Abstract:
The floating valet can be used by people to hold various items while they are in the water. The floating valet can hold one or more drinks (cups, cans, bottles, etc.), chap stick, game items, and has a waterproof bag for keys, wallets, other valuables, electronic devices such as cell phones, smart phones, music players, tablets and the like, and other items which could be damaged by water. The waterproof bag is made to allow the cell phone or smart phone to be used when in the bag, including full use of their touch screen, buttons, music, and other audio features with no degradation of sound quality or volume. Bluetooth wireless features are available when the device is in the bag. The floating valet allows people to keep their property near them when in the water, and not have to leave them on dry land where they might be stolen. The floating valet has multiple means of adjusting counterbalancing weight(s) to keep it floating level in the water when the distribution of weight changes. The floating valet has a detachable anchor on a tether cord that may be adjusted to adapt to any water depth and keep it in place when in use. The tether cord may also be used to attach the floating valet to the users and other objects. The floating valet may also be used as a game platform.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates, in general, to a floating valet which can be used by people to hold various items while they are in the water. The floating valet can hold one or more drinks (cups, cans, bottles, etc.), chap stick, game items, and has a waterproof bag for keys, wallets, other valuables, electronic devices such as cell phones, smart phones, music players and the like, and other items which could be damaged by water. The waterproof bag is made to allow the cell phone or smart phone to be used and heard while in the bag. The user may select and hear their favorite music clearly while in the water. The floating valet allows people to keep their property near them when in the water, and not have to leave them on dry land where they might be stolen. The floating valet has an adjustable weight to keep the floating valet level in the water when the distribution of weight changes. The floating valet has an adjustable anchor to keep it one place when in use. The floating valet has a tether cord to attach the floating valet to the users and other objects. The floating valet may also be used as a game platform as described below. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    In the prior art various types of devices have been proposed. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,015,406 issued Jan. 2, 1962, to Nolte for a Floating Server. This reference shows an inflated floating ring which holds an insulated food or beverage bag. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,656,749 issued Apr. 18, 1972, to Reyes for a Buoyant Game Hoop. This reference shows a floating ring on which is mounted a net basket for use with a pool in a pool. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,079 issued Oct. 3, 1989, to Doucette et al. for a Floatable Cooler Chest. This reference shows a floating foam ice chest which includes a watertight compartment for personal effects, drink holders and eyelets for use with a tether or an anchor. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,716 issued Dec. 19, 1989, to Abraham for a Floating Beverage Carrier With Collapsible Portions. This reference shows a floating drink holder made of cork, foam, etc. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,645 issued Apr. 9, 1996, to Engler, Jr. for a Floatable Assembly For Swimming Pools. This reference shows a pool float device having a pole with a float connected to the middle, an anchor weight at the bottom end, and various structures such as an umbrella, a net basket for games, and a tetherball game attached to the upper end. The umbrella embodiment has a drink tray attached above the float. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,936 issued Aug. 3, 1999, to Parr et al. for a Wildfowl Decoy. This reference shows a floating bird decoy which has a sliding weight attached to the bottom to adjust the pitch of the decoy. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,833 issued Jan. 18, 2000, to Benavidez for a Floating Fisherman&#39;s Accessory. This reference shows a STYROFOAM™ floating tray which has a tackle box, a drink storage compartment, drink holders, and a clip-on tow rope. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,845 issued Feb. 29, 2000, to Mueller for a Floating Beverage Holder. This reference shows a floating STYROFOAM™ tray made in various shapes and having an ice chest with drink holders, and a tether to prevent it from drifting away. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,926 issued Jul. 11, 2000, to Weiss for a Floating Cooler With Drink Tray. This reference shows a floating tray which holds an ice chest and has places for drink holders and small pockets for placing personal items such as keys and coins. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,587 issued Aug. 7, 2001, to Wallace for a Surf Fishing Caddy. This reference shows a floating caddy with sealable compartments for drinks and tackle, and attachment points for a rope tether. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,744 issued Feb. 12, 2002, to Eldridge for a Duck Hunter&#39;s Caddy. This reference shows an inflatable floating ring shaped caddy, the center of which is a water tight compartment for storing shotgun shells, phone, and other personal items. Attachment points are providing for a shotgun, duck decoys and dead ducks. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,179 issued Dec. 10, 2002, to Dokun for a Floating Drink Tray. This reference shows a floating drink tray with an anchor. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,493 issued Sep. 9, 2003, to Powell et al. for a Floatable Beverage Holder. This reference shows a floating drink holder with a tether having an alligator clip in it. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,743 issued May 29, 2007, to Wilhelm for a Floating Apparatus For Supporting Fishing Accessories. This reference shows a floating raft for holding fishing gear. Two rafts are shown tethered to a fisherman. 
         [0017]    U.S. Patent Application 2009/0101655 published Apr. 23, 2009, to Tess et al. for a Beverage And Food Raft. This reference shows a floating tray for holding drinks, ice, and snack bowls. The tray includes connectors for interlocking several trays together. 
         [0018]    U.S. Patent Application 2010/0223835 published Sep. 9, 2010, to Connor for a Buoyant Fishing Tackle Box And Package Therefor. This reference shows a spherical floating fishing tackle box. 
         [0019]    U.S. Patent Application 2010/0301053 published Dec. 2, 2010, to Willis et al. for a Cooleebob Compliant Upright Drink Insulator Attachment. This reference shows a floating drink holder with weight on coiled lanyard clipped to bottom of holder, and having a logo on the weight. 
         [0020]    U.S. Patent Application 2011/0119986 published May 26, 2011, to Sellers for a Floating Fishing Tackle Box And Method Of Making Same. This reference shows a floating tackle box which has integral eyelets for the attachment of a tether. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. D309,937 issued Aug. 14, 1990, to Baxter for a Fishing Tackle Float. This reference shows a fishing tackle float with a drink holder, a tethered accessory, and a tow rope. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention is directed to a floating valet for use in a recreational water environment. 
         [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet which will prevent valuables from being stolen while unguarded away from the water. 
         [0024]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet which will protect and provide access to electronic devices such as cell phones, smart phones, music players, tablets and the like to be able to receive calls and texts, and to hear music and play games on the device. 
         [0025]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet which will stay in place and not drift away, or be tethered to the user. 
         [0026]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet with a weight balancing mechanism which will allow the user to adjust the levelness of the floating valet to accommodate weight imbalances. 
         [0027]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet which will hold cold drinks so hands are kept free. 
         [0028]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet which have an easily accessible waterproof bag for valuables and electronic devices. 
         [0029]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet that will fold up to become an attractive and convenient carrying case when leaving the water, with everything safely inside. 
         [0030]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved floating valet which will provide a game and game platform for play by the user. 
         [0031]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be fully apparent from the following description, when taken in connection with the annexed drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is an overall view of the floating valet. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is a view with a smart phone in the waterproof bag. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a view of the floating valet holding a large object. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a view of the waterproof box. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a view of the anchor and adjustable weight. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a view of the game on the floating valet. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a view of a second embodiment of the floating valet. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a view of the second embodiment of the floating valet folded into a carrying case. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a view of a third embodiment of the floating valet. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a view of a fourth embodiment of the floating valet. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0042]    The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to best explain the invention so that others, skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, might utilize its teachings. 
         [0043]    Referring now to the drawings in greater detail,  FIG. 1  shows a floating valet ( 1 ) having a body ( 2 ) made of a buoyant material such as STYROFOAM™. The size of the body ( 2 ) is approximately eight to fifteen inches across and one and one-half inches thick. However, the body can be any size desired. These measurements can vary depending on the features incorporated in the floating valet ( 1 ). The body ( 2 ) is preferably shaped like a disc, although other shapes may be used. A cup holder ( 3 ) is inserted into the body ( 2 ) to hold a cup, can or bottle (not shown). The cup holder ( 3 ) may extend part way into the body ( 2 ), be flush with the bottom of the body ( 2 ) or extend through the body ( 2 ) and protrude a slight distance below the body ( 2 ). A first opening ( 4 ) drilled partially through the body ( 2 ) may be used to hold a lip balm dispenser ( 5 ). Other openings may be provided as desired for other items the person wishes to keep close at hand while in the water. 
         [0044]    A cavity ( 6 ) is provided in the body ( 2 ) for holding a waterproof bag ( 7 ). The waterproof bag ( 7 ) is a flexible, resealable, waterproof bag ( 7 ) that allows sound to pass through it well, is transparent, and supports interaction of a touch screen through it, such as an aLOKSAK® bag. A waterproof bag ( 7 ) will allow an enclosed electronic device ( 8 ) to be operated without fear of getting the electronic device ( 8 ) wet. The waterproof bag ( 7 ) may be used to hold a wallet, keys, watch, an electronic device ( 8 ) such as a cell phone, smart phone, MP 3  player, tablet and other items the users wishes to keep dry and safe. Thus the user can freely interact with the touch screen and buttons of their electronic device ( 8 ) to access any of its features such as check e-mails, texts, use apps, play music, view streaming TV shows or sports event, etc. while they are in the water, with their electronic device ( 8 ) safe and dry inside the waterproof bag ( 7 ). The waterproof bag allows the device to connect by Bluetooth or other wireless technology to outside devices such as headphones and other electronic devices. The user can play their favorite music and enjoy it with clarity outside the waterproof bag ( 7 ) as they relax in the water. They can also hear their phone&#39;s alerts, allowing them to see and avoid missing texts or calls. To use the phone, change the music, etc., they need only touch the necessary screen areas and buttons through the waterproof bag ( 7 ). They can do all this, check a game score, etc. without going all the way out of the water and through the hot sand. 
         [0045]    The waterproof bag ( 7 ) can be provided with an earplug interface (not shown) that consists of a wire and plug inside the bag to connect to the earplug port of the electronic device ( 8 ). The wire passes though the side of the bag, the point of passage being sealed against water passage. Outside the bag the wire terminates in a connection to receive the earphone plug. The connection may be embedded in the side of the waterproof bag ( 7 ). This earplug interface can also be used with the waterproof box ( 9 ) described below. 
         [0046]    The waterproof bag ( 7 ) can be loaded on shore away from the floating valet ( 1 ), attached to the floating valet ( 1 ) for use in the water, and then easily removed from the floating valet ( 1 ) for use in and near the water, such as while walking along the beach after swimming, etc. The waterproof bag ( 7 ) is of a size that allows the user to leave their phone ( 8 ) or other device ( 8 ) in whatever protective case they normally use every day on land. There is no need to remove their phone ( 8 ) or other device ( 8 ) from its day-to-day case and insert it into a separate waterproof case. Alternatively, they may switch to a waterproof case, or use no case, if they so desire. All such phone-case configurations will fit into the waterproof bag ( 7 ). 
         [0047]    Instead of a waterproof bag ( 7 ), an embedded, hinged, waterproof box ( 9 ) with a flexible membrane ( 10 ) made of a waterproof material which allows the passage of sound such as plastic sheeting or GORE-TEX™ may be used. Another alternative to a waterproof bag ( 7 ) is a waterproof smart phone case such as that made by OTTERBOX® and other similar products. 
         [0048]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the waterproof bag ( 7 ) is held in the cavity ( 6 ) by two bungee cords ( 11 ). Each bungee cord ( 11 ) as a hook ( 12 ) on both ends which connect to two rods ( 13 ) mounted within the cavity ( 6 ). One of the hooks ( 12 ) may be replaced with an eyelet which prevents it from being detached from the rods ( 13 ) and being misplaced. The waterproof bag ( 7 ) is placed into the cavity ( 6 ), and the two bungee cords ( 11 ) are positioned over the waterproof bag ( 7 ) to hold it within the cavity ( 6 ). The two bungee cords ( 11 ) may be used to hold other waterproof containers in the cavity ( 6 ). The two bungee cords ( 11 ) may be connected end-to-end to hold larger items ( 14 ) in the cavity ( 6 ) as seen in  FIG. 3 . The bungee cords may be left elsewhere if not needed. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  shows the embodiment using an embedded, hinged waterproof box ( 9 ). The lid ( 15 ) of the waterproof box ( 9 ) has a large center membrane ( 10 ) made of a breathable, waterproof, transparent material which allows sound to freely pass through it while keeping water out. One material that may be used is GORE-TEX™. The inside of the lid ( 15 ) directly behind this membrane ( 10 ) has two bungee cords ( 11 ) are connected to the sides of the lid ( 15 ) by eyelets ( 34 ) and hold the face of an electronic device ( 8 ) against the flexible membrane ( 10 ) so that the face of the electronic device ( 8 ) may be operated by a user without getting the electronic device ( 8 ) wet. Thus the user can freely interact with the touch screen of their electronic device ( 8 ) to access any of its features such as check e-mails, texts, use apps, play music, etc. while they are in the water, with their electronic device ( 8 ) safe and dry inside the waterproof box ( 9 ). The user can play their favorite music and enjoy it with clarity outside the waterproof box ( 9 ) as they relax in the water. They can also hear their phone&#39;s alerts, allowing them to see and avoid missing texts or calls. To answer, change the music, etc., they need only touch the necessary buttons through the special membrane ( 10 ). They can do all this, check a game score, etc. without going all the way out of the water and through the hot sand. The waterproof box ( 9 ) has room for fairly large items, and can be simply loaded on land and then tossed in the water. 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 5 , the floating valet ( 1 ) is kept in one place by an anchor ( 16 ) attached to the body ( 2 ). A tether cord ( 17 ) is inserted through an second opening ( 18 ) in the middle of the body ( 2 ). An anchor ( 16 ) is connected by a first clip ( 19 ) to the end of the tether cord ( 17 ) underneath the body ( 2 ). The upper end of the tether cord ( 17 ) has a second clip ( 20 ). The clips ( 19 ,  20 ) may be alligator clips. Other types of clips may be used. When not being used the tether cord ( 17 ) is pulled up so the anchor ( 16 ) becomes nested in the second opening ( 18 ) on the bottom side of the body ( 2 ). The tether cord ( 17 ) is then wrapped around the body ( 2 ) using notches ( 21 ) on opposite sides of the body ( 2 ) and connected to itself with the second clip ( 20 ). When in use, the tether cord ( 17 ) is fed through the second opening ( 18 ) allowing the anchor ( 16 ) to drop to the bottom of the water. The tether cord ( 17 ) is wrapped over the edge of the body ( 2 ), or through a third opening (not shown) back down into the water, and the second clip ( 20 ) is connected to a lower part of the tether cord ( 17 ) to hold the anchor ( 16 ) in position. The second clip ( 20 ) may be attached at any point on the tether cord ( 17 ) to adjust the anchor&#39;s ( 16 ) distance away from the body ( 2 ) so that it may rest on the bottom surface of the water, with no knots to tie or untie, and no sections of the tether cord ( 17 ) ever hanging loosely or asymmetrically. 
         [0051]    The tether cord ( 17 ) may be an elastic cord to allow the floating valet ( 1 ) to float nicely in gently moving waters. The anchor ( 16 ) has a wide flat metal disc ( 22 ) at its bottom which will rest at the bottom of the water. A small removable spike ( 23 ) may be attached below the metal disc ( 22 ) by the user to achieve more secure anchoring in soil (such as bays) when there is more water motion. The user will simply press down on the wide flat metal disc ( 22 ) with their foot to drive the spike ( 23 ) down into the soil, preventing the anchor ( 16 ) from sliding along the bottom. When the water is calm, the tether cord ( 17 ) and anchor ( 16 ) can simply not be used, and just left at home or on dry land. When the anchor ( 16 ) is not being used, the tether cord ( 17 ) may be unclipped from the anchor ( 16 ). One end of the tether cord ( 17 ) may be connected to one of several first attachment points ( 24 ) on the perimeter of the body ( 2 ), or to a second attachment point ( 25 ) on the waterproof box ( 9 ), and the other end of the tether cord ( 17 ) may be connected to the user so that the floating valet ( 1 ) will follow the user as they move through the water. The tether cord ( 17 ) may be used to connect the floating valet ( 1 ) to a raft, boat or dock, or to connect several floating valets ( 1 ) together for use by family or friends. The tether cord ( 17 ) may also be used to attach and anchor ( 16 ) other floating objects such as a camera dry bag, floating pool toys, etc. 
         [0052]    The floating valet ( 1 ) floats more evenly (minimum tilt) on the water in direct relation to how evenly the weight it is supporting is distributed across the water surface it contacts. Thus it floats more level when the user has both a drink and something in the waterproof bag ( 7 ). When the user has a drink but nothing in the waterproof bag ( 7 ) or waterproof box ( 9 ), they can put something else in the waterproof bag ( 7 ) or waterproof box ( 9 ) to make the floating valet ( 1 ) float level, such as snacks, extra ice, or even a second drink, leaving the waterproof bag ( 7 ) or waterproof box ( 9 ) open and using it as a mini cooler. When they have valuables but no drink, and also to allow the user to always have the floating valet ( 1 ) float level with no tilt, an adjustable weight ( 26 ) is mounted on the bottom of the body ( 2 ). The adjustable weight is slidably mounted on a weight rod ( 27 ) connected to the bottom of the body ( 2 ). The weight rod ( 27 ) will run across the center of the body ( 2 ) in a line passing through the centers of the cup holder ( 3 ) and waterproof bag ( 7 ) or waterproof box ( 9 ), out of sight under the water. The adjustable weight ( 26 ) will experience light friction as it is slid along the weight rod ( 27 ) so it will stay put, but it will be removable when desired. By reaching under the body ( 2 ) and sliding the weight slightly along the weight rod ( 27 ), potentially all the way out to one side of the body ( 2 ) or the other, it will invisibly counterbalance a heavy drink, waterproof bag ( 7 ) or waterproof box ( 9 ) and make the floating valet ( 1 ) float level. And when the user has lots of heavy things on top of the floating valet ( 1 ) and doesn&#39;t need this feature, they can simply remove the adjustable weight ( 26 ) and clip it to the anchor ( 16 ) at the bottom of the tether cord ( 17 ), allowing the floating valet ( 1 ) to support more objects on top and providing extra beneficial weight to the anchor ( 16 ). Another way to balance the weight atop the disc and keep it from tilting while floating is to attach a provided weight ( 53 ) which has a clip attached to it onto whichever of a variety of attachment points ( 24 ,  25 ) provided along the perimeter of the disc will provide the most effective counterbalance. 
         [0053]    The areas on top of the floating valet ( 1 ) not taken up by the cup holder ( 3 ) or waterproof bag ( 7 ) can be used to set down other items, most importantly sunglasses or hats. The floating valet ( 1 ) has a wall ( 28 ) along one side of the body ( 2 ). Items such as sunglasses may be set next to the wall ( 28 ), which will prevent them from sliding into the water. Even large hats can rest on top, covering most of the floating valet ( 1 ) and stay dry. Items such as sunscreen, snacks, balls, etc. may also be rested on the open spaces. 
         [0054]    As seen in  FIG. 6  the floating valet ( 1 ) is provided with a built-in game ( 29 ) called Buoy Pong or Buoy Ball which is very fun to play. The game ( 29 ) has two nesting plastic funnels ( 30 ,  31 ) mounted in an unused area of the body ( 2 ) between the cup holder ( 3 ) and waterproof bag ( 7 ), two ping pong balls ( 32 ) and one mini basketball ( 33 ). A small funnel ( 30 ) is mounted on the body ( 2 ), and a large funnel ( 31 ) in inserted into the small funnel ( 30 ). Buoy Pong is like Beer Pong in that the players try to bounce their ping pong balls ( 32 ) off of the solid areas ( 35 ) of the floating valet ( 1 ) into the small funnel ( 30 ), which is approximately the size of a shot glass. In Buoy Ball the mini-basketball ( 33 ) is tossed into the large funnel ( 31 ). 
         [0055]    Other embodiments of the floating valet ( 1 ) are more advanced in their designs to offer more features and more functionality. All of the features described above are offered by these alternate embodiments in addition to the features described below. 
         [0056]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  includes a hinged connection ( 36 ) at the center of the body ( 2 ) as it lays on the water such that the two halves ( 37  and  38 ) may be folded together via the hinge ( 36 ). Alternatively, two or more hinges may be provided to have more folding sections. The result is a carrying case ( 39  in  FIG. 8 ) with everything contained inside and convenient to use as a carry-all tote for trips to and from the water. Smooth and convenient handles ( 40 ) built into one or both folding halves ( 37  and  38 ) come together to form a single carrying handle ( 41 ) when the product is closed up into this carrying case ( 39 ). This embodiment also has a spring loaded catapult ( 42 ) for shooting the basketball ( 33 ), and room for additional drink holders ( 43 ) in addition to the first drink holder ( 3 ). A reel ( 44 ) for wrapping or storing the anchor tether cord ( 17 ) is also provided. Another addition is pontoon or catamaran sections ( 45 ) that can be pulled out for better floating stability, and retracted when not needed. The two halves ( 37  and  38 ) may be provided with a connector (not shown) that clicks or snaps together when the halves are unfolded to provide a rigid platform when floating. The connector can be of any known design. 
         [0057]    The main advantages of such a hinged design are that it offers more space on the surface of the floating valet while it is in use on the water, while remaining basically just as small as the base model seen in the earlier embodiments when it is folded up to carry. This allows it to offer much better floating stability on the water and additional room for more features/games without being any more of a burden to carry to and from the water. The resulting use allows the user to eliminate their separate purse or tote. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the floating valet ( 1 ) with two hinges ( 36 ) for more compact folding. The hinges ( 36 ) may run longitudinally or laterally, or both, to provide various folded configurations. A built-in pocket ( 46 ) with a waterproof lid ( 47 ) may replace the removable bag ( 7 ) and/or box ( 9 ) option. A manually turned crank ( 48 ) may also be provided to wind and unwind the anchor or tether. 
         [0059]      FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of the floating valet ( 1 ) with slide out pontoon or catamaran sections ( 49 ) from a center section ( 50 ) to provide floating stability, and additional space to hold drinks and other items. One or more built-in waterproof pockets ( 51 ) with a zipper seal ( 52 ) may replace the removable bag ( 7 ) and/or box ( 9 ) options. 
         [0060]    A main objective of the larger embodiments is to provide more room on the top surface for a larger waterproof bag or compartment which will allow the user to bring larger phones, e-readers, mini-iPads, or small tablets with then into the water, for more enjoyment options and increased theft prevention. The extra floating stability also allows additional drinks to be supported without fear of sinking or tilt. 
         [0061]    An alternate embodiment of the floating valet ( 1 ) has a sphere shaped body (not shown) to handle the waves better. A spherical floating valet features a larger waterproof container embedded in its center. All of the features described above may be retained. The tether cord attachment is also “beefed up” by running it through a metal hook that is mounted directly into the bottom of the waterproof container and extends down below the spherical body into the water. The elasticity of the tether cord allows the floating valet to “ride waves” and work better in higher surf. 
         [0062]    The surface of the body ( 2 ) may be coated with a special material that yields a slick, smooth, glossy, protective, attractive shell that will be resistant to dents and damage, comfortable to the touch, easy to paint, and supportive of the Buoy Pong game ( 29 ). This surface is similar to that of a surfboard. The material coating the body ( 2 ) can be a variety of colors and sheens that support the main goal of them looking sleek and cool floating in the water. The floating valet ( 1 ) can be various shapes/sizes for different versions of the product. 
         [0063]    The surface of the body ( 2 ) may be adorned with the logos of popular pro and college sports teams, or may be adorned with advertising from any local or widely known group or company in fields related to its nature, such as cruise lines, resorts, surf/dive/scuba shops, sailing or water tour companies, water gear/toys, beer, soft/other drinks, beach businesses, etc., for marketing purposes. 
         [0064]    Although the floating valet and the method of using the same according to the present invention has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable details, it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention done by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention.