Patent Abstract:
A connector system for flotation devices has a plurality of connectors. Each connector allows at least one flotation device to attach together and to attach a plurality of other flotation devices together.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/394,694 filed on Oct. 19, 2010, in the name of the same inventor and which application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to flotation devices, and more specifically, to a flotation device connector/system which may allow one to connect a plurality of flotation devices together. 
         [0003]    Pool noodles are a popular type of flotation device that may be used in swimming pools and other types of swimming areas. Pool noodles may be formed of an elongated piece of flexible Styrofoam and/or other closed cell foam material. Typical pool noodles may be five to six feet in length having a diameter of approximately three to six inches. A channel may run through a length of the pool noodle. In general, the only way to use pool noodles is for individuals to sit and or lay on one or more pool noodles. Currently, there is no device and or system to attach multiple pool noodles together. 
         [0004]    Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device and method that overcomes the above problems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    A connector system for flotation devices has a plurality of connectors. Each connector allows at least one flotation device to attach together and to attach a plurality of other flotation devices together. 
         [0006]    The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of the connectors according to one embodiment the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an elevated perspective view of the “L” shaped connector of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an elevated perspective view of the linking connector of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an elevated perspective view of the end connector of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an elevated perspective view of a sword handle of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an elevated perspective view of a multi-connector of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is an elevated perspective view of a pool noodle knife of the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is an elevated perspective view of an example of the connector system of the present invention in use. Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Referring to the  FIG. 1 , an elevated perspective view of the connector system  10  is shown. The connector system  10  may be formed of one or more connectors  12 . The plurality of connectors  12  may be used to attached one or more pool noodle floatation device (hereinafter pool noodle  28  ( FIG. 7 )) together to form different shapes and or objects. The connector system  10  may further have a cutting device  14 . The cutting device may be used to cut the pool noodles to a desired size. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the connectors  12  may come in one or more different shapes. The connectors  12  may be formed as an “L” shaped connector  12 A, a linking connector  12 B, an end connector  12 C, a sword connector  12 D ( FIG. 5 ), a multi-connector  12 E ( FIG. 6 ), and the like. The connectors  12  may be formed of a lightweight but sturdy material such as plastic or the like. 
         [0018]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an “L” shaped connector  12 A may be described. The “L” shaped connector  12 A may have a central section  16 . The central section  16  may be a ring type member  16 A having a central opening  18 . The ring type member  16 A may come in different geometrical shapes. As shown in the figures, the ring type member  16 A is rectangular in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The central opening  18  may have one or more protrusions  20  formed on an interior perimeter thereof. In the embodiment shown, a pair of protrusions  20  is formed on opposite sides of the central opening  18 . The protrusions  20  may be used to secure another connector  12  within the central opening  18  or alternatively, a pool noodle within the central opening  18 . The central opening  18  may be sized to be smaller than a diameter of the pool noodle. By slightly compressing an end of the pool noodle, one may insert the pool noodle through the central opening  18 . The pool noodle will then expand in the central opening  18  thereby securing the pool noodle in the central opening  18 . The protrusions  20  may provide further resistance to secure a pool noodle with in the central opening  18 . 
         [0019]    One or more leg members  22  may extend away from the central section  16 . For the “L” shape connector  12 A, a pair of leg members  22  may be used. The pair of leg members  22  may extend from the central section  16  at an approximately 90° angle to form the “L” shape. Each leg member  22  may be oblong in shape. Each leg member  22  may be formed of a single bar member  22 A bent in an oblong shape where both end members  22 B of the bar member  22 A may be attached to the central section  16 . The bar member  22 A may have one or more protrusions  220  extending from an exterior surface thereof. The protrusions  22 C may be formed in a shape of barbs. In operation, the leg member  22  may be squeezed together and inserted into the channel formed through the pool noodle. Once inserted into the channel, the leg member  22  may expand in the channel. The protrusions  22 C aid in keeping the leg member  22  in the channel. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a linking connector  12 B may be discussed. Similar to the “L” shaped connector  12 A previously disclosed, linking connector  12 B may have a central section  16 . The central section  16  may be a ring type member  16 A having a central opening  18 . The ring type member  16 A may come in different geometrical shapes. As shown in the figures, the ring type member  16 A is rectangular in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The central opening  18  may have one or more protrusions  20  formed on an interior perimeter thereof. In the embodiment shown, a pair of protrusions  20  is formed on opposite sides of the central opening  18 . The protrusions  20  may be used to secure another connector  12  within the central opening  18  or a pool noodle within the central opening  18 . The central opening may be sized to be smaller than a diameter of the pool noodle. By slightly compressing an end of the pool noodle, one may insert the pool noodle through the central opening  18 . The pool noodle will then expand in the central opening  18  thereby securing the pool noodle in the central opening  18 . The protrusions  20  may provide further resistance to secure a pool noodle with in the central opening  18 . 
         [0021]    One or more leg members  22  may extend away from the central section  16 . For the linking connector  12 B, a pair of leg members  22  may be used. The pair of leg members  22  may extend from the central section  16  in opposite directions. Each leg member  22  may be oblong in shape. Each leg member  22  may be formed of a single bar member  22 A bent in an oblong shape where both end members  22 B of the bar member  22 A may be attached to the central section  16 . The bar member  22 A may have one or more protrusions  22 C extending from an exterior surface thereof. The protrusions  22 C may be formed in a shape of barbs. In operation, the leg member  22  may be squeezed together and inserted into the channel formed through the pool noodle. Once inserted into the channel, the leg member  22  may expand in the channel. The protrusions  22 C aid in keeping the leg member  22  in the channel. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , an end connector  12 C may be disclosed. The end connector  12 C is similar to the other connectors previously disclosed. The end connector  12 C may have a central section  16 . The central section  16  may be a ring type member  16 A having a central opening  18 . The ring type member  16 A may come in different geometrical shapes. As shown in the figures, the ring type member  16 A is rectangular in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The central opening  18  may have one or more protrusions  20  formed on an interior perimeter thereof. In the embodiment shown, a pair of protrusions  20  is formed on opposite sides of the central opening  18 . The protrusions  20  may be used to secure a pool noodle with in the central opening  18 . The central opening  18  may be sized to be smaller than a diameter of the pool noodle. By slightly compressing an end of the pool noodle, one may insert the pool noodle through the central opening  18 . The pool noodle will then expand in the central opening  18  thereby securing the pool noodle in the central opening  18 . The protrusions  20  may provide further resistance to secure another connector  12  within the central opening  18  or a pool noodle within the central opening  18 . 
         [0023]    One or more leg members  22  may extend away from the central section  16 . For the end connector  12 C, a single leg member  22  may be used. The leg member  22  may extend away from the central section  16 . The leg member  22  may be oblong in shape. The leg member  22  may be formed of a single bar member  22 A bent in an oblong shape where both end members  22 B of the bar member  22 A may be attached to the central section  16 . The bar member  22 A may have one or more protrusions  22 C extending from an exterior surface thereof. The protrusions  22 C may be formed in a shape of barbs. In operation, the leg member  22  may be squeezed together and inserted into the channel formed through the pool noodle. Once inserted into the channel, the leg member  22  may expand in the channel. The protrusions  22 C aid in keeping the leg member  22  in the channel. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , a sword handle connector  12 D may be disclosed. The sword handle connector  12 D has a handle section  24 . The handle section  24  may be shaped similarly to a hilt of the sword. 
         [0025]    One or more leg members  22  may extend away from the central section  16 . For the sword handle connector  12 D, a single leg member  22  may be used. The leg member  22  may extend away from the handle section  24 . The leg member  22  may be oblong in shape. The leg member  22  may be formed of a single bar member  22 A bent in an oblong shape where both end members  22 B of the bar member  22 A may be attached to the handle section  24 . The bar member  22 A may have one or more protrusions  22 C extending from an exterior surface thereof. The protrusions  22 C may be formed in a shape of barbs. In operation, the leg member  22  may be squeezed together and inserted into the channel formed through the pool noodle. Once inserted into the channel, the leg member  22  may expand in the channel. The protrusions  22 C aid in keeping the leg member  22  in the channel. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a multi-connector  12 E may be disclosed. The multi-connector  12 E may have a center member  32 . The center member  32  may be a ring member  32 A having a central opening  34 . The ring member  32 A may come in different geometrical shapes. As shown in the figures, the ring member  32 A is rectangular in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The central opening  34  may have one or more protrusions  20  formed on an interior perimeter thereof. In the embodiment shown, a pair of protrusions  20  is formed on opposite sides of the central opening  34 . 
         [0027]    One or more connecting members  36  may extend away from the central member  32 . In the present embodiment, a pair of connecting members  36  may extend away in opposite directing from the central member  32 . The connecting members  36  may be used to attach other connectors  12  to the multi-connector  12 E. Each connecting member  36  may be a ring member  36 A having a central opening  38 . The ring member  36 A may come in different geometrical shapes. As shown in the figures, the ring member  36 A is rectangular in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The central opening  38  may have one or more protrusions  20  formed on an interior perimeter thereof. In the embodiment shown, a pair of protrusions  20  is formed on opposite sides of the central opening  38 . The protrusions  20  may be used to secure a pool noodle with in the central opening  38 . The central opening  38  may be sized to be smaller than a diameter of the pool noodle. By slightly compressing an end of the pool noodle, one may insert the pool noodle through the central opening  38 . The pool noodle will then expand in the central opening  38  thereby securing the pool noodle in the central opening  38 . The protrusions  20  may provide further resistance to secure another connector  12  within the central opening  38 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , a cutting device  14  is shown. The cutting device  14  may be similar to a box cutter or the like. The cutting device  14  shown may have a handle section shaped in an aquatic theme. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the handle section  26  is shaped like a shark. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The cutting device may be used to cut the pool noodles to a desired size. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , one example of the how the connector system  10  may be used is shown. As may be seen, the pool noodles  28  have a channel  30  which runs through a length of the pool noodle  28  in a central area thereof. In the present embodiment, the leg member  22  of an “L” shaped connector  12 A may be squeezed together and inserted into the channel  30  formed through the pool noodles  28 . Once inserted into the channel  30 , the leg member  22  may expand in the channel  30 . The protrusions  22 C aid in keeping the leg member  22  in the channel  30 . Another connector  12  may be inserted in the central opening  18  of the “L” shaped connector  12 A. In the present embodiment, a link connector  128  is positioned in the central opening  18  of the “L” shaped connector  12 A such that the central section  16  of the link connector  12 B is positioned within the central section  16  of the “L” shaped connector  12 A. The exterior surface of the central section  16  of the link connector  12 B presses against the interior surface of the central opening  18  of the “L” shaped connector  12 A securing the two connectors  12  together. The protrusions  20  may provide further resistance to the two connectors  12  together. 
         [0030]    While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8