WO2011116029A2

WO2011116029A2 - Multifunction-convertible surface support device for water sports

Info

Publication number: WO2011116029A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/028570
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Manuel Carmichael
Original assignee: Robert Manuel Carmichael
Priority date: 2010-03-15
Filing date: 2011-03-15
Publication date: 2011-09-22

Abstract

A multifunction-convertible surface support device preferably for water sports or usage which comprises a primary floatation device, such as a perimeter tube that can be removably attached to an insert kit that can be exchanged to accommodate a wide ran»e of applications that require floatation.

Description

MULTIFUNCTION-CONVERTIBLE SURFACE SUPPORT DEVICE FOR WATER SPORTS

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to water sports and more specifically to a multifunction convertible surface support device.

2. Background of the Invention

Prior air supply sources that operate on the water have been used in the past. One example is U.S. Patent No. 4,919,631 to Stafford for an Underwater Diving System which includes a raft configuration for supporting a compressed air tank. For many years. Brownie's Third Lung has sold surface air supply device which floats on the water through the use of an inner tube. These devices have been limited to use as an air supply means floating on the water. The present invention is directed to a device which floats at surface and which permits multifunctional use and through various convertible configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a multi function-convertib le surface support device for water sports. In a preferred embodiment, the device can include a primary floatation device (which can be perimeter tube) that can be removably attached to an insert kit that can be exchanged to accommodate a wide range of applications mat require floatation including, but not limited to:

1. single or multiple scuba tank with surface supply hose system with or without integrated weight pouch attachment points and improved 3D dive flag;

2. motor powered dive system; with or without some or all of the features in 1.

3. cooler, catch bag, and/or fishing accessories for surface angler or spear-fishermen/diver,

4. evidence collection container and/or equipment for public safety diver,

5. substantial surface marking device such as, but not limited to, a 3-D dive flag, etc.; 6. GPS mapping equipment which can be attached to divers towing from below the surface;

7. lifeguard rescue apparatus;

8. sunbather lounge chair system and/or other chair system;

9. swimmer training and/or surface marker kit for open water exercise especially, though not limiting, in an area common to other watercraA; and/or

10. bland refugee transport kit

As a non-limiting example, when used for feature 1 (single or multiple air tanks, the present invention can be used to float preferably one or two standard dive tanks, along with two first stages and a tethered hose that can provide a multiple number (e.g. such as, but not limited to, up to 4 divers users, etc.) with their own air supply. Thus, the diver is completely free from having to wear heavy tanks on their back, while still being able to enjoy exploring the sights underwater, and without the need for constantly returning to the surface for air.

The main base perimeter raft is preferably inflatable which permits for easy shipping and storing when not in use. The use of an inflatable material for the raft is not considered limiting and other non-inflatable floatable materials can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention, such as, but not limited to, foam. One of the many possible inserts (such as those identified above for features 1- 10) can be secured to the main raft (i.e. with the raft preferably forming a substantially U-shaped configuration around the attached insert) in order to achieve one of the above-described features. The inserts can be secured to the raft by many different mechanisms, which include, but are not limited to, zipper connection, side release buckle connection, snaps, lace, button button holes, hook and loop fasteners (i.e. Velcro), etc.

Through the use of a dive flag, and preferably a novel 3 dimensional dive flag, preferably viewable from all points of view, as well as through the unique conspicuous configuration/structure of the present invention, the present invention personal float device provides for high visibility on the open waters, in addition to its multifunction capabilities.

The base of the insert device secured to the preferred inflatable raft can be constructed from various materials, depending on application or what the device is being used for. Such materials, include without limitation, mesh or netting (i.e. such as for the cooler and fishing gear embodiment as well as the lounge chair embodiment), float material (such as for the rescue device embodiment), a rigid plate member for holding/supporting heavier objects, etc. It should be recognized that the present invention is not limited to using one type of material for the base for a specific use, and that a material described or shown for use with certain objects, can be equally used for other objects not shown in the drawings/photos, as well as combination of materials can be use, and all of the various uses, combinations and configurations are considered within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the multi-functional convertible surface support device in accordance with the present invention shown floating in the water and supporting two scuba tanks;

Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the multi-function convertible surface support device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a back perspective view of the multi-function convertible surface support device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side perspective view of the multi-function convertible surface support device of Figure I;

Figure 5 is a second side perspective view of the multi-function convertible surface support device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a third side perspective view of the multi-function convertible surface support device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the multi-functional convertible surface support device in accordance with the present invention shown serving as a lounger, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the multi-functional convertible surface support device in accordance with the present invention shown serving as a water float, such as but not limited to, for water rescue;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the multi-functional convertible surface support device in accordance with the present invention shown serving as a support for one or more items, such as, but not limited to, a cooler, fishing gear, spear gun, etc.;

Figure 10 is a front side perspective view of the multi-functional convertible surface support device in accordance with the present invention shown serving as a support for one or more items, such as, but not limited to, a cooler, fishing rods, etc.;

Figure 11 is a back side perspective view of the multi-functional convertible surface support device in accordance with the present invention shown serving as a support for one or more items, such as, but not limited to, a cooler, fishing rods, etc.; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the main (base) preferably inflatable raft in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THE I VENTION

Figures 1 through 6 illustrate a first embodiment for the present invention multifunctional convertible surface support device. The device comprises of raft member and a support member preferably removably secured to the raft member. As seen in Figure 12, the raft is preferably U-shaped in configuration, though such is not considered limiting. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism is preferably provided along at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the raft member for mating with a corresponding attachment mechanism of the support member. When the support member is secured to the raft, the support member can fill or substantially fill the area surrounded by the raft Various attachment mechanisms can be used for securing the support member to the raft member, such as, but not limited to, zipper connection, side release buckle connection, snaps, lace, button/button holes, hook and loop fasteners (i.e. Velcro), etc.

In Figures 1 through 6, the support member can comprise any flexible or rigid material which can support one or more scuba (air) tanks. As seen in Figure 2 then end of the support member can include one or more pocket or sleeve openings, preferably sized to correspond to the size of the tank to be inserted therein. The tank(s) are preferably inserted within the pocket/sleeve of the support member, such that their connection end is sticking out of the pocket/sleeve or is otherwise accessible for attachment to other items (i.e. hose, gauge, etc.). Alternatively, the tank(s) can be secured to the top of the support member by any suitable mechanism (i.e. strap(s), belt(s), rope, cable, buckles, etc.). Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention that the tank(s) could be secured to the bottom surface of the support member. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide more than one way to secure the tanks to the support member (i.e. sleeve opening and top securement, top securement and bottom securement, sleeve opening and bottom securement, etc.). With the sleeve pocket configuration, front flaps can be provided to hold in the tank(s) and prevent the tanks from slipping or otherwise coming out of the sleeve/pocket. In a double tank configuration, the sleeve pocket can be divided into two sections (one for each tank) and each section can be provided within a securement flap (though such is not considered limiting.

When the tank(s) are disposed within the pocket sleeve through insertion at the open external end of the suppor member, the top surface of the support member support the hose running from the tanks. The support member can also be provided with a mechanism(s) to lock or otherwise secure down the hose running from the tank(s) (See Figures 5 and 6). An attachment mechanism(s), such as, but not limited to, one or more halves of a side release buckle (i.e. female or male portion), can be provided at one or more locations on the top surface and used to hold a diver's weight/weight pouch/weight pocket ("weight"), which preferably includes the mating half attachment mechanism. By being able to take his or her weight off after the dive, and safely secure the weight to the support member, the diver can return to the boat or other vessel easier as he or she does not have to climb up wearing the weight. The preferred size of the raft provides for high-visibility, which visibility can be further enhanced through coiotfs) selection for the raft. One or more handles can be disposed along the raft. As seen in Figure 5, the hose line which runs to the divers underwater to provide their breathing air, can be inserted through one of the handles, which helps to maintain or guide the hose downward. One or more rings or loops, such as, but not limited to, one or more D-rings can also be provided on the raft which can serve as attachment points, such as, but not limited to, for securing a cooler, dive bag. A pole-like tube can be provided and secured to either the support member or the raft and serves as a receiving point for the pole of dive flag.

Figure 7 illustrates the present invention multi-function convertible surface support device used as a floating lounge chair. In this embodiment, the raft can be similar to the rafts described above. The support member in mis embodiment can be a seat, such as, but not limited to, a lounge chair-like seat, which can be preferably constructed from a mesh material so mat water does not accumulate in the sitting area. Other materials, porous and non-porous, can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. The seat-like support member in this embodiment is secured to the raft similar to the scuba tank support member discussed above.

In this embodiment the support member can be provided with a fold out leg support, which can be ptvotally supported or secured to the support member of secured such that it is retractable within the support member. The leg support portion can be made of a relatively rigid material so as not to collapse or buckle from the weight of the user's legs or, alternatively, a stiffening frame or mechanism can be incorporated into the leg support for the same purpose. One or more loops or rings, such as, but not limited to, one or more D-rings can be secured to the raft and at least one of such D-rings can be used for towing the multi-function convertible surface support device.

A padded back rest and/or padded neck roll or pillow can also be secured to the support member or raft. In this embodiment, the support member can extend over one or both sides of the raft and the overhang portion can include one or more pockets or openings for holding a beverage, suntan lotion, sunscreen, keys, etc. The pockets or openings can be provided with a zipper or other type of enclosure. The pole like tube described above for the first embodiment can again be used to hold a dive flag or can also be used to hold a sun umbrella. The raft member can be provided with one or more handle members.

Figure 8 illustrates the present invention multi-function convertible surface support device used as a float device, such as, but not limited to a rescue float. In this embodiment, the raft can be similar to the rafts described above. The support member in mis embodiment can be a float platform, which can be preferably constructed from a foam material so as to provide support to a person or other items disposed on top of the support member. Other water friendly, relatively rigid materials can be also be used for constructing the platform support member and are considered within the scope of the invention. The platform-like support member is secured to the raft similar to the scuba tank and/or seat-like support member discussed above.

In this embodiment the support member can comprise two portions which are pivotally or fbldably secured to each other or secured by an attachment mechanism, such as, but not limited to a zipper attachment. Prior to deployment, the outer extension portion can be secured to the raft (i.e. through straps and mating buckle connection, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, a side release buckle can be used for the securement, though such is not considered limiting and other attachment mechanisms can be used. In the preferred embodiment, with the two portions in deployed position the length of the platform is sufficient to support a person (i.e. injured victim, etc.) out of the water (i.e. full body length, etc.). Other lengths for the combined platform length can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. Additionally, it also within the scope of the invention to have a single float platform support member secured to the raft whose length can terminate at the end of the raft or which can extend beyond the raft.

One or more loops or rings, such as, but not limited to, one or more D-rings can be secured to the raft and at least one of such D-rings can be used for towing the multi-function convertible surface support device.

A padded head pillow can also be secured to the support member or raft In mis embodiment, The pole like tube described above for the first embodiment can again be used to hold a dive flag or can also be used to hold a sun umbrella. The raft member can be provided with one or more handle members. The raft or support member can also be provided with straps secured thereto, which can be used as a chest strap, to help secure and retain the person on the platform. The rescue float provides a stable device for rescue missions at sea or other body of water. The rescue float preferably has a high freeboard.

Figures 9 through 1 1 illustrates the present invention multi-function convertible surface support device used as a support for one or mote items that may be needed out in the water. As non-limiting examples, the support member can support a cooler, fishing gear, spear gun etc. In this embodiment raft can be similar to the rafts described above. The support member can be preferably constructed from a mesh material so that water does not accumulate on the top surface of the support member. Other materials, porous and non-porous, can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. The support member is secured to the raft similar to the scuba tank support member discussed above.

One or more loops or rings, such as, but not limited to, one or more D-rings can be secured to the raft and at least one of such D-rings can be used for towing the multi-function convertible surface support device. The support member can extend over one or both sides of the raft and the overhang portion can include one or more pockets or openings for holding a beverage, suntan lotion, sunscreen, keys, etc. The pockets or openings can be provided with a zipper or other type of enclosure. The pole like tube described above for the first embodiment can again be used to hold a dive flag or can also be used to hold a sun umbrella. The raft member can be provided with one or more handle members. Straps or Velcro straps (hook and loop) can be secured to the support member and or the raft for securing the fishing rods, cooler, etc. An optional cushion for the top of a cooler can also be provided.

When used to support a cooler, the weight of the cooler allows the cooler to securely cradle within the preferred mesh support member. Additionally the support member can be secured to the raft, such that a cooler receiving cavity is formed in the support member and the cooler is dropped in the cavity during use. The present invention provides a purpose built dinghy which in one embodiment can hold two standard dive tanks, and uses two first stages and a tethered hose that can provide up to four divers with their own air supply. The diver is completely free from having to wear heavy and sometimes intimidating tanks on their back, but can stilt enjoy the wonders of the underwater world without the need to constantly return to the surface for air.

All measurements, amounts, values, sized, shapes, percentages, materials, configurations, securement mechanisms, sealing members, sensing members, orientations, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawing figures are merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and other measurements, amounts, values, sizes, shapes, percentages, materials, configurations, securement mechanisms, sealing members, sensing members, orientations etc. can be chosen and used and all are considered within the scope of the invention.

The handle member can be constructed integral or monolithically formed with the raft.

Furthermore certain features discussed for one embodiment of the present can also be used with another of the above discussed embodiments of the present invention.

Unless features) or characteristic(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings for a claim element or claim term specifically appear in the claim with the claim element or claim term, then the inventor does not considered such feature(s) or characteristic(s) to be included for the claim element or claim term in the claim when and if the claim element or claim term is interpreted or construed.

While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain terms and has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled in the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, will appreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to the specific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a wide variety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can be practiced without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

CLAIM 1. A multi-functional convertible surface support device, comprising: a floating perimeter member; and a support member removably secured to the floating member.

CLAIM 2. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1, wherein said floating perimeter member is an inflatable perimeter tube.

CLAIM 3. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 2, wherein said inflatable perimeter tube is substantially U-shaped when inflated, said U-shape tube having an inner perimeter area and defining a receiving area for receipt of the support member.

CLAIM 4. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 3 wherein said support member is secured to said inflatable perimeter tube along at least a portion of the inner perimeter area such that said support member substantially fills the receiving area.

CLAIM 5. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 4 wherein said support member is secured to said inflatable perimeter tube through a zipper connection.

CLAIM 6. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 wherein said support member having one or more sleeve member adapted for receipt of one or more scuba tanks.

CLAIM 7. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 further comprising one or more handle member secured to said floating perimeter member.

CLAIM 8. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 further comprising one or more rings or loops secured to said floating perimeter member.

CLAIM 9. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 8 wherein said one or more rings or loops are one or more D-rings.

CLAIM 10. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 wherein said support member is constructed from a mesh material.

CLAIM 11. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 10 wherein said support member having a first overhang portion extending over a first side of said floating perimeter member and a second overhang portion extending over a second side of said floating perimeter member.

CLAIM 12. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 1 wherein a first pocket is provided within said first overhang portion and a second pocket is provided within said second overhang portion.

CLAIM 13. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of hook and loop fastening straps secured to said support member.

CLAIM 14. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 wherein said support member comprises a first foam member secured to said floating perimeter member and a second foam member pivotally or removably secured to said first foam member.

CLAIM 15. A multi-functional convertible surface support device, comprising: an inflatable substantially U-shaped perimeter tube, said U-shaped perimeter tube having an inner perimeter area and defining a receiving area; and a support member removably secured to said perimeter tube along a portion of said inner perimeter area such that said support member substantially fills in the receiving area.

CLAIM 16. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 15 wherein said support member having one or more sleeve member adapted for receipt of one or more scuba tanks.

CLAIM 17. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 15 further comprising one or more handle member secured to said floating perimeter member.

CLAIM 18. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 15 further comprising one or more D-rings secured to said floating perimeter member.

CLAIM 19. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 15 wherein said support member is constructed from a mesh material; wherein said support member having a first overhang portion extending over a first side of said floating perimeter member and a second overhang portion extending over a second side of said floating perimeter member, wherein a first pocket is provided within said first overhang portion and a second pocket is provided within said second overhang portion.

CLAIM 20. The multi-functional convertible surface support device of claim 1 wherein said support member comprises a first foam member secured to said floating perimeter member and a second foam member pivotally or removably secured to said first foam member.