U.S. patent application number 11/423915 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-05 for collapsible aquatic toys.
Invention is credited to David A. Arias.
Application Number | 20060223410 11/423915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38266804 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060223410 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arias; David A. |
October 5, 2006 |
Collapsible Aquatic Toys
Abstract
An apparatus includes a frame member having an external surface.
The frame member forming a closed loop and bounding an interior
region. A buoyancy member is coupled to the frame member such that
at least a portion of the buoyancy member is disposed outside the
exterior surface of the frame member. A weight is coupled to the
frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is disposed
outside the interior region and outside the exterior surface of the
frame member. In some embodiments, an apparatus also includes a
character member that is coupled to at least one of the buoyancy
member or the weight.
Inventors: |
Arias; David A.; (Virginia
Beach, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COOLEY GODWARD LLP;ATTN: PATENT GROUP
THE BOWEN BUILDING
875 15TH STREET, N.W. SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-2221
US
|
Family ID: |
38266804 |
Appl. No.: |
11/423915 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10817293 |
Apr 2, 2004 |
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11423915 |
Jun 13, 2006 |
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10776981 |
Feb 11, 2004 |
6923706 |
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10817293 |
Apr 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/153 ;
446/155 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 23/08 20130101;
A63H 23/005 20130101; A63H 23/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/153 ;
446/155 |
International
Class: |
A63H 23/04 20060101
A63H023/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a frame member having an external
surface, the frame member forming a closed loop and bounding an
interior region; a buoyancy member coupled to the frame member such
that at least a portion of the buoyancy member is disposed outside
the exterior surface of the frame member; and a weight coupled to
the frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is
disposed outside the interior region and outside the exterior
surface of the frame member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight is configured to be
positioned at a distance spaced from the frame member when the
frame member is at least partially submerged in water.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight is configured to
contact a bottom surface of a body of water when the frame member
is at least partially submerged in the body of water.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a character member
coupled to at least one of the buoyancy member or the weight.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight is a first weight,
the apparatus further comprising: a second weight coupled to the
frame member such that at least a portion of the second weight is
disposed outside the interior region and outside the exterior
surface of the frame member, the first weight, the second weight
and the buoyancy member collectively configured to maintain the
frame member in a substantially vertical orientation when the frame
member is at least partially submerged in water.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight is configured to
contact a bottom surface of a body of water while the frame member
is positioned at a distance spaced above the bottom surface of the
body of water when the frame member is at least partially submerged
in the body of water.
7. An apparatus, comprising: a frame member having an exterior
surface, the frame member forming a closed loop and bounding an
interior region; a buoyancy member coupled to the frame member such
that at least a portion of the buoyancy member is disposed outside
the exterior surface of the frame member; and a character member
coupled to the buoyancy member.
8. The apparatus of 7, further comprising: a weight coupled to the
frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is
positioned at a distance spaced from the frame member when the
frame member is at least partially submerged in water.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a weight coupled
to the frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is
positioned outside of the interior region and configured to contact
a bottom surface of a body of water when the frame member is at
least partially submerged in the body of water.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a weight coupled
to the frame member, the weight and the frame member collectively
having a negative buoyancy.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the entire buoyancy member is
configured to be disposed outside the interior region and outside
the exterior surface of the frame member.
12. An apparatus, comprising: a frame member having an exterior
surface, the frame member forming a closed loop and bounding an
interior region; and a character member coupled to the frame
member, at least a portion of the character member configured to
float at a surface of a body of water when the frame member is at
least partially submerged in the body of water, the frame member
configured to be oriented in a substantially vertical orientation
when at least partially submerged in the body of water.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a buoyancy
member coupled to the character member such that at least a portion
of the buoyancy member is disposed outside the exterior surface of
the frame member.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a weight coupled
to the frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is
disposed outside the interior region and outside the exterior
surface of the frame member.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a weight coupled
to the frame member such that at least a portion of the weight is
disposed outside of the interior region and at a distance spaced
from the frame member when the frame member is at least partially
submerged in the body of water.
16. The apparatus of claim 412, further comprising: a weight
coupled to the frame member, the weight configured to contact a
bottom surface of a body of water when the frame member is at least
partially submerged in the body of water.
17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first weight
coupled to the frame member; and a second weight coupled to the
frame member, the first weight and the second weight collectively
configured to maintain the frame member in a substantially vertical
orientation when at least partially submerged in the body of
water.
18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the character member is
constructed at least partially with plastic.
19. An apparatus, comprising: a first member having an external
surface, the first member forming a closed loop and bounding an
interior region; a second member having a buoyancy greater than
water coupled to the first member such that at least a portion of
the second member is disposed outside the exterior surface of the
first member; and a third member having a buoyancy less than water
coupled to the first member such that at least a portion of the
third member is disposed outside the interior region and outside
the exterior surface of the first member.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the third member is
configured to be positioned at a distance spaced from the first
member when the first member is at least partially submerged in
water.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the third member is
configured to contact a bottom surface of a body of water when the
first member is at least partially submerged in the body of
water.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: indicia disposed
on at least one of the second member or the third member.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: a fourth member
having a buoyancy less than water coupled to the first member such
that at least a portion of the fourth member is disposed outside
the interior region and outside the exterior surface of the first
member, the third member, the fourth member and the second member
collectively configured to maintain the first member in a
substantially vertical orientation when the first member is at
least partially submerged in water.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the third member is
configured to contact a bottom surface of a body of water while the
first member is positioned at a distance spaced above the bottom
surface of the body of water.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/817,293, filed Apr. 2, 2004, entitled
Aquatic Toys, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/776,981, filed Feb. 11, 2004, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,923,706 the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates generally to collapsible aquatic
toys, and particularly to collapsible aquatic toys that are
collapsible through use of a coilable frame member
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to an aquatic toy that is
generally weighted and/or buoyed and includes a frame member that
is capable of providing at least some rigidity and structure to at
least a portion of the aquatic toy.
[0004] The frame member is at least partially covered by and/or
attached to a fabric portion. In various exemplary embodiments, the
fabric portion is in the shape of an object, plant, animal, or
other character. The frame member is at least partially surrounded
by the fabric portion such that a hollow opening is formed in the
fabric portion by the frame member.
[0005] The aquatic toy is generally weighted and/or buoyed such
that when placed in a body of water, such as, for example, a
swimming pool, the aquatic toy is capable of maintaining a desired
form and position in the water. In various exemplary embodiments,
the aquatic toy is generally weighted and/or buoyed such that it is
capable of maintaining a desired vertical or horizontal position in
the water. In this manner, a swimmer may, in various exemplary
embodiments, swim through the hollow opening formed by the frame
member.
[0006] In various exemplary embodiments, weights and/or buoys are
positioned in or on certain areas of the fabric portion such that,
when placed in a body of water, the fabric portion of the aquatic
toy is capable of being maintained in a relatively opened position
so that the object, plant, animal, or other character formed by the
fabric portion is visible.
[0007] Depending upon the degree of weight and/or buoyancy provided
to various portions of the aquatic toy, certain portions of the
aquatic toy may have a relatively negative buoyancy while other
portions of the aquatic toy may have a relatively positive
buoyancy. If the aquatic toy has a relatively negative overall
buoyancy, the aquatic toy will sink to the bottom of, for example,
a swimming pool, until at least a portion of the aquatic toy is in
contact with the bottom of the pool.
[0008] If the aquatic toy has a relatively positive overall
buoyancy, the aquatic toy will float towards the top surface of the
water in the swimming pool, until at least a portion of the aquatic
toy reaches the top surface of the water.
[0009] If the aquatic toy has a relatively neutral overall
buoyancy, the aquatic toy will float at a given depth in the water
in the swimming pool.
[0010] A certain amount of rigidity and structure may be provided
to the aquatic toy by means of the frame member. In various
exemplary embodiments, the frame member may be removed from the
aquatic toy, such that the fabric portion of the aquatic toy may be
folded or collapsed when not in use. When the aquatic toy is to be
used, the frame member may be reattached or inserted into the
aquatic toy to, once again, provide some rigidity and structure to
the aquatic toy.
[0011] Accordingly, this invention provides an aquatic toy, which,
when placed in a body of water, is capable of maintaining a desired
form and position in the water.
[0012] This invention separately provides an aquatic toy, which may
be easily folded or collapsed when not in use.
[0013] This invention separately provides an aquatic toy, which is
simple and cost effective.
[0014] These and other features and advantages of this invention
are described in or are apparent from the following detailed
description of the exemplary embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be
described in detail, with reference to the following figures,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of
an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration according
to this invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the second exemplary embodiment
of the aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the third exemplary embodiment
of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the fourth exemplary embodiment
of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the fifth exemplary embodiment
of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a method for
joining the frame member as used in one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy with
the frame member removed such that the aquatic toy may be folded or
collapsed according to this invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 having multiple
frame pockets and multiple frame segments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] For simplicity and clarification, the design factors,
construction, and layout of the aquatic toys according to this
invention are explained with reference to various exemplary
embodiments of an aquatic toy according to this invention. The
basic explanation of the operation of the aquatic toy is applicable
for the understanding and design of the constituent components
employed in the aquatic toys of this invention.
[0025] It should be appreciated that, for simplicity and
clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be described
with reference to several exemplary embodiments of the aquatic toy,
wherein the fabric portion is in the shape of an animal or seaweed.
However, it should be appreciated that the fabric portion of the
aquatic toys of this invention may take the shape of any object,
plant, animal, or other character.
[0026] It should also be appreciated that, for simplicity and
clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be shown
and/or described with reference to the aquatic toys having a frame
member and a hollow opening, each having a generally circular
shape. However, the generally circular geometry of the frame member
and the hollow opening is intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Thus, it should be understood that the overall geometry
of the frame member and/or the hollow opening may comprise any
overall geometry, including, for example, a generally square,
rectangle, triangular, pentangular, circular, oval, elliptical,
star, or other shape. Furthermore, the overall geometry of the
frame member may be substantially the same as the overall geometry
of the hollow opening or may differ from that of the hollow
opening.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of
an aquatic toy 100 according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 1,
the aquatic toy 100 is in a fully expanded or open configuration
and includes at least some of a fabric portion 110, at least one
frame pocket 112, a frame member 120, at least one optional
buoyancy element 130, and at least one optional weight element
140.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the fabric portion 110 is in the general
shape of a walrus. However, it should be appreciated that the
fabric portion of the aquatic toys of this invention may be in the
shape of any object, plant, animal, or other character.
[0029] In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric portion 110 is
made of a lightweight fabric or other material and may include
woven fabrics, sheet fabrics, films, nylon, spandex, vinyl,
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), neoprene, or the like. Additionally, the
fabric portion 110 may be made of any flexible and/or elastic
material and may stretch. Alternatively, the fabric portion 110 may
be formed from multiple materials. The fabric may be
water-resistant and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear
associated with an aquatic toy that is appropriate for outdoor
and/or pool use. In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric
portion 110 may include a cushion material.
[0030] It should be appreciated that the terms fabric and material
are to be given their broadest meanings and that the particular
fabric or material used to form the fabric portion 110 is a design
choice based on the desired appearance, wearability, buoyancy,
and/or functionality of the aquatic toy 100.
[0031] In various exemplary embodiments, the fabric portion 110 may
have a relatively negative, neutral, or positive buoyancy, such
that the fabric portion 110 may provide at least some negative,
neutral, or positive buoyancy to the aquatic toy 100 or at least a
portion of the aquatic toy 100.
[0032] A hollow opening 114 is formed in the fabric portion 110 of
the aquatic toy 100. The size, position, and overall geometry of
the hollow opening 114 may vary and is a design choice based on the
desired appearance and/or functionality of the aquatic toy 100.
However, in various exemplary embodiments, the hollow opening 114
may be large enough that an average youngster can swim through the
hollow opening 114.
[0033] At least one frame pocket 112 is formed substantially around
a perimeter of the hollow opening 114, such that a frame member 120
may be at least partially held or contained within the frame pocket
112. In various embodiments, a frame pocket 112 is comprised of
multiple frame pockets 113 (see FIG. 8), which are formed
substantially around the perimeter of the hollow opening 114. In
these embodiments, a frame member 120' is comprised of multiple
corresponding frame member segments 121 (see FIG. 8), each of which
may be at least partially held or contained within at least one of
the multiple frame pockets (not shown).
[0034] In various exemplary embodiments, the frame pocket 112 may
be constructed such that it may at least partially enclose the
frame member 120 by means of a frame pocket fastening means (not
shown). The frame pocket fastening means, if included, allow the
frame pocket 112 to be maintained in a closed position around at
least a portion of the frame member 120. In various exemplary
embodiments, the frame pocket fastening means comprises releasable
fasteners such as male/female snap-release buckles, Velcro or other
hook-and-loop fasteners, a ziplock fastening device, a zipper,
buttons, snaps, or other fastening or closure means known by those
skilled in the art.
[0035] The frame member 120 may be merely held or retained within
the frame pocket 112 without being connected thereto.
Alternatively, the frame member 120 may be mechanically fastened,
joined, stitched, fused, or glued within the frame pocket 112, such
that the frame member 120 is retained in a specific position
relative to the frame pocket 112 or the aquatic toy 100.
[0036] The frame member 120 provides at least partial rigidity or
structure to at least a portion of the perimeter of the hollow
opening 114 and holds the perimeter of the hollow opening 114 in an
expanded or open configuration and provides form to the hollow
opening 114.
[0037] In various exemplary embodiments, the frame member 120 may
comprise a single unitary element. Alternatively, the frame member
120 may comprise at least one strip or segment of frame member
material connected to form a continuous loop, as further shown and
described with reference to FIG. 6.
[0038] The frame member 120 may be formed from, for example, metal,
fiberglass, plastic, PVC, nylon, or the like, and may be rigid or
flexible. The frame member 120 may be coated with a layer of
corrosion resistant material, such as, for example, Polyvinyl
Chloride, to protect the frame member 120 from corrosion and rust.
In various exemplary embodiments, the frame member 120 may be
formed from a waterproof or corrosion resistant material or from a
material that has been treated such that it is at least partially
resistant to water damage or corrosion.
[0039] As further shown in FIG. 1, the aquatic toy 100 includes at
least one optional buoyancy element 130 and at least one optional
weight element 140. Each optional buoyancy element 130 may be
comprised of foam, Styrofoam.RTM. or any other multicellular
expanded synthetic resin, cork, an inflated or inflatable pocket or
bladder, plastic, rubber, wood, or an equivalent, or any other
known or later developed material or system capable of providing a
determined level of relatively buoyancy to the aquatic toy 100.
[0040] Each optional weight element 140 may be comprised of metal,
a weighted or weightable pocket or bladder, plastic, rubber, wood,
or an equivalent, or any other known or later developed material or
system capable of providing a determined level of relatively weight
to the aquatic toy 100.
[0041] Each optional buoyancy element 130 is placed such that a
particular region or portion of the aquatic toy 100 and/or the
fabric portion 110 has a determined relatively buoyancy, while each
optional weight element 140 is placed such that a particular region
or portion of the aquatic toy 100 and/or the fabric portion 110 has
a determined relatively weight. In this manner, certain portions of
the aquatic toy 100 and/or certain portions of the fabric portion
110 are generally buoyed and/or weighted such that when the aquatic
toy 100 is placed in a body of water, such as, for example, a
swimming pool, the aquatic toy 100 is capable of maintaining a
desired form and position in the water.
[0042] In various exemplary embodiments, each optional buoyancy
element 130 and each optional weight element 140 is placed or
positioned in or on certain areas of the fabric portion 110 such
that, when the aquatic toy 100 is placed in a body of water, the
fabric portion 110 is capable of being maintained in a relatively
opened position so that the object, plant, animal, or other
character formed by the fabric portion 110 is visible.
[0043] In various exemplary embodiments, the optional buoyancy
element(s) 130 and the optional weight element(s) 140 are not used
and the buoyancy and/or weight is provided to the aquatic toy 100
and/or certain portions of the fabric portion 110 by the frame
member 120 and/or the material used in certain areas of the fabric
portion 110.
[0044] The frame member 120 may provide sufficient weight and/or
buoyancy to maintain the aquatic toy 100 in the desired position in
water. In these embodiments, various portions of the frame member
120 may be weighted and/or buoyed, either inherently or
intrinsically, or by various buoyancy and/or weight elements.
Alternatively, wherein the frame member 120 is comprised of
multiple corresponding frame member segments (not shown), each
frame member segment may be weighted and/or buoyant, such that,
when positioned within at least one of the multiple frame pockets
(not shown), each frame member segment (not shown) provides
sufficient weight and/or buoyancy to maintain the aquatic toy 100
in the desired position in water.
[0045] The material used to form the fabric portion 110 may provide
sufficient weight and/or buoyancy to maintain the aquatic toy 100
in the desired form and position in water. In these embodiments,
the fabric portion 110 may be formed of a naturally weighted or
buoyant material or various portions of the fabric portion 110 may
be formed of a naturally weighted or buoyant material.
[0046] It should be appreciated that any combination of optional
buoyancy elements 130, optional weight elements 140, a weighted
and/or buoyed frame member 120, weighted and/or buoyed frame member
segments (not shown), and weighty and/or buoyant fabric portion(s)
110 may be used.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the aquatic toy 100 is in the
general shape of a walrus and includes exemplary buoyancy elements
130 and exemplary weight elements 140 positioned such that the
fabric portion 110 is maintained in a relatively open position and
the aquatic toy 100 may be maintained in a relatively vertical
position in water.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a second exemplary embodiment
of the aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the aquatic toy
200 includes at least some of a fabric portion 210, a frame pocket
212, a hollow opening 214, a frame member 220, at least one
optional buoyancy element 230, and at least one optional weight
element 240.
[0049] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion 110,
the frame pocket 112, the hollow opening 114, the frame member 120,
the at least one optional buoyancy element 130, and the at least
one optional weight element 140, as described above with reference
to FIG. 1. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the aquatic toy 200
includes exemplary buoyancy elements 230 and exemplary weight
elements 240 positioned such that the fabric portion 210 is
maintained in a relatively open position and the aquatic toy 200
may be maintained in a relatively horizontal position in water.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the third exemplary embodiment
of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the aquatic toy
300 includes at least some of a fabric portion 310, a frame pocket
312, a hollow opening 314, a frame member 320, at least one
optional buoyancy element 330, and at least one optional weight
element 340.
[0051] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion 110,
the frame pocket 112, the hollow opening 114, the frame member 120,
the at least one optional buoyancy element 130, and the at least
one optional weight element 140, as described above with reference
to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the aquatic toy 300 includes an
exemplary buoyancy element 330 and an exemplary weight element 340
positioned such that the fabric portion 310 is maintained in a
relatively open position and the aquatic toy 300 may be maintained
in a relatively vertical position in water.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the fourth exemplary embodiment
of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the aquatic toy
400 includes at least some of a fabric portion 410, a frame pocket
412, a hollow opening 414, a frame member 420, at least one
optional buoyancy element 430, and at least one optional weight
element 440.
[0053] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion 110,
the frame pocket 112, the hollow opening 114, the frame member 120,
the at least one optional buoyancy element 130, and the at least
one optional weight element 140, as described above with reference
to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the aquatic toy 400 is in the
general shape of a shark and includes exemplary buoyancy elements
430 and exemplary weight elements 440 positioned such that the
fabric portion 410 is maintained in a relatively open position and
the aquatic toy 400 may be maintained in a relatively horizontal
position in water.
[0054] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the fifth exemplary embodiment
of an aquatic toy in a fully expanded or open configuration
according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the aquatic toy
500 includes at least some of a fabric portion 510, a frame pocket
512, a hollow opening 514, a frame member 520, and at least one
optional weight element 540.
[0055] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion 110,
the frame pocket 112, the hollow opening 114, the frame member 120,
the at least one optional buoyancy element 130, and the at least
one optional weight element 140, as described above with reference
to FIG. 1. It should also be understood that the aquatic toy 500
may include at least one optional buoyancy element 530 (not
shown).
[0056] However, as shown in FIG. 5, the aquatic toy 500 is in the
general shape of a mass of seaweed and includes exemplary weight
elements 540 positioned such that the aquatic toy 500 may be
maintained in a relatively vertical position in water.
[0057] As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the aquatic toy 500 also
includes a first additional fabric portion 516 and a second
additional fabric portion 518. The first additional fabric portion
516 extends substantially downward from an upper portion of the
hollow opening 514, while the second additional fabric portion 518
extends substantially upward from a lower portion of the hollow
opening 514.
[0058] It should be appreciated that the fabric portion 510, the
first additional fabric portion 516, and/or the second additional
fabric portion 518 may be weighted and/or buoyed using any of the
materials or methods described or referenced herein. It should also
be appreciated that other additional fabric portions may be added
to the aquatic toy 500.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a method for
joining a frame member as used in one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the frame member 620
comprises at least one strip or segment of material connected to
form a continuous loop. It should be understood that the frame
member 620 may comprise any of the frame members 120, 220, 320,
420, or 520, as described above, with reference to FIGS. 1-5.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the at least one strip or segment of the
frame member 620 is joined by a frame member joining means 622,
such as, for example, a sleeve, for joining the ends of the at
least one strip or segment. As shown in FIG. 6, the ends of the at
least one strip or segment of the frame member 620 within the
joining means 622 are shown in dashed lines for clarification.
[0061] In various exemplary embodiments, the joining means 622 is a
sleeve with an outer diameter not substantially greater than an
outer diameter of the frame member 620 and an inner diameter that
is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the
frame member 620. In this manner, when ends of a segment of the
frame member 620 are inserted into the joining means 622, they are
able to be frictionally maintained within the joining means
622.
[0062] In various exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter of the
joining means 622 is substantially similar to or larger than an
outer diameter of the frame member 620 and the end of the at least
one segment of the frame member 620 must be mechanically fastened,
joined, stitched, fused, glued, welded, or otherwise attached or
adhered within the joining means 622.
[0063] It should be appreciated that in various exemplary
embodiments, the frame member 620 is a continuous loop or band of
material and a joining means 622 is not required. Alternatively,
opposing ends of the at least one strip or segment of the frame
member 620 may be mechanically fastened, joined, stitched, fused,
glued, welded, or otherwise attached or adhered together such that
the joining means 622 is not necessary.
[0064] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aquatic toy with
the frame member removed such that the aquatic toy may be folded or
collapsed according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the
aquatic toy 700 includes at least some of a fabric portion 710, a
frame pocket 712, a hollow opening 714, a frame member 720, at
least one optional buoyancy element 730 (not shown), and at least
one optional weight element 740 (not shown).
[0065] It should be understood that each of these elements
corresponds to and operates similarly to the fabric portion 410,
the frame pocket 412, the hollow opening 414, the frame member 420,
the at least one optional buoyancy element 430, and the at least
one optional weight element 440, as described above with reference
to FIG. 4. It should also be understood that the aquatic toy 700
may include any of the features and/or embodiments of the aquatic
toy, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6.
[0066] When the frame member is removed from the aquatic toy, the
fabric portion 710 of the aquatic toy 700 may be folded or
collapsed.
[0067] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of
the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
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