Patent Publication Number: US-2015059231-A1

Title: Universal Flotation Device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to, and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/873,367, entitled “UNIVERSAL FLOTATION DEVICE,” filed on Sep. 4, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to flotation devices, and more particularly to a flotation device adapted for use with a plurality of potentially water-borne objects, such as fishing rods. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Losing his or her fishing rod remains the fisherman&#39;s second greatest scourge, just behind letting the big one get away. Flotation devices particularly adapted for use with fishing rods and reels (collectively referred to herein as “fishing rod”), whether for casting, spinning, or fly fishing, have long been developed to prevent such occurrences, and more particularly, to prevent the rod and reel from being submerged and/or facilitating its recovery. Among the prior art, includes a number of patents, such as for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,773 issued to Perry, U.S. Pat. No. D327,726 issued to Lowrance et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,314, issued to Kirkland. While functional for their intended purposes, prior art measures have received minimal market penetration due to inherent shortcomings For example, prior art flotation devices do not engage the fishing rod at its center of gravity, resulting in the reel and handle remaining submerged while in use. Moreover, prior art measures typically present one-size-fits-all configurations that offer minimal flexibility (e.g., are only configured to engage fishing rods, and able to engage the rod at the butt section). Finally, conventional measures often present complex and intricate mounting instructions, that require manual dexterity to apply. As a result accidental loss of objects, including fishing gear, such as fishing rods, remain a major concern during activities proximate a body of water. 
     As such, there remains the need for a novel and improved floatation device that can be quickly and securely attached to a fishing rod at its center of gravity without hindering use, and is flexible in the degree and manner of its application. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of fishing flotation devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a novel fishing flotation device that can be utilized to prevent the loss of fishing rods and other objects which are accidentally dropped into the water. The invention is useful for offering a flotation device configured to engage a fishing rod at its center of gravity, so as to result in horizontal retention within the water, while maintaining proper function of the handle, reel, and hook keeper. By causing the rod to achieve a horizontal orientation, retrieval is facilitated, and damage from prolonged submerging of intricate parts, such as metal reels, spools, guides, and/or handle is reduced. By engaging the rod at the reel and spool, and away from the flexible shaft, the invention is useful for offering a flotation solution that does not change the operation and feel of the shaft during fishing. The invention offers a facilely applied, removed, and therefore transferable solution, that may be used to engage and disengage a variety of objects interchangeably. Finally, by offering variable engagement options, the present invention is useful for offering a flotation device that is applicable to objects of differing dimension and shape. For example, in a doubled-over configuration, the invention may be used singularly to support the waist and lower torso of a human, or as a pair to effect a more flexible and functional life vest. 
     As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a novel and improved fishing float assembly and method which has many of the advantages of the fishing rod flotation devices mentioned heretofore and many additional novel features that result in a fishing flotation device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art fishing rod flotation devices, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel flotation device that may be facilely and efficiently manufactured and marketed. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a flotation device that is of durable and reliable construction. An even further object of the present invention is to provide a novel rod flotation device which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such flotation device economically available to the buying public. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel flotation device that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved fishing rod flotation device which facilitates the use of such devices on a multitude of objects through the use of a resilient polystyrene foam which can be easily and securely fastened to such rods. Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved flotation device that is designed to prevent abrasive contact with fishing line associated with a fishing rod. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings of exemplary scale, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the universal flotation device, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevation of the device shown in  FIG. 1  applied to a fishing rod at its center of gravity, wherein the rod is caused to float horizontally at the water&#39;s surface; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , particularly illustrating first and second cross members, an interconnecting vertical member, and first and second straps engaged with the cross members, such that the device is in a first configuration for use; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a cross-section of the device taken along the line A-A, shown in  FIG. 3 , wherein the device is formed of a buoyant inner material, and outer casing, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a cross-section of the flotation device, wherein the device if formed of at least one inner bladder, air contained therein, and an outer casing, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3   c  is a side elevation of the device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-3  showing a doubled-over configuration, wherein the vertical member has been bent such that the cross-members are opposite, and the straps have been interconnected so as to define a receiving receptacle, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of the flotation device in a second configuration for use, wherein the straps have been interconnected and caused to engage the vertical member, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the flotation device in the first configuration of use coupled to a bucket handle; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the flotation device in the second configuration of use coupled to a cylinder disposed in water; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation of the flotation device in a third configuration of use, wherein the straps are caused to form loops and coupled to swim shorts, so as to aid with buoyancy while swimming; and 
         FIG. 9  is an elevation of a flexible life vest comprising dual flotation devices presented in doubled-over configurations and interconnected, being donned by a human user. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. With reference now to  FIGS. 1-9 , a novel flotation device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the flotation device  10  is particularly suited for use with a fishing rod  100 , and more particularly, for engaging the reel  100   a,  spool, and handle of the rod  100 . That is to say, the inventive device  10  is primarily useful for protecting fishing rods  100  of various types (e.g., rods of extra fast, fast, medium, or slow action type, rods having an open-face, close face, or bay casting reel; spinning or fly casting rods, etc.), by causing them to float horizontally at the water&#39;s surface. The geometric configuration and adjustability of the device  10  enable it to be preferably coupled beneath the reel  100   a,  which is at or near the center of gravity of most rods, while not hindering functionality and enjoyment. Together, it is appreciated that the flotation device  10  and fishing rod presents an inventive assembly that may be integrally constructed. 
     As further illustrated, however, application to a variety of objects  100  and suitability for use in varying applications and settings (e.g., fishing, swimming pools, etc.) will be readily appreciated. For example, in addition to fishing rods ( FIG. 2 ), the “universal” flotation device may used to protect nets, bait buckets or tackle boxes as shown in  FIG. 6 , supply canisters as shown in  FIG. 7 , and other objects  100  prone to accidentally being submerged. It is appreciated that the device  10  may be used to intentionally retain the object  100  at or near the surface, and allow easy retrieval, for example, of a perforated fish storage container/cage. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the device  10  may be donned (inconspicuously) by beginning to intermediate level swimmers seeking an aid in buoyancy. In this setting, the device  10  may be coupled to any string, loops, or belt comprising the user&#39;s swimming shorts  100  or bathing suit; and in other configurations, may be used to directly engage the swimmer  100 . For example, in the singular doubled over configuration ( FIG. 4 ) the device may be used to engage the lower torso and waist of a user (e.g., an infant)  100 ; and in a dual assembly may form a flexible life vest ( FIG. 9 ) that aids a swimmer  100 . 
     To effect functionality, the device  10  generally presents a body having major and minor opposite and congruent surfaces (wherein each surface is not necessarily planar), so as to present a maximum width, w, not less than twice, more preferably, not less than thrice, and most preferably, not less than six times the minimum depth, d, compare  FIGS. 3 and 3   c . Along the major surfaces, the device  10  defines a narrow middle section and wider end sections, whereas the preferred middle section is laterally and longitudinally centered. The device  10  is flexible, so as to be bendable along the major surfaces ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  6 , and  7 ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flotation device  10  presents first and second rectangular cross-members  12   a,b  and a vertical rectangular member  14  interconnecting and bifurcating the cross-members  12   a,b,  so as to form an I-shaped configuration ( FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 ). The members  12   a,b , 14  present an overall length, l ( FIG. 3 ); and the device  10  presents a width to length ration (i.e., w/l) not less than 0.25, more preferably, within the range 0.33 and 1.00, and most preferably, within the range of 0.65 to 0.75. For example, where particularly suited for use with a fishing rod  100 , the length may be approximately 18 cm (i.e., 7 inches), and the width approximately 13 cm (i.e., 5 inches). The members  12   a,b,   14  may present any suitable cross-sectional configuration, but more preferably present a thin rectangular section ( FIGS. 3   a,b ). Together the cross and vertical members  12   a,b,   14  preferably form an “I-shaped” configuration, as best shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 . The members  12   a,b , 14  may be integrally formed or formed by separate bodies and attached together; each individual member may also be formed of subparts, for example, to facilitate adjustability. In  FIG. 1 , separation lines  16  are indicated to reflect separate segments in a composite configuration, or fold lines, in an integral embodiment. The members  12   a,b , 14  are illustrated to exemplary scale; however, it is appreciated that the cross and/or vertical members  12   a,b , 14  may be modified in length and/or width to varying degrees as is necessary for application. 
     The device  10  includes a buoyant central core  18 . In a preferred embodiment, the core  18  is formed of a dense polystyrene foam  20  material which is both lightweight and durable, and which is a material having a high buoyancy factor whereby it operates as a good flotation material. Alternatively, the core  18  may comprise of at least one inflatable bladder  22  having air (or other gas) disposed therein. In this configuration, it is appreciated that an air inlet (not shown) is provided to enable manual inflation and deflation. The core  18  may be thicker along the cross members or vertical member  12   a,b , 14  ( FIG. 7 ). Finally, the preferred core  18  is adjustable. For example, a plurality of individual segments comprising the core  18  may be separately inflated and deflated as needed; or configured to receive differing numbers or sizes of foam material  20 . The core  18  is preferably overlaid by a more durable cover  24 . The cover  24  may be formed of a thin canvas, vinyl, fabric, rubber, plastic, or equivalent material, and is preferably water repellant. In a preferred embodiment, the cover  24  is formed of a canvas or fabric material presenting a camouflage pattern operable to facilitate outdoor activity. Alternatively, the cover  24  may be fluorescent, so as to facilitate retrieval of the engaged object  100  at night. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the vertical member  14  defines a through-hole  14   a  that facilitates use with fishing rods having hook keepers  100   b.  That is to say, the preferred vertical member  14  defines through-hole  14   a  large enough to allow the hook keeper  100   b  of the fishing rod  100  to pass through the device  10 , when engaged beneath the reel  100   a . Where a cover  24  overlays the core  18 , it is appreciated that the through-hole  14   a  may be sealed, for example, through adhesive, by sewing, etc., so as to prevent water from entering the core  18 . The through-hole  14   a  may define a cut out section, or be formed by cutting a slit through the member  14 . 
     The device  10  further includes a fastening element for fixedly coupling the core  18  to the object  100  sought to be protected. In the illustrated embodiment, a series of stirrups  26  (i.e., holes, eyelets, sleeves, etc.) are shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 , as being attached to the outer surface of the cover  24  (or core  18 , where no cover is provided); alternatively, a stirrup  26  may be formed by cutting a pair of laterally spaced slits in the cover  24 . A first set of the stirrups  26  are positioned at the ends of the cross members  12   a,b  and oriented parallel to the vertical member; and a second set of the stirrups  26  are positioned at or near the ends of the vertical member  14  and oriented parallel to the cross members  12   a,b  ( FIG. 3 ). The stirrups  26  may be sewed into a fabric cover ( FIG. 1 ), or glued to a plastic exterior, etc. The stirrups  26  are configured to receive first and second straps  28  individually across the cross members  12   a,b  ( FIGS. 1 , and  3 ), and where connected across the vertical member  14 . As used herein, it is appreciated that the term “straps” is non-limiting, and include other equivalent tensile elements, such as rope, chains, braids, cables, string, etc. The straps  28  are preferably adjustable in length, and elastic, so as to apply a compressive holding force to the protected object  100 . With respect to adjustment, exemplary straps  28  may comprise of first second segments  28   a,b  that are snapped together along their shared axis, whereas a plurality of snaps  30  provides the adjustability in overall length ( FIG. 3 ). To effect functionality, the fastening element is shiftable so as to effect a plurality of engaging configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished by shifting the set of stirrups  26  that the straps  28  are entrained within. 
     The attachment element  32  is illustrated as being of the hook and loop fastener type, commonly sold under the brand Velcro™; however, it is certainly within the ambit of the invention to employ any equivalent fastener, such as clips, snaps, latches, etc. The pad of male hooks  32   a  ( FIG. 1 ) is disposed on one surface of a strap  28 , and a bed of female loops  32   b  preferably overlays the entire opposite surface, such that the attachment point may be adjusted along the entire strap length. In this configuration, at least a minimum overlap length is provided depending upon the hold force required. 
     It is appreciated that the straps  28  and cross-members  12   a,b  may be integrally presented. That is to say, where dimensions allow, the straps  28  may be presented by the cross-members  12   a,b , for example, by attaching the hook and loop fasteners  32   a,b  to opposite sides and surfaces thereof. Alternatively, the straps  28  may take the place of the cross-members  12   a,b  in the I-shape, such that the buoyant material is presented by the vertical member  14 ; in this configuration, the straps  28  may themselves be formed of buoyant material as well. 
     Thus, the device  10  may be used in a first configuration (i.e., width wise), wherein the straps  28  engage the cross members  12   a,b  ( FIG. 3 ), a second configuration (i.e., length wise), wherein interconnected straps  28  circle and engage the vertical member  14  ( FIG. 5 ), a third doubled-over configuration ( FIG. 4 ), or a fourth double loops configuration ( FIG. 8 ). In  FIG. 4 , the receptacle or doubled-over configuration is shown wherein the vertical member  14  has been bent such that the cross-members  12   a,b  are opposite, and the straps  28  have been interconnected so as to define a continuous wall. Depending upon the attachment points and overlap between the straps  28 , the diameter of the receptacle can be adjusted to receive for example, the legs and lower torso of an infant similar to a diaper, or a snack bowl at a pool party, etc. It is appreciated that stability is better provided where the water surface is caused to rest across the horizontal cross-members  12   a,b ; and that as such, ideally supportable weights may be prescribed for different flotation devices  10 . It is also appreciated that in larger scale or sizes, the receptacle may similarly be used by larger children, and adults, as an improved flotation aid that does not encumber leg motion while treading water or swimming. 
     In another swimming application, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , an inventive assembly  200  offered herein comprises first and second I-shaped flotation devices  10  joined laterally in doubled-over configurations. In this configuration, the assembly  200  may be used as a flotation aid for swimmers, and donned similar to a life vest. The vertical members  14  pass over the collar bone and down the shoulder blades, and the cross-members  12   a,b  preferably rest below the pectoral muscles, when the assembly is donned. At least one strap  28  encircles the user&#39;s chest and back across the four cross-members  12   a,b  and is fastened at an end to form a continuous wall. More preferably, two, three, or all four of the straps  28  may be interconnected as previously discussed to provide greater adjustability. The preferred straps  28  are elastic, so as to apply a light compressive force that does not inhibit expansion of the diaphragm, while holding the assembly  200  in place. The straps  28  may present a wider gap between adjacent cross-members in the back than in the front, when donned, so as to better fit an adult male torso ( FIG. 9 ), or a more narrow gap in the back than in the front to better accommodate the breasts of an adult female. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
     Also, as used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and the like do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “the”, “a”, and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. All ranges directed to the same quantity of a given component or measurement is inclusive of the endpoints and independently combinable.