Patent Publication Number: US-11027173-B2

Title: Pool noodle, assembly, and method of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/746,060, filed Oct. 16, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology is generally related to floatation devices, and more particularly, to pool noodles and assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Floatation devices assist a user or object in keeping afloat in water. For example, a life saver is a floatation device having a ring shape that is sized to encircle a user and suspend the user&#39;s head above water. As another example, an inner tube is an inflatable floatation device having a ring shape that a user can lay across and have their back, arms, and legs supported. As yet another example, a pool noodle is a floatation device having an elongated shape that a user can straddle with their arms, torso, and/or legs to add buoyancy to the user&#39;s body. 
     SUMMARY 
     Pool noodles and assemblies of the present disclosure are arrangeable in a variety of configurations for use in water as recreational, utility, and/or safety devices. 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a water noodle system including three water noodles and at least two water noodle straps. Each of the water noodles has an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and terminating at first and second ends. The elongated body defines a central bore therethrough that is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis, and an outer surface of the elongated body includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom and radially therearound. Each of the water noodle straps has an elongated strap body terminating at first and second ends, and first and second buckle portions affixed to the respective first and second ends of the elongated strap body. The first and second buckle portions are configured to mate with each other. 
     The first and second ends of each of the water noodles may be disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The angle of each of the first and second ends may be about 45 degrees. 
     The plurality of protrusions may extend longitudinally along an entire length of the elongated body in a uniform manner. Each of the plurality of protrusion may include side walls extending outwardly from the elongated body and converging at a point. Each of the water noodles may include thirty-two points. 
     Each of the water noodles includes an outer diameter defined by the outer surface of the elongated body and an inner diameter defined by an inner wall of the elongated body. A ratio of the inner diameter to the outer diameter may be about or greater than 0.7. 
     The water noodle straps may have different lengths. Each of the water noodle straps may include a strap adjuster. 
     The water noodle system may further include at least two water noodle caps. Each of the water noodle caps may include a cap body and a connector extending from an inner surface of the cap body. The connector may be configured to mate with the first or second buckle portion of the water noodle strap. 
     The water noodle caps may have an oval footprint. 
     The three water noodles may be bundled together with at least one of the water noodle straps secured around the outer surfaces of the water noodles to form a water noodle assembly. One of the water noodle straps may be passed through the central bore of one of the water noodles. 
     One of the water noodle straps may be passed through the central bore of each of the water noodles and the first and second buckle portions of the water noodle strap may be locked together to form a water noodle triangle. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a water noodle including an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and terminating at first and second ends. The elongated body defines a central bore therethrough that is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis, and an outer surface of the elongated body includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom and radially therearound. The water noodle is fabricated from a closed cell foam. 
     The first and second ends of the water noodle may be disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. 
     The plurality of protrusions may extend longitudinally along an entire length of the elongated body in a uniform manner. Each of the plurality of protrusion may include side walls extending outwardly from the elongated body and converging at a point. 
     The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are front and side views, respectively, of a water noodle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an orthogonal view of a water noodle system including water noodles and water noodle straps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a water noodle assembly including components of the water noodle system of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a water noodle assembly including components of the water noodle system of  FIG. 2  in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a water noodle assembly including components of the water noodle system of  FIG. 2  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are bottom, perspective, side, and top views, respectively, of caps for use with the water noodle straps of the water noodle system of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of a water noodle strap and the caps of  FIGS. 6A-6D  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the water noodle strap and the caps of  FIG. 7A  shown with the water noodle strap extending through the water noodle of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed herein below in terms of pool noodles, assemblies, and methods of configuring and using the same. Although the structures are discussed as pool noodles and assemblies, it should be understood that the structures are not limited to use in a pool and may be utilized in any body of water. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Throughout this description, the term “user” refers to the person using the device and/or the person configuring the device for use. The terms “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” shall be understood as words of approximation that take into account relatively little to no variation in the modified terms (e.g., differing by less than 10%). In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an exemplary floatation device in the form of a pool or water noodle  10  is shown. The water noodle  10  is called a “noodle” because its shape is similar to a pasta noodle. As seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the water noodle  10  is in the form of penne, however, other pasta noodle shapes and configurations (e.g., elbow macaroni) are envisioned. 
     The water noodle  10  is formed from a closed cell foam, such as polyethylene, that is sufficiently lightweight, flexible, and durable for repeated use in water. The water noodle  10  includes an elongated body  12  extending along a longitudinal axis “X.” The elongated body  12  may be any suitable length “L” and may range, for example, from about 1 foot to about 6 feet. In embodiments, the elongated body  12  of the water noodle  10  is about 24 inches to about 48 inches in length “L” and, in some embodiments, is about 25 inches in length “L.” 
     The elongate body  12  extends from a first end  12   a  to a second end  12   b . The first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongate body  12  are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis “X.” The angle “A” of the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b , relative to the longitudinal axis “X”, may range from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees and, in some embodiments, the angle “A” of the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  is about 45 degrees. An angle “A” of about 45 degrees allows the water noodle  10  to be mated with another water noodle  10  at the first or second ends  12   a ,  12   b  thereof if such a configuration is desired (e.g., to form a longer water noodle  10 , or an “L” shaped water noodle  10 ). In accordance with the present disclosure, first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  are parallel to one another. 
     The elongated body  12  has a generally cylindrical shape and includes an outer surface  14  including a plurality of ridges or protrusions  16  extending therefrom and radially thereabout. The plurality of protrusions  16  extend longitudinally along the entire length “L” of the elongated body  12  in a uniform manner such that the outer diameter “OD” of the elongated body  12  is consistent along the length “L” thereof. Each of the plurality of protrusions  16  includes side walls  16   a  extending outwardly from the elongated body  12  that converge at a tip or point  16   b . The point  16   b  may be v-shaped or c-shaped (e.g., rounded). While thirty-two points  16   b  are shown in  FIG. 1A , it should be understood that the elongated body  12  may include any number of points  16   b  greater or less than thirty-two. It is further contemplated that the elongated body  12  may include no protrusions  16  (e.g., may include knurled or a relatively smooth outer surface). 
     The elongated body  12  defines a central bore  13  therethrough that is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis “X” and open at the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongated body  12 . The central bore  13  is defined by an inner wall  18  of the elongated body  12  which, in turn, defines an inner diameter “ID” of the elongated body  12 . The inner and outer diameters “ID,” “OD” of the elongated body  12  may be of any suitable dimension. The inner diameter “ID” of the elongate body  12  may range from about 1 inch to about 4 inches, and the outer diameter “OD” of the elongate body may range from about 2 inches to about 5 inches. The ratio of the inner diameter “ID” to outer diameter “OD” may be about or greater than 0.7. In embodiments, the inner diameter “ID” of the elongated body  12  is about 2.5 inches and the outer diameter “OD” of the elongated body  12  is about 3.5 inches such that the ratio of ID:OD is about 0.71 and a wall thickness “T” of the elongate body  12  is about 0.5 inches. 
     While the elongated body  12  and the central bore  13  of the elongated body  12  are both shown as having a cylindrical shape, it should be understood that the elongated body  12  and the central bore  13  may have other shapes and/or may be different from each other. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , a pool or water noodle system  1  is shown including three water noodles  10  and three water noodle straps  20  for forming a variety of water noodle assemblies, as described below. The three water noodles  10  may all be identical or may be different (e.g., in length, diameter, texture, etc.). 
     The water noodle straps  20  each includes an elongated strap body  22  terminating at first and second ends  22   a ,  22   b , and first and second buckle portions  24   a ,  24   b  affixed to the respective first and second ends  22   a ,  22   b  of the elongated strap body  22 . The elongated strap body  22  is formed from a flexible and/or elastic material, such as polypropylene, that is sufficiently strong and durable to maintain its integrity for repeated use in water. 
     Together the first and second buckle portions  24   a ,  24   b  form a quick connect/disconnect side release buckle  24  in which the first buckle or female portion  24   a  has two opposed openings  25  ( FIG. 4 ) configured to receive two extensions  27  ( FIG. 4 ) of the second buckle or male portion  24   b . The first and second buckle portions  24   a ,  24   b  automatically lock in place when the extensions  27  of the second buckle portion  24   b  are inserted into the openings  25  of the first buckle portion  24   a . The first and second buckle portions  24   a ,  24   b  are quickly unlocked by pressing the extensions  27  inwardly towards the center of the first buckle portion  24   a  and pulling the second buckle portion  24   b  away from the first buckle portion  24   a . While the first and second buckle portions  24   a ,  24   b  are shown as forming a quick connect/disconnect side release buckle  24 , it should be understood that other male/female mating connectors may be utilized to fasten the first and second ends  22   a ,  22   b  of the elongated strap body  22  together, such as pass through buckles or quick release buckles having a different configuration (e.g., a center release button). 
     The water noodle straps  20  may be any suitable length “E” ( FIG. 7A ) and may range, for example, from about 2 feet to about 10 feet. The water noodle straps  20  may all have the same length or may be different lengths, and the lengths may be fixed or adjustable. Further, the width “W” of the water noodle straps  20  may be the same or different. In embodiments, the water noodle straps  20  include two short straps  20   a  which are about 24 inches in length “E”, and one long strap  20   b  which is about 96 inches in length “E,” and each of the short and long straps  20   a ,  20   b  is about 0.75 inches in width “W.” Additionally, each of the water noodle straps  20  may include strap adjusters  26  (e.g., slip lock tension buckles) for individually adjusting the length “E” of the elongated strap body  22 . 
     It should be understood that the length of the water noodle straps  20  provided in the water noodle system  1  is dependent upon the length(s) and diameter(s) of the water noodles  10  of the water noodle system  1 , and/or the desired configuration of a water noodle assembly formed with components of the water noodle system  1 . Further the width of the water noodle straps  20  may be dependent upon the size of the water noodles  10  and/or the inner diameter of the water noodles  10 . 
     The water noodle system  1  may be utilized in a variety of configurations. The water noodles  10  may be utilized individually or collectively without the water noodle straps  20 . For example, a water noodle  10  having a size of about 25 inches may be utilized individually by a child to float with, or collectively by an adult, such as one under each arm, to comfortably float. The water noodles  10  may also be utilized individually or collectively with the water noodle strap(s)  20  to form water noodle assemblies. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a water noodle assembly  2  includes the three water noodles  10  and the two short straps  20   a  of the water noodle system  1 . The water noodles  10  are secured together in a bundle utilizing the two short straps  20   a . It should be understood that the number of water noodles  10  secured together may vary (e.g., two, three, four, or more), for example, to increase the buoyancy of the water noodle assembly  2 . The number of straps  20  utilized may also vary. As shown, the short straps  20   a  are positioned about first and second end portions  12   c ,  12   d  of the water noodles  10 . Alternatively, a single strap  20  (e.g., a single short strap  20   a  or a single long strap  20   b  ( FIG. 2 )) may be utilized about a central portion  12   e  of the water noodles  10  to secure the water noodles  10  together. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions  16  ( FIG. 1 ) of the water noodles  10  are configured to mesh or interlock with each other to aid in the engagement of the water noodles  10  with each other when bundled together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a water noodle assembly  3  includes the three water noodles  10  and the long strap  20   b  of the water noodle system  1 . The long strap  20   b  is passed through the central bores  13  of each of the water noodles  10  to create a noodle triangle, i.e., an enclosed structure. Depending upon the size of the water noodles  10 , a user may pass their torso through the water noodle assembly  3  to keep afloat, or may lay their back, arms, and legs over the water noodle assembly  3  to utilize the water noodle assembly  3  as an inner tube or float. It should be understood that more than three water noodles  10  may be used and/or the water noodle straps  20  may be secured to one another to create a longer strap for use with the additional water noodles  10 , to form a larger water noodle assembly, such as a noodle square or other noodle polygons. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a water noodle assembly  4  includes the three water noodles  10  and the three water noodle straps  20  of the water noodle system  1 . The three water noodles  10  are secured together in a bundle utilizing the two short straps  20   a  as described above with regard to  FIG. 3 , and the long strap  20   b  is passed through the central bore  13  of one of the water noodles  10 . The water noodle assembly  4  may be used to transport and/or store the water noodle system  1 . The water noodle assembly  4  may also be used as floatation device with the long strap  20   b  utilized as a harness around the torso of a user to limit movement of the user relative to the water noodles  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D , water noodle caps  30  may be another component of the water noodle system  1  of  FIG. 2 . The water noodle system  1  may include at least one each of first and second caps  30   a ,  30   b . Each of the first and second caps  30   a ,  30   b  includes a cap body  32  having a rounded outer surface  32   a , a substantially flat inner surface  32   b , and a connector  34  extending from the inner surface  32   b . The first and second caps  30   a ,  30   b  differ by the type of connector  34  extending from the cap body  32 . With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6D , cap bodies  32  of water noodle caps  30  may have a foreshortened or oval planar profile or footprint. It is contemplated that cap bodies  32  of water noodle caps  30  may have other planar profiles or footprints, e.g., circular, rectangular, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , the first cap  30   a  includes a first connector  34   a  that is the same in structure as the first buckle portion  24   a  of the water noodle strap  20  (i.e., has two opposed openings  35 ) such that the first cap  30   a  may be mated with the second buckle portion  24   b  of the water noodle strap  20 , and the second cap  30   b  includes a second connector  34   b  that is the same in structure as the second buckle portion  24   b  of the water noodle strap  20  (i.e., has two extensions  37 ) such that the second cap  30   b  may be mated with the first buckle portion  24   a  of the water noodle strap  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , the first and second caps  30   a ,  30   b  may be secured to the second and first buckle portions  24   b ,  24   a , respectively, of the water noodle strap  20  such that the inner surfaces  32   b  of the first and second caps  30   a ,  30   b  are engageable in abutting relation with the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the water noodle  10  so that the water noodle strap  20  is retained within the water noodle  10 . The water noodle caps  30  may be utilized, for example, to string together two or more water noodles  10  into a longer structure (e.g., three, four, five, or six water noodles  10  strung along long strap  20   b ) such that the first and second caps  30   a ,  30   b  prevent separation of the water noodles  10  (e.g., the water noodles  10  do not slide off the water noodle strap  20 ). 
     It should be understood that the pool noodle systems of the present disclosure may include more or fewer water noodles  10 , water noodle straps  20 , and/or water noodle caps  30  depending upon the desired end-use configuration for particular water noodle assemblies. Further, the water noodle systems may be provided in a kit or package including a desired number of water noodles  10 , water noodle straps  20 , and/or water noodle caps  30 , of the same or different configurations. 
     Persons skilled in the art will understand that the systems, assemblies, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described.