Patent Publication Number: US-2023138564-A1

Title: Submersion system

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/272,833 filed on Oct. 28, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to submersion systems and more particularly to improved submersion systems for creating an interior vacuum in an unsealed container or object for at least partially submerging the unsealed container or object. The container or objecting comprising, but not limited to, an article of furniture in a body of water. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Submersible objects such as furniture have been available for a number of years. However, they have been plagued by numerous problems that have yet to be resolved. As discussed below, the present invention resolves the unresolved problems and provides new and improved submersion systems. 
     Conventional submersible furniture is typically constructed of a tubing material having holes to allow water to flow into the interior of the tubing. The problem is submersible furniture, constructed from tubing, is not exceptionally durable and is easily broken. Additionally, the conventional submersible furniture is extremely light and is prone to floating rather than remaining positioned on a floor of a body of water such as a pool, spa, or lake. As a result, users often must retrieve their furniture from deeper water, which poses a safety risk. 
     Other newer types of submersible furniture have attempted to resolve the issue of the furniture floating away by eliminating tubing and forming the furniture from a molding process, whereby the furniture comprises a shell and an interior. The newer conventional submersible furniture is submerged by adding weight to the furniture. Users typically add a physical (solid) weight or material, such as sand or concrete, to the furniture. Alternatively, users can add weight in the form of water placed inside a sealed interior of the furniture. 
     One conventional submersible furniture is the Ledge Lounger, described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,676,245 (“&#39;245 Patent”), The furniture of the &#39;245 Patent requires a user to remove one or more plugs and submerge the furniture to allow water to flow into the furniture&#39;s interior. A user must submerge the furniture until a water level in the interior of the furniture is higher than a water level outside of the furniture. Once the furniture is filled a user must reinsert the plug to prevent the water in the interior of the furniture from escaping. 
     The problem with the furniture taught in the &#39;245 Patent is that a user must have access to a depth of water deeper than the location where the furniture will be used. If the &#39;245 Patent furniture cannot be submerged in deeper water it cannot be filled to have a water line higher than the surrounding water. Without access to deeper water a user must have access to a hose connected to a spigot that can be brought in close proximity to the &#39;245 furniture to fill the interior of the furniture with water. Once the furniture is filled the user must replace the plug(s). 
     The newer conventional submersible furniture has created new problems. In particular, the furniture is extremely heavy once filled with water, making turning over, carrying, moving, and placing the furniture exceedingly difficult. It also is extremely difficult to remove the water from the inside of the furniture. A user must lift the heavy furniture out of the water, remove the plug, and then drain the water from the inside of the furniture. 
     Another problem that has been encountered is the tendency of mold and algae to grow within the interior of the furniture. Because the furniture is so heavy and difficult to drain users typically leave the water in the furniture for an extended period of time. As a result, the interior becomes a breeding ground for mold and algae causing discoloration and shortening the useful life of the furniture. Additionally, if the water is then allowed to drain back into a pool or spa, the mold and algae will spread, negatively impacting the chemical balance of the pool or spa. 
     As can be seen above, there is still a need for a submersion system, including submersible objects and furniture, which easily adds and removes weight to an object or furniture for the purpose of reducing its buoyancy in an effort to prevent it from floating way. There is also a need for submersible objects and furniture that can be easily drained, and easily moved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improved submersion systems for submersing objects, including but not limited to, furniture, toys, and other items in a body of water (e.g., pool, spa, lake, pond, and ocean). The submersible system is configured to submerge the submersible objects at least partially. However, complete submersion is also possible. The submersion system of the present invention enables a user to easily add water to an object for the purpose reducing its buoyancy. While the present invention can be incorporated into any object, the disclosure will describe the invention with respect to furniture. 
     The submersion system of the present invention comprises an unsealed interior that allows the free movement of water into and out of the furniture&#39;s interior, which reduces the growth of algae and bacteria. The furniture of the present invention includes a port or valve assembly incorporated into or coupled thereto. The port or valve assembly, which can be added during the manufacturing process or post manufacturing is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior space, chamber, or void of the furniture. A fluid or water in the interior of the furniture is able to pass through the port or valve to the surrounding environment if a pressure in the furniture&#39;s interior increases (e.g., when a user sits on the furniture). 
     The furniture of the present invention also includes one or more openings or inlets that can remain unblocked or unsealed such that fluid communication between the interior of the furniture and the surrounding water is maintained. 
     The submersible furniture of the present invention comprises many different and novel configurations. One example embodiment is a single or unitary piece of submersible furniture. Another example embodiment comprises one or more interconnectable furniture modules that can be connected or coupled together. For example, the submersible furniture comprises an interconnectable chair/seat portion and leg/foot support portion. In another example embodiment, the submersible furniture comprises, one or more bases that support the submersible furniture. The bases can be integral to, or detachable from, the submersible furniture. 
     In yet another example embodiment, the bases are stackable on top of each other to allow a user to adjust the height of the submersible furniture. The stackable bases can be nested to or within each other. The stackable bases can also be coupled together and/or coupled to a portion of the submersible furniture. 
     In another example embodiment, the base or bases are configured having telescoping base sections slidably coupled together. A user can extend and retract the telescoping base segments to adjust a height of the submersible furniture. 
     In still another example embodiment, the submersible furniture comprises coupling features that allow a user to connect or removably couple one or more furniture modules, bases, or other accessories together. The coupling features may comprise hook and catches, posts and holes, and any other mechanism or feature that allow the coupling of furniture, furniture modules, bases, and accessories together. 
     The interconnectable furniture modules, bases, and accessories may include one or more holes or openings to allow a fluid to flow into and between their respective interiors. As such, the interiors or chambers of the furniture, furniture modules, bases, and accessories can be in fluid communication with each other, thereby increasing an overall interior volume of the submersible furniture. In one example embodiment, the holes or openings can be constantly open or selectively closable by a lid or cover. The lid or cover may include a biasing member, such as a spring that maintains the lid or cover in a closed position until opened by a part or portion of an interconnecting furniture module, base, or accessory. 
     The present invention also comprises a pump assembly that is operatively coupled to the submersible furniture for the purpose of creating a vacuum in the furniture&#39;s interior. As a user creates the interior vacuum water flows into the furniture&#39;s interior chamber through the openings or inlets. The amount of water allowed to enter the furniture&#39;s interior is determined by the user and the surrounding environment. 
     In one example embodiment, the pump assembly is operatively coupled to the port or valve assembly on the submersible furniture. The pump and port/valve assemblies facilitate the drawing of a fluid, such as air, out of the interior chamber of the submersible furniture. As the pump assembly draws the air out of the submersible furniture, another fluid, such as water, is drawn or pulled into the interior chamber through inlets or openings. The entering water increases the volume of water in the interior chamber, which adds additional weight to the submersible furniture. 
     The pump assembly can be battery operated or manually operated. Additionally, the pump assembly can be separate from or integral with the submersible furniture. The submersible furniture can also include one or more recesses or storage compartments to store or hold various objects, including the pump assembly, beverage containers, phones, and other personal items and valuables. The present invention can also include a vacuum release valve that is activated by a user to break an internal vacuum, which allows water to flow out of the interior chamber of the submersible furniture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a submersible furniture according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view of a submersible furniture with detachable bases according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  is top view of a submersible furniture according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a front view of a submersible furniture with detachable bases according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a submersible furniture with detachable and stackable bases according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of a submersible furniture with detachable and stackable bases according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a bottom view of a submersible furniture with bases detached according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a bottom detailed view of a submersible furniture with bases detached according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6 A  is perspective view of a submersible furniture with a foot base detached according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a perspective view of a submersible furniture with a seat base detached according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a left side view of a submersible furniture with bases detached according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a right-side view of a submersible furniture with bases detached and illustrating a valve port according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8 A  is cross sectional view of the valve port according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8 B  is cross sectional view of the valve port according to an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a submersible furniture having bases attached and positioned in a pool or spa according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross section view of a submersible furniture having bases detached and positioned in a pool or spa according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a detailed view of a portion of the submersible furniture identified by dashed ellipse A of  FIG.  10   . 
     
    
    
     While the present invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, as illustrated in example  FIGS.  1 A- 10   , shall now be described in detail to provide a better understanding of its novel and innovative features. The present invention comprises a submersion system  10  for improved submersion and buoyancy control of objects, including furniture, which solves many of the problems and shortcomings of earlier submersion systems and submersible furniture. As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the submersion system  10  of the present invention comprises a piece of submersible furniture  12  having at least one interior chamber  16  that is capable of filling at least partially with a fluid when the submersible furniture  12  is at least partially submersed in a body of water, such as in a pool, spa, pond, lake, or ocean. The submersion system  10  also includes a fluid transfer or pump assembly  40  connectable to or integral with the submersible furniture  12  to transfer or draw out a fluid (e.g., air), from at least the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12  for the purpose of creating a vacuum therein. The vacuum in turn draws a fluid (e.g., water) into the furniture&#39;s interior or chamber  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the example submersible furniture  12  of the present invention is illustrated as a lounge chair. However, any type of submersible furniture may be employed. The submersible furniture  12  of the present invention, regardless of type, generally comprises an outer casing  14  that at least partially encloses the interior chamber  16 , which is capable of holding a fluid and being subjected to a vacuum pressure. 
     The submersible furniture  12  can also have one or more handles  17  that are used for moving or removing the submersible furniture  12  within or from the body of water. The handles  17  can be attached to or formed as part of the submersible furniture  12 . The handles  17  can be manufactured from the same or a different material as the submersible furniture  12 . 
     It is contemplated herein that the submersible furniture  12  can be manufactured by a number of methods including, but not limited to, rotational molding, blow molding, injection molding, and the like. Any manufacturing method capable of making a piece of at least partially submersible furniture  12 , as described or contemplated herein, may be employed. 
     Turning back to the lounge chair example embodiment of the submersible furniture  12 , the casing  14  generally comprises one or more spaced apart walls that define the interior chamber  16 . The interior chamber  16  may extend across the entire inside of the submersible furniture  12  or may extend along only a portion of the inside of the submersible furniture  12 . Interconnecting or spanning members may extend through the interior chamber  16  to provide structural rigidity or integrity to the submersible furniture  12 . 
     In the example embodiment of  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B, and  3   , the submersible furniture  12  comprises at least a first wall  18   a,  a second wall  18   b,  and an intermediate or side wall  18   c  connected to and extending between the first wall  18   a  and the second wall  18   b.  The first wall  18   a,  second wall  18   b,  and intermediate or side wall  18   c  of this example embodiment define the interior chamber  16 . Any number of walls may be employed. The number, shape or configuration of the walls are only subject to the particular design or shape of the submersible furniture  12 . 
     The submersible furniture  12  also includes one or more openings or inlets  19  extending through the casing  14  or through one or more of the walls  18   a,    18   b,  or  18   c.  The location of the inlets  19  on the submersible furniture  12  enable a flow of a fluid, such as air or water, into and out of the interior chamber  16 . Once the fluid, especially in the form of a liquid, enters interior chamber  16 , it acts as a weight to weigh down the submersible furniture  12 . The fluid reduces the buoyancy of the submersible furniture  12 , preventing it from moving, shifting, or floating away. 
     The submersible furniture  12  can be manufactured with a variety of features and accessories, including but not limited to storage holders or compartments  20  that may be coupled to or molded into the submersible furniture  12 . For example, in  FIG.  1 A , the submersible furniture  12  comprises a storage holder  20  formed therein that is capable of holding a container, such as a beverage can or bottle. Other storage holders  20  can also be coupled to or formed in the submersible furniture  12 , including a phone holder (which may comprise a slot) or a closable/sealable cavity having a closable lid capable of enclosing and protecting (including from moisture) a user&#39;s valuables. 
     Referring to the example embodiment of  FIG.  1 B , the submersible furniture  12  comprises a back rest portion  22   a,  a seat portion  22   b,  a foot or leg rest portion  22   c,  and arm rest portions  22   d.  As mentioned above, the submersible furniture  12  can be molded into a variety of designs and shapes. For instance, the lounge chair embodiment can be manufactured without the back rest portion  22   a,  the footrest portion  22   c,  the arm rest portion(s), or any combination thereof. Further, the submersible furniture  12  of the present invention may comprise tables, stools, chairs, beds/platforms, or any other type of submersible furniture a user may desire to place in a fluid such as water. 
     The submersible furniture  12  may be manufactured as individual submersible furniture modules that can be coupled together to allow a user to create or alter the submersible furniture  12  for a particular need. For example, the submersible furniture  12  may comprise a stool module that is configured to receive one or more submersible furniture modules that changes or alters the stool module. For example, other submersible furniture modules may comprise a back module, a leg module, an arm rest module, a head rest module, storage modules, and the like. In this way, a user can change the stool module into a lounge chair by adding one or more of the other submersible furniture modules. 
     Continuing with  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , the submersible furniture  12  can also comprise one or more passages  24   a  and  24   b  extending through it that allow water to pass through the submersible furniture  12 . The passages  24   a  and  24  serve multiple functions including allowing water to recirculate in and out of the seat portion  22   b  thereby ensuring that the water in the seat portion  22   b  is able to be cleaned along with the other pool/spa water or replaced by fresh water as in lake, pond, or ocean. The passages  24   a  and  24   b  also allow the water passing through the seat portion  22   b  to maintain a temperature generally equivalent to a temperature of the surrounding water. The seat portion  22   b  may also include a drain hole or passage  23  extending through it. The passages  24   a,    24   b,  and the drain hole  23 , all enable the easy removal of water from the seat portion  22   b  when removing the submersible furniture  12  from the body of water. 
     In another example embodiment of the present invention, the submersible furniture  12  comprises at least one base that supports the submersible furniture  12 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , bases  30   a  and  30   b  are integral to the seat portion  22   b  and the foot and leg rest portion  22   c,  respectively. The bases  30   a  and  30   b  elevate the submersible furniture  12  above a floor of a pool, spa, pond, lake, or ocean. As illustrated in  FIGS.  10   , the bases  30  and  30   b  can comprise either fixed or removable feet  25  on their bottom surfaces to aid in protecting the submersible furniture  12  and a floor surface such as a pool having a vinyl liner. The feet  25  can cover the entire bottom surface or only a portion of the bottom surface of the bases  30   a  and  30   b.  The feet  25  are made of a material that will not harm a pool or spa surface, including but not limited to rubber and silicone materials. 
     In another example embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , the submersible furniture  12  and the bases  30   a  and  30   b  are not integral. In this embodiment the submersible furniture  12  rests upon or is coupled to the bases  30   a  and  30   b.  The submersible furniture  12  and the bases  30  and  30   b  comprise mating or coupling features that mate or interlock together to prevent the submersible furniture  12  from sliding or falling off of the bases  30   a  and  30   b.  The mating features may comprise tongue and groove features, landed scarf tongue and groove features, posts and sockets, lip and groove features, ball and socket features, and the like. 
     The submersible furniture  12  and the bases  30   a  and  30   b  may be detachably coupled together for a more secure connection. As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 B,  3 , and  10   , each of the bases  30   a  and  30   b  include a rib portion  34   a  and  34   b,  respectively that fit into or mate with respective grooves  36   a  and  36   b  formed into the submersible furniture  12 . Alternatively, the submersible furniture  12  may have one or more rib portions that fit into grooves formed in each of the bases  30   a  and  30   b.  By having detachable bases  30   a  and  30   b,  a user is more easily able to move the submersible furniture  12  within or out of a body of water. A similar coupling configuration may also be employed with when coupling together the submersible furniture modules. 
     Each of the rib portions  34   a  and  34   b,  include one or more retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  that are configured to aid in the retaining or coupling the base members  30   a  and  30   b  to the submersible furniture  12 . In one example embodiment, the retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  comprise one or more gaskets or seals that aid in retaining the base members  30   a  and  30   b,  and the submersible furniture  12  together. The retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  also seal a union between the rib portions  34   a  and  34   b  and the submersible furniture  12 . 
     The retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  can be positioned in a channel or recess  37  that extends into a surface of each of the rib portions  34   a  and  34   b.  The channel or recess  37  aids in preventing movement of the retaining members  38   a  and  38   b.  Alternatively, the retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  can be attached to at least a portion of the surface each of the rib portions  34   a  and  34   b.  The retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  are configured to engage or contact an inner surface  35   a  of the respective grooves  36   a  and  36   b.  The retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  may also contact or rest in a channel or recess extending into an inner surface of each of the respective grooves  36   a  and  36   b.    
     Retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  may comprise any generally compressible material such as a rubber or silicone material. The retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  may also be replaceable allowing a user to replace worn or damaged retaining members  38   a  and  38   b.    
     In another example embodiment of the invention, the retaining members  38   a  and  38   b  comprise lips or ribs integrally formed from the material of the bases  30   a  and  30   b  or submersible furniture  12 . Similar to the replaceable retaining members  38   a  and  38   b,  the integral lips or ribs may act as a friction fit between the bases  30   a  and  30   b,  and the submersible furniture  12 . The lips may also be removably inserted into channels  37  formed within the inner surface  35   a  of the grooves  36   a  and  36   b,  as illustrated in  FIG.  6 A . 
     In yet another example embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , the retaining members  38   a  and  38   b,  whether gaskets or integral lips, may comprise spaced apart segments. The spaced apart segments of the retaining members or lips  38   a  and  38   b  may operatively communicate with respective gaskets or channels positioned or formed in the grooves  36   a  and  36   b.    
     The bases  30   a  and  30   b  can also be configured to add additional weight to the submersible furniture  12 . In one example embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS.  10  and  10 A , the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12  is in fluid communication with interiors  39   a  and  39   b  of the respective bases  30   a  and  30   b.  Having the submersible furniture  12  and bases  30   a  and  30   b  in fluid communication increases an overall inner volume that can hold more water thereby increasing the weight and reducing the buoyancy of the submersible furniture  12 . 
     For integral bases  30   a  and  30   b,  as discussed above and as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , holes  32   a  and  32   b  are formed into the bases  30   a  and  30   b  to permit water to flow into and out of their interiors  39   a  and  39   b.  For non-integral bases  30   a  and  30   b,  as discussed above and as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 B and  6 A , one or more additional top holes  32   c  are provided that extend into a top portion of the respective bases  30   a  and  30   b.  The top holes  32   c  are aligned with or in register with groove holes  32   d  positioned in the grooves  36   a  and  36   b  of the furniture  12 . The holes  32   a,    32   b,  top holes  32   c,  and groove holes  32   d  allow water to flow into, out of, and between the interiors  39   a  and  39   b  of the bases  30   a  and  30   b,  and the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  6 A , one or both grooves  36   a  and  36   b  may be formed by a peripheral wall extending away from an outer surface of the bottom or second wall  18   b  of the submersible furniture  12 . An outer surface  35   b  of the peripheral wall(s) can include one or more apertures  33  that are in fluid communication with the interior chamber  16 . 
     While multiple bases, holes, and apertures are illustrated, it is contemplated herein that a single base, or a single hole or aperture may be utilized and should be considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     In another example embodiment of the present invention, the submersible furniture  12  is adjustable to allow a user to vary a height of the submersible furniture  12  for use in or out of the water. The adjustability is accomplished in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the bases  30   a  and  30   b  are manufactured having different heights. In another embodiment, the bases  30   a  and  30   b  are telescopically coupled to the submersible furniture  12 . 
     If a user finds that the submersible furniture  12  is not ideally positioned in the water, they may exchange the bases  30   a  and  30   b  to ones that are either taller or shorter. Alternatively, a user can adjust the submersible furniture  12  height by lifting the submersible furniture  12  up or away from the bases  30   a  and  30   b,  thereby causing the bases  30   a  and  30   b  to lengthen by a telescoping action. The submersible furniture  12  can be lowered in a similar fashion. A locking feature can be used or incorporated into the submersible furniture  12  or the bases  30   a  and  30   b  to control the removal or telescoping adjustment of the bases  30   a  and  30   b.    
     In yet another example embodiment, as also illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the present invention comprises stackable bases  30   c  and  30   d  that can be removably coupled or stacked together to adjust the height of the submersible furniture  12 . The bases  30   a  and  30   b  (integral or non-integral) can comprise contoured bottom cavities  41  (illustrated by the broken lines of  FIG.  3   ) that are configured to receive the shape of stackable bases  30   c  and  30   d.  A user may use bases of varying height to adjust for various contours of a pool, lake, or ocean bottom. The holes  32   a,    32   b,  and top holes  32   c,  are all manufactured to be in register or aligned to each other to allow the liquid or water to flow through the various bases  30   a,    30   b,  through the groove holes  32   d  of the submersible furniture  12 , and into the interior chamber  16 . 
     As mentioned above, the present invention also comprises a fluid transfer assembly  40  that is used to add more fluid to at least the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12  for the purpose of adding additional weight. Referring to  FIG.  1 A , the fluid transfer assembly  40  comprises one or more port or valve assemblies  42  coupled to or formed in the submersible furniture  12 . The port or valve assembly  42  can be recessed into the submersible furniture  12  to reduce or eliminate its visibility. The port or valve assembly  42  can also be selectively hidden by a lid or latch pivotally, slidably, or threadedly coupled to the submersible furniture  12 . 
     The fluid transfer assembly  40  also comprises a pump or fluid actuator  44  that is configured to be coupled to the port assembly  42  to draw air out of or into at least the interior chamber  16 . When a fluid such as air is drawn out of the interior chamber  16  it creates an internal vacuum inside the submersible furniture  12  that resists a net leakage or net loss of fluid, such as water, out of the interior chamber  16 . In this manner, a user can add weight to the furniture  12  by drawing air out of the interior chamber  16 , which in turn causes water to flow into the interior chamber  16 . Additionally, the internal vacuum maintains the volume of water drawn into the interior chamber  16  while allowing the free flow or movement of water into and out of the furniture&#39;s interior. 
     Various ports or valve assemblies  42  and pumps  44  can be used in conjunction with the submersible furniture  12  and submersible furniture modules. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , the port or valve assembly  42  may comprise a one-way or to two-way valve having a threaded stem  48  that can be removably threaded with a threaded collar  50  formed in the casing  14  of the submersible furniture  12 . A sealing member or gasket  52  is positioned or positionable between the port or valve assembly  42  and the submersible furniture  12  to seal and prevent an intrusion of air back into the interior chamber  16  once an interior vacuum is created. The port or valve assembly  42  may also comprise an orifice  54  extending through it which may house the valve. The orifice  54  forms a selective or controllable passage into the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12 . 
     In one example embodiment, the pump  44  comprises a coupler  46  directly connected to a housing of the pump  44  or coupled to a hose extending to and coupled to the housing of the pump  44 . The coupler  46  can be removably coupled, for example by threading to a portion of the port or valve assembly  42 . The coupler  46  is able to create or form a seal with the port or valve assembly  42  while removing a fluid (e.g., air) from the submersible furniture  12 . The pump  12  can be manual or battery operated. 
     In use, as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the submersible furniture  12  is placed into a body of water, such as a pool identified by the letter B. Once placed in the pool B the inlets or openings  19  begin to allow pool water to flow into the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12  (see cross section of  FIGS.  10  and  10 A ). The inlets  19  are ideally located on a lower surface of the submersible furniture  12  or in a location that is usually below a water level of the pool. 
     The furniture  12  may also include other holes, outlets or vents that passively, or actively, allow air in the interior chamber  16  to escape as water begins to flow into the inlets  19 . The vents are ideally located on an upper surface of the submersible furniture  12  that is typically above a water level of a pool. 
     Due to atmospheric pressures inside and outside of the submersible furniture  12 , the water can passively enter the inlets  19  and begin to fill the interior chamber  16 . As the interior chamber  16  fills with water, air is expelled out of the vents. The water will continue to flow into the interior chamber  16  until the inside and outside atmospheric pressures equalize. This is visually observed as a water level of the interior chamber  16  being equal to a water level of the surrounding body of water. 
     If a user finds that the submersible furniture  12  is still buoyant after the pool water passively flows into the inlets  19 , the pump  44  can be used to create an interior vacuum in the interior chamber  16 , which causes an increase in the volume of water in the interior chamber  16 . First, the user connects the coupler  46  to the port or valve assembly  42 . The pump  44  is then activated or operated, which begins to draw air from the passage in the orifice  54  of the port or valve assembly  42 . The vacuum created by the pump  44  opens the valve in the port assembly  42  allowing the air to flow out of the interior chamber  16 . 
     As the air is drawn out of the interior chamber  16 , additional pool, spa, pond, lake, or ocean water is able to flow through the inlets  19  and into the interior chamber  16  of the submersible furniture  12 . As particularly illustrated in  FIG.  10    and as mentioned above, water can flow into the interiors  39   a  and  39   b  of bases  30   a  and  30   b  and then into the interior chamber  16  through top holes  32   c  and groove holes  32   d.  The inflowing water increases the volume of water, and correspondingly the weight, in the interior chamber  16 . The flow of water is illustrated by the phantom arrow lines of  FIGS.  10  and  10 A . The flow of water is similar if stackable or telescoping bases  30   c  and  30   d  are used. 
     The vacuum created by the pump  44  is allowed to continue, drawing air out of and water into the interior chamber  16 , until a desired volume or weight of water is obtained. Because of the interior vacuum, the user is able fill the interior chamber  16  above the water level of the body of water until it reaches the port  42 . 
     Once a desired volume of water enters the interior chamber  16  the operation of the pump  44  may be stopped or switched off. Switching off the pump  44  terminates the vacuum, which causes the valve in the port assembly  42  to close. Once the valve is closed it creates an internal vacuum in the interior chamber  16 . An internal vacuum may also be created in the bases  30   a,    30   b,    30   c,  and  30   d  if they are part of or coupled to the submersible furniture  12 . The internal vacuum will maintain the volume of water in the submersible furniture  12  until it is broken. While the volume of water may remain the same, it is possible for the water to freely flow between the furniture&#39;s  12  interior  16  and the surrounding environment. 
     In one example embodiment of the present invention, the fluid transfer assembly  40  is integrated with the submersible furniture  12  for added convenience. The fluid transfer  40  can be configured to provide automatic cycling to insure a predetermined internal vacuum pressure in the submersible furniture  12  is maintained. Additional or periodic increases/decreases of vacuum pressure may be needed if the water level changes and the submersible furniture  12  becomes buoyant. A change in water level or depth can occur in lakes and oceans depending upon the tide. Changes in water depth can also occur in pools when the number of users changes, which causes a displacement of the pool water. 
     An integrated fluid transfer assembly  40  can be built into the casing  14  or a wall surface  18   a,    18   b,  or  18   c  of the submersible furniture  12 . If the fluid transfer assembly  40  is battery operated it can be sealed by a moveable or removable door, lid, cover, or hatch. A user can activate the fluid transfer assembly  40  by actuating a switch or control. The switch can include the settings, on, off, or automatic, with the automatic setting being controlled by a pressure sensor able to detect the vacuum pressure in the submersible furniture  12 . 
     An integrated manual fluid transfer assembly  40  can also be used. The manual fluid transfer assembly  40  comprises a plunger that can take the form of a rod, piston, or bulb that is configured to be pulled, pushed, or depressed by a user, to draw or push air out of the interior chamber  16 , and bases  30   a - 30   c,  thereby creating the vacuum. 
     If the pump assembly  40  is not integrated with the submersible furniture  12 , it can be coupled to the port or valve assembly  42  to increase a volume of water in the chamber  16 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the coupler  46  can be placed over the port or valve assembly  42  or inserted into orifice  54 . Similar to the integrated pump assembly  40 , the non-integrated fluid transfer assembly  40  can be operated manually or by a battery powered motor to create a vacuum that pulls open the port or valve assembly  42  valve and draws water into the interior chamber  16 . Once a desired volume of water has entered the interior chamber  16 , a user stops the fluid transfer assembly  40 , which terminates the vacuum and causes the port or valve assembly  42  valve to close. Once the port or valve assembly  42  valve closes an internal vacuum pressure is maintained in the interior chamber  16 , which maintains the volume of water in the interior chamber  16 . The fluid transfer assembly  40  can then be removed from the port or valve assembly  42 . 
     In one example embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the submersible furniture  12  may comprise one or more recesses  60  that are configured to hold or store the pump assembly  40  when not in use. In one embodiment, the recesses  60  can be molded into or attached to a back or lower surface of the submersible furniture  12  so as to not interfere with the enjoyment of the submersible furniture  12 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, one or more internal baffles may be molded into the submersible furniture  12  to provide support, to provide one or more air passages for the movement of air within the interior chamber  16 , or a combination of the two. In this embodiment, the port assembly  42  may be positioned lower on the submersible furniture  12  but in fluid communication with one or more air directing baffles that extend up to a higher or highest point or portion of the submersible furniture  12 . In this way, the pump assembly  40  is able to create a vacuum that draws water into the interior chamber  16  above a location of the port assembly  42 . 
     In addition to the above, another advantage of the present invention is that water is still able to move in and out of the interior chamber  16 , and bases  30   a - 30   c  if used, while maintaining a vacuum pressure. This movement or exchange of water reduces the potential for the growth of mold and algae within the interior chamber  16  or bases  30   a - 30   c.  This is particularly important for submersible pool furniture  12  that tends to stay in a pool for longer periods of time. For example, hotels and resorts often have numerous pieces of submersible pool furniture  12  making removal of all pieces of submersible pool furniture  12  every night extremely difficult. The present invention permits the pool furniture  12  to remain in the pool as water is able to circulate through the interior chamber  16  and bases  30   a - 30   c  maintaining a chemical balance with the rest of the pool water. 
     If a user desires to move the submersible furniture  12  or to simply remove the submersible furniture  12  from the body of water or pool, the user only needs to release or break the vacuum in the interior chamber  16  and bases  30   a - 30   c.  The submersible furniture  12  of the present invention can comprise one or more vacuum release mechanisms  26  to allow a user to drain water from the interior chamber  16  and bases  30   a - 30   c,  thereby lessening the weight of the submersible furniture  12 . In one embodiment, a user simply turns or rotates a portion of the port assembly  42  (such as a cap) causing a vacuum seal to be broken and air to enter the interior chamber  16  and bases  30   a - 30   c.  In another embodiment, a user can depress a pressure release valve  26  built into the casing  14  or a wall of the submersible furniture  12 . The pressure release valve  26  allows air to flow into the interior chamber  16  and bases  30   a - 30   c  breaking the vacuum. Lastly, a user can simply lift a portion of the submersible furniture  12  up until one or more inlets  19  or other holes, openings, or apertures are lifted out of the water breaking the vacuum and allowing air to flow into the interior chamber  16  and bases  30   a - 30   c.    
     Once the water has been drained from the submersible furniture  12 , it becomes significantly lighter allowing a user to more easily move it around or to remove it from the body of water. 
     While a lounge chair has been described in detail as the submersible furniture  12 , it should not be considered limiting. The submersible furniture  12  of the present invention can comprise any chair, stool, table, platform, gaming table, sports furniture, and the like. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.