Patent ID: 12227963

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein. Example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the illustrative embodiments. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of exemplary embodiments in whole or in part. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference toFIGS.1-18, a water egress system100is disclosed that comprises a buoyant platform for providing individuals or pets with ease of access out of the water to elevated areas, such as boats, docks, or pools. In some embodiments, the water egress system100may also or alternatively be used as a water ingress system. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.10,11, and18, smaller pets and younger individuals may also use the water egress system100for ease of access into the water from an elevated area, such as a boat, dock, or pool. The buoyant platform may be inflatable, foam filled, or buoyant in another manner. The water egress system100is adjustable and convertible, comprising a floating base102and a bolster104. A top surface136of the base102comprises the surface of the base102which is opposite to the surface of the base102which is in contact with the water when base102is positioned on the water.

The base102comprises arms106extending outwardly from the base102. In some embodiments, the arms106extend from the base102parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the arms106extend perpendicular to the base102or at any other angle to the base102. The arms106may be disposed at end portions124of the base102that are opposite to an attachment point126of the bolster104.

The base102further comprises a ramp108. In some embodiments, the ramp108may comprise at least one of a mesh or otherwise pliable fabric and a hard material. Also or alternatively, the ramp108may comprise at least one of ropes, cords, netting, and any material configured to provide a ramp. In some embodiments, at least some of the materials of the ramp108may be stitched together to form the ramp108.

The ramp108is removably attached to the base102, to one or more of the arms106, or to any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the ramp108is removably attached to the base102and to each of the arms106. The ramp108may be attached to the base102, the arms106, or to any combination thereof using an attachment mechanism110. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism110may comprise, for example, a corded attachment such as that shown inFIGS.1and2where a cord137or rope is stitched through corresponding loops128of a fabric strip138on the base102, corresponding loops130of a fabric strip140on the arms106, and corresponding loops132of a fabric strip142on the ramp108. The corded attachment may provide improved strength and long-lasting durability as compared to an attachment system where, for example, a ramp is welded directly onto a base or arms. In other embodiments, the ramp108may also or alternatively be attached to the base102, one or more of the arms106or any combination thereof by any other attachment mechanism110including, for example, snap button closures, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, hooks, clasps, adhesives, snap fit, welding or any other fastener mechanism.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, the ramp108comprises a plurality of treads112that are configured for use by a pet or other individual using the water egress system100to climb out of the water via the ramp108. An example of a pet climbing out of the water using the ramp108and treads112is shown in inFIGS.8,9and16. In some embodiments, the treads112may also or alternatively comprise rungs, footholds, or traversable netting for use by an individual or pet that is using the water egress system100to climb out of the water. In some embodiments, the treads112may be disposed parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the treads112, together with a stitching or configuration of the ramp108, may form steps or stairs for the individual or pet to “walk” up to egress from the water onto the base102or to ingress into the water from the base102. In some embodiments, the material of the ramp108may form stairs or another configuration that supports and assists the egress or ingress of an individual or pet from or into the water without utilizing the treads112. For example, the material of the ramp108may be stitched or joined together in a manner that defines steps or standing surfaces.

In some embodiments, the treads112are specifically sized and spaced apart such that they are configured for use by an individual. For example, the treads112may be a larger size and spaced further apart when the water egress system100is configured for use by an individual as compared to when the water egress system100is configured for use by a pet.

A weight mechanism144(FIG.2) may be permanently or removably attached to the ramp108. The weight mechanism144is configured to keep at least part of the ramp108submerged underwater and to inhibit the ramp108from floating to a surface of the water, as shown inFIG.4. The weight mechanism144is further configured to maintain the ramp108in an open or unfolded configuration, such that the ramp108is accessible for egress out of the water. In an embodiment, the weight mechanism144is situated within a sleeve which is sewn into the material comprising the ramp108. In other embodiments, for example, the weight mechanism144may be built into, sewn into, snap buttoned, roped, corded, hook and loop fastened, zippered, hooked, clasped, snap fitted, adhered to or otherwise attached or integrated into the ramp108in any other manner. In an embodiment, the weight mechanism144comprises a stainless steel bar. In other embodiments, the weight mechanism144may comprise, for example, a waterproof sandbag. In other embodiments, the weight mechanism144may comprise a rod, plank, pipe, or bar comprising at least one of aluminum, titanium, rubber, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PS (polystyrene), and any other waterproof, non-corrosive, non-buoyant material that is configured to keep at least part of the ramp108submerged underwater.

In an embodiment, the weight mechanism144is permanently or removably attached to an end of the ramp108which is situated in the water, between the end portions124of the base102. In some embodiments, the water egress system100comprises one or more weight mechanisms144that are permanently or removably attached to the ramp108. For example, the one or more weight mechanisms144may be permanently or removably attached to each of the treads112. In some embodiments, the weight mechanisms144may be permanently or removably attached to the surface of the ramp108which is in contact with the water when base102is positioned on the water, for example, under each of the treads112.

In some embodiments, the treads112may comprise stiffening or support members which are configured to hold the ramp108in position while in use. The stiffening or support members are configured to operate in a similar manner to and may comprise like materials and methods of attachment as the weight mechanism144or the treads112. In some embodiments, the stiffening or support members may comprise EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam or similar foam materials. In some embodiments, the stiffening or support members may be permanently or removably attachable to the side walls of each of the treads112, for example, in an embodiment where the treads112comprise steps or stairs.

The bolster104is attached to the base102by, for example, a strap118that is configured to connect to an attachment point114of the bolster104and an attachment point116of the base102. The strap118is configured to provide stability while the water egress system100is in use, for example, by inhibiting lateral movement of the bolster104when a dog or individual steps onto bolster104to access the higher elevation, as shown inFIG.9. In some embodiments, the bolster104comprises a plurality of attachment points114and the base102comprises a plurality of corresponding attachment points116where, for example, each attachment point114on the bolster104may have a corresponding attachment point116on the base102. In some embodiments, a plurality of the straps118may be utilized to attach the bolster104to the base102using multiple corresponding attachment points114and116. The strap118may removably attach the bolster104to the base102or may permanently attach the bolster104to the base102. Any other attachment mechanism may also or alternatively be utilized instead of or in addition to the strap118. In some embodiments, the strap118may be adjustable in length to adjust an amount of tension on strap118and a spacing or tightness of the attachment of the bolster104to the base102.

In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment points114of the bolster104may correspond to one or more of the attachment points116of the base102where, for example, the attachment points114of the bolster104may have one-to-one relationships with corresponding attachment points116of the base102, many-to-one relationships with corresponding attachment points116of the base102, one-to-many relationships with the corresponding attachment points116of the base102, or any other relationship with the attachment points116of the base102.

The bolster104may also comprise one or more attachment points120, for example, on a different side of the bolster104from attachment points114. For example, attachment points114may be on a side surface of the bolster104, while attachment points120may be on a top surface of the bolster104. Other attachment points may also or alternatively be located on a bottom surface of the bolster104or located on another side surface of the bolster104. Attachment points120may be utilized to, for example, removably or permanently attach the water egress system100to a boat, dock, pool, or any other elevated surface or platform to which egress is desired, for example, as shown inFIGS.4-7,9, and12. In some embodiments, attachment points120may be utilized to attach any other component to the water egress system100. As an example, in some embodiments, an additional bolster (not shown) may be attached to the bolster104at the attachment points120. In some embodiments, a smaller bolster (not shown) may be attached to the bolster104, for example, to provide an additional step that is configured to allow an individual or pet to reach a higher elevation than the base102and the bolster104alone. In some embodiments, a plank or bridge component may be attached to the attachment points120to extend a distance from the elevated surface from which the water egress system100may be deployed.

The water egress system100may be removably or permanently attached to an elevated surface such as a dock402by the attachment of a rope404to one or more of attachment points114,116, and120, for example, as shown inFIG.4. The water egress system100may also or alternatively be removably or permanently attachable to an elevated surface by, for example, the attachment of a strap, cord, bungee, elastic, carabiner, clip, or any other attachment mechanism to one or more of attachment points114,116and120. Attachment points114,116, and120may comprise anchors or any other attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, for example, attachment points114,116and120may comprise snap button closures, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, hooks, clasps, adhesives, snap fit, or any other fastener mechanism.

The base102comprises a grip surface122. The grip surface122may be configured to provide an individual or pet with a surface that has a higher coefficient of friction than other surfaces of the base102. In some embodiments, for example, the grip surface122may be fabricated to have a non-slip or slip-inhibiting design, material, or coating that provides an individual or pet with a more controlled and confident surface on which to step that is configured for ease of walking and climbing, as shown inFIGS.10and11. The grip surface122may be fabricated to have a claw resistant design, material, or coating that inhibits puncture, rupture, scratch, rip, tear, perforation, laceration, or any other form of damage to the base102. In some embodiments, the grip surface122may comprise a traction pad which may, for example, comprise a diamond groove texture configured to provide added grip for ease of walking and climbing. In some embodiments, the grip surface122may comprise a high-density EVA-70 foam. In some embodiments, the high-density EVA-70 foam is disposed on the top surface of the base102. In some embodiments, the high-density EVA-70 foam is glued to or otherwise adhered to the top surface of the base102. In some embodiments the bolster104may also comprise a grip surface134that is similar to the grip surface122of the base102, as shown inFIGS.10and11. In some embodiments, the bolster104is configured for attachment adjacent to at least a portion of the grip surface122. The bolster104may also or alternatively be configured for at least partial attachment on top of the grip surface122.

With reference toFIGS.3and12, the bolster104may also or alternatively be attached to the base102at the attachment point126. In some embodiments, the bolster104may be removably or permanently attached to the base102at attachment point126. The bolster104may be attached to the base102at the attachment point126, for example, using a corded attachment300, a rope, or other attachment mechanism. The corded attachment300may comprise a cord which is stitched through corresponding loops302of a fabric strip308on the base102and corresponding loops304of a fabric strip310on the bolster104. The corded attachment300provides more strength and long-lasting durability than traditional attachment systems wherein, for example, features such as a bolster are welded directly onto a base. The corded attachment300is configured to act as a hinge between the base102and the bolster104. Additional or alternative attachment mechanisms for removably or permanently attaching the bolster104to the base102may include snap button closures, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, hooks, clasps, adhesives, snap fit, or any other fastener mechanism. In some embodiments, the bolster104is removably or permanently attached to the base102by a hinge. In some embodiments, the bolster104is attached to at least part of the base102by a flap of the material comprising portions of at least one of the base102and the bolster104, which is configured to act as a hinge between the base102and the bolster104.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.1-11, the bolster104is positioned proximate to the top surface136of the base102in a boost configuration to provide added height to the water egress system100for ease of egress to an elevated surface. In some embodiments, for example, the bolster104is engaged against or touching the top surface136of the base102. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.12-14, the bolster104is positioned adjacent to the base102in an extended configuration to provide added length to the water egress system100for ease of access to a more distant surface to which egress is desired. The corded attachment300is configured to act as a hinge between the base102and the bolster104, where, for example, the bolster104may be rotated about the corded attachment300between the boost configuration and the extended configuration. As an example, the corded attachment300may define an axis about which the bolster104may rotate between convertible configurations. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.15-18, the bolster104is rotated about the corded attachment300and positioned adjacent to and at a variable angle to the base102in an angled extended configuration. In some embodiments, the variable angle may be an angle between the angle of the bolster104relative to the base102when the water egress system100is in the boost configuration (e.g., about 0 degrees or another small angle), and the angle of the bolster104relative to the base102when the water egress system100is in the extended configuration (e.g., about 180 degrees or another similar angle). The added height provided in the boost configuration and the angled extended configuration may inhibit the water egress system100from sliding under an elevated surface, such as the dock402, a boat swim platform, or other elevated surface, for example, as show inFIGS.4,6, and15.

In some embodiments, the bolster104may be tensioned against a surface of the base102. For example, the tension of the bolster104against the top surface136of the base102may be increased or decreased by adjusting the strap118. Also or alternatively, the bolster104may be tensioned against the top surface136of the base102using at least one of a rope, a cord, a bungee, an elastic, a carabiner, a clip, a hook, and a clasp. In some embodiments, the bolster104may also or alternatively be tensioned against any other surface of the base102using the strap118and attachment points114,116and120.

In some embodiments, the water egress system100is configured to be buoyant and portable. For example, the base102and the bolster104may comprise a material with drop stitch inflatable technology. Drop stitch fabric utilizes thousands of polyester threads to create flat surfaces that can be inflated to durable rigidity, enabling hard-shell performance with easy transportation and storage. The base102and the bolster104may also or alternatively comprise any other material that is configured to be portable, inflatable, foam filled, or buoyant in any another manner.

A process of using the water egress system100comprises attaching the bolster104to the base102by, for example, the corded attachment300, or any attachment mechanism discussed above. As shown inFIGS.1-3, the bolster104may be positioned proximate to the top surface136of the base102at the attachment point126in the boost configuration. This boost configuration provides added height to the water egress system100and is configured to allow an individual or pet access to an elevated surface to which egress is desired. The bolster104may be secured in place in the boost configuration by, for example, the strap118connecting the attachment points114and116. A tension of the bolster104against the top surface136of the base102may also be adjusted by adjusting the strap118.

The water egress system100may be transitioned to the extended configuration where the bolster104is adjacent to the base102, as shown inFIGS.12-14. For example, in the extended configuration, a standing surface of the bolster104, e.g., grip surface134, may be level with or at about the same level as a standing surface of the base102, e.g., top surface136and grip surface122. The extended configuration provides added length to the water egress system100and is configured to allow an individual or pet access to surfaces which are further away from the attachment point126.

In the extended configuration, the bolster104may be attached to the base102at the attachment point126by, for example, the corded attachment300or any attachment mechanism discussed above. The strap118may also be attached to the attachment points114and116to hold the bolster104against a side surface306of the base102and in some embodiments, to tension the bolster104against the side surface306of the base102. To transition the water egress system100from the boost configuration to the extended configuration or vice versa, the bolster104may be rotated about the attachment point126, e.g., about the axis of the corded attachment300in some embodiments, while remaining attached to the base102. In some embodiments, for example, the bolster104may be rotated relative to the base102about a hinge, a flap of material, or other attachment mechanism as described above to transition the water egress system100between configurations.

The water egress system100may be transitioned to a detached configuration where the bolster104is removed from the base102by, for example, detaching the corded attachment300and the strap118from attachment points114and116. Attachment points116may be utilized to, for example, removably or permanently attach the water egress system100to a boat, dock, pool, or any other elevated surface to which egress is desired. In some embodiments, a plank or bridge component may be attached to the attachment points116to extend a distance from the elevated surface from which the water egress system100may be deployed. The bolster104may be reattached to the base102by, for example, attaching the corded attachment300at attachment point126, the strap118at attachment points114and116or both.

As shown inFIGS.15-18, the water egress system100may be transitioned to an angled extended configuration by rotating the bolster104about the corded attachment300and positioning the bolster104adjacent to and at a variable angle to the base102. In some embodiments, the variable angle may be at least the angle of the bolster104relative to the base102when the water egress system100is in the extended configuration, and at most 180 degrees relative to the base102. In the angled extended configuration, the water egress system100is removably or permanently attached to a boat, dock, pool, or any other elevated surface or platform to which egress is desired via at least one of attachment points120and114of the bolster104. In the angled extended configuration, the bolster104is configured to function as a ramp, e.g., providing access from base102up to a surface that is elevated relative to base102. Depending at least in part on the variable angle of attachment between the bolster104and the base102, the angled extended configuration provides added variable height and variable length to the water egress system100for ease of access to an elevated surface to which egress is desired. For example, as shown inFIGS.15-18, the angled extended configuration may provide access to an elevated surface that is in between a height of the top surface of the base102and a length of the bolster104in the direction of egress or ingress.

The water egress system100may be transitioned between any of the boost, extended, angled extended, or detached configurations, in any order. For example, the water egress system100may be transitioned between the boost configuration and the detached configuration, between the detached configuration and the extended configuration, and between the boost configuration, the angled extended configuration, and the extended configuration in any order.

FIGS.1through18are conceptual illustrations allowing for an explanation of the disclosed embodiments of the invention. Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the invention to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the disclosed embodiments can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the disclosed embodiments are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the disclosed embodiments. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, terms in the specification or claims are not intended to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the disclosed embodiments encompass present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

The foregoing description will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosed embodiments that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the disclosed embodiments. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s).