Abstract:
An apparatus includes a frame member having an external surface. The frame member forming a closed loop and bounding an interior region. A buoyancy member is coupled to the frame member such that at least a portion of the buoyancy member is disposed outside the exterior surface of the frame member. A weight is coupled to the frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is disposed outside the interior region and outside the exterior surface of the frame member. In some embodiments, an apparatus also includes a character member that is coupled to at least one of the buoyancy member or the weight.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/817,293, filed Apr. 2, 2004, entitled Aquatic Toys, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/776,981, filed Feb. 11, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,706 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to collapsible aquatic toys, and particularly to collapsible aquatic toys that are collapsible through use of a coilable frame member  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to an aquatic toy that is generally weighted and/or buoyed and includes a frame member that is capable of providing at least some rigidity and structure to at least a portion of the aquatic toy.  
         [0004]     The frame member is at least partially covered by and/or attached to a fabric portion. In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric portion is in the shape of an object, plant, animal, or other character. The frame member is at least partially surrounded by the fabric portion such that a hollow opening is formed in the fabric portion by the frame member.  
         [0005]     The aquatic toy is generally weighted and/or buoyed such that when placed in a body of water, such as, for example, a swimming pool, the aquatic toy is capable of maintaining a desired form and position in the water. In various exemplary embodiments, the aquatic toy is generally weighted and/or buoyed such that it is capable of maintaining a desired vertical or horizontal position in the water. In this manner, a swimmer may, in various exemplary embodiments, swim through the hollow opening formed by the frame member.  
         [0006]     In various exemplary embodiments, weights and/or buoys are positioned in or on certain areas of the fabric portion such that, when placed in a body of water, the fabric portion of the aquatic toy is capable of being maintained in a relatively opened position so that the object, plant, animal, or other character formed by the fabric portion is visible.  
         [0007]     Depending upon the degree of weight and/or buoyancy provided to various portions of the aquatic toy, certain portions of the aquatic toy may have a relatively negative buoyancy while other portions of the aquatic toy may have a relatively positive buoyancy. If the aquatic toy has a relatively negative overall buoyancy, the aquatic toy will sink to the bottom of, for example, a swimming pool, until at least a portion of the aquatic toy is in contact with the bottom of the pool.  
         [0008]     If the aquatic toy has a relatively positive overall buoyancy, the aquatic toy will float towards the top surface of the water in the swimming pool, until at least a portion of the aquatic toy reaches the top surface of the water.  
         [0009]     If the aquatic toy has a relatively neutral overall buoyancy, the aquatic toy will float at a given depth in the water in the swimming pool.  
         [0010]     A certain amount of rigidity and structure may be provided to the aquatic toy by means of the frame member. In various exemplary embodiments, the frame member may be removed from the aquatic toy, such that the fabric portion of the aquatic toy may be folded or collapsed when not in use. When the aquatic toy is to be used, the frame member may be reattached or inserted into the aquatic toy to, once again, provide some rigidity and structure to the aquatic toy.  
         [0011]     Accordingly, this invention provides an aquatic toy, which, when placed in a body of water, is capable of maintaining a desired form and position in the water.  
         [0012]     This invention separately provides an aquatic toy, which may be easily folded or collapsed when not in use.  
         [0013]     This invention separately provides an aquatic toy, which is simple and cost effective.  
         [0014]     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the second exemplary embodiment of the aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of the third exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the fourth exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of the fifth exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  shows a first exemplary embodiment of a method for joining the frame member as used in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy with the frame member removed such that the aquatic toy may be folded or collapsed according to this invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  having multiple frame pockets and multiple frame segments. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     For simplicity and clarification, the design factors, construction, and layout of the aquatic toys according to this invention are explained with reference to various exemplary embodiments of an aquatic toy according to this invention. The basic explanation of the operation of the aquatic toy is applicable for the understanding and design of the constituent components employed in the aquatic toys of this invention.  
         [0025]     It should be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments of the aquatic toy, wherein the fabric portion is in the shape of an animal or seaweed. However, it should be appreciated that the fabric portion of the aquatic toys of this invention may take the shape of any object, plant, animal, or other character.  
         [0026]     It should also be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be shown and/or described with reference to the aquatic toys having a frame member and a hollow opening, each having a generally circular shape. However, the generally circular geometry of the frame member and the hollow opening is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it should be understood that the overall geometry of the frame member and/or the hollow opening may comprise any overall geometry, including, for example, a generally square, rectangle, triangular, pentangular, circular, oval, elliptical, star, or other shape. Furthermore, the overall geometry of the frame member may be substantially the same as the overall geometry of the hollow opening or may differ from that of the hollow opening.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy  100  according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the aquatic toy  100  is in a fully expanded or open configuration and includes at least some of a fabric portion  110 , at least one frame pocket  112 , a frame member  120 , at least one optional buoyancy element  130 , and at least one optional weight element  140 .  
         [0028]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fabric portion  110  is in the general shape of a walrus. However, it should be appreciated that the fabric portion of the aquatic toys of this invention may be in the shape of any object, plant, animal, or other character.  
         [0029]     In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric portion  110  is made of a lightweight fabric or other material and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics, films, nylon, spandex, vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), neoprene, or the like. Additionally, the fabric portion  110  may be made of any flexible and/or elastic material and may stretch. Alternatively, the fabric portion  110  may be formed from multiple materials. The fabric may be water-resistant and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear associated with an aquatic toy that is appropriate for outdoor and/or pool use. In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric portion  110  may include a cushion material.  
         [0030]     It should be appreciated that the terms fabric and material are to be given their broadest meanings and that the particular fabric or material used to form the fabric portion  110  is a design choice based on the desired appearance, wearability, buoyancy, and/or functionality of the aquatic toy  100 .  
         [0031]     In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric portion  110  may have a relatively negative, neutral, or positive buoyancy, such that the fabric portion  110  may provide at least some negative, neutral, or positive buoyancy to the aquatic toy  100  or at least a portion of the aquatic toy  100 .  
         [0032]     A hollow opening  114  is formed in the fabric portion  110  of the aquatic toy  100 . The size, position, and overall geometry of the hollow opening  114  may vary and is a design choice based on the desired appearance and/or functionality of the aquatic toy  100 . However, in various exemplary embodiments, the hollow opening  114  may be large enough that an average youngster can swim through the hollow opening  114 .  
         [0033]     At least one frame pocket  112  is formed substantially around a perimeter of the hollow opening  114 , such that a frame member  120  may be at least partially held or contained within the frame pocket  112 . In various embodiments, a frame pocket  112  is comprised of multiple frame pockets  113  (see  FIG. 8 ), which are formed substantially around the perimeter of the hollow opening  114 . In these embodiments, a frame member  120 ′ is comprised of multiple corresponding frame member segments  121  (see  FIG. 8 ), each of which may be at least partially held or contained within at least one of the multiple frame pockets (not shown).  
         [0034]     In various exemplary embodiments, the frame pocket  112  may be constructed such that it may at least partially enclose the frame member  120  by means of a frame pocket fastening means (not shown). The frame pocket fastening means, if included, allow the frame pocket  112  to be maintained in a closed position around at least a portion of the frame member  120 . In various exemplary embodiments, the frame pocket fastening means comprises releasable fasteners such as male/female snap-release buckles, Velcro or other hook-and-loop fasteners, a ziplock fastening device, a zipper, buttons, snaps, or other fastening or closure means known by those skilled in the art.  
         [0035]     The frame member  120  may be merely held or retained within the frame pocket  112  without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the frame member  120  may be mechanically fastened, joined, stitched, fused, or glued within the frame pocket  112 , such that the frame member  120  is retained in a specific position relative to the frame pocket  112  or the aquatic toy  100 .  
         [0036]     The frame member  120  provides at least partial rigidity or structure to at least a portion of the perimeter of the hollow opening  114  and holds the perimeter of the hollow opening  114  in an expanded or open configuration and provides form to the hollow opening  114 .  
         [0037]     In various exemplary embodiments, the frame member  120  may comprise a single unitary element. Alternatively, the frame member  120  may comprise at least one strip or segment of frame member material connected to form a continuous loop, as further shown and described with reference to  FIG. 6 .  
         [0038]     The frame member  120  may be formed from, for example, metal, fiberglass, plastic, PVC, nylon, or the like, and may be rigid or flexible. The frame member  120  may be coated with a layer of corrosion resistant material, such as, for example, Polyvinyl Chloride, to protect the frame member  120  from corrosion and rust. In various exemplary embodiments, the frame member  120  may be formed from a waterproof or corrosion resistant material or from a material that has been treated such that it is at least partially resistant to water damage or corrosion.  
         [0039]     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the aquatic toy  100  includes at least one optional buoyancy element  130  and at least one optional weight element  140 . Each optional buoyancy element  130  may be comprised of foam, Styrofoam® or any other multicellular expanded synthetic resin, cork, an inflated or inflatable pocket or bladder, plastic, rubber, wood, or an equivalent, or any other known or later developed material or system capable of providing a determined level of relatively buoyancy to the aquatic toy  100 .  
         [0040]     Each optional weight element  140  may be comprised of metal, a weighted or weightable pocket or bladder, plastic, rubber, wood, or an equivalent, or any other known or later developed material or system capable of providing a determined level of relatively weight to the aquatic toy  100 .  
         [0041]     Each optional buoyancy element  130  is placed such that a particular region or portion of the aquatic toy  100  and/or the fabric portion  110  has a determined relatively buoyancy, while each optional weight element  140  is placed such that a particular region or portion of the aquatic toy  100  and/or the fabric portion  110  has a determined relatively weight. In this manner, certain portions of the aquatic toy  100  and/or certain portions of the fabric portion  110  are generally buoyed and/or weighted such that when the aquatic toy  100  is placed in a body of water, such as, for example, a swimming pool, the aquatic toy  100  is capable of maintaining a desired form and position in the water.  
         [0042]     In various exemplary embodiments, each optional buoyancy element  130  and each optional weight element  140  is placed or positioned in or on certain areas of the fabric portion  110  such that, when the aquatic toy  100  is placed in a body of water, the fabric portion  110  is capable of being maintained in a relatively opened position so that the object, plant, animal, or other character formed by the fabric portion  110  is visible.  
         [0043]     In various exemplary embodiments, the optional buoyancy element(s)  130  and the optional weight element(s)  140  are not used and the buoyancy and/or weight is provided to the aquatic toy  100  and/or certain portions of the fabric portion  110  by the frame member  120  and/or the material used in certain areas of the fabric portion  110 .  
         [0044]     The frame member  120  may provide sufficient weight and/or buoyancy to maintain the aquatic toy  100  in the desired position in water. In these embodiments, various portions of the frame member  120  may be weighted and/or buoyed, either inherently or intrinsically, or by various buoyancy and/or weight elements. Alternatively, wherein the frame member  120  is comprised of multiple corresponding frame member segments (not shown), each frame member segment may be weighted and/or buoyant, such that, when positioned within at least one of the multiple frame pockets (not shown), each frame member segment (not shown) provides sufficient weight and/or buoyancy to maintain the aquatic toy  100  in the desired position in water.  
         [0045]     The material used to form the fabric portion  110  may provide sufficient weight and/or buoyancy to maintain the aquatic toy  100  in the desired form and position in water. In these embodiments, the fabric portion  110  may be formed of a naturally weighted or buoyant material or various portions of the fabric portion  110  may be formed of a naturally weighted or buoyant material.  
         [0046]     It should be appreciated that any combination of optional buoyancy elements  130 , optional weight elements  140 , a weighted and/or buoyed frame member  120 , weighted and/or buoyed frame member segments (not shown), and weighty and/or buoyant fabric portion(s)  110  may be used.  
         [0047]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the aquatic toy  100  is in the general shape of a walrus and includes exemplary buoyancy elements  130  and exemplary weight elements  140  positioned such that the fabric portion  110  is maintained in a relatively open position and the aquatic toy  100  may be maintained in a relatively vertical position in water.  
         [0048]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the aquatic toy  200  includes at least some of a fabric portion  210 , a frame pocket  212 , a hollow opening  214 , a frame member  220 , at least one optional buoyancy element  230 , and at least one optional weight element  240 .  
         [0049]     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion  110 , the frame pocket  112 , the hollow opening  114 , the frame member  120 , the at least one optional buoyancy element  130 , and the at least one optional weight element  140 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . However, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the aquatic toy  200  includes exemplary buoyancy elements  230  and exemplary weight elements  240  positioned such that the fabric portion  210  is maintained in a relatively open position and the aquatic toy  200  may be maintained in a relatively horizontal position in water.  
         [0050]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of the third exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the aquatic toy  300  includes at least some of a fabric portion  310 , a frame pocket  312 , a hollow opening  314 , a frame member  320 , at least one optional buoyancy element  330 , and at least one optional weight element  340 .  
         [0051]     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion  110 , the frame pocket  112 , the hollow opening  114 , the frame member  120 , the at least one optional buoyancy element  130 , and the at least one optional weight element  140 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the aquatic toy  300  includes an exemplary buoyancy element  330  and an exemplary weight element  340  positioned such that the fabric portion  310  is maintained in a relatively open position and the aquatic toy  300  may be maintained in a relatively vertical position in water.  
         [0052]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the fourth exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the aquatic toy  400  includes at least some of a fabric portion  410 , a frame pocket  412 , a hollow opening  414 , a frame member  420 , at least one optional buoyancy element  430 , and at least one optional weight element  440 .  
         [0053]     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion  110 , the frame pocket  112 , the hollow opening  114 , the frame member  120 , the at least one optional buoyancy element  130 , and the at least one optional weight element  140 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the aquatic toy  400  is in the general shape of a shark and includes exemplary buoyancy elements  430  and exemplary weight elements  440  positioned such that the fabric portion  410  is maintained in a relatively open position and the aquatic toy  400  may be maintained in a relatively horizontal position in water.  
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of the fifth exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the aquatic toy  500  includes at least some of a fabric portion  510 , a frame pocket  512 , a hollow opening  514 , a frame member  520 , and at least one optional weight element  540 .  
         [0055]     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion  110 , the frame pocket  112 , the hollow opening  114 , the frame member  120 , the at least one optional buoyancy element  130 , and the at least one optional weight element  140 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . It should also be understood that the aquatic toy  500  may include at least one optional buoyancy element  530  (not shown).  
         [0056]     However, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the aquatic toy  500  is in the general shape of a mass of seaweed and includes exemplary weight elements  540  positioned such that the aquatic toy  500  may be maintained in a relatively vertical position in water.  
         [0057]     As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the aquatic toy  500  also includes a first additional fabric portion  516  and a second additional fabric portion  518 . The first additional fabric portion  516  extends substantially downward from an upper portion of the hollow opening  514 , while the second additional fabric portion  518  extends substantially upward from a lower portion of the hollow opening  514 .  
         [0058]     It should be appreciated that the fabric portion  510 , the first additional fabric portion  516 , and/or the second additional fabric portion  518  may be weighted and/or buoyed using any of the materials or methods described or referenced herein. It should also be appreciated that other additional fabric portions may be added to the aquatic toy  500 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 6  shows a first exemplary embodiment of a method for joining a frame member as used in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the frame member  620  comprises at least one strip or segment of material connected to form a continuous loop. It should be understood that the frame member  620  may comprise any of the frame members  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  420 , or  520 , as described above, with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 .  
         [0060]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the at least one strip or segment of the frame member  620  is joined by a frame member joining means  622 , such as, for example, a sleeve, for joining the ends of the at least one strip or segment. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the ends of the at least one strip or segment of the frame member  620  within the joining means  622  are shown in dashed lines for clarification.  
         [0061]     In various exemplary embodiments, the joining means  622  is a sleeve with an outer diameter not substantially greater than an outer diameter of the frame member  620  and an inner diameter that is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the frame member  620 . In this manner, when ends of a segment of the frame member  620  are inserted into the joining means  622 , they are able to be frictionally maintained within the joining means  622 .  
         [0062]     In various exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter of the joining means  622  is substantially similar to or larger than an outer diameter of the frame member  620  and the end of the at least one segment of the frame member  620  must be mechanically fastened, joined, stitched, fused, glued, welded, or otherwise attached or adhered within the joining means  622 .  
         [0063]     It should be appreciated that in various exemplary embodiments, the frame member  620  is a continuous loop or band of material and a joining means  622  is not required. Alternatively, opposing ends of the at least one strip or segment of the frame member  620  may be mechanically fastened, joined, stitched, fused, glued, welded, or otherwise attached or adhered together such that the joining means  622  is not necessary.  
         [0064]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy with the frame member removed such that the aquatic toy may be folded or collapsed according to this invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the aquatic toy  700  includes at least some of a fabric portion  710 , a frame pocket  712 , a hollow opening  714 , a frame member  720 , at least one optional buoyancy element  730  (not shown), and at least one optional weight element  740  (not shown).  
         [0065]     It should be understood that each of these elements corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion  410 , the frame pocket  412 , the hollow opening  414 , the frame member  420 , the at least one optional buoyancy element  430 , and the at least one optional weight element  440 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . It should also be understood that the aquatic toy  700  may include any of the features and/or embodiments of the aquatic toy, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 .  
         [0066]     When the frame member is removed from the aquatic toy, the fabric portion  710  of the aquatic toy  700  may be folded or collapsed.  
         [0067]     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.