for other purposes besides exercising. The flexible support member may be added during the manufacturing process of the noodle-like member or by the end user. 
     Referring now to another embodiment, the elongated member includes a flexible strap-like member  58  having sufficient length to extend around the outside perimeter of the personal floatation device. The strap-like member is constructed and arranged to cooperate with a buckle-like member  60  so that it might be tightened in place as is well known in the art. The elongated member having a strap-like member is advantageous since it does not require any modification of the noodle-like floatation device and can be readily attached at any position along the longitudinal axis of the noodle-type floatation device and removed therefrom, as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , which is illustrative of one embodiment of the second exercising assembly which may or may not be included in the inventive kit.  FIG. 6 , is a cross-sectional view of the noodle-like floatation device as seen along the axis transverse the longitudinal axis of the floatation device. In this embodiment, the noodle-like floatation device is formed from a solid closed foam material with an aperture formed therethrough along the transverse axis. The second exercising assembly includes a handlebar  48  which is placed through the aperture and extends a certain distance on either side of the noodle-type floatation device forming hand grips  50 . The hand grips allow the user to hold onto the floatation device when straddling the floatation member. 
     According to a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the second exercising assembly includes a second off-set crank member, which like the first off-set crank member described above, includes an axial portion  54  connected on either side to L-shaped crank arms  56  each with hand grips  50 . During use, the rider grasps the hand grips and begins to move their arms in a cycling motion so at to work the user&#39;s upper body in a beneficial manner. 
     Any of the embodiments set forth above may include additional appurtenant assemblies. For example, the noodle-type floatation device may include a holder for beverage containers (not shown), like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,112 to Kirk (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). It should also be appreciated that decorative or entertaining devices such as ornamental heads  60 , squirt guns (not shown) and the like may be secured to one or both ends of the noodle-type floatation device. In this manner, children and adults alike may be enticed to utilize the exercise device in a playful manner. 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned components of the first and second exercising assembly (e.g., couplers, elongated member, off-set cranks, etc.) may be composed of a lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant material, including albeit not limited to, polyvinylchloride. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.