Abstract:
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a recreational floatation device comprising a body portion comprising an inflatable member having a first inner perimeter surrounding a first inner area, a first support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the first inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its first inner perimeter to support a user of the device, a back support member located within said first inner area, a hinge mechanism coupled to the back support member and the first inner perimeter and configured to allow the back support member to rotate between a first position, wherein a substantial portion of the back support member extends generally away from the first inner area, and a second position, in which the back support member lies substantially within the first inner area.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/979,116 entitled “FLOATING LOUNGE WITH IMPROVED BACK SUPPORT,” filed on Apr. 14, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to recreational flotation devices, and particularly to floating mattresses or lounges. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    Floating mattress or lounges are among the most popular beach and pool recreational devices. They are typically inflatable and may comprise a bladder or buoyant member forming the outer portion of the device, with an inner portion, often made of a layer of plastic or mesh material upon which the user sits or reclines, attached around the inner border of the buoyant member. Some lounges have a raised portion at one end of the buoyant member, which raised portion may serve as a headrest and/or back support, depending on the position of the user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    One embodiment of the lounge of the instant invention comprises a buoyant member formed generally in the shape of a “figure 8,” surrounding a seat area and a foot area, each area preferably comprising a layer of plastic mesh or other non-inflatable material attached to the inner periphery of the buoyant member within each the two parts of the “figure 8.” A back support cushion, which may be inflatable, is attached to the bladder within the seat area with hinge mechanisms affixed on each side of the cushion and on opposing inner sides of the bladder, as described more fully below. The back support cushion may be moved or rotated via the hinge mechanisms, between an upright position in which the cushion extends away from the seat area and preferably rests against the inner back edge of the bladder, and a lowered position in which the cushion lies flat in the plane of the lounge. A second, removable cushion may be adapted to fit within the foot area. 
         [0007]    At least some aspects and embodiments of the invention are directed toward a recreational floatation device comprising a body portion comprising an inflatable member having a first inner perimeter surrounding a first inner area, a first support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the first inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its first inner perimeter to support a user of the device, a back support member located within said first inner area, and means for rotatably connecting said back support member to said inflatable member at its first inner perimeter so that said back support member may be moved between a first position, wherein a substantial portion of the back support member extends generally away from the first inner area, and a second position, in which the back support member lies substantially within the first inner area. 
         [0008]    According to one embodiment, the inflatable member further has a second inner perimeter surrounding a second inner area, and the recreational floatation device further comprises a second support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the second inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its second inner perimeter. In one embodiment, the recreational floatation device further comprises a removable support member configured to be inserted into the second inner area. In another embodiment, the recreational floatation device further comprises at least one cup holder located within at least one of the body portion and the removable support member. 
         [0009]    According to another embodiment, the layer of material of the first support portion is one of plastic and fabric. In one embodiment, the back support member is inflatable. In another embodiment, the body portion is shaped in a general “figure 8” configuration. In one embodiment, the recreational floatation device further comprises at least one handle coupled to the body portion. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a recreational floatation device comprising a body portion comprising an inflatable member having a first inner perimeter surrounding a first inner area, a first support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the first inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its first inner perimeter to support a user of the device, a back support member located within said first inner area, a hinge mechanism coupled to the back support member and the first inner perimeter and configured to allow the back support member to rotate between a first position, wherein a substantial portion of the back support member extends generally away from the first inner area, and a second position, in which the back support member lies substantially within the first inner area. 
         [0011]    According to one embodiment, the hinge mechanism comprises a male interlocking cylindrical member coupled to the back support member, and a female interlocking cylindrical member coupled to the first inner perimeter of the inflatable member, wherein the male interlocking cylindrical member is configured to be inserted into the female interlocking cylindrical member to rotatably couple the back support member to the first inner perimeter. In one embodiment, the male interlocking cylindrical member comprises a circumferential rim extending outwardly from an outer edge of the male interlocking cylindrical member, the female interlocking cylindrical member comprises at least one circumferential ring extending from an inner side of the female interlocking cylindrical member, and when the male interlocking cylindrical member is inserted into the female interlocking cylindrical member, the rim of the male interlocking cylindrical member rests on the at least one circumferential ring of the female interlocking cylindrical member to prevent the male interlocking cylindrical member from being detached from the female interlocking cylindrical member. 
         [0012]    According to one embodiment, at least one of the male interlocking cylindrical member and the female interlocking cylindrical member is molded or machined. According to another embodiment, at least one of the male interlocking cylindrical member and the female interlocking cylindrical member is made from one of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Nylon. In another embodiment, the inflatable member further has a second inner perimeter surrounding a second inner area, and the recreational floatation device further comprises a second support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the second inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its second inner perimeter. In one embodiment, the recreational floatation device further comprises a removable support member configured to be inserted into the second inner area. In another embodiment, the recreational floatation device further comprises at least one cup holder located within at least one of the body portion and the removable support member. 
         [0013]    According to one embodiment, the layer of material of the first support portion is one of plastic and fabric. In one embodiment, the back support member is inflatable. In another embodiment, the body portion is shaped in a general “figure 8” configuration. In one embodiment, the recreational floatation device further comprises at least one handle coupled to the body portion. 
         [0014]    At least one aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for providing a recreational floatation device, the method comprising providing a body portion comprising an inflatable member having an inner perimeter surrounding an inner area, attaching a first support portion comprising a layer of material to the inner area of the inflatable member such that the first support portion extends through the inner area, providing a back support member located within said first inner area, and rotatably coupling the back support member to the inner perimeter with a hinge mechanism configured to allow the back support member to rotate between a first position, wherein a substantial portion of the back support member extends generally away from the first inner area, and a second position, in which the back support member lies substantially within the first inner area. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In the figures: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lounge according to at least one embodiment of the invention, having a back support cushion positioned in its seat area, and a second removable cushion positioned in the foot area; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the lounge of  FIG. 1 , indicating the possible rotation of the back support member from its upward position to its lowered position according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the lounge of  FIG. 1  according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the lounge as seen along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a representational close-up view of one of the two hinge mechanisms that connect the back support member to the buoyant member according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a partial view of the inner edge of the inflatable bladder, showing the female member of the hinge mechanism on one side of the seat area according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a partial view of one side of the back support cushion, showing the male member of the hinge mechanism on one side of the back support cushion according to aspects of the present disclosure; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the lounge of  FIG. 1 , with the foot support cushion removed from, but adjacent to, the lounge according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Examples of the methods and systems discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The methods and systems are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Examples of specific implementations are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In particular, acts, components, elements and features discussed in connection with any one or more examples are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in any other examples. 
         [0025]    Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any references to examples, embodiments, components, elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace embodiments including a plurality, and any references in plural to any embodiment, component, element or act herein may also embrace embodiments including only a singularity. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements. The use herein of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. In addition, in the event of inconsistent usages of terms between this document and documents incorporated herein by reference, the term usage in the incorporated references is supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the term usage in this document controls. 
         [0026]    As discussed above, common floating mattresses or lounges have a raised portion at one end of a buoyant member which may serve as a headrest and/or back support, depending on the body position of the user. These fixed headrests or back supports often provide less than optimum comfort. Accordingly, a mattress or lounge having an improved back support member is described herein. According to some embodiments, the improved back support member is located within an inner portion of a lounge and may more comfortably conform to the body of a person using the lounge. 
         [0027]    For example,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lounge  10  according to at least one embodiment described herein. The lounge  10  comprises an inflatable, buoyant member  20  constructed in conventional fashion, and shaped in a general “figure 8” configuration. Within a first loop  11  of the “figure 8,” a sheet of plastic or fabric (e.g., fabric mesh or poplin fabric), or other thin, flexible material, is attached to the buoyant member  20  to form a seat area  30 . Back support member  40  is adjustably attached to the buoyant member  20  within and on each side of the seat area  30 , as described below. In one embodiment, the back support member  40  is inflatable. In another embodiment, the back support member  40  is made of a rigid material, such as foam. 
         [0028]    In the second loop  13  of the “figure 8,” another sheet of plastic or fabric, or other thin, flexible material, is attached to the buoyant member  20  to form a foot area  90  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ). A second, removable support member or cushion  50 , which may be inflatable, may reside in foot area  90 . If desired, lounge  10  may include one or more cup holders  70  formed in inflatable member  20 . The foot area cushion  50  may also include one or more cup holders  70 . Handles  80  may be provided on each side of lounge  10  to facilitate portability. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the lounge  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the adjustability of back support member  40 , which may be rotated from its rearmost upward position, shown here in solid line, to the position shown by the dashed lines  42 , in which the back support member  40  lies flat within seat area  30 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the lounge  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the lounge  10  with back support member  40  in its rearmost position, the back  41  of the member  40  resting against and being supported by the rear portion  21  of the buoyant member  20 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of lounge  10  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , the section line  4 - 4  extending through the hinge mechanisms  60 , one on each side of back support member  40 . As seen in more detail in  FIGS. 5-7 , each hinge mechanism  60  is comprised of two interlocking cylindrical members: a female member  62  and a male member  64 . According to one embodiment, each member is a molded and/or machined part made from a material such as thermoform Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or Nylon; however, in other embodiments, each member may be made from another appropriate material. The male member  64  is preferably heat welded to one side of back support member  40 , while the female member  62  is heat welded to buoyant member  20  at an inner edge  31  adjacent the seat area  30  (see  FIG. 3 ). Female member  62 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , includes two inner circumferential rings  66  extending from an inner side  65 , while male member  64  has a circumferential rim  68  extending outwardly from its outer edge  67 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
         [0032]    Female member  62  and male member  64  may be fitted together by pressing member  64  into member  62  so that, as seen in  FIG. 5 , rim  68  on male member  64  rests on the innermost side  69  of the innermost ring  66  of female member  62 , and prevents male member  64  from easily detaching from female member  62 . In one embodiment, because the PVC walls of the two members  62 ,  64  are only moderately thick (for example, approximately 6 mm), there is enough flexibility in the walls that members  62  and  64  parts may be deformed by hand so as to press-fit them together. According to one embodiment, female member  62  may be approximately 53 mm wide and 10 mm deep, and the male member  64  may be approximately 45 mm wide and 16 mm in length. Hinge mechanisms  60  permit the back support member  40  to be rotated into the desired position within seat area  30 , as male members  64  rotate within female members  62 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the lounge  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 8  depicts lounge  10  with foot support cushion  50  removed and positioned adjacent lounge  10 . The person using the lounge may desire to keep the support cushion  50  floating nearby to hold a drink, sunglasses, etc. 
         [0034]    As described above, the lounge  10  is shaped in a general “figure 8” configuration including a first loop  11  and a second loop  13 ; however, in other embodiments, the lounge  10  may be shaped differently. For example, in some embodiments, the lounge  10  may only include the first loop  11  including the back support member  40  as described above. 
         [0035]    As also described above, the male member  64  of the hinge mechanism  60  is coupled to the back support member  40  and the female member  62  of the hinge mechanism  60  is coupled to the buoyant member  20 ; however, in other embodiments, the male member  64  may be coupled to the buoyant member  20  and the female member  62  may be coupled to the back support member  40 . 
         [0036]    As described above, the female member  62  includes two rings  66 ; however, in other embodiments, the female member  62  may include fewer than or more than two rings  66 . 
         [0037]    As described above, the back support cushion may be moved or rotated, via the hinge mechanisms, between a fully open position in which the cushion extends away from the seat area and preferably rests against the inner back edge of the bladder, and a fully closed position in which the cushion lies flat in the plane of the lounge; however, in other embodiments, the back support cushion may be moved or rotated, via the hinge mechanisms to any number of different intermediate positions between the fully open and fully closed positions. 
         [0038]    At least some embodiments described herein provide a mattress or lounge having an improved back support member. According to some embodiments, the back support member, which may be inflatable, is attached to a bladder within a seat area with hinge mechanisms affixed on each side of the back support member and on opposing inner sides of the bladder. The back support member may be moved or rotated via the hinge mechanisms, between an upright position in which the back support member extends away from the seat area and preferably rests against the inner back edge of the bladder, and a lowered position in which the back support member lies flat in the plane of the lounge. 
         [0039]    Having described above several aspects of at least one embodiment, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only, and the scope of the disclosure should be determined from proper construction of the appended claims, and their equivalents.