Patent Publication Number: US-6659822-B1

Title: Lake raft

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to recreational equipment. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a raft adapted for recreational use at lakes and the like. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are few moments more relaxing and enjoyable than the time spent leisurely floating on a raft at the lake. Enjoyment is enhanced if the rafter has access to accessories such as books, TV, radio, etc. Enjoyment is further enhanced if the rafter perceives that the raft is sturdy and includes devices to ensure safety. Al recreational raft which incorporates the above noted features and more, would certainly be a welcome addition to the art. 
     The prior art is rife with rafts of various persuasions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 393,683 (Song et al.) is drawn to a raft designed to accommodate two people. The raft is inflatable and is adapted to be propelled by oars. There is no indication that the raft is to function as a float for relaxing thereon. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,696,251 (Spieldiener et al.) and 5,518,431 (Staley) disclose circular floating devices adapted for recreational use. The devices are designed with chair-type seating arrangements and make no provision to include structure that retains multiple amenities. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,403,220 (Goad, Sr.) and 6,312,054 B1 (Scheurer et al.) show floating chairs adapted to support a single person thereon. As in the patents cited immediately above, the instant patents do not contemplate the provision of structure for containing multiple amenities. 
     A foldable recreational raft is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,102 (Hull). Clips are included for fastening a towel to the top side and plural pouches are formed in the body of the raft. A recess is formed in the top side of the raft for receiving a pillow. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,766,918 (Odekirk), 4,799,910 ((Kellough) and 4,828,520 (Baughman et al.) disclose rafts having shelters mounted thereon. The patentees are unconcerned with providing conveniences other than shelters. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,759 (Klimenko) is drawn to an inflatable raft having a single container structure therein. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to disclose a recreational raft as will be subsequently described and claimed in the instant invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, to be dubbed Fun Raft, is drawn to a light-weight, transportable raft to be utilized for recreational purposes. The raft is constructed of high-impact plastic material (polyethylene) and is sized to comfortably accommodate two people. Handles are conveniently located to make lifting and carrying easy. Unlike most rafts, Fun Raft is provided with a partially filled internal styrofoam core to maintain floatation and thus, does not require inflation before use. This construction also eliminates the danger of an accidental puncture which would cause the raft to deflate and sink. A soft, vinyl-covered ensolite mat is removably fastened to the top surface of the raft to enhance comfort. Features such as high visibility color, reflectors, an anchor housing, night light, paddle holders and drain openings instill confidence as to the safety of the raft. Book holders, bottle holders, cooler holders, etc. are strategically arranged on the| raft&#39;s surface to insure that the rafting experience will be a fun| experience. 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a raft adapted for recreational use. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a recreational raft which is light-weight and portable. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide al recreational raft which is safe. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a recreational raft which incorporates plural leisure conveniences. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes. 
    
    
     These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a lake raft according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial end view of a lake raft according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a lake raft according to the present invention. 
    
    
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the Fun Raft is generally indicated at  10 . Raft  10  is fabricated from one-piece, high-impact plastic material. Although polyethylene is preferred, any suitable, sturdy plastic material could be used. Raft  10  is approximately eight feet long and four feet wide defining an area that will comfortably accommodate two people. The sides and back end of the raft extend above the top surface forming a rim  12  around the perimeter. Rim  12  is slightly rounded at the top for comfort and safety. The rim is discontinued at the corners to provide drain openings or breaks. Expansion and contraction air holes  33  are positioned at the top of the rim to prevent the raft from cracking. A mat  14  is disposed on the upper surface of raft  10 . Mat  14  is fabricated from a soft, water repellant fabric i.e. ensolite and is removably attached to the raft&#39;s surface with hook and loop fasteners  16  (FIG. 2) or the like. Rim  12  will also assist in holding mat  14  in place. 
     Handles  18  are positioned on the sides of the raft. Handles  18  are fashioned with open areas  18   a . Open areas  18   a  have one edge thereof substantially flush with the surface of the mat so that water may efficiently drain from the mat&#39;s surface. Handles  18  function as holds while swimming and as means to tie down the raft for storage and travel. Additional handles  20  are imbedded in the front and rear ends of the raft. Handles  20  are employed to carry the raft and for tie down. Embedded handles  20  lessen the chance of damage when the raft is being carried. 
     The upper surface of Fun Raft is awash with amenities. A book holder/entertainment holder  22  is disposed at the front of the raft. Holder  22  is fashioned with a forty-five degree surface to support a book, magazine or TV at a comfortable viewing angle. Raised edges  22   a  prevent items from sliding off and falling into the water. At least two openings  24  (only one is shown) are utilized to hold standard beverage cups or cans. Openings  26  are sized to support coolers therein. 
     Safety features include a three-quarter inch by three inch opening  25  adapted to hold a battery operated light for night use. Reflectors  19 . A pair of openings  28  receive paddles so that the raft may be safely propelled if desired. A cylindrical member  30  having a diametric V-shaped opening  30   a  functions as a rope guide and anchor holder. At least one drain hole and plug  32  is positioned at the rear end of the raft should the raft need to be drained. As best seen in FIG. 2, the interior volume of the raft is partially filled with styrofoam  34  or the like, thereby making the raft virtually unsinkable. 
     The bottom surface of the raft (FIG. 3) is designed with multiple three inch wide runners  36 , which runners are strategically arranged to insure stability and maneuverability. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.