Patent Publication Number: US-2013231016-A1

Title: Inflatable device capable of gliding, in particular over water

Description:
The subject of the present invention is an inflatable device able to be used as gliding support for at least one person. It finds a particular application in devices for gliding over water, of bodyboard type, but also applies to the field of gliding on any medium other than water, such as on snow. 
     Inflatable devices already exist of surfboard type, which enable a person to glide over water while standing on the surfboard. 
     The user is also able to lie on the board, but in this case said board exhibits instability which the user may attempt to compensate with body movement but which may make the board difficult to use especially if it is short such as a board of bodyboard type on which the user only positions the chest. 
     An inexperienced user then has a tendency to allow the board to escape from underneath and has trouble getting back onto the board since it does not remain attached to the user&#39;s body except by the hands if the user uses the hands to grasp the front of the board. Even in this latter case, the fact that the user holds onto the front of the device does not prevent the device from escaping downwardly and backwardly and hence does not prevent the user from falling off the device. The user can evidently rapidly get back onto the device if it is permanently held onto, but an effort is required to climb back every time the board slips away. 
     It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem among others. 
     In particular, the object of the present invention is to propose an inflatable device capable of acting as gliding support for at least one person, in particular for gliding over water, which is lightweight and easy to use including for an inexperienced person. 
     The invention therefore relates to an inflatable device capable of being used as gliding support over water in particular, for at least one person, which comprises at least one first bag in flexible material. 
     This first bag has fluid feed inlet means which may be a simple opening or an inlet valve, and is able to be inflated with this fluid. 
     The device further comprises at least one stabilization means connected to the first bag. These stabilization means are able to be arranged between the person&#39;s legs or to be secured to the upper portion of the person&#39;s legs. 
     The device also comprises means for positioning the hands which are preferably arranged on the first bag. 
     By the expression “means for positioning the hands preferably arranged on the first bag” is meant means which are preferably integrated in the first bag, or placed on this first bag or simply secured to this first bag. 
     These stabilization means and these positioning means are such that they allow stabilization of the device underneath the person during a gliding phase. 
     These positioning means may comprise means arranged in the vicinity of a central longitudinal axis of the device. 
     Alternatively, or in combination, these positioning means may comprise two lateral means respectively arranged in the vicinity of two side ends of the first bag. 
     In all cases, the positioning means may comprise hand grip means formed by deformations of the type of one or more hollows and/or humps and/or perforations in the material of the first bag. 
     Alternatively, or in combination, the positioning means may also comprise grasping means in particular of strap or handle type. 
     Other variants of the device of the invention are given below which can be considered alone or in combination with the preceding and/or one or more of the other variants. 
     The stabilization means may comprise at least one second bag in flexible material able to be inflated with a fluid, for example by means of a valve, and independently of the first bag. 
     The stabilization means may also comprise a rigid element. 
     The stabilization means may be arranged opposite the fluid feed inlet means. The first bag then extends in its inflated state by tapering from this fluid feed inlet means towards the stabilization means. 
     The stabilization means may comprise a housing element capable of acting as housing for storing the device in non-inflated position. 
     This housing element may be capable of being used as closing means to close the fluid feed inlet means of the first bag in inflated position. 
     In addition, this housing element may comprise one or more shells or shell portions such as semi-shells, preferably in plastic, optionally connected to one another via a hinge. 
     These two semi-shells may be capable of being closed over one another to form a housing to store the device in a position in which the first bag is non-inflated. 
     In addition, these two semi-shells may be capable of being closed over one another around the first bag in inflated position, to form means for closing the fluid feed inlet means of the first bag in the inflated position. 
     The stabilization means may further comprise an assembly comprising at least one strap able to be secured to the upper portion of the person&#39;s legs, for example via an assembly of harness type. 
     The first bag may be capable of being partly rolled over starting from the fluid feed inlet means so as to close these fluid feed inlet means. The device then comprises blocking means capable of maintaining the fluid feed inlet means closed. 
     The fluid feed inlet means may be an opening having at least one edge provided with one or more strips in rigid or semi-rigid material e.g. of polyethylene type. 
     The first bag may have a glide surface and a supporting surface for a person, preferably assembled by welding. 
     The material used for the first bag and/or optionally for the second bag is an impermeable material and/or a laminated fabric. 
     The overall shape of the first bag in inflated position is substantially triangular. The stabilization means are then arranged at or close to a first of the three corners of this first triangular bag so as to allow the positioning of the user&#39;s two shoulders at or close to the two other corners respectively of the triangular bag and the positioning or securing of the stabilization means respectively between or at the upper portion of the person&#39;s legs. 
     The stabilization means may themselves also have an overall substantially triangular shape. They are then connected via one of their three corners to the first bag. 
     The fluid feed inlet means may be an opening of size capable of allowing air to flow into the first bag and the inflating thereof via simple movement of this first bag held by the user at the bag opening. 
     Alternatively, the fluid feed inlet means may be a main valve, preferably arranged in the vicinity of the connection between the first bag and the stabilization means. 
     The first bag can be provided with a secondary valve capable of allowing adjustment of the inflation of the first bag after closure of the fluid feed inlet means. 
     The function of the main valve and the function of the secondary valve may optionally be performed by the same physical valve enabling controlled expelling of air for example. 
     The device may comprise securing means capable of securing this device to at least one second device such as presented above. 
     Therefore advantageously the device of the invention enables a person to glide for example over water in stable manner by positioning at least the chest on the first bag after it has been inflated, and by placing the stabilization means between the legs or securing it to the upper portion of the legs. 
     In addition, the means for positioning the hands, optionally combined with the substantially triangular overall shape, allow stability to be reinforced. 
     Also, the overall substantially triangular shape of the device, or at least of the first bag i.e. flaring outwardly from the rear, where the first bag is connected to the stabilization means, towards the front where the user is able to place the hands with the arms outstretched, or an overall shape having at least three corners, imparts the particular advantage of further reinforcing stability. 
    
    
     
       Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly and completely apparent on reading the following description of preferred variants of embodiment which are given as non-limiting examples with reference to the following appended drawings: 
         FIG. 1 : schematic illustration of a first example of a device according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b : schematic illustration of a second example of a device according to the invention, with the fluid feed inlet means in the first bag respectively open and closed; 
         FIG. 3 : schematic illustration of a third example of a device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 4 : schematic illustration of the positioning of a person on a device according to the invention; 
         FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b : schematic illustration of a fourth example of a device according to the invention, with the fluid feed inlet means in the first bag respectively open and closed. 
     
    
    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a first example of embodiment, the device comprises a first part  1  in the front and a second part  3  at the rear. 
     More specifically, the first part  1  is an inflatable bag  1  in flexible material which has inlet means  2  for feeding fluid e.g. air which in this example assume the form of an opening  2 . 
     The flexible material is preferably an impermeable material or laminated fabric, or a combination of both. 
     Therefore, a user can easily obtain inflating of the first bag  1  by holding the device at the opening  2  so as to hold this opening  2  well open and by running against the wind, even by remaining immobile if the wind is sufficiently strong. 
     As will be seen below in another example, with reference to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , the bag  1  is subdivided into a main part chiefly forming the glide support and an extension  8  at the end of which there is the opening  2 . 
     Therefore by folding the extension  8  one or more times over itself, closure of the opening  2  is obtained. It is then possible to block this opening  2  in closed position by means of blocking means  7 . These blocking means  7 , in these examples of embodiment ( FIGS. 1 ,  2   a ,  2   b ), are elements of male and female type  7  which can be clipped together and are arranged at the two ends of a strap edging the opening  2 . 
     To optimize the seal, it is possible to make provision so that at least one of the edges of the opening  2  is provided with a rigid or semi-rigid strip e.g. in polyethylene which compels this edge to close against an opposite edge. 
     In addition, the first bag  1  is provided with means  5 ,  6  for positioning the hands which, in the example in  FIG. 1 , assume the form of side grasping means of side handle type  5 ,  6  arranged at the two side edges of the bag  1 . 
     These handles  5 ,  6  can be rigid or semi-rigid handles, or flexible handles such as straps. 
     Preferably these handles integrated in or added onto the bag  1  are of high tensile strength. 
     Alternatively, it is possible to replace such handles  5 ,  6  by hand grip means formed by deformation in the material of the bag  1 . These may be humps or hollows, perforations or a combination of these elements. 
     Therefore the overall shape of the first bag  1  in inflated position or non-inflated but deployed position, is substantially triangular, with one tip or corner at the end part via which it is connected to stabilization means  3  described below, and two side tips or corners at the front part at which or in the vicinity of which, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the hand positioning means  5 ,  6  are arranged. 
     In other words, by substantially triangular shape is meant herein a shape that is tapered towards the rear, at the connection with the stabilization means  3  which are likened to the rear tip or corner of the substantially triangular shape, a shape which flares outwardly or widens towards the front as far as the two side ends which are likened to the two front side tips or corners of the substantially triangular shape. 
     It is possible, alternatively, to place the hand positioning means  5 ,  6  in the central part in the vicinity of the central longitudinal axis (L) of the device. 
     As mentioned above, the first bag  1  connects to stabilization means  3  which are able to be held between the user&#39;s legs. 
     In this example of embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , these stabilization means  3  assume the form of a second bag  3  in flexible material able to be inflated independently of the first bag  1 , also of substantially triangular shape with a front tip or corner which connects to the first bag  1 , and flaring outwardly towards the rear where these stabilization means widen with two side corners or side tips at the rear. 
     To inflate the second bag  3 , which in the example shown in  FIG. 1  forms the stabilization means, provision is made for an inlet element  4  for feeding fluid such as air e.g. of valve type  4 . 
     As for the first inflatable bag  1 , the second inflatable bag  3  is preferably in an impermeable material or laminated fabric, or a combination of both. 
     Also as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first bag  1  has two opposite surfaces  1   a ,  1   b  assembled by welding for example. One of the surfaces  1   a  is a glide surface intended to be in contact with the element on which gliding movement is performed such as the surface of water. The other surface  1   b  forms the supporting surface  1   b  for the user. 
     In addition to welding to assemble the two opposite surfaces  1   a ,  1   b,  it is possible to provide for a biased edge sewn around the periphery. 
     The second example of embodiment of the device, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , has the same characteristics as the device shown in  FIG. 1  and presented above, these characteristics being indicated by the same reference numbers. 
     Only some details of form differ between the example shown in  FIG. 1  and the example shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b.    
     For example, the overall shape of the first bag  1  is even more triangular in the example in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  than in the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the extension  8  being more tapered, and the rear end of the stabilization means  3  being more rounded. 
     These  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  more particularly evidence the manner in which the opening  2  is closed by rolling over the extension  8  then blocking in closed position by the blocking means  7 . 
     The example illustrated in  FIG. 3  also has the same characteristics as in the preceding examples that are therefore indicated by the same reference numbers, with the exception of the fluid feed inlet means  2  in the first bag  1 . 
     Therefore in this third example, the fluid feed inlet means  2  in the first bag  1  are a valve  2  called a main valve  2 . 
     In this example, this main valve  2  is arranged at the rear part of the first bag  1 , in the vicinity of the connection between this first bag  1  and the second bag  3  corresponding to the stabilization means  3 . 
     Also, the hand positioning means  5 ,  6  are formed by perforations  5 ,  6  made directly in the bag  1  and secured by eyelets (to guarantee a seal and prevent deterioration of the edges of the perforations). 
     In addition, a few other details of form differ in this example shown in  FIG. 3  compared with the examples illustrated firstly in  FIG. 1  and secondly in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b.    
     For example the overall shape of the first bag  1 , while it remains substantially triangular, has more rounded lateral and front sides, and the rear end of the stabilization means  3  is concave rounded. 
     In addition, in this example in  FIG. 3 , there is no longer any extension  8  or blocking means  7  since the opening  2  is replaced by a valve  2 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a person standing, the device of the invention held against the body to simulate a glide position when lying down. 
     This schematic illustration evidences the positioning of the stabilization means  3  between the user&#39;s legs, and the positioning of the hands on or in the positioning means  5  and  6  illustrated in  FIG. 4  by straps  5 ,  6  with the arms outstretched. 
     The bag  1  of substantially triangular shape therefore offers a lower glide surface and an upper supporting surface for at least part of the person&#39;s body, namely the chest. 
     This substantially triangular shape allows the obtaining of an optimal glide position, and further ensures good distribution of the tension points. 
     In  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  yet another example of the device of the invention is illustrated. 
     In this example, the entire device is in the form of a bag  1  which preferably flares out from its opening  2  to its opposite end, combined with stabilization means  3  which may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible and are formed by two semi-shells  3   a,    3   b.    
     In non-inflated position, and with the opening  2  in the bag  1  not closed, the stabilization means  3  formed of the two semi-shells  3   a,    3   b  can be fully detached from the bag  1  or attached to this bag  1  e.g. by a tie. 
     In addition, the two semi-shells can be connected to each other by a hinge. 
     Once a sufficient amount of air to ensure proper inflating of the bag  1  has entered the bag  1 , the opening  2  is closed by closing the two semi-shells  3   a    3   b  over each other, around the bag  1  in the vicinity of its opening  2 . 
     In this variant, the stabilization means  3  act both as stabilization element and as closing element of the bag  1 . 
     Optionally, these stabilization means  3  may also act as housing to store the deflated bag  1 , provided the two semi-shells  3   a,    3   b  are not entirely full and therefore have at least a slight hollow. 
     The side ends  5 ,  6  of the bag  1 , opposite the opening, then act as hand positioning means  5 ,  6 , by means of hollows or humps for example present at these corners  5 ,  6  once the bag  1  has been inflated. It is also, or alternatively, possible to make provision for specific positioning means added onto this bag  1 , for example of strap type optionally adjustable. 
     It is to be noted that the device can also be used in reverse manner. 
     The device illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  is presented above with the stabilization means  3  close to the opening  2 , opposite the hand positioning means  5 ,  6 . The opening  2  and these stabilization means  3  are therefore intended to be positioned, for gliding, towards the rear. Also the part carrying the hand positioning means  5 ,  6  is therefore intended to be positioned at the front. 
     However this same device illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , with suitable hand positioning means  5 ,  6  such as adjustable straps, can effectively be used in reverse manner. 
     For example the means  5 ,  6  such as adjustable straps can also be used to secure the upper portion of the legs and thereby act as stabilization means. 
     Also the means  3 , arranged substantially along the central longitudinal axis, can act as hand positioning means by means of a shape facilitating grasping (for example a mere spherical shape, or the adding of humps or hollows). 
     For this use, the opening  2  and the means  3  this time being used as hand positioning means are therefore intended to be positioned, when gliding, at the front. Also, the part carrying the means  5 ,  6  this time being used as stabilization means is hence intended to be positioned at the rear. 
     These explanations relating to dual use of the device according to the invention, used in one direction or in the opposite direction, apply to the other embodiments such as those presented with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a ,  2   b ,  3  and  4 , the rear of the device in a first use becoming the front in a second use and vice et versa. 
     Irrespective of the examples of embodiment, the first bag  1  can be provided with a valve called a secondary valve allowing adjustment of the inflation once the fluid feed inlet means  2  are closed. 
     Provision can also be made to secure several devices of the invention together, by means of longitudinal or lateral securing means, for example of strap type to enable several persons to glide at the same time side by side or one behind the other. 
     The present description is given by way of example and therefore does not limit the invention. 
     In particular, the exact shape of the first bag  1  and of the stabilization means  3  do not limit the invention. These shapes are preferably substantially triangular, in particular for the first bag  1 , without necessarily being strictly triangular, flaring from the rear where the first bag  1  is connected to the stabilization means towards the front where the user can grip hands with arms outstretched. 
     In addition, although only stabilization means  3  able to be positioned between the user&#39;s legs have been described, the invention also extends to stabilization means able to be secured to the upper portion of the user&#39;s legs, such as a harness or other strap system. 
     Also, the stabilization means  3  are not limited to means formed solely of either one of the elements  3  given in the above examples, such as an inflatable bag  3 , a harness, a rigid element  3   a,    3   b,  but may comprise one of these elements or a combination of several of these elements. 
     It is further recalled that the stabilization means are not necessarily formed of a flexible, inflatable bag and, irrespective of their overall shape, may perfectly well be formed of or comprise a rigid element. 
     It is also recalled that the device of the invention can perfectly well be used in two opposite directions, the rear of the device in one use becoming the front of the device in the reverse use and vice et versa, such as mentioned as an example with reference to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  but which can also be applied to the other examples. For this purpose, it is necessary that the stabilization means are effectively able to act as stabilization means according to the invention in a first use, and as hand positioning means in a second use, the hand positioning means themselves effectively being able to be used as hand positioning means in the first use and as stabilization means in the second use.