Patent Publication Number: US-11655072-B2

Title: Floating grid arrangement to support and position decorative elements

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/665,761, filed 28 Oct. 2019. 
     The &#39;761 application in a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/245,623, filed Aug. 24, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,458,644, granted 29 Oct. 2019. 
     The &#39;623 application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/210,478, filed Aug. 27, 2015. 
     The contents of each of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The inventive concepts disclosed herein relate to a floating grid that can be assembled to support decorative elements such as flowers or candles in a small body of water. 
     Description of the Prior Art 
     The prior art discloses various floating devices that support decorative elements such as flowers and candles for use in small bodies of water such as swimming pools or ponds. The following U.S. and foreign patent references are typical. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,718 discloses a floating candle device comprising: a candle enclosure, a candle base having upper and lower portions, a grommet dimensioned and configured to fit into said opening in said lower portion of said candle base, wherein said floating candle device is arranged with other floating candle devices into letters and shapes (FIGS. 1-6; Column 7, Lines 67-69; Column 8, Lines 1-4; Claims 7-11). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,042 discloses an artificial lily pad made with polyester fabric flower petals, molded polypropylene or polyethylene stamens and stigmata, ethylene vinyl acetate leaves, polystyrene foam pads, and a bottom anchor ring. An anchor weight is attached to the bottom anchor ring by a monofilament nylon line which is colorless in water (FIGS. 1-3; Column 2, Lines 49-58; Claim 1). 
     2007/0107117 discloses a fountain kit for outfitting a swimming pool that comprises a water fountain assembly and a water pump assembly, including a plurality of fountain water outlets interconnected by a common conduit, which common conduit and which water outlets are mountable in adjacency to an upper pool periphery (FIGS. 1-8; Paragraphs [0042]-[0046]; Claims 16-21). 
     WO 2014197517A1 discloses a water purification apparatus comprising injection moulded floating non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable polymer planar structures (Claim 2; FIG. 4). 
     2007/0137100 discloses a floatable plant cultivation system (FIGS. 2 and 3). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,838 discloses a floatable unit for displaying foliage on ponds (FIGS. 2 and 6). 
     The following patents show other floating plant structures of possible relevance: U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,903; 2012/0174480 A1; and, 2008/0230010 A1. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 1,188,198 discloses a floating plant support system for artificial flowers. 
     The following non-patent literature articles describe structure of possible relevance. 
     Adminkak “Flower vase arrangement” kianaa.com, Mar. 2, 2014 http://kianaa.com/diy/arrangment/flower-vase-arrangement/ discloses the use of “tape to make a grid on wide open bowls and vases. The grid makes it easier to decorate flowers.” 
     1Man1Garage, “Floating Pavilion for Outdoor Party Lighting in a Pool or Pond. Decorate the large platform to suit your needs and Decor,” Etsy.com, accessed: July 2016. https://www.etsy.com/listing/195649848/floating-pavilion-for-outdoor-party discloses “a solid foam core that keeps the wood shell able to ride out a gentle roll of waves, underneath is an anchor point hidden from view to tether the platform to each other, or solid ground.” 
     The following U.S. patent references may also be relevant: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,033,326, 7,406,798, 7,000,347, 5,934,796, 5,758,452, 5,722,347, 4,588,618, 3,089,155, 2,531,562, 2015/0027047, 2002/0184818. 
     The following foreign patent references may also be relevant:
         WO 2005110167A1 JPH 1136122A       

     It was in the context of the above prior art that the embodiments disclosed herein arose. 
     SUMMARY 
     A plastic grid or framework arrangement is used to support and position a series of bowls that hold flower arrangements, candles, letters, and other decorative elements. The grid is deployable in water fountains, indoor and outdoor pools, ponds, and other small bodies of water during festive occasions or for longer term decorative display. An important feature of this product is that the grid itself does not float and is positioned below the surface of the water, and thus is not readily visible. Buoyancy is provided at the hubs that form nodes in the grid. The hubs also support floating bowls having a sealed air chamber, according to the preferred embodiment, and containing various decorative elements. Another possible alternative embodiment is a bowl without bottom slots and without a float chamber. The resulting effect is that the decorative elements appear to be floating on the surface while the sub-surface grid structure maintains their relative positioning, keeping the bowls from clumping together at the edges or in the corners of the pool or fountain. 
     The embodiments can be assembled quickly from a kit of standardized components and can be quickly dis-assembled and stored for future use. The spokes that radiate from each of the hubs include an end cap that can be easily snapped into position on the hubs when the apparatus is assembled. The underlying floating framework can take several forms including a grid or a ring and may also include horizontal and vertical extensions for extending the decorative elements in a plane horizontal or vertical to the plane of the framework. When the user is finished with the display it is easily disassembled by pulling the spoke end caps out of the hubs and unsnapping them from the retention springs securely held in one of a plurality of pockets in each hub. After disassembly, the entire set of components can be stored in a compact box or bag and saved for reuse at a subsequent event. 
     In one aspect, embodiments of floating apparatuses for supporting decorative elements in water include a hub comprising an outer wall, and a plurality of interior walls attached to the outer wall, the outer wall and the interior walls defining a plurality of pockets; at least two spokes. The embodiments also include a float configured to be attached to the hub; a decorative element support bowl configured to be attached to the hub; and at least two spoke end fittings. 
     The pockets are configured to receive the spoke end fittings. Each of the spoke end fittings has a first portion, and a second portion attached to the first portion. The first portion has an opening configured to receive a portion of one of the spokes; and the second portion is configured to securely engage at least one of the interior walls of the hub when the spoke end fitting is positioned in one of the pockets. 
     In another aspect, the interior walls comprise a plurality of tabs, and the second portion is configured to securely engage at least a first of the tabs when the spoke end fitting is positioned in one of the pockets. 
     In another aspect, the second portion of the spoke end fitting is configured to resiliently deflect in response to contact with the first tab when the spoke end fitting is inserted into one of the pockets. 
     In another aspect, the second portion of the spoke end fitting includes a first and a second sidewall each attached to the first portion of the spoke end fitting; and a first and a second indented portion attached respectively to the first and second sidewalls. The first and second indented portions are configured to engage the first and a second of the tabs, respectively, when the spoke end fitting is positioned in one of the pockets. The second portion of the spoke end fitting also includes an end portion attached to the first and second indented portions. 
     In another aspect, the first and second indented portions each define a depression, and the first and second tabs are positioned in a respective one of the depressions when the spoke end fitting is positioned in one of the pockets. 
     In another aspect, the first and second sidewalls and the end portion are configured to flex as the end portion passes over the first and second tabs during insertion of spoke end fitting into one of the pockets. 
     In another aspect, each of the spoke end fittings further comprises a web attached to the first and second portions of the spoke end fitting; and the outer wall and the interior walls of the hub define a plurality of slots configured to receive a respective one of the webs when the spoke end fitting is inserted in one of the pockets. 
     In another aspect, the first and second sidewalls are substantially straight, and the end portion is curved. 
     In another aspect, the apparatuses also includes a bowl adapter having a sidewall, a first lip attached to a first end of the sidewall, and a second lip attached to a second end of the sidewall. The first lip is configured to securely engage the bowl. 
     In another aspect, the hub includes a plurality of tabs, and the second lip is configured to securely engage the tabs. 
     In another aspect, the tabs are disposed proximate an upper edge of the hub. 
     In another aspect, the hub includes a plurality of upper segments, and the tabs are disposed on the upper segments. 
     In another aspect, the upper segments of the hub and the second lip of the bowl adapter are configured to resiliently deflect in response to contact between the tabs and the second lip when the hub is mated with the bowl adapter. 
     In another aspect, at least a portion of the second lip of the bowl adapter is disposed at an acute angle in relation to the sidewall of the bowl adapter. 
     In another aspect, the first lip and the sidewall of the bowl adapter are substantially perpendicular. 
     The inventive embodiments may be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  1 C  show a triangular grid framework for supporting decorative flower holders using hubs that have six spoke engaging pockets according to the preferred embodiment. 
         FIGS.  2 A,  2 B and  2 C  show an alternative framework arranged in the form of a ring. 
         FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D and  3 E  illustrate details of a six pocket hub and further indicating how the spoke retention springs are inserted into each hub pocket. 
         FIGS.  4 A,  4 B and  4 C  show a square grid framework for supporting decorative flower holders using hubs that have four spoke engaging pockets according to another alternative embodiment. 
         FIGS.  5 A,  5 B,  5 C,  5 D,  5 E,  5 F and  5 G  illustrate details of a four pocket hub and further indicating how the spoke retention springs are inserted into each hub pocket. 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrates the manner in which the spoke end caps snap into and engage the retention springs in the pockets of a four pocket hub. 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D,  7 E and  7 F  illustrate details of a spoke end cap. 
         FIGS.  8 A,  8 B and  8 C  illustrate how a decorative element support bowl is attached to a hub and how the spokes radiate from the hub. 
         FIGS.  9 A,  9 B and  9 C  illustrate the hub and spoke frame arrangement of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  with the decorative element support bowl removed and replaced by the float subassembly visible above the hub. 
         FIGS.  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E and  10 F  illustrates the decorative element support bowl prior to the attachment of the float chamber cap  82 . 
         FIGS.  11 A,  11 B,  11 C,  11 D and  11 E  illustrate another embodiment of the decorative bowl in which the bottom of the float is formed by the bottom of the bowl. 
         FIGS.  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D,  12 E and  12 F  show different views of a float subassembly. 
         FIGS.  13 A,  13 B,  13 C,  13 D and  13 E  show different views of an float base. 
         FIGS.  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D and  14 E  show different views of a float top. 
         FIGS.  15 A,  15 B and  15 C  illustrate a typical spoke. 
         FIGS.  16 A,  16 B,  16 C,  16 D and  16 E  illustrate a spoke such as seen in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C  with end caps attached. 
         FIGS.  17 A,  17 B,  17 C,  17 D and  17 E  illustrate the U-shaped retention leaf spring including the convex bump which is received in each of the hub pockets and which hold the end caps of the spokes in position. 
         FIGS.  18 A,  18 B and  18 C  illustrate an embodiment which includes vertical and horizontal extenders for the decorative element holding bowls. 
         FIGS.  19 A,  19 B,  19 C and  19 D  illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the spokes are curved. 
         FIGS.  20 A,  20 B,  20 C and  20 D  illustrate the manner in which a curved spoke of  FIGS.  19 A- 19 D  engages a hub. 
         FIGS.  21 A,  21 B and  21 C  illustrate an alternative framework employing only horizontal extenders so that all decorative elements live essentially in the same horizontal plane. 
         FIG.  22    is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a floating apparatus for supporting decorative elements in water, showing a decorative element support bowl, spoke end fittings, a hub, and a bowl adapter of the floating apparatus in an assembled state, and showing end portions of spokes connected to the spoke end fittings. 
         FIG.  23    is cross-sectional view of the floating apparatus and spokes shown in  FIG.  22   , taken along the line “A-A” of  FIG.  24   . 
         FIG.  24    is top view of the floating apparatus and spokes shown in  FIGS.  22  and  23   , in the assembled state. 
         FIG.  25    is bottom perspective view of the floating apparatus and spokes shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24   , in the assembled state, and depicting the spokes as semi-transparent. 
         FIG.  26    is a partially exploded, top perspective view of the hub and spoke end fittings of the floating apparatus, and the spokes shown in  FIGS.  22 - 25   , depicting the spokes as semi-transparent. 
         FIG.  27    is a top perspective view of the hub, spoke end fittings, and spokes shown in  FIGS.  22 - 26   , in the assembled state, and depicting the spokes as semi-transparent. 
         FIG.  28    is a side view of the hub shown in  FIGS.  22 - 27   . 
         FIG.  28 A  is a magnified view of the area designated “C” in  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  29    is a bottom perspective view of the hub shown in  FIGS.  22 - 28 A . 
         FIG.  30    is a front perspective view of one of the spoke end fittings shown in  FIGS.  22 - 27   . 
         FIG.  31    is a front view of the spoke end fitting shown in  FIGS.  22 - 27  and  30   . 
         FIG.  32    is a side view of the spoke end fitting shown in  FIGS.  22 - 27 ,  30 , and  31   . 
         FIG.  33    is a top perspective view of two of the spoke end fittings shown in  FIGS.  22 - 27  and  30 - 32   , connected to a spoke, with the spoke being depicted as semi-transparent. 
         FIG.  34    is a top view of the bowl adapter of the floating apparatus shown in  FIGS.  22 - 25   . 
         FIG.  35    is a top perspective view of the bowl adapter shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24  and  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a cross-sectional, semi-transparent view of the bowl adapter shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24 ,  34 , and  35   , taken through the line “B-B” of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  37    is a cross-sectional view of the bowl and bowl adapter shown in  FIGS.  22 - 24  and  34 - 36   , taken though the lines “A-A” of  FIG.  24    and “B-B” of  FIG.  34   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     During the course of this disclosure like numbers will be used to identify like elements according the different views of the disclosed embodiments. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  show a triangular grid framework for supporting decorative flower holder bowls  18  using hubs  12  that have six spoke engaging pockets  32  according to the embodiment  10 . The bowls  18  support flowers  16 , or candles, or other decorative objects. Spokes  14  connect to the hubs  12  in a series of repeating patterns suggestive of triangles. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  show an alternative framework arranged in the form of a ring  20 . 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 E  illustrate details of the six pocket hub  12  and further indicating how the spoke retention spring clips  34  are inserted into and permanently attached in each of the hub pocket  44 . Each hub  12  includes a top side  24 , a base  26 , a sidewall  28  and a hollow central aperture  30 . Six slots  32  are located evenly spaced around the sidewall  28 . Six springy clips  34 , described in detail in  FIGS.  17 A- 17 E , are insertable in the pockets  44  as seen in  FIGS.  3 E and  3 D . The clips  34  include a flat first arm section  36 , a flat bottom section  38  and a second opposing arm section  40 . Second arm section  40  includes a convex bump  42  that selectively engages the detent  60  on the spoke end cap  22  shown in further detail in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 F . Each of the pockets  44  includes an aperture  46  for framing the protruding bump  42  which in turn is engages with the detent  60  on the end cap  22 . The top  24  of the hub  12  includes a circumferential flat flange portion  48  and a downward side panel  50  that depends therefrom. The six pockets  44  on the hub  12  are spaces 60 degrees apart and, accordingly, can be used to form triangular grid frameworks as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  or the circular framework of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  illustrate a square grid framework  52  which can be formed with hubs  54  which only have four pockets or slots  54 . Details of a four pocket hub  54  are shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 F . It is similar in construction to the six pocket hub  12  except that it has only four pockets  44  evenly spaced 90 degrees apart. 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrates the manner in which the spoke ends  22  slides into slots  32  then engage the retention spring  34  in the pockets  44  of a four pocket hub  52 . As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 F  each spoke end cap  22  includes a top, head section  56 , a pin-like portion  58  and a concave detent  60  for selectively engaging the bump  42  on the retention spring  34 . A spoke receiving pocket  62  is located in the head  56  of the spoke end cap  22 . Downward pressure on the end cap head  56 , as seen in  FIG.  6 A , forces the pin section  58  into the pocket  32  until the pin  58  is completely inserted into the pocket  32  and is held in that position by the engagement of convex bump  42  with concave detent  60 . Disassembly is accomplished by pulling up on the spoke cap head  56  until the force is sufficient to case the bump  42  to disengage from the detent  60 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrates how a decorative element support bowl is attached to a hub  54  and how the spokes  14  radiate from the hub  54 . Also shown is a bowl  18  including a float chamber  64  located in the center of the bowl. The bowl  18  also locks the spoke ends  22  in position in pockets  32  of hubs  54 . The basic frame including the hub  54  and spokes  14  are intended to remain just below the waterline and are not readily seen. The float chamber  64  located in the center of the bowl  18  and in conjunction with the buoyancy of the bowl  18  itself causes the apparatus to float in such a manner that only the bowl  18  is visible above the waterline. 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  illustrate the hub  54  and spoke frame arrangement of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  with the decorative bowl  18  replaced by a separate float element  65  visible above the hub. There are circumstances where it may be desirable not to have a decorative element support bowl  18  at a hub node but need to have the rest of the framework in place and in a balanced position just below the waterline. In this embodiment the float  65  alone locks the end caps  22  in position in pockets  32  of hub  54 . 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 F  illustrates details of a bowl subassembly  18  having a chamber  64  located in the center thereof and also illustrates the location of four dogleg tabs  66  for engaging via rotating motion the circumferential flat flange portions  48  of the four spoke hub  54 . 
       FIGS.  11 A- 11 E  illustrates another embodiment of the decorative bowl  72  in which the bottom of the float is formed by the bottom of the bowl  18 . 
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 F  show different views of a float subassembly  65 . Float  65  includes dogleg tabs  66  for engaging that flange portions  48  of the four spoke hub  54 . 
       FIGS.  13 A- 13 E  illustrates the base  80  of a float and  FIGS.  14 A- 14 E  illustrate the top  82  which mates with base  80  to form float  65  shown in  FIG.  12 F . The top  82  of the independent, standalone float  65  is also the same as the top  82  of the float chamber  64  in bowl  18  and can be welded or bonded by conventional means to base  80  or the bottom of bowl  18 . The seal or bond is hermetic so the bowl  18  does sink or fill with water from below. 
     It is clear from the above that the float can either be stand alone and separate as in embodiment  65  or can be integrated into the structure of the bowl  18  itself where the bottom  64  of the bowl  72  forms the bottom of the integrated float as seen in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 E . 
     A typical straight spoke  14  is shown in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C . Spoke  14  has an hour glass-like shape and includes a top rib  84 , and intermediate connecting section  86  and a bottom rib  88 . The shape is the inverse of the shape of the opening  62  in the end cap  22  so that the two mate and stay mated due to the force of friction or by means of thermal or adhesive bonding. 
       FIGS.  16 A- 16 E  show a typical spoke  14  with a pair of end caps  22  attached. 
     As previously described,  FIGS.  17 A- 17 E  illustrate the U-shaped locking leaf-type retention spring  34  including the convex bump  42  which is received in the hub pockets  44  and hold the end caps  22  of the spokes  14  in properly assembled position. 
       FIGS.  18 A- 18 C and  21 A- 21 C  illustrate a ring embodiment in which vertical extenders  94  can be used to raise the height of the decorative bowl  18  substantially above the height of the water surface. Horizontal extenders  96  can also be used to extend the framework in a plane horizontal to the water surface and the plane of the rest of the framework. Curved spokes  92  are used to connect the hubs  54  together to form a relatively smooth ring-like structure.  FIGS.  19 A- 19 D  illustrate the alternative embodiment in which the spokes  92  are curved and  FIGS.  20 A- 20 D  illustrate the manner in which the curved spoke  92  of  FIGS.  19 A- 19 D  engages a four pocket hub  54 . 
     The embodiments typically can be used in the following manner. First, the user determines the size and shape of the framework array and the number and type of decorative items based on the size and shape of body of water and the specific objectives of the display. Second, using the kit of components, the grid is assembled next to the body of water by snapping the spokes  14  into the hubs  12  or hubs  54 . Third, the spokes  14  are than locked into place using either a standalone float subassembly  65  or a bowl  18 . Fourth, the decorative elements  16  are attached to or contained in the bowls  18 . Additional bowls  18  can be attached to the spokes  14  in between hubs  12  if required. As the array is assembled, it can be slid into the water. The array can also be assembled in the water. 
     If required, additional spokes  14  can be added on the outside of the array in order to locate the decorative elements  16  in bowls  18  away from the edge of the pool or fountain. In an open body of water, anchors can be attached to the array in order to keep it in place. 
     When no longer in use the decorative array  10 ,  20 ,  52 ,  90  and  98  can easily be removed from the water and disassembled for storage and future use. 
     The floating grid arrangements disclosed herein have advantages over the prior art, such as but not limited to: 
     A. The grid is formed using plastic materials with a specific gravity greater than  1 . 0 . These materials can be transparent or colored to match the bottom of the pool. 
     B. The spokes  14  can be formed in various lengths in order to provide maximum flexibility in the configuration of the array. The spokes have end fittings or caps  22  that are permanently attached. These caps  22  enable quick attachment to the hubs  12 ,  54  in such a way as to stabilize the grid framework during assembly. 
     C. The spokes  14  snap into the hubs  12 ,  54  from above and are retained by spring clips  34  pre-assembled into the hubs  12 ,  54 . The spokes  14  are further locked into position when the float subassembly  65  or a bowl  18  is locked into place on the top of the hub  12 . The bowls  18  will hold the decorative elements  16  and the floats  65  can be locked into place on top of the hubs  12 ,  54  where no bowls are required. 
     D. It is possible to attach bowls  18 , with decorative items  16  in them, to the spokes  14  in between the connecting hubs  12 . 
     E. The floats  65  and the bowls  18  provide the buoyancy to keep the grid from sinking too far below the surface of the water. 
     F. The size and configuration of the grid is quite variable according to the number of hubs  12 ,  54  and lengths of spokes  14  and  92 . 
     G. Hubs  12  with six (6) evenly spaced slots  32  will produce a hexagonal array. Hubs  54  with four (4) evenly spaced slots  32  to hold spokes  12  will produce a rectangular array. 
     H. Curved spokes  92  will produce a circular array. The radius of curvature will define the overall size of this array. 
     I. Vertical extension fittings  94  can be attached to bowls  18  to provide a platform for decorative arrangements at various heights above the surface of the water. 
     J. Once the array is constructed with the spokes  14 ,  92  locked into place in the hubs  12 ,  54  the whole grid can be maneuvered easily. This allows for construction of the grid on land and so it can to be easily slid into the water for final positioning. 
     K. If required the grid can be easily modified once it has been deployed in the water. 
     L. The locking mechanism that keeps the elements of the array in place is unique and easy to use. In the case of a bowl  18  and hub  54 , the lower protruding portion  64  acts as a pilot to guide into the slotted cylindrical opening  30  after the spoke caps have been inserted into pockets  32  and held in place by springs  34 . Once the base of float  64  of bowl  18  is fully seated, the bowl is rotated about  60 ° so that the dog legged tabs  66  engage the underside of top flange  48  and are held in place by friction and/or the natural springiness of the plastic compartments. Additional security can be obtained by adding a small rib or bump (not shown) to the underside of flange  48  so the tabs  66  don&#39;t back out. The locking with a standalone float  65  is accomplished in exactly the same way, namely, the base  80  is inserted in the slotted cylindrical opening  30  and then rotated until the dog legged tabs  66  fully engage the underside of the top flange  48 . 
       FIGS.  22 - 37    depict an alternative embodiment in the form of a floating apparatus  98  for supporting decorative elements in water, with an alternative arrangement for retaining the spokes and the bowl. The floating apparatus  98  includes a hub  100 ; a decorative element support bowl  102 ; four spoke end fittings  104 ; a bowl adapter  106 ; and a float  108 . The floating apparatus  98  is configured to be connected to four of the spokes  14 . Alternative embodiments of the floating apparatus can be configured for connection to more, or less than four spokes  14 . 
     The floating apparatus  98  is configured so that each spoke  14  can be connected to the hub  100  via a single spoke end fitting  104 , without the need for a separate, additional piece such as the above-described spoke retention spring clip  34 . 
     The hub  100 , bowl  102 , spoke end fittings  104 , bowl adapter  106 , and float  108  can be formed from a thermoplastic or thermosetting material; other types of materials can be used in the alternative. The float  108  can be a float chamber mounted in the center of the bowl  102 , as depicted in  FIG.  23    (for clarity of illustration, the float  108  is depicted in  FIG.  23    only). Alternatively, the float  108  can be formed by the bottom of the bowl  102 . 
     References to directional terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” etc. are made in reference to the component orientations depicted in  FIG.  22   . These terms are used for illustrative purposes only, and unless otherwise noted, are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the hub  100  includes an outer wall  110  having four rounded corner portions  112 , and four planar portions  114 . Each planar portion  114  is disposed between, and adjoins an associated two of the corner portions  112 , so that each planar portion  114  is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees in relation to its adjacent planar portions  114 . The planar portions  114  each have a slot  116  formed therein. The slot  116  extends downward, from an upper edge of the planar portion  114 . 
     The hub  100  also has a plurality of interior walls  120 , as shown in  FIGS.  26 ,  27 , and  29   . An end of each interior wall  120  adjoins an associated planar portion  114  of the outer wall  110 . The interior walls  120  and the planar portions  114  define pockets  122 . Each pocket  122  receives an associated one of the spoke end fittings  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the interior walls  120  and the planar portions  114  of the hub  100  define slots  123 . Each slot  123  extends downward from the upper edge of its associated interior wall  120 . The slots  123  have a height, or vertical dimension, that is less than the overall height of the interior walls  120 . Two of the slots  123  are associated with each pocket  122 . The two slots  123  associated with each pocket  122  adjoin, and are disposed on opposite sides of the pocket  122 . 
     Each interior wall  120  includes a plurality of tabs  124  disposed along the bottom edge of interior wall  120 , as can be seen in  FIG.  29   . The tabs  124  are configured so that two of the tabs  124  are associated with, and are located on opposite sides of each pocket  122 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  30 - 32   , each spoke end fitting  104  includes an upper portion  130  and an adjoining lower portion  132 . The upper portion  130  has an opening  134  formed therein. The opening  134  is configured to receive the spoke  14 . The opening  134  has a shape that substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the spoke  14 ; and the opening  134  is sized so that the spoke  14 , once inserted in the opening  134 , is retained in the opening  134  by an interference fit between the spoke  14  and the upper portion  130 . 
     The lower portion  132  of the spoke end fitting  104  includes two sidewalls  136 ; two indented portions  138 ; and an end portion  140 . An upper end of each sidewall  136  adjoins the upper portion  130  of the spoke end fitting  104 ; and a lower end of each sidewall  136  adjoins a respective one of the indented portions  138 . The end portion  140  is curved. Each end of the end portion  140  adjoins a respective one of the indented portions  138 . As can be seen in  FIGS.  30  and  31   , each indented portion  138  is curved inwardly, so that the indented portion forms a depression  139 . 
     Each spoke end fitting  104  also includes two web portions  142 , as can be seen in  FIGS.  30 - 32   . The web portions  142  adjoin, and extend outwardly from opposite sides of the upper and lower portions  130 ,  132  of the spoke end fitting  104 . The web portions  142  are configured to be received by the slots  123  when the spoke end fitting  104  is inserted into its associated pocket  122 . The web portions  142  have a height, or vertical dimension, that is approximately equal to the height of the slots  123 . 
     Each spoke  14  is connected to its associated hub  100  by a spoke end fitting  104 . The spoke end fitting  104  is connected to the spoke  14  by inserting an end of the spoke  14  into the opening  134  in the upper portion  130  of the spoke end fitting  104 , as can be seen in  FIG.  33   . The spoke end fitting  104  and the spoke  14  then can be connected to the hub  100  by aligning the end portion  140  of the spoke end fitting  104  with one of the pockets  122  in the hub  100 , and moving spoke end fitting  104  toward the pocket  122 . 
     The movement of the spoke end fitting  104  toward the hub  100  initially causes the end portion  140  of the spoke end fitting  104  to become disposed in the pocket  122 . Continued movement of the spoke end fitting  104  causes the lower portion  132  of the spoke end fitting  104  to enter the pocket  122 , and the web portions  142  to enter their associated slots  123  in the hub  100 . Further movement of the spoke end fitting  104  toward the hub  100  causes the upper portion  130  of the spoke end fitting  104  to become disposed in the pocket  122 . As can be seen in FIG.  27 , the slot  116  formed in the adjacent planar portion  114  of the hub  100  accommodates the spoke  14  as the upper portion  130  enters the pocket  122 . 
     The end portion  140  of the spoke end fitting  104  contacts the tabs  124  on the hub  100  as the spoke end fitting  104  approaches its fully-inserted position within the pocket  122 . The curvilinear shape of the end portion  140 , in conjunction with the resilience of end portion  140  and the sidewalls  136 , cause the end portion  140  and the sidewalls  136  to flex inwardly as the end portion  140  passes over, and is urged inwardly, by the tabs  124 . Once the end portion  140  has passed the tabs  124 , the end portion  140  and the sidewalls  136  return, or spring back, to their un-deflected states. This movement causes the tabs  124  to become disposed within the depressions  139  defined by the adjacent indented portions  138  of the spoke end fitting  104 . 
     At this point the web portions  142  have reached the extent of their downward travel in their respective slots  123 ; and interference between the lower ends of the web portions  142  and the bottom surface of the associated slots  123  prevents further downward movement of the spoke end fitting  104  and the attached spoke  14 . 
     The spoke end fitting  104  is held in the pocket  122  by interference between the tabs  124  and the adjacent surfaces of the indented portions  138 , which discourages upward movement of the spoke end fitting  104  in the pocket  122 . 
     The spoke end fitting  104  can be removed from the pocket  122  by pulling upwardly on the spoke  14 , or by pushing upwardly on the end portion  140  from beneath the hub  100 , to exert an upwardly-directed force on the spoke end fitting  104 . The upwardly-directed force causes the tabs  124  to urge the indented portions  138  inwardly, until the indented portions  138  clear the tabs  124 . At this point, the spoke end fitting  104  is free to move upwardly, out of the pocket  122 , in response to the upwardly-directed force on the spoke end fitting  104 . 
     The bowl  102  is mounted on the hub  100  by way of the bowl adapter  106 . The bowl adapter  106  is ring-shaped, as can be seen in  FIGS.  34  and  35   . The bowl adapter  106  has a sidewall  160  and a first, or upper lip  162 . The upper lip  162  adjoins the upper end of the sidewall  160 , and extends outwardly from the sidewall  160  at an angle of about 90 degrees in relation to the sidewall  160 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  36  and  37   . 
     The bowl adapter  106  also includes a second, or inner lip  166 . The inner lip  166  has a first portion  168   a  that adjoins the lower end of the sidewall  160 , and extends inwardly from the sidewall  160  at an angle of about 90 degrees in relation to the sidewall  160 . The inner lip  166  also includes a second portion  168   b  that adjoins the first portion  168   a,  and extends upwardly and inwardly from the first portion  168   a,  at an angle of about 12.5 degrees in relation to the vertical direction. The second portion  168   b  can have other orientations in alternative embodiments. The inner lip  166  also includes a third portion  168   c  that adjoins the second portion  168   b,  and extends upwardly from the second  168   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS.  26 - 29   , each corner portion  112  has a finger, or upper segment  170 . The upper segment  170  forms the uppermost portion of the corner portion  112 , and has a smaller width, or side-to-side dimension, than the remainder of the corner portion  112 . Each upper segment  170  has an upper surface  172 ; and an angled surface  174  that adjoins, and extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper surface  172 . Each upper segment  170  also includes two outwardly-facing tabs  176 . The tabs  176  on each upper segment  172  are located below the angled surface  174 , on opposite ends of the upper segment  172 . As can be seen in  FIG.  28 A , each tab  176  has an upwardly-angled surface  178  that adjoins the angled surface  174 ; and a downwardly-angled surface  179 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  22 - 25  and  37   , the bowl  102  has a ring-shaped projection  180  extending from a bottom surface  182  thereof. The bowl adapter  106  is retained on the bowl  102  by an interference fit between the projection  180  and the bowl adapter  106 . In particular, the projection  180  is positioned and dimensioned so that the inwardly-facing surface of the projection  180  contacts the outwardly-facing surface of the upper lip  162  of the bowl adapter  106 ; and the resulting friction between the projection  180  and the upper lip  162  inhibits separation of the bowl adapter  106  from the bowl  102 . The bowl adapter  106  can be retained on the bowl  102  by other means, such as adhesive or fasteners, in alternative embodiments. 
     The bowl  102  and the bowl adapter  106  can be installed on the hub  100  by aligning the center of the bowl  102  with the center of the hub  100 , and moving the bowl  102  toward the hub  100  so that the angled surface  174  of each corner portion  112  of the hub  100 , and the upwardly-angled surfaces  178  of the tabs  176  contact the second portion  168   b  of the inner lip  166  of the bowl adapter  106 . Due to the resilience of the hub  100  and the bowl adapter  106 , and the angled orientations of the surfaces  174 ,  176 , further movement of the bowl  102  toward the hub  100  causes the inner lip  166  of the bowl adapter  106  to deflect outwardly, while the upper segments  170  of the hub  100  deflect inwardly. 
     Continued movement of bowl  102  toward the hub  100  eventually causes the tabs  176  to contact, and slide along the third portion  168   c  of the inner lip  166 , until the tabs  176  move past the third portion  168   c.  At this point, the inner lip  166  and the upper segments  170  spring back, or return to their un-deflected positions. Once the inner lip  166  and the upper segments  170  have returned to their un-deflected positions, interference between the downwardly-angled surfaces  179  of the tabs  176 , and the third portion  168   c  of the inner lip  166  discourages separation of the bowl  102  from the hub  100 . 
     When desired, the bowl  102  can be separated from the hub  100  pulling the bowl  102  and the hub  100  away from each other. The resulting interaction between the downwardly-angled surfaces  179  of the tabs  176  and the third portion  168   c  of the inner lip  166  causes the inner lip  166  to deflect outwardly while the upper segments  170  of the hub  100  deflect inwardly, allowing the tabs  176  to slide downward along the second and third portions  168   b,    168   c  of the inner lip  166 , until the tabs  176  have cleared the inner lip  166 . At this point, the bowl adapter  106  and the bowl  102  are separated from the hub  100 . Thus, the bowl  102  can be mounted on and removed from the hub  100  with a simple push-on, pull-off motion, without a need for a twist-lock feature. 
     While inventive concepts have been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof and several alternative embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made to the structure and form of the inventive concepts without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts as a whole.