Abstract:
A cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system having at least one housing with an exterior wall and an interior wall and at least one edge. Extending a predetermined distance from the at least one edge, the interior wall has at least one channel that terminates at a hole. At least one connector is fixed to the at least one housing and to a noodle to build a structure. The noodle is a cylindrical hollow piece of polyethylene foam used while swimming, learning to swim, for floating, for rescue reaching, in various forms of water play, for aquatic exercise.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to noodle accessories to build structures, and more particularly, to cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting systems. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A noodle, also defined as a pool noodle, water log, or woggle is a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam, typically hollow. Noodles are used by people of all ages while swimming. They are useful when learning to swim, for floating, for rescue reaching, in various forms of water play, and for aquatic exercise. 
     Applicant is aware of noodle connectors that are foam pieces, slightly larger than a noodle so that it can connect two pool noodles by encasing the end of each. There exist at least two-, four- and six-hole connectors. However, Applicant is not aware of any cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system having the benefits of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. 
     It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system that is buoyant. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system that can be readily assembled and disassembled without the need of any special tools. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system that is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a first isometric view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a second isometric view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a third isometric view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial exploded view of the present invention seen in the figures above. 
         FIG. 5A  is a first isometric view of a housing. 
         FIG. 5B  is a second isometric view of the housing seen in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a first isometric view of a second embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 6B  is a second isometric view of the second embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a front view of the second embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a first isometric view of a third embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 7B  is a second isometric view of the third embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a first isometric view of a fourth embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 8B  is a second isometric view of the fourth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  is a first isometric view of a fifth embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 9B  is a second isometric view of the fifth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  is a first isometric view of a sixth embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 10B  is a second isometric view of the sixth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is a front view of the sixth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  is a first isometric view of a seventh embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 11B  is a second isometric view of the seventh embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a front view of the seventh embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  is a first isometric view of an eighth embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 12B  is a second isometric view of the eighth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is a third isometric view of the eighth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13A  is a first isometric view of a ninth embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 13B  is a second isometric view of the ninth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is a third isometric view of the ninth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14A  is a first isometric view of a tenth embodiment housing. 
         FIG. 14B  is a second isometric view of the tenth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 14C  is a third isometric view of the tenth embodiment housing seen in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  is a first isometric view of a connector. 
         FIG. 15B  is a side view of the connector seen in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  is a first front view of the connector seen in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15D  is a second front view of the connector seen in  FIG. 15A  at a first angle. 
         FIG. 15E  is a third front view of the connector seen in  FIG. 15A  at a second angle. 
         FIG. 16A  is a first isometric view of a second embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 16B  is a second isometric view of the second embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 16C  is a front view of the second embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17A  is a first isometric view of a third embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 17B  is a side view of the third embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 17C  is a front view of the third embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 17A . 
         FIG. 18A  is a first isometric view of a fourth embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 18B  is a side view of the fourth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18C  is a second isometric view of the fourth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 19  is a first isometric view of a different configuration of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a partial exploded view of the different configuration of the present invention seen in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21A  is a first isometric view of a fifth embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 21B  is a second isometric view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 21C  is a front view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 21D  is a cut view of the fifth embodiment connector taken along the lines  21  D- 21  D as seen in  FIG. 21C . 
         FIG. 21E  is a first exploded view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 21F  is a first exploded perspective view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 21G  is a second exploded perspective view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 22A  is a first isometric view of a sixth embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 22B  is a second isometric view of the sixth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 22A . 
         FIG. 23A  is a first isometric view of a seventh embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 23B  is a second isometric view of the seventh embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 23A . 
         FIG. 23C  is a side view of the seventh embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 23A . 
         FIG. 24A  is a first isometric view of an eighth embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 24B  is a second isometric view of the eighth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 24A . 
         FIG. 24C  is a side view of the eighth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 24A . 
         FIG. 25A  is a first isometric view of a ninth embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 25B  is a second isometric view of the ninth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 25A . 
         FIG. 25C  is a front view of the ninth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 25A . 
         FIG. 26A  is a first isometric view of a tenth embodiment connector. 
         FIG. 26B  is a second isometric view of the tenth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 26A . 
         FIG. 26C  is a front view of the tenth embodiment connector seen in  FIG. 26A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system and is generally referred to with numeral  10 . It can be observed that it basically includes housings  20 ;  40 ;  60 ;  80 ;  100 ;  120 ;  140 ;  160 ;  180 ; and  200 , connectors  220 ;  250 ;  280 ;  300 ;  320 ;  350 ;  370 ;  390 ;  420 ; and  440 , and tube  240 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , instant invention  10  may result in a multitude of structures or configurations while using the above listed housings, connectors, and tube  240  seen in  FIG. 19 , if desired. The illustrated configurations comprise housings  100  and connectors  320 , whereby ends  330  snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , thereby a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. It is noted that any combination of housings  20 ;  40 ;  60 ;  80 ;  100 ;  120 ;  140 ;  160 ;  180 ; and  200 , and connectors  220 ;  250 ;  280 ;  300 ;  320 ;  350 ;  370 ;  390 ;  420 ; and  440 , and tube  240  can be utilized/assembled to be a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , housing  20  comprises exterior wall  22  and interior wall  24  having at least one edge  26 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  26 , interior wall  24  has channel  28  that terminates at hole  30 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  20  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, housing  40  comprises exterior wall  42  and interior wall  44  having at least one edge  46 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  46 , interior wall  44  has channel  48  that terminates at hole  50 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  40  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , housing  60  comprises exterior wall  62  and interior wall  64  having at least one edge  66 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  66 , interior wall  64  has channel  68  that terminates at hole  70 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  60  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , housing  80  comprises exterior wall  82  and interior wall  84  having at least one edge  86 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  86 , interior wall  84  has channel  88  that terminates at hole  90 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  80  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , housing  100  comprises exterior wall  102  and interior wall  104  having at least one edge  106 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  106 , interior wall  104  has channel  108  that terminates at hole  110 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  100  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C, housing  120  comprises exterior wall  122  and interior wall  124  having at least one edge  126 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  126 , interior wall  124  has channel  128  that terminates at hole  130 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  120  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B, and  11 C, housing  140  comprises exterior wall  142  and interior wall  144  having at least one edge  146 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  146 , interior wall  144  has channel  148  that terminates at hole  150 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  140  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, and  12 C, housing  160  comprises exterior wall  162  and interior wall  164  having at least one edge  166 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  166 , interior wall  164  has channel  168  that terminates at hole  170 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  160  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B, and  13 C, housing  180  comprises exterior wall  182  and interior wall  184  having at least one edge  186 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  186 , interior wall  184  has channel  188  that terminates at hole  190 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  180  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B, and  14 C, housing  200  comprises exterior wall  202  and interior wall  204  having at least one edge  206 . Extending a predetermined distance from edge  206 , interior wall  204  has channel  208  that terminates at hole  210 . In a preferred embodiment, housing  200  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     It is noted that housings  20 ;  40 ;  60 ;  80 ;  100 ;  120 ;  140 ;  160 ;  180 ; and  200  have at least one angle. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C connector  220  comprises base  222 . Extending from base  222  is shaft  226  having ends  224  and  230 . In a preferred embodiment, shaft  226  comprises protrusions  228  designed to snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , seen in  FIG. 4 , until end  454  abuts base  222 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 15D and 15E , it is noted that each end  230  has a cooperative shape and dimension to snugly receive a distal end of tube  240 . In addition, connector  220 , having a hinge system, is able to adjust to various angles. In a preferred embodiment, connector  220  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B, and  16 C connector  250  comprises base  252 . Extending from base  252  is shaft  256  having ends  254  and  260 . In a preferred embodiment, shaft  256  comprises protrusions  258  designed to snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , seen in  FIG. 4 , until end  454  abuts base  252 . It is noted that each end  260  has a cooperative shape and dimension to snugly receive a distal end of tube  240 , seen in  FIG. 21E . In a preferred embodiment, connector  250  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 17A ,  17 B, and  17 C connector  280  comprises base  282 . Extending from base  282  is shaft  286  having ends  284  and  290 . In a preferred embodiment, shaft  286  comprises protrusions  288  designed to snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , seen in  FIG. 4 , until end  454  abuts base  282 . Also extending from base  282  is hook  292 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  280  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B, and  18 C connector  300  comprises base  302 . Extending from base  302  is shaft  306  having ends  304  and  310 . In a preferred embodiment, shaft  306  comprises protrusions  308  designed to snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , seen in  FIG. 4 , until end  454  abuts base  302 . Also mounted onto base  302  is suction cup  312 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  300  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , instant invention  10  may again result in a multitude of structures or configurations while using the above listed housings, connectors, and tube  240  if desired. The illustrated configuration, being a section of any complete configuration, comprises housing  160  and connectors  320 ;  370 ; and  390 , whereby protrusions  328  are designed to snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , thereby functioning as a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. Fitting  404  may receive fitting  462  of hose  460 . In addition, hook  384  may be forced into a section of sidewall  452  of noodle  450 , whereby hook  384  would remain within an elongated cavity defined in noodle  450  that typically extends from one end of noodle  450  to its other end. Once hook  384  is within the elongated cavity defined in noodle  450 , tube  240  may extend through one end of noodle  450  and through hook  384  to strengthen the built assembly being cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system  10 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 21A ,  21 B,  21 C, and  21 D connector  320  comprises base  322 . Extending from base  322  is shaft  326  having ends  324  and  330 . In a preferred embodiment, shaft  326  comprises protrusions  328  designed to snugly fit within each hole  456  at a respective end  454  of noodle  450 , seen in  FIG. 20 , until end  454  abuts as close as possible to base  322 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 21E ,  21 F, and  21 G it is noted that each end  330  has a cooperative shape and dimension to snugly receive a distal end of tube  240 . In addition, connector  320 , may comprise sleeve  340  that fits over shaft  326 . Also extending from base  322  are tabs  332  designed to fill or fit within holes  30 ;  50 ;  70 ;  90 ;  110 ;  130 ;  150 ;  170 ;  190 ; and  210  of their respective housings. Connector  320  further comprises plug  334  that inserts into base  322 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  320  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 22A and 22B  connector  350  comprises base  352 . Extending from base  352  are tabs  362  designed to fill or fit within holes  30 ;  50 ;  70 ;  90 ;  110 ;  130 ;  150 ;  170 ;  190 ; and  210  of their respective housings. In a preferred embodiment, connector  350  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 23A and 23B  connector  370  comprises base  372 . Extending from base  372  are tabs  382  designed to fill or fit within holes  30 ;  50 ;  70 ;  90 ;  110 ;  130 ;  150 ;  170 ;  190 ; and  210  of their respective housings. Also extending from base  372  is hook  384 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  370  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 24A and 24B  connector  390  comprises base  392 . Extending from base  392  are tabs  402  designed to fill or fit within holes  30 ;  50 ;  70 ;  90 ;  110 ;  130 ;  150 ;  170 ;  190 ; and  210  of their respective housings. Also extending from base  392  is fitting  404 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  390  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 25A ,  25 B, and  25 C connector  420  comprises base  422 . Extending from base  422  are tabs  432  designed to fill or fit within holes  30 ;  50 ;  70 ;  90 ;  110 ;  130 ;  150 ;  170 ;  190 ; and  210  of their respective housings. Also extending from base  422  is ring  434 . Ring  434  may be forced into a section of sidewall  452  of noodle  450 , whereby ring  434  would remain within an elongated cavity defined in noodle  450  that typically extends from one end of noodle  450  to its other end. Once ring  434  is within the elongated cavity defined in noodle  450 , tube  240  may extend through one end of noodle  450  and through ring  434  to strengthen the built assembly being cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system  10 . In a preferred embodiment, connector  420  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 26A ,  26 B, and  26 C connector  440  comprises base  442 . Extending from base  442  are rings  448 , each having end  444  and shaft  446 . Each ring  448  may be forced into a section of sidewall  452  of a respective noodle  450 , whereby ring  448  would remain within an elongated cavity defined in the respective noodle  450  that typically extends from one end of noodle  450  to its other end. Once ring  448  is within the elongated cavity defined in the respective noodle  450 , tubes  240  may extend through ends of each noodle  450  and through rings  448  to strengthen the built assembly being cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system  10 . A combination of housings  20 ;  40 ;  60 ;  80 ;  100 ;  120 ;  140 ;  160 ;  180 ; and  200 , and connectors  220 ;  250 ;  280 ;  300 ;  320 ;  350 ;  370 ;  390 ;  420 ; and  440 , and tube  240  can be utilized/assembled to be a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system  10  in a raft configuration as an example. In a preferred embodiment, connector  440  is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.