Patent Publication Number: US-7914352-B2

Title: Cover for a flotation device and flotation device employing same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cover for flotation devices, and more particularly to a cover for water flotation devices made of a buoyant polymer foam and the resultant covered water flotation device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE ART 
     Flotation devices are known in the art. In particular, flotation devices popularly known as “noodles” are commonly used by bathers in swimming pools and at beaches. Noodles typically comprise elongated pieces of bare (uncovered) buoyant polymeric foam which help support the bather. Often produced in bright colors, the noodles are popularly used by both children and adults. 
     Hotels, resorts and health clubs often have a supply of such flotation devices for use by their guests. The devices are not discarded after one use but rather are stored for reuse by other guests. A problem associated with such reuse is that a device which has been in contact with the skin of one person is later placed into contact with the skin of another person, which is perceived by some users to be unsanitary. Moreover, some people find direct contact between bare polymeric foam and bare skin to be uncomfortable and/or they may be allergic to the foam. What is needed is a means for allowing multiple use of a flotation device such as the noodle while maintaining a sanitary and comfortable condition for all users. 
     Flotation devices using noodles are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,123 to Clifford discloses a flotation device utilizing cylindrical foam tubes, or “noodles,” inserted through sleeve(s) in the flotation device to provide a floating seat. U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,281 to Ketko discloses a flotation device utilizing at least two fabric covered foam noodles joined to provide a buoyant carrier for a baby seat, child/infant carrier or car seat. However, neither of these patents addresses or suggests a solution to the problems described above in connection with the use and/or reuse of buoyant foam flotation devices for users and multiple users. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A cover for a flotation device is provided herein. The cover is configured and dimensioned to removably slip over (i.e., slip on and off) and completely enclose an elongated cylindrical buoyant polymeric foam member (e.g., a noodle). The cover comprises a single piece, preferably of fabric, possessing reopenable closure means. Also provided herein is a flotation device enclosed within the cover of the present invention. The present invention allows for comfortable use of the flotation device while further providing a means for sanitary and comfortable conditions for multiple use of the flotation device by different subsequent users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the flotation device cover of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a partially cut away perspective view of a flotation device assembly including a noodle type flotation device enclosed in the cover of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in one embodiment the present invention includes a cover  120  for a flotation device. Cover  120  is configured and dimensioned to removably slip over a noodle type flotation device like a sheath or sleeve to provide a flotation device assembly  100 . The noodle type flotation device is preferably completely enclosed by the cover  120 . The flotation device assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 3  includes an elongated preferably cylindrical member  110  of buoyant material, particularly a closed cell polymeric foam. A polymeric foam suitable for use in flotation devices is commercially available under the designation ETHAFOAM® from Dow Chemical Co. Such polymeric foam members are well known in the art and are typically known as “noodles” for use by bathers for example in swimming pools and at beaches. The term “noodle” as used herein refers to such a flotation device. The noodle  110  is typically about 2 to 3 inches in diameter and about 4 to 6 feet in length. 
     The cover  120  includes at least one reopenable closure means  130 .  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment wherein the cover  120  includes a closed first end  121 , and an opposite open second end  122  having a reopenable closure means comprising a drawstring  130  disposed through an annular channel at the end  122  of the cover formed by bending over and sewing the edge of the cover material.  FIG. 2  illustrates an alternative cover  120 A having reopenable drawstring closures  130  and  130 A, each at a respective one of the two opposite open ends of the cover  120 A. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a flotation device assembly  100 A includes a cover  120 B with a zipper type closure  131 , preferably fabricated from plastic, extending at least partially along the length of the cover  120 B. Reopenable closure means suitable for use in the invention, in addition to the drawstring or zipper, can include, for example, a button system, a snap system, or a hook and loop type closure typically sold under the trademark VELCRO®. 
     A feature of the invention is the use of an outer cover  120  which is removable and replaceable. The outer cover  120  optionally can be sanitized and reused or, alternatively, discarded and replaced by a new and unused cover. The cover  120  can be fabricated from any material suitable for the purposes described herein. In an embodiment of the invention the outer cover  120  is fabricated from single piece cotton cloth, polyester, nylon, LYCRA® brand synthetic fiber or other type fabric material sewn, preferably with edges joined along a lengthwise extending seam  124  ( FIG. 3 ), into a shape configured and dimensioned to slip on and off and preferably completely enclose an individual noodle  110 . The cover  120  is preferably quick drying and shrink proof and moreover stretchable so as to be easily slipped over the noodle  110  and to closely conform to the shape of the noodle upon insertion thereof. In an embodiment of the invention cover  120  is slightly longer than the noodle so as to provide fabric material to cover the end surface of the noodle  110 . 
     Optionally, the cover  120  can be colored and/or can include a pattern or design to facilitate recognition or to be aesthetically pleasing. In an embodiment the cover  120  can be colored with a fluorescent dye to enhance visibility. Also, the cover  120  can optionally include indicia  140  printed on the exterior surface thereof, for example, to advertise the name of the establishment providing the flotation devices  100 , or other type advertisement, information or graphics. Moreover, the cover  120  can be treated so as to be microbial resistant or can be fabricated from a microbial resistant fabric. 
     Typically, an establishment such as a hotel, resort or health club having swimming facilities such as a swimming pool or access to a beach, will have on hand multiple flotation devices for use by the guests. The establishment can provide one or more noodles  110  for common use by the guests, as well as individual sanitary covers  120 , for personal use by an individual guest. Alternatively, a user can purchase the sanitary cover  120  for personal use on the flotation device. After use, the cover  120  can be removed and either replaced by a new cover, discarded or reused. Preferably, the used cover is dried, sanitized, for example, by applying a disinfectant thereto or by washing, and reused as a sanitary cover. 
     While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.