Patent Publication Number: US-9421443-B2

Title: Floating game device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a US National Stage entry of International application No PCT/FR2012/050374 filed Feb. 22, 2012 and claiming priority to French application FR 11 51422 filed Feb. 22, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates to a floating game device making it possible to play or perform athletic activities in a swimming pool or in a body of water such as a lake, these athletic activities for example being such as water polo, kayak polo, water volleyball or others. The invention in particular relates to means for stabilizing the floating game device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The known floating game devices typically make it possible to perform athletic activities or play in the water. Among these floating game devices, a first type consists of a floating element and an above-water part, positioned above said floating element and including a first structure as well as a first flexible surface, in particular of the net type, supported by said first structure for example to form a cage for receiving the ball, in particular when it involves playing water polo or kayak polo, or even to form a transversely stretched net, in particular to play water volleyball. One drawback of this type of floating game device is that it drifts and is unstable in the water, in particular due to the waves generated by the movements of the people in the water, or the kayaks and paddles, or due to the wind or current that may exist in the body of water when it is a natural body of water such as a lake or pond. To offset this drawback, floating game devices are known that have means for mooring the floating element to a stationary element, in particular the edge of the pool in which the floating game device is positioned. Such a device is for example described in document U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,975. This, however, requires the game device to be used in a pool and near the edges of that pool. Also known are devices such as those described in documents US 2009/0081919 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,801 that include a submerged part, an above-water part including a first structure and a first flexible surface borne by the first structure and configured for play, for example by forming a volleyball net or cage and a floating element positioned in a waterline and arranged to delimit the submerged part from the above-water part. The submerged part is configured to form means for stabilizing the above-water part and the floating element. According to document U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,801, these stabilization means consist of weights fixed to the floating element and making it possible to ballast the floating game device. According to document US 2009/0081919, the submerged part consists of a second structure on which a second flexible surface is stretched making it possible to form a panel configured to play underwater. The second structure further comprises weights making it possible to ballast the floating game device. The presence of such weights on the submerged part of the floating game device, as described in documents U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,801 and US 2009/0081919, has the drawback of making said device heavier, in particular when the device needs to be handled so as to be taken out of the water and put away. 
     The present invention aims to implement a floating game device that has stabilization means whereof the design optimizes the stabilization and reduces the weight of said floating game device so as to facilitate its handling when removed from the body of water and its transport, for example to store it or even move it on another body of water. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     To that end, the invention relates to a floating game device comprising a submerged part, an above-water part and a floating element. The above-water part includes a first structure and a first flexible surface supported by that first structure. The floating element constitutes a waterline that delimits the submerged part from the above-water part, the submerged part comprising a second structure and a second flexible surface supported by that second structure. Assembly means are configured to keep the first structure and the second structure assembled with the floating element, in a plane forming an angle with said waterline, said floating element being configured to extend at a distance from the first and second structures positioned in said plane. This angle will preferably be comprised between 30° and 150°, for example 90°. Furthermore, according to the invention, the second flexible surface is configured on the submerged part to form a resistance means in the water. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second flexible surfaces is fixed with the floating element at a distance from said plane. 
     It will be understood that under normal usage conditions, on a calm body of water, the submerged part and the above-water part are positioned in a plane forming an angle with the floating element positioned in the waterline. When the body of water is agitated, the resistance in the water procured by the submerged part aims to keep the above-water part in a stable position, in a vertical plane above the body of water. Furthermore, the shift of the floating element relative to the above-water and submerged parts, as well as the fastening of at least one of the first or second flexible surfaces on an offset part of the floating element, result in transferring the force onto said offset part of the floating element, which tends to rise, or, conversely, dive relative to the plane of the water, when the submerged and above-water parts defined in a same plane tilt relative to the vertical plane. The inverse force exerted by the water on the floating element aims on the contrary to keep the latter in the waterline, that force being transferred onto the above-water part or the submerged part by means of the first or second flexible surface—depending on that which is fixed to the floating element—which makes it possible to keep said above-water and submerged parts in the plane forming an angle with the floating element. Thus, the floating game device remains suitably stable without using weights for additional ballasting, which favors the handling thereof. 
     According to a first embodiment of the floating game device according to the invention, the floating element has a bowed configuration delimited by two lateral ends, an inner edge and an outer edge. Furthermore, the first structure is a first hoop including two ends respectively subject to the two side ends of the floating element. Furthermore, the first flexible surface is configured to be fixed to the first bow and with one of the inner or outer edges of the floating element, in a more or less stretched position so as to form a cage for receiving the ball. 
     According to one embodiment, the second structure comprises at least two tubular portions respectively subjected to the two side ends of said floating element. Furthermore, the second flexible surface is configured to be fixed to said at least two tubular portions of the second structure and to the inner or outer edge to which the first flexible surface is fixed, in a more or less stretched position so as to form a volume. This configuration of the second flexible surface has the advantage of optimizing the resistance of the floating game device to the movements in the water, aiming to stabilize said floating game device. The term “tubular” is used in this description; it may, however, use circular or noncircular bars or rods without going beyond the scope of the invention. 
     According to this first design embodiment, the second structure is preferably an arch having two ends respectively subjected to the two lateral ends of the floating element, the second flexible surface being fixed to the second arch. 
     According to one embodiment of this first design embodiment, the floating element is crescent-shaped. Furthermore, the first flexible surface and, optionally, the second flexible surface are fixed on the outer edge of the crescent. 
     According to one alternative embodiment of this first design embodiment, the floating element has a toroid portion shape. Further, the first flexible surface and, optionally, the second flexible surface are fixed on the inner edge of the toroid portion. Additionally, a third flexible surface extends toward the inside of the floating element from the inner edge of said floating element, in the waterline. 
     According to the inventive floating game device, the assembly means are configured to bend the first and second structures. Furthermore, return means are configured to exert a force on the first structure and the second structure so as to position them naturally in a position that is more or less perpendicular relative to the floating element. This has the advantage of being able to curve the first structure and the second structure relative to the floating element and automatically redeploy the floating game device. Furthermore, a tensing system is arranged between the floating element and at least the second structure to keep said second structure curved relative to the floating element so as to limit the bulk of said second structure heightwise. This has the advantage of making it possible to use the floating game device on bodies of water having little bottom. 
     According to the inventive floating game device, the first structure and the second structure are made up of a single and same flexible arch comprising two side portions. Furthermore, fastening means are arranged between the two lateral sides of the floating element and the two respective side portions of the flexible arch. 
     According to a second design embodiment of the inventive floating game device, the floating element is rectangular comprising two lateral sides and two longitudinal sides. 
     According to the second design embodiment, the first structure comprises at least two upper lateral bars respectively positioned on the two lateral sides and extending perpendicular to the floating element. Furthermore, the first flexible surface is fixed to the two lateral upper bars. It is, however, also possible to consider a transverse upper bar connecting the ends of the two upper lateral bars, to which the first flexible surface can also be fixed. 
     According to the second embodiment, the second structure comprises two lateral lower bars and one transverse lower bar positioned in a U, the lateral lower bars respectively being fixed to the lateral sides of the floating element. Furthermore, the second flexible surface has a rectangular shape comprising two longitudinal ends that are fixed to the longitudinal sides of the floating element, said second flexible surface being stretched bearing against the lower transverse bar. This also makes it possible to form a volume in the form of a pouch offering resistance in the water. 
     According to this second design embodiment, the second structure comprises at least two lateral lower bars respectively subjected to the two lateral sides of the floating element. Furthermore, the second flexible surface is configured to be fixed to the two lower lateral bars and with one of the inner or outer edges of the floating element, in a more or less stretched position so as to form a volume. 
     According to the inventive floating game device, at least one fastening system is configured on the floating element to allow mooring or complementary ballasting of said floating element, in particular when the floating game device is used on an agitated body of water. 
     According to the inventive floating game device, the first flexible surface is a net. Furthermore, the second flexible surface is made from a textile, for example cloth. 
     According to one alternative embodiment of this first flexible surface, in particular when the game device is implemented according to the first design embodiment, said first flexible surface includes a fabric peripheral contour whereof an outer edge is fixed to the floating element and to the first arch and a central net whereof the peripheral edge is fixed to an inner edge of said peripheral contour. 
     According to an alternative embodiment of this second flexible surface, in particular when the floating game device is implemented according to the first design embodiment and the second structure consists of an arch, said second flexible surface includes a peripheral cloth contour whereof an outer edge is fixed to the floating element and to the second arch and a central net whereof the peripheral edge is fixed to an inner edge of said peripheral contour. 
     According to one embodiment of the inventive floating game device, a sheath is fastened to the first structure and the second structure, the floating element being flexible and configured to be inserted into the sheath. 
     According to one embodiment of the floating game device according to the invention, the floating element is deformable, in particular when said floating element is flexible or made up of several floating parts, which tends to deform the first structure and the second structure affixed to said floating element. To that end, a stiffening system is configured on at least one of the first and second structures to keep the first and second structures in a stable position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following description illustrates different design alternatives of the inventive floating game device. The description of these design alternatives is based on figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a floating game device according to a first embodiment according to which the floating element is crescent-shaped; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a design alternative of the floating game device according to which the floating element has a toroid portion shape; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a design alternative of the submerged part of the floating game device according to  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a design alternative of the floating game device in which the floating element is rectangular; and 
         FIGS. 6, 7 and 8  illustrate another design alternative of the floating game device, in particular relative to the implementation of the first and second flexible surfaces. 
     
    
    
     MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 7  show that the floating game device  1 ,  101 ,  201 ,  301 ,  401  in all cases includes an above-water part  2 ,  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  and a submerged part  3 ,  103 ,  203 ,  303 ,  403  that makes it possible to form a volume improving the resistance in the water. This above-water part and this submerged part are separated by a floating element  4 ,  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404  that defines a waterline. 
     One can see that the above-water part includes a first structure  5 ,  105 ,  205 ,  305 ,  405  and a first flexible surface  6 ,  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406 . Likewise, the submerged part comprises a second structure  7 ,  107 ,  207 ,  307 ,  407  and a second flexible surface  8 ,  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  408 . 
       FIG. 1  shows that the floating element  4  comprises a crescent shape. The first structure  5  and the second structure  7  are implemented using a single and same flexible arch  9  closed on itself, i.e., the first end  9   a  and the second end  9   b  of the flexible arch  9  come together and are fixed to each other using a fastening part for example making it possible to interlock said first and second ends  9   a ,  9   b . One can see that this arch is positioned inside a sheath  11  and that the sheath is fixed at the lateral ends  4   a ,  4   b  of the floating element  4 . This fastening is for example done by sewing, welding, gluing or other means. Furthermore, the first flexible surface  6  is made up of a net whereof one of the edges  6   a  is fixed to the sheath  11  for example by sewing or welding. Furthermore, the second edge  6   b  of the net is fixed with the outer edge  4   c  of the floating element  4 , for example by welding, sewing or gluing. Furthermore, the second flexible surface  8  is made up of a textile, for example cloth whereof one of the edges  8   a  is fixed to the sheath  11  and whereof the other edge  8   b  is fixed with the outer edge  4   c  of the floating element  4 . 
     The use of a single and same flexible arch  9  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  has the advantage of being able to bend the first structure  5  relative to the second structure  7 , said flexible arch offering a return force in a normal equilibrium position as illustrated in  FIG. 1  according to which the first structure  5  and the second structure  7  formed using the arch  9  are positioned naturally, perpendicular relative to the floating element  4  positioned in a waterline. Of course, it is possible to consider implementing this first structure  5  and the second structure  7  using two independent arches whereof the lateral ends would be positioned adjoining and fixed to the lateral ends  4   a ,  4   b  of the floating element  4 . It is further possible to provide return means, for example flexible tips or springs, in which the ends of the arches would snap, offering a return force making it possible to bring said arches back perpendicular to the floating element  4 . 
     The floating game device  101  illustrated in  FIG. 2  has a design similar to that of the floating game device illustrated in  FIG. 1  regarding the implementation of the first structure  105 , the second structure  107 , the first flexible surface  106  and the second flexible surface  108 . Thus, the first structure  105  and the second structure  107  are implemented using a single and same flexible arch  109  whereof the first end  109   a  and the second end  109   b  come together and are fixed to each other using a fastening part making it possible for example to snap said first and second ends  109   a ,  109   b . Furthermore, the flexible arch is positioned in a sheath  111  that is fixed with respect to the lateral ends  104   a ,  104   b  of the floating element, said fastening being able to be done by sewing, welding, gluing or other means. However, according to this  FIG. 2 , the floating game device  101  comprises a floating element  104  that assumes the form of a toroid portion. Furthermore, the first edge  106   a  the first flexible surface  106  is fixed on the sheath  111  and the second edge  106   b  is fixed on the inner edge  104   d  of the floating element  104 . Likewise, the first edge  108   a  of the second flexible surface  108  is fixed on the sheath  111  and the second edge  108   b  is fixed on the inner edge  104   d  of the floating element  104 . One can also see the presence of a third flexible surface  112  positioned in the waterline, the edge  112   a  of said third flexible surface being fixed to the inner edge  104   d  of the floating element  104  and extending in the waterline of the floating element  104 . This third flexible surface is for example made from cloth. 
     According to the design alternative illustrated in  FIG. 3 , one can see that the floating game device  201  comprises a floating element  204  that has a toroid portion shape similar to the floating element  104  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In this  FIG. 3 , one can see that the first structure  205  and the second structure  207  are implemented using a single and same flexible arch that is curved in the shape of an upside down U; the lateral end portions  209   a ,  209   b  of this flexible arch  209  are positioned below the floating element  204  and form two tubular portions  207   a ,  207   b  of the second structure  207 . Furthermore, the central portion  209   c  of this flexible arch is positioned above the floating element  204  and forms the first structure  205 . This flexible arch  209  is positioned in a sheath  211  that is fixed at its lateral sides with the lateral ends  204   a ,  204   b  of the floating element  204 . Furthermore, the first flexible surface  206  has a first edge  206   a  fixed on the sheath  211  and a second edge  206   b  fixed on the inner edge  204   d  of the floating element  204 . The second flexible surface  208  is in the shape of a strip whereof the lateral ends  208   a ,  208   b  are fixed on the sheath  211  at the tubular portions  207   a ,  207   b , while the upper edge  208   c  of that strip is fixed on the inner edge  204   d  of the floating element  204 . This arrangement of the strip makes it possible to form a volume offering resistance in the water and ensuring the connection between the floating element  204  and the second structure  207 . It is also possible to consider implementing a third flexible surface  212  whereof the edge  212   a  is fixed to the inner edge  204   d  of the floating element  204 , said third flexible element  212  extending in the waterline of the floating element  204 . 
     According to the alternative design illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the floating game device comprises a rectangular floating element  304  that has two lateral sides  304   a ,  304   b  and two longitudinal sides  304   c ,  304   d . One can see that the first structure  305  comprises two lateral upper bars  305   a ,  305   b  and a transverse upper bar  305   c  connected to the two lateral upper bars  305   a ,  305   b , the first structure  305  forming an upside down U. Likewise, the second structure  307  comprises two lateral lower bars  307   a ,  307   b  and a transverse lower bar  307   c  connected to the lower ends of the two lower lateral bars  305   a ,  305   b , said second structure  307  forming a U. 
       FIG. 4  shows that the upper lateral bars  305   a ,  305   b  and the respective lower lateral bars  307   a ,  307   b  are formed using a single and same flexible bar fixed at the lateral sides  304   a ,  304   b  of the floating element  304 . Using flexible lateral bars has the advantage of making it possible to fold the upper structure  305  relative to the lower structure  307 , the flexibility offering a return force that makes it possible to bring said upper  305  and lower  307  structures back perpendicular relative to the floating element  304  above and below the latter. 
     One can see that the first flexible surface  306  is made up of a net that is fixed at the lateral upper parts  305   a ,  305   b . It is also possible to consider fastening said net at the upper transverse bar  305   c.    
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show that the second flexible surface  308  comprises a rectangular shape having two longitudinal sides  308   a ,  308   b  respectively fixed to the longitudinal sides  304   c ,  304   d  of the floating element  304 . Furthermore, the second flexible surface  308  passes below the lower transverse bar  307   c  of the second structure  307 , which makes it possible to keep the central portion  308   c  of said second flexible surface  308  bearing against the lower transverse bar  307   c , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , and thus to stretch said second flexible surface  308  that forms a pouch below the floating element  304  offering resistance in the water. The second flexible surface  308  is implemented using the net. It is, however, possible to consider using other textiles, for example a cloth. 
     It is, however, possible to consider an alternative configuration of the second flexible surface  308 , such that the latter defines a volume offering resistance in the water and providing the connection between the floating element  304  and the second structure  307 . To that end, the second flexible surface  308  could have a configuration related to that illustrated in  FIG. 3 , i.e., by arranging a strip of flexible material, for example a cloth, that would be stretched fixed on at least part of the two lower lateral bars  307   a ,  307   b , and with an inner or outer edge on the floating element  304 , so as to define a volume. 
     The design alternative of the floating game device  401  illustrated in  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8  has a configuration similar to that of the floating game device  101  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the essential difference pertaining to the implementation of the first flexible surface  406  and the second flexible surface  408 . One can see in these  FIGS. 6 to 8  that the first flexible surface  406  comprises a peripheral contour  406   a  including an outer edge  406   b  that is fastened on the inner edge  404   d  of the floating element  404  and is fixed to a sheath  411  in which a flexible arch is positioned making it possible to form the first structure  405  and the second structure  407 , said sheath being fixed to the lateral ends  404   a ,  404   b  of the floating element  404 . Furthermore, the first surface  406  comprises a net  406   c  that is positioned in the central part, said net  406   c  including a peripheral edge  406   d  that is fastened with the inner edge  406   e  of the peripheral contour  406   a , as in particular illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     Likewise, the second flexible surface  408  comprises a peripheral contour  408   a  made from cloth, comprising an outer edge  408   b  fixed on the sheath  411  and the central net  408   c  whereof the peripheral edge  408   d  is fixed to the inner edge  408   e  of the peripheral contour  408   a . The presence of a third flexible surface  412 , for example made from cloth, is also visible, whereof the edge  412   a  is fixed on the inner edge  404   d  of the floating element  404 . 
     These  FIGS. 6 to 8  show the presence of two straps  413 ,  414  whereof the first ends  413   a ,  414   a  are fixed to the upper  411   a  and lower  411   b  parts of the sheath  411 . The other two ends  413   d ,  414   b  are fixed across from the floating element  404  at its inner edge  404   d  as in particular illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The presence of fastening loops  415 ,  416  is shown making it possible to fix the ends  413   b ,  414   b  of the straps  413 ,  414  with the floating element  404 . These fastening loops also make it possible to adjust the length of the straps  413 ,  414 . This in particular has the advantage, particularly regarding the submerged part  403 , of being able to exert tension on the second structure  407  so as to curve the latter backward, which makes it possible to reduce the height of the submerged part  403  and thus to install the floating game device  401  on a body of water having little bottom.  FIG. 8  shows the presence of two fastening parts  417   a ,  417   b  arranged on the outer edge  404   c  of the floating element  404   a . These fastening parts  417   a ,  417   b  make it possible to moor the floating game device  401  for example on the bottom of the pool, or to add additional ballasting means of the weight type, in particular when the floating game device is used on a highly agitated body of water. According to these different designs of the floating game device  1 ,  101 ,  201 ,  301 ,  401  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , the submerged part  3 ,  103 ,  203 ,  303 ,  403  in all cases makes it possible to form a volume, in particular in the form of a pouch making it possible to increase the resistance of said floating game device in the water. These different designs show that the floating element is implemented using a fitting that is for example inflatable or formed so as to float on the water. This floating element  4 ,  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404  is furthermore fixed to the first and second structures as well as to the first and second flexible surfaces. It is of course possible to consider alternative designs of this floating element and for example to provide a flexible longilineal element, so as to be deformed and for example form a U or rectangular shape, said flexible longilineal material being inserted into a sheath that would be fixed to said first and second structures and said first and second flexible surfaces. 
     It is also possible to consider implementing this floating element in several parts, for example a first part fixed on one of the lateral sides of the first and second structures and a second floating element fixed on the other of the lateral sides of the first and second structures and a third floating element positioned in the rear part of the floating game device and fixed to the first and second flexible surfaces. It will be understood that in this case, the floating element can deform, which may tend to separate the first structure and the second structure. To that end, in this design scenario, a stiffening system is provided positioned between the lateral ends of the first structure and the second structure, or even between the floating elements, for example rigid straps or semi-rigid rods, which prevents the separation of said lateral sides of the first and second structures and the floating elements. 
     Other design embodiments may be considered without going beyond the scope of the present invention. It is in particular possible to consider combining the features of the different design embodiments of the floating game device illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 8 , for example regarding the implementation of the fastening parts  417   a ,  417   b  or regarding the implementation of the tensing straps  414 ,  413 . 
     It is also possible to consider design alternatives of the floating game device according to which the structures of the flexible surfaces on the above-water part and on the submerged part are configured to constitute two different games, such that inverting the floating game device makes it possible to play one or the other of the two games. For example, based on a configuration of the floating game device similar to that implemented in  FIG. 1, 2, 3 or 6 , regarding the floating structure, at the first and second structures and the first flexible surface, it is possible to consider the second flexible surface only being fixed on the second structure and in that case extending in the plane of said first and second structures. Thus, the above-water part constitutes a cage or goal and the submerged part constitutes a volleyball net. 
     The example embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8  and described above further show that the first  5 ,  105 ,  205 ,  305 ,  405  and second  7 ,  107 ,  207 ,  307 ,  407  structures are positioned in a plane that is more or less perpendicular relative to the floating element  4 ,  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404  positioned in the waterline. It is, however, possible to provide design alternatives of the floating game device in which the first and second structures would be positioned in a plane forming an angle with the waterline different from 90° and preferably comprised between 30° and 150°.