Patent Abstract:
A segmented flotation device available in a plurality of colors, sizes, and configurations is disclosed. Each flotation device includes one or more buoyant members strung together with an elastic band. A recessed cup at each end of the device stores a coupler which is in turn secured to the elastic band. The coupler is configured with couplers for interconnecting flotation devices to create a variety of shapes and structures such as grids, float mats, and long float lines. A cord lock may be provided on the elastic band for adjusting the preloaded tension. A plurality of flotation devices can be packaged with other accessories connectable to the devices for creating a seat, mat, island or other structure, for holding beverages, or for providing awning structure.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/468,192, filed on Mar. 28, 2011. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a recreational device with a plurality of foam members that can be interconnected to create a variety of shapes and structures for recreational, exercise, or rehabilitation purposes including for use as a floatation device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Numerous prior art recreational devices are designed to float in the water and are utilized for other recreation or exercise purposes. However, these designs are limited in that they either have one pre-defined shape, there is a single device that cannot be connected to other devices, or there is a plurality of flotation members for the device but they are identical in shape and have little to no connectivity. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide configurable segmented recreational devices and a kit with a variety of members that can easily be connected with other members for construction of a variety of shapes and structures. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     As further set forth in detail below, this disclosure provides a segmented recreational device with foam members available in a plurality of colors, sizes, and configurations that can be interconnected to create a variety of shapes and structures. Each foam member adapted for making an interlocking connection with another foam member to form structures such as grids, float mats, and long float lines. The foam members can be used to make custom flotation designs and other recreational, exercise or rehabilitation apparatuses. Accessories may also be interconnected with members to form seats, mats, islands, beverage holder, and shade screen. 
     The segmented recreational device contains a variety of members e.g., a spherical member, a 10-inch segmented member, a 10-inch member, a 50-inch segmented member, and a 60-inch member. Each of these members come in a plurality of diameters and sizes and can be customized in a variety of color combinations and configurations. Elastic bands with couplers on each end extend through the center of the members to hold the members together and provide a means for attachment with other members. The couplers are supported by plastic cups that are recessed in the ends of the members so that the coupler is subjacent to the end of the member. This prevents the coupler from snagging or catching on objects. These cups retain the couplers and preload the elastic bands in tension to support the structure of the member. The couplers can be connected to couplers or elastic bands of other members to form customized structures. A cord lock adjuster tightens and releases the elastic bands to adjust the tension in the elastic bands and create flexible and rigid members. The variety of members and accessories available allow the segmented recreational device to be sold as a kit to add variety to the consumer experience. 
     These devices can be used in an aquatic environment as personal flotation, swimming aids, water exercise aids, or physical therapy aids. These devices are not intended to be used as a life-saving device or substitute for US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. These devices can provide an enhanced swimming experience. Likewise, these devices can be used as dock bumpers, swim ring, senior exercise floats, beach rentals, water hammocks, boat bumpers, padded straps, swim markers, floats for tackle boxes and coolers, and pool noodles. Furthermore, these devices can be used more generally as configurable decoration or pliable building blocks which can be assembled in unlimited ways similar to conventional building block. For example, the devices may be interconnected to make arches, tunnels, tents, letters, numbers, figurines, goals, hoops, plays-capes, etc. 
     Further areas of applicability for these segmented recreational devices will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  are perspective views of a spherical member, a member, a segmented member, and a combination segmented member; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of elastic bands, a cord lock adjuster, and a plurality of couplers in ports; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the non-segmented member with the cord lock adjuster; 
         FIG. 4  is a detail view of the coupler in the port on the end of the member; 
         FIG. 5  is a detail view of the coupler in the port on the side of the member; 
         FIG. 6A-6D  are perspective views of coupler members including an L-shaped 90° coupler attached to the couplers in the ports on the ends of the members, a T-shaped coupler, a cross coupler, and a tri-corner coupler; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate connection options of members with same and different diameter members; 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate three embodiments of configuration options and two embodiments of team color options; and 
         FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  are perspective views of an embodiment incorporating a mat and an embodiment incorporating a flexible member and a sleeve. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
     Example embodiments are provided to more thoroughly describe and fully convey the scope of the subject matter to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     With reference now to the features, a segmented recreational device is illustrated. The segmented recreational device may take the form of a spherical-shaped member  10 , a non-segmented tubular-shaped member  14 , a sectioned tubular-shaped member  18 , or a sectioned combination member  22 , wherein the sectioned tubular-shaped members  18 ,  22  are flexible members and the non-segmented tubular-shaped member  14  is a firm member. The term tubular-shaped member refers to an elongated member. As presently illustrated, the tubular-shaped members are generally cylindrical with a circular cross-section. The tubular-shaped members could, however, be configured in any elongated configuration having various cross-sections including elliptical, square, rectangular, and triangular as examples. Likewise, the tubular-shaped members are generally illustrated as having a central longitudinal passage formed therethrough. The longitudinal passage may, however, be configured in various ways for receiving the elastic bands as hereinafter described. In their preferred form, the members are made from closed cell polyethylene foam which is buoyant in water. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other materials may be used in the fabrication of the members. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 1A , a spherical-shaped member  10  is illustrated including a plurality of couplers  26 . The spherical-shaped member  10  may function as a node or nodal member for interconnecting adjacent tubular-shaped members as illustrated in  FIG. 1D . The couplers  26  may be clips, hooks, loops or any other attachment means. The spherical-shaped member  10  may have a diameter within a range of approximately 2.5 inches to 5 inches. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 1B , the embodiment includes a non-segmented tubular-shaped member  14  is approximately 10 inches in length, but may vary in length. The non-segmented tubular-shaped member  14  includes a plurality of elastic bands  30  with a plurality of couplers  34 . The plurality of elastic bands  30  are moveably supported in, and in sliding contact with, the non-segmented tubular-shaped member  14 . Each of the flexible elastic bands  30  have a first end and a second end extending in opposite directions and are longitudinally stretchable. A range of 2 to 4 elastic bands are supported in the non-segmented tubular-shaped member  14 . In their preferred form, the elastic bands  30  include one or more elastic strands and may be covered in a woven cotton or polyethylene sheath. The elastic cord is also commonly referred to as a bungee or bungie cord or shock cord. The tubular-shaped member  14  also includes a plurality of through-bores  38 , perpendicular to the flexible elastic bands  30 , traversing through the midsection of the tubular-shaped member  14  and allowing access to the elastic bands  30  extending through the tubular-shaped member  14 . The bores  38  are located every five inches along the length of the tubular-shaped member  14 , but may be located at varying distances to suit the application. Ends  40  of the tubular-shaped member  14  include the plurality of couplers  34  slideably connected to the elastic bands  30 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1C , the sectioned tubular-shaped member  18  is illustrated including a plurality of tubular-shaped members  14  and the plurality of elastic bands  30  with the plurality of couplers  34 . Each tubular-shaped member  14  is preferably 10 inches in length, but may be longer or shorter for specific applications. The tubular-shaped member  18  includes the plurality of elastic bands  30  that are moveably supported in and in sliding contact with the tubular-shaped member  18 . Each of the flexible elastic bands  30  have a first end and a second end extending in opposite directions and are longitudinally stretchable. A range of 2 to 4 elastic bands are used to hold the tubular-shaped members  14  together and keep the shape of the segmented floatation device. The term “end” as used in reference to the elastic band is not intended to refer to a terminus or free end of the elastic band, but instead to that portion of the elastic band that may protrude from the end of a tubular member. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the elastic band  30  is a loop having end loops  30   a ,  30   b  that may be pulled out of the end  40  of member  14 . The bore  38 , perpendicular to the flexible elastic bands  30 , traverses through the midsection of the tubular-shaped member  14  and allows access to the elastic bands  30  extending through the tubular-shaped member  14 . The tubular-shaped members  14  are positioned end-to-end with the elastic bands  30  extending therethrough to form the sectioned tubular-shaped member  18 . The free end  40  of the segmented floatation device  18  includes the coupler  34  slideably connected to the elastic bands  30 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1C  consists of 5 tubular-shaped members  14  for a total of 50 inches in length. 
     Different length devices  18  may be constructed by varying the length and/or number of tubular-shaped members  14 . For example, an embodiment may include 2 tubular-shaped members  14  that are 5 inches in length each, for a total of 10 inches in length. The two-member device may be connected on a common set of elastic bands  30 . Alternatively, the length of the device could be adjusted by interconnecting individual members with separate elastic bands  30  in an end to end manner. In one embodiment couplers  34  at the end  40  of each member  14  would be interconnected to yield a flexible device. In another embodiment each member  14  includes an interlock (not shown) for coupling the abutting ends of members to yield a more rigid device. For example, one or more spherical  10  or cylindrical  14 ,  18 ,  22  elements may extend from the end of one member and be received within a complementary socket or blind bore formed in the adjacent member. In this way a structural interlock is established between the pair of members and provide a stiffer device. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1D , the combination sectioned tubular-shaped member  22  is illustrated including the plurality of tubular-shaped members  14 , the plurality of spherical-shaped members  10 , and the plurality of elastic bands  30  with the plurality of couplers  34 . Each tubular-shaped member  14  is 10 inches in length and constructed of a buoyant foam material. Each spherical-shaped member  10  is 2.5 inches in diameter and constructed of a buoyant material. The size and material may vary depending on the application. The tubular-shaped member  22  includes a plurality of elastic bands  30  that are moveably supported in and in sliding contact with the tubular-shaped member  22 , wherein each of the flexible elastic bands  30  have a first end and a second end extending in opposite directions and are longitudinally stretchable. A range of 2 to 4 elastic bands are used to hold the tubular-shaped members  14  and spherical-shaped members  10  together and keep the shape of the segmented floatation device  22 . The bore  38 , perpendicular to the flexible elastic bands  30 , traverses through the midsection of the tubular-shaped member  14  and allows access to the elastic bands  30  extending through the tubular-shaped member  14 . The tubular-shaped members  14  and spherical-shaped members  10  are positioned end-to-end with the elastic bands  30  extending therethrough to form the combination sectioned tubular-shaped member  22 . The free end  40  of the segmented floatation device  18  includes the coupler  34  slideably connected to the elastic bands  30 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1D  consists of 5 tubular-shaped members  14  and 5 spherical-shaped members for a total length of about 62.5 inches; however, any number of tubular-shaped members  14  and spherical-shaped members  10  in any sequence (e.g., sphere to sphere, sphere to member, member to member, etc.) is contemplated. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a configuration of the elastic bands  30  in the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  shown in  FIGS. 1B-1D . The elastic bands  30  are moveably supported in and in sliding contact with the tubular-shaped member  14  and may be separated within the tubular-shaped member  14 . However, this embodiment is not intended to limit the elastic bands  30  to being separated within the tubular-shaped member  14  only to illustrate that this is an embodiment. The elastic bands  30  are moveably supported in and in sliding contact with the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22 , wherein each of the flexible elastic bands  30  have a first end and a second end extending in opposite directions and are longitudinally stretchable. The couplers  34  are slideably connected to the first and second ends of the elastic bands  30 . Cups  44  support the couplers  34  and are recessed in the ends  40  of the tubular-shaped member  14  so that the coupler  34  is subjacent to the end of the member  14 . This prevents the coupler  34  from snagging or catching on objects. The cups  44  retain the couplers  34  and preload the elastic bands  30  in tension to support the structure of the member  14 . The couplers  34  can be connected to couplers  34  of other members  10 ,  14 ,  18 ,  22  or the elastic bands  30  of other members  10 ,  14 ,  18 ,  22  to form customized structures. The coupler  34  in the side bore  38  is also slideably connected to the elastic band  30  and provides and attachment means for other members  10 ,  14 ,  18 , and  22 . The coupler  34  is supported by the cup  44  in the bore  38  on the side of the tubular-shaped member  14 . A cord lock adjuster  48  located in an opposite bore  38  from the side bore  38  with the coupler  34  is slideably connected to the elastic band  30 . The elastic band  30  slides through the cord lock adjuster  48  to add additional tension to the elastic bands  30 . The cord lock adjuster  48  retains the elastic band  30  in the desired position until a user releases the elastic band  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the tubular-shaped  14  member includes the plurality of bores  38 . Each of the plurality of bores  38  includes the cup  44 . At least one of the bores includes the cord lock adjuster  48 . The cord lock adjuster  48  retains the elastic band  30  at user-determined positions to adjust the tension in the elastic band  30  and thereby adjust the rigidity of interconnected members  14 . The remaining bores  38  may include couplers  34 . The coupler  34  attaches the tubular shaped member  14  to other spherical  10  or tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22 . The cups  44  retain the couplers  34  and cord lock adjuster  48 . 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed illustration of the coupler  34  on the end  40  of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22 . The end  40  of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  includes the bore  38  with the cup  44  to retain the coupler  34 . The coupler  34  is slideably connected to the elastic bands  30 . The coupler  34  may be one of a clip (as illustrated), a hook, a loop, or any other releasable fastening device. 
     A detailed illustration of the coupler  34  on the side of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The side of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  includes the bore  38  with the cup  44  to retain the coupler  34 . The coupler  34  is slideably connected to the elastic bands  30 . The side of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  does not need a coupler  34  or the cup  44 , but may be an open bore  38  simply providing access to the elastic bands  30  in the center of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  (Illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1D ). 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrates four embodiments of connector members. An L-shaped connector  52  ( FIG. 6A ) includes elongated portions extending perpendicular from each other in an L-shape or 90° included angle and connects with a plurality of spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  on a plurality of its faces. As shown in the figure, the L-shaped connector  52  is connected to two tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22 . Each end  56  of the L-shaped connector  52  is configured as a male portion fitting within the female portion of the cup  44  on the end  40  of the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22 . The end  56  includes a coupler  60  that may be an eye screw (as illustrated here) or any other coupler. The coupler  34  on the tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  attaches to the eye screw  60  on the L-shaped connector  52  to hold the connector  52  in place. 
     A tri-corner connector  64  ( FIG. 6B ) includes three elongated portions extending away from each other and allows for a plurality of spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  to connect to a plurality of its faces. The length of each elongated portion should allow various sized tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  and spherical-shaped members  10  to be attached thereto without interference. Each face on each of the connector members  68 ,  72 ,  76  contains the cup  44  recessed into the end  40  and the coupler  60  for connection with the spherical-shaped members  10  and the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22 . 
     A T-shaped connector  80  ( FIG. 6C ) includes three elongated portions forming a T-shape and allows for a plurality of spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  to connect to a plurality of its faces. The ends  40  of the T-shaped connector  80  contain the same elements as the ends of the tri-corner connector  64 . 
     A cross-shaped connector  84  ( FIG. 6D ) includes four elongated portions extending away from each other and allowing for a plurality of spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  to connect to a plurality of its faces. Each end  40  of the connector  84  contains the same elements as the tri-corner connector  64  and the T-shaped connector  80 . The connectors  52 ,  64 ,  80 ,  84  may contain any number of elongated portions and may allow any number of a plurality of spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  to connect to a plurality of its faces. 
     The embodiments in  FIGS. 6A-6D  are examples of some connectors that may be used but are not limiting to the disclosure. While a 90° included angle is generally shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 C and  6 D, one skilled in the art will recognize that the connector could be configured with other included angles such as 45°, 120° or 180°. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 7A-7C  and  8 A- 8 C, all of the embodiments of the spherical-shaped members  10  and the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  can be utilized together to construct a variety of structures. The segmented recreational device can be constructed with spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  of a plurality of diameters and a plurality of colors (as seen in  FIGS. 8D and 8E ). The couplers  34  on the ends of the spherical-shaped member  10  and the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  are adapted to be releasably connected together to form elongated segmented recreational devices. The couplers  34  also hook to the elastic bands  30  through the bores  38  cut through the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22 .  FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate a ladder construction  88 ,  92 ,  96  made from sectioned tubular-shaped members  18  with small diameter tubular-shaped members  14  ( FIG. 7A ), a combination of sectioned tubular-shaped members  18  with large diameter tubular-shaped members  14  ( FIG. 7B ), and tubular-shaped members  14  with spherical-shaped members  10  ( FIG. 7C ). Couplers  34  connect the 10-inch tubular-shaped members  14  to the elastic bands  30  of the sectioned tubular-shaped members  18 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate different embodiments of construction with segmented recreational devices. A personal float  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 8A  using two sectioned tubular-shaped members  18  with their couplers  34  connected together on one end. The couplers of seven 10-inch tubular-shaped members  14  are connected throughout the sectioned tubular-shaped members  18  along their elastic bands  30  with one 10-inch tubular-shaped member  14  connected by its couplers  34  to the couplers  34  of the sectioned tubular-shaped members  18 . The couplers  34  of the spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  can be connected to another spherical-shaped member  10  or tubular-shaped member  14 ,  18 ,  22  at any of its couplers  34 , elastic bands  30  at the bore  38 , and elastic bands  30  between the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22 .  FIG. 8B  illustrates a ring  104  including one sectioned tubular-shaped member  18  with the couplers  34  at each of its ends  40  connected together.  FIG. 8C  illustrates a combination ring  108  including one sectioned combination tubular-shaped member  22  with the couplers  34  at each of its ends  40  connected together. 
       FIGS. 8D and 8E  illustrate examples of several embodiments of the segmented recreational device. The sectioned tubular-shaped member  18  with large diameter tubular-shaped members  14  is shown with contrasting colors. A small diameter sectioned combination tubular-shaped member  22 , 52.5 inches in length, is also shown with contrasting colors.  FIGS. 8D and 8E  are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but to illustrate some examples of the various structures that can be constructed from the segmented recreational device. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9A  includes a plurality of sectioned tubular-shaped members  18  and tubular-shaped members  14  connected together to form a woven-rectangle  112 . A mat  116  is included in this embodiment and is detachably connected to the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18  at the bores  38  or the elastic bands  30  between the tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 . The mat  116  is constructed of a flexible sheet material and provides extra structure to the construction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9B , another embodiment is disclosed which includes a sleeve  120  disposed over the sectioned tubular-shaped member  18 . The sleeve  120  is constructed of a flexible stretchable sheet material such as a spandex or elastic fabric and provides additional support for the structure and enhanced visual appeal. 
     It is envisioned that the segmented recreational devices could be packaged as a kit including a plurality of different spherical-shaped members  10  and tubular-shaped members  14 ,  18 ,  22  which can be detachably connected to form a plurality of shapes and structures. Accessories such as a low voltage light string, a cup holder, a mesh mat or other accessories may also be included in the kit for attachment to the segmented recreational device for added functionality and/or visual appeal. 
     It is further envisioned that the segmented recreational devices have utility as pliable building blocks suitable for use away from an aquatic environment such as a pool, lake or ocean. In particular, the interchangeable design of these devices and the limitless way in which they can be assembled allow the product to be used as pliable building blocks in a manner similar to conventional building blocks. For example, the devices may be interconnected to make bumpers, arches, tunnels, tents, letters, numbers, figurines, goals, hoops, play-scapes, etc. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8