U.S. patent application number 16/979107 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-24 for modular flotation device with mechanism to removably attach to other modular devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mike Kirk ANDERSEN, Theresa M. BANNON, Matthew James CALLAHAN, Justin Chyun CHANG, Joshua Lee FINKLE, Nichole HOWELL, Vlasta Anastasia KOMOROUS-KING, Michelle Sau Kuen LEE-SCHMIDT, Chenyu LIU, Steven James MOORE, Carl R. ROMULUS, James Adam SKAATES, Andrew Richardson STEWART, David Jason WILKINS. Invention is credited to Mike Kirk ANDERSEN, Theresa M. BANNON, Matthew James CALLAHAN, Justin Chyun CHANG, Joshua Lee FINKLE, Nichole HOWELL, Vlasta Anastasia KOMOROUS-KING, Michelle Sau Kuen LEE-SCHMIDT, Chenyu LIU, Steven James MOORE, Carl R. ROMULUS, James Adam SKAATES, Andrew Richardson STEWART, David Jason WILKINS.
Application Number | 20200398946 16/979107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005089907 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200398946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ANDERSEN; Mike Kirk ; et
al. |
December 24, 2020 |
MODULAR FLOTATION DEVICE WITH MECHANISM TO REMOVABLY ATTACH TO
OTHER MODULAR DEVICES
Abstract
One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to
flotation devices, and more specifically to modular flotation
devices with a mechanism to removably attach to other modular
devices. In one embodiments, an apparatus includes a first
flotation module and a first connector coupled to the first
flotation module. The first connector has a first end portion, a
second end portion and a sidewall extended from the first end
portion to the second end portion. The sidewall defines a plurality
of circumferentially defined stepped portions configured to
matingly engage a second connector of a second flotation module to
couple the first flotation module to the second flotation module.
The first connector is selectively operative as one of a female
connector or a male connector with respect to the second
connector.
Inventors: |
ANDERSEN; Mike Kirk; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; BANNON; Theresa M.; (Virginia Beach,
VA) ; CALLAHAN; Matthew James; (San Francisco,
CA) ; CHANG; Justin Chyun; (Studio City, CA) ;
FINKLE; Joshua Lee; (Menlo Park, CA) ; HOWELL;
Nichole; (Virginia Beach, VA) ; KOMOROUS-KING; Vlasta
Anastasia; (Berkeley, CA) ; LEE-SCHMIDT; Michelle Sau
Kuen; (San Francisco, CA) ; LIU; Chenyu; (San
Jose, CA) ; MOORE; Steven James; (San Mateo, CA)
; ROMULUS; Carl R.; (Virginia Beach, VA) ;
SKAATES; James Adam; (San Francisco, CA) ; STEWART;
Andrew Richardson; (San Francisco, CA) ; WILKINS;
David Jason; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ANDERSEN; Mike Kirk
BANNON; Theresa M.
CALLAHAN; Matthew James
CHANG; Justin Chyun
FINKLE; Joshua Lee
HOWELL; Nichole
KOMOROUS-KING; Vlasta Anastasia
LEE-SCHMIDT; Michelle Sau Kuen
LIU; Chenyu
MOORE; Steven James
ROMULUS; Carl R.
SKAATES; James Adam
STEWART; Andrew Richardson
WILKINS; David Jason |
Palo Alto
Virginia Beach
San Francisco
Studio City
Menlo Park
Virginia Beach
Berkeley
San Francisco
San Jose
San Mateo
Virginia Beach
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco |
CA
VA
CA
CA
CA
VA
CA
CA
CA
CA
VA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005089907 |
Appl. No.: |
16/979107 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
May 6, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2019/030945 |
371 Date: |
September 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62639752 |
Mar 7, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 34/565
20200201 |
International
Class: |
B63B 34/565 20060101
B63B034/565 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first flotation module, and a first
connector coupled to the first flotation module, the first
connector having a first end portion, a second end portion and a
sidewall extended from the first end portion to the second end
portion, the sidewall defining a plurality of circumferentially
defined stepped portions configured to matingly engage a second
connector of a second flotation module to couple the first
flotation module to the second flotation module, the first
connector being selectively operative as one of a female connector
or a male connector with respect to the second connector.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is,
concurrently with the selective operation of the first connector as
one of the female connector or the male connector with respect to
the second connector, selectively operative as the other of a
female connector or a male connector with respect to a third
connector.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is
configured to concurrently matingly engage the second connector of
the second flotation module and to matingly engage a third
connector of a third flotation module to couple the first flotation
module and the second flotation module to the third flotation
module.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a
cup-shaped body portion having a circumference at the first end
portion and a circumference at the second end portion less than the
circumference at the first end portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flotation module is
a first chair configured to support a first user in a seated
position in water and the second flotation module is a second chair
configured to support a second user in a seated position in
water.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first flotation module is
a chair, and the second flotation module is a table, shelf, or
sunshade.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is
operatively coupleable to the second connector at a plurality of
rotational positions about a center axis of the first
connector.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is
configured to be in a stacked relationship with respect to the
second connector.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first connector is
configured to be concurrently coupled in a stacked relationship to
a plurality of connectors, the plurality of connectors including
the second connector.
10. An apparatus, comprising: a first flotation module; and a first
connector coupled to the first flotation module, the first
connector including a body portion having a first end portion, a
second end portion, and a sidewall portion extended from the first
end portion to the second end portion, the first end portion of the
body portion having a first perimeter and defining an opening in
communication with an interior volume of the body portion, the
second end portion of the body portion having a second perimeter
less than the first perimeter, the first connector configured to
(1) at least partially receive in the interior volume, at a first
time, a complementary body portion of a second connector of a
second flotation module to removably couple the first flotation
module to the second flotation module at the first time, and (2) be
at least partially received, at a second time different from the
first time, in the body portion of the second connector of the
second flotation module to removably couple the first flotation
module to the second flotation module at the second time.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sidewall defines a
stepped portion circumferentially disposed about the body portion
at a location between the first end portion and the second end
portion.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sidewall defines a
plurality of steps configured to complementarily fit a plurality of
steps of the second connector of the second flotation module to
couple the first flotation module to the second flotation
module.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector is
configured to at least partially receive in the interior volume a
third connector of a third flotation module concurrently with the
first connector being at least partially received, at the second
time, in the body portion of the second connector of the second
flotation module to removably couple the first flotation module and
the second flotation module to the third flotation module.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector is
configured to be at least partially received in a third connector
of a third flotation module concurrently with the first connector
at least partially receiving in the interior volume, the
complementary body portion of the connector of the second flotation
module to removably couple the first flotation module and the
second flotation module to the third flotation module.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector includes
a rim portion having a first layer and a second layer, the rim
portion including a prong extended from the first layer, the second
layer defining an opening configured to receive at least a portion
of the prong.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first flotation module
is inflatable.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first flotation module
is a first chair configured to support a first user in a seated
position in water and the second flotation module is a second chair
configured to support a second user in a seated position in
water.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first flotation module
is a chair, and the second flotation module is a table, shelf, or
sunshade.
19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector and the
second connector are coupled by a friction fit when the first
connector (1) at least partially receives in the interior volume
the complementary body portion of the second connector at the first
time, or (2) is at least partially received in the complementary
body portion of the second connector at the second time.
20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first connector is
configured to be coupled to the second connector at a plurality of
rotational positions about a center axis of the body portion of the
first connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application No. 62/639,752, entitled "Modular
Flotation Device With Mechanism To Removably Attach To Other
Modular Devices," filed on Mar. 7, 2018, the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Known flotation devices either do not provide a way to
removably attach to other devices or do not provide an attachment
mechanism that is common on multiple flotation devices. Thus, a
need exists to provide modular flotation devices with a mechanism
to removably attach to other modular devices.
SUMMARY
[0003] One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to
flotation devices, and more specifically to modular flotation
devices with a mechanism to removably attach to other modular
devices. In one embodiment, a device (or apparatus) includes a
first flotation module and a first connector coupled to the first
flotation module. The first connector has a first end portion, a
second end portion and a sidewall extended from the first end
portion to the second end portion. The sidewall defines a plurality
of circumferentially defined stepped portions configured to
matingly engage a second connector of a second flotation module to
couple the first flotation module to the second flotation module.
The first connector is selectively operative as one of a female
connector or a male connector with respect to the second
connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a modular flotation
device, according to an embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of five modular flotation
devices that have been connected in series to form a loop,
according to an embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a modular shelf,
according to an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a modular table,
according to an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of two modular flotation
devices removably coupled to the modular shelf of FIG. 3 and the
modular table of FIG. 4.
[0009] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation
device removably coupled to a modular sunshade, according to an
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation
device removably coupled to a modular sunshade, according to
another embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation
device similar to the modular flotation device FIG. 1.
[0012] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a front view and a rear view,
respectively, of the modular flotation device of FIG. 8.
[0013] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a top view and a bottom view,
respectively, of the modular flotation device of FIG. 8.
[0014] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a left view and a right view,
respectively, of the modular flotation device of FIG. 8.
[0015] FIGS. 15 and 16 show a top perspective view and a bottom
perspective view, respectively, of an attachment mechanism,
according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIGS. 17 and 18 show a top view and a bottom view,
respectively, of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 15.
[0017] FIG. 19 is a side view of the attachment mechanism of FIG.
15.
[0018] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the
attachment mechanism of FIG. 19.
[0019] FIG. 21 is a side view of two attachment mechanisms of FIG.
15, one received within the other.
[0020] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the two
attachment mechanisms of FIG. 21.
[0021] FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 are a top view, a front view and a side
view, respectively, of a modular shelf similar to the modular shelf
shown in FIG. 3.
[0022] FIGS. 26 and 27 are a top view and a front view,
respectively, of a modular table similar to the modular table shown
in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular
flotation devices (or flotation modules) with a mechanism to
removably attach to other modular flotation devices (or flotation
modules). The attachment mechanism can be, for example, a
projection having a chamber or receptacle (or interior volume) that
can receive the projection from another module flotation device.
For example, the attachment mechanism can be connector that has a
cup-like structure having a tapered shape with a larger size
opening at the top portion, a sidewall that tapers down in a
smaller size surface at the bottom portion. The tapered shape of
the attachment mechanism allows for the attachment mechanism of one
modular flotation device to be placed on top of (stacked) and
received within the chamber or receptacle (or interior volume) of
another module flotation device.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a modular flotation
device (or flotation module), according to an embodiment. As shown
in FIG. 1, the modular flotation device 100 includes a chair
portion 110, an extension portion 112 on one side of the chair
portion 110, and an extension portion 114 on the other side of the
chair portion 110. The chair portion 110 is configured to support a
user in a seated position in water. Extension portion 112 includes
an attachment mechanism (or connector) 120; extension portion 114
includes an attachment mechanism (or connector) 140. The modular
flotation device 100 can be made, for example, of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) that defines an inflatable bladder having an
expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 1) and a collapsed
configuration (not shown). The modular flotation device 100 can
optionally include a fabric covering disposed over the PVC
bladder.
[0025] Each of attachment mechanisms (or connectors) 120 and 140
has a cup-like structure with a top or first end portion, a second
end or bottom portion, and a sidewall extended from the first end
portion to the second end portion. The attachment mechanism 120,
140 has a tapered shape with a larger size opening at the top (or
first end) portion, and the sidewall tapering down towards a
smaller size surface at the bottom (or second end) portion. The
tapered shape of the attachment mechanisms 120 and 140 allows for
the attachment mechanism of one modular flotation device to be
placed on top of (stacked) and received within the chamber or
receptacle (or interior volume) 121 of another modular flotation
device (or flotation module). In this manner, the attachment
mechanisms of two distinct modular flotation devices are coupled in
a stacked relationship. For example, FIG. 2 shows a perspective
view of five modular flotation devices that have been connected in
a series to form a loop, according to an embodiment.
[0026] More specifically, FIG. 2 shows five modular flotation
devices 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, each of which is similar to the
modular flotation device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Any given modular
flotation device 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 of FIG. 2 is removably
attached to an adjacent modular flotation device on one side and
another adjacent modular flotation device on the other side. For
example, the attachment mechanism (or connector) 242 on one side of
modular flotation device 240 is received in the attachment
mechanism (or connector) (not shown) of modular flotation device
230 while the attachment mechanism (or connector) 244 on the other
side of modular flotation device 240 receives the attachment
mechanism (or connector) 252 of modular flotation device 250.
Although modular flotation device 240 is shown as both receiving
the attachment mechanism 252 of one modular flotation device 250
and being received in the attachment mechanism of another modular
flotation device 230, it should be understood that both attachment
mechanisms of a modular flotation device can receive an attachment
mechanism of both adjacent modular flotation devices (as shown in
FIG. 2 with respect to modular flotation devices 230 and 210) or be
received by an attachment mechanism of both adjacent modular
flotation devices (as shown in FIG. 2 with respect to modular
flotation devices 220 and 250). Said another way, each attachment
mechanism can be selectively operative as one of a female connector
or a male connector with respect to another attachment mechanism.
The modular flotation devices 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 are shown as
chairs configured to support users in a seated position in
water.
[0027] Rather than solely removably attaching to another modular
flotation device, a modular flotation device can, alternatively or
additionally, removably attach to different types of modular
devices (or flotation modules) such as a modular shelf 300 as shown
in FIG. 3, a modular table 400 as shown in FIG. 4, or a modular
sunshade 620 as shown in FIG. 6. For example, FIG. 5 shows a
perspective view of two modular flotation devices removably coupled
to a modular shelf and a modular table. The two modular flotation
devices (or flotation modules) 510, 520 of FIG. 5 are each similar
to the modular flotation device 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5,
the two attachment mechanisms 522 (other not shown in FIG. 5) of
modular flotation device 520 receive (e.g., selectively operate as
female connectors with respect to) two attachment mechanisms 422,
442, respectively, of modular table 400; the two attachment
mechanisms (on one side is attachment mechanism 514, the attachment
mechanism on the other side is not shown in FIG. 5) of modular
flotation device 510 receive the two other attachment mechanisms of
modular table 400 to collectively form an arrangement of two chairs
and a table. An attachment mechanism of modular table 400 also
receives an attachment mechanism 342 of modular shelf 300. In this
instance, the attachment mechanism of modular table 400 both is
received in (e.g., selectively operates as a male connector with
respect to) the attachment mechanism 514 of the modular flotation
device 510 and receives (e.g., selectively operates as a female
connector with respect to) the attachment mechanism 342 of modular
shelf 300. In other words, this instance is an example of at least
three attachment mechanisms that are concurrently coupled in a
stacked relationship.
[0028] Returning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows modular flotation device
610 (which is similar to the modular flotation device 100 of FIG.
1) removably attached to a modular sunshade 620. Modular sunshade
620 includes an attachment mechanism 622, an elongate member 624,
and a shade 626. The elongate member 624 has one end portion
attached to a center portion of the attachment mechanism 622, and
another end portion attached to the shade 626. Shade 626 is
substantially planar, oriented substantially parallel with the
ground (or water when the modular flotation device 610 is disposed
in water), and has a length that allows the shade 626 to be
positioned over a cockpit of the modular flotation device 610.
Although shade 626 is shown as planar and parallel with the
ground/water, it should be understood that the shade 626 can be
non-planar such as having a concave shape and/or can be
non-parallel with the ground/water. FIG. 7 shows an alternative
modular sunshade 640 that does not include an attachment mechanism,
but instead slideably couples into a pocket (not shown) on the back
of the modular flotation device 610.
[0029] Although particular embodiments are shown in the figures, it
should be understood that alternative embodiments are possible. For
example, although the modular flotation device is shown as being
inflatable and having a chair shape, other modular flotation
devices can be non-inflatable (e.g., made of foam) and/or having a
different shape (e.g., without a back portion, or wider for more
than one person). Similarly, although the modular flotation device
is shown as having two attachment mechanisms, one on either side,
other modular flotations devices can have only one attachment
mechanism or more than two attachment mechanisms (e.g., a third
attachment mechanism on the back side of the modular flotation
device).
[0030] Similarly, attachment mechanisms need not be on the edges or
corners of a modular device. For example, a modular table can have
attachment mechanism(s) on a side between adjacent concerns. For
another example, a modular table can have an attachment mechanism
in the center of the modular table; such an attachment mechanism
can receive a modular sunshade.
[0031] Modular devices other than those shown in the figures are
possible. For example, modular devices having one or more
attachment mechanisms can be in the form of a seat extension that
when removably attached to the modular flotation device of FIG. 1
collectively form a chaise lounge, in the form of a cooler or
storage device, or in the form of a seat for an infant. For another
example, the modular devices can be in the form of an anchor or a
clip, which can be attached to the attachment mechanism (or
connector) by a tether such as a rope. Such a modular device can be
removably attached by its attachment mechanism to the attachment
mechanism of another modular device to maintain the position of the
other modular device (or flotation module) for example while
floating in the water.
[0032] FIGS. 8-14 show a modular flotation device (or flotation
module) similar to the flotation device shown in FIG. 1. In
particular, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a modular flotation
device (or flotation module) 700. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a front view
and a rear view, respectively, of the modular flotation device 700
of FIG. 8. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a top view and a bottom view,
respectively, of the modular flotation device of FIG. 8. FIGS. 13
and 14 show a left view and a right view, respectively, of the
modular flotation device of FIG. 8. The modular flotation device
700 includes a chair portion 710, an extension portion 712 on one
side of the chair portion 710, an extension portion 714 on the
other side of the chair portion 110, and an attachment mechanism or
connector 720 coupled to each extension portion 712, 714.
[0033] FIGS. 15-22 show the attachment mechanism or connector 720,
which is similar to the attachment mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-7. In
particular, FIGS. 15 and 16 show a top perspective view and a
bottom perspective view, respectively, of the attachment mechanism
720. FIGS. 17 and 18 show a top view and a bottom view,
respectively, of the attachment mechanism 720 of FIG. 15. Note that
the company logo shown on the bottom surface of the attachment
mechanism 720 is optional. FIG. 19 is a side view of the attachment
mechanism 720 of FIG. 15. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along
line AA of the attachment mechanism 720 of FIG. 19. As shown in
FIGS. 15-20, the attachment mechanism 720 includes a body portion
722 that has a tapered shape or sidewall 724 extended from a first
end portion 723 and a second end portion 725. The body portion 722
defines a center axis CA (see, e.g., FIGS. 17 and 20). The first
end portion 723 defines an opening 727 into an interior volume 721
defined by the attachment mechanism 720. The second end portion 725
of the body portion 722 has a perimeter or circumference that is
less than a perimeter or circumference of the body portion at the
first end portion 723.
[0034] The sidewall 724 includes circumferentially-defined steps or
stepped portions 726 and protruded portions at each
stepped/discontinuity of the tapered shape. These protruded
portions provide a surface that is not smooth, but instead allows a
mating arrangement and/or complementary fit when inserting and
removing one attachment mechanism 720 into and out from another
attachment mechanism. For example, FIG. 21 is a side view of two
attachment mechanisms 720, 740 of FIG. 15 in a stacked
relationship, one received within the other. Note that the two
attachment mechanisms can be are operatively coupleable at a
plurality of rotational positions about the center axis CA of the
attachment mechanism 720 (see, e.g., the various rotational
positions at which attachment mechanisms are operatively coupled in
FIGS. 2, 5 and 21-22).
[0035] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the two
attachment mechanisms 720, 740 of FIG. 21. As shown in FIGS. 21 and
22, the protrusion (or male connector) of the inner attachment
mechanism 740 fits within a recess (or interior volume 721, e.g., a
female connector) of the outer attachment mechanism 720 such that
the stepped portions 726, 746 of the attachment mechanisms 720, 740
have a mating arrangement and/or complementary fit. This allows the
two attachment mechanisms 720, 740 to be removably attached
together through a friction fit into a desired stacked arrangement
or relationship. Said another way, the first attachment mechanism
or connector 720 and the second attachment mechanism or connector
740 are coupled by a friction fit when the first attachment
mechanism or connector 720 at least partially receives in its
interior volume 721 the complementary body portion of the second
attachment mechanism or connector 740 at one time, or when the
first attachment mechanism 720 is at least partially received in
the complementary body portion of the second attachment mechanism
or connector 740 at another time.
[0036] Also shown in FIGS. 15-22, the attachment mechanism or
connector 720 includes a rim portion 730 that has a first layer 732
and a second layer 734. The first layer 732 can be coupled to or
monolithically formed with the body portion 722. Prongs 733 extend
from the first layer 732. The second layer 734 defines openings
735. Each opening 735 is configured to receive at least a portion
of a prong 733 (see, e.g., FIG. 21), to removably couple the second
layer 734 of the rim portion 730 to the first layer 732, and thus
to the body portion 722 of the attachment mechanism 720. The first
layer 732 also includes openings 731 that overlie at least a
portion of the prongs 733 when the prongs are received in the
openings 735 of the second layer 734. The openings 731 of the first
layer 732 can be used to uncouple the prongs 733 from the second
layer 734 (e.g., by inserting a pin or the like to depress the end
of the prong 733 to release it from a shoulder of the second layer
734). In this manner, the second layer 734 is removably coupled to
the first layer 732. A membrane of the modular flotation device (or
flotation module) is disposable between the two layers 732, 734 of
the rim portion 730 when the prongs 733 are received in the
openings 735, thereby coupling the attachment mechanism (or
connector) 720 to the flotation module (as shown, e.g., in FIG. 8).
For illustration purposes, FIGS. 21-22 do not show disposed between
the layers of the rim portion of each attachment mechanism 720, 740
the membrane of the respective modular flotation device to which
the attachment mechanism is coupled. It should be understood that,
although not shown, the membrane of one modular flotation device
will be between the two layers of one attachment mechanism 720 and
the membrane of the other floatation device will be between the two
layers of the other attachment mechanism 740. Although the prongs
733 are shown as extended past the second layer 734 of the rim
portion 730 when the first layer 732 is coupled to the second layer
734, in other embodiments, the prongs 733 can be flush (or even)
with a lower surface of the second layer 734 or recessed with
respect to the lower surface of the second layer 734 when the first
layer 732 is coupled to the second layer.
[0037] FIGS. 23-25 show a modular shelf 810 similar to the modular
shelf of FIG. 3. In particular, FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 are a top view,
a front view and a side view, respectively, of a modular shelf
similar to the modular shelf shown in FIG. 3. The modular shelf 810
includes two attachment mechanisms or connectors 720, shown at
opposing end portions of the modular shelf 810.
[0038] FIGS. 26-27 show a modular table 910 similar to the modular
table of FIG. 4. In particular, FIGS. 26 and 27 are a top view and
a front view, respectively, of a modular table 910 similar to the
modular table shown in FIG. 4. The modular table 910 includes four
attachment mechanisms or connectors 720, shown on extension
portions 912, 914, 916, 918 at each corner of the modular table
910.
[0039] Alternatives to the attachment mechanisms shown in FIGS.
1-27 are also possible. For example, rather than having the
attachment mechanisms oriented vertically, the attachment
mechanisms can be oriented horizontally so that an attachment
mechanism of one modular device can be moved horizontally into the
chamber/receptacle of an attachment mechanism of an adjacent
modular device. For another example, the attachment mechanisms can
be in the form of a loop having a small opening or overlapping
arms. In this alternative embodiment, one loop of one attachment
mechanism can be inserted into an interior of a loop of another
attachment mechanism through the small opening through an opening
formed by separating the overlapping arms. In yet another
alternative, the attachment mechanisms can be in the form of a
ball-and-socket joint. In this alternative, one attachment
mechanism can form the shape of a ball and another attachment
mechanism can form the shape of socket into which the ball-shaped
attachment mechanism can be received.
[0040] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. Where schematics and/or
embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in
certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components
may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown
and described, it will be understood that various changes in form
and details may be made. Although various embodiments have been
described as having particular features and/or combinations of
components, other embodiments are possible having any combination
or sub-combination of any features and/or components from any of
the embodiments described herein.
[0041] The specific configurations of the various components
described herein can also be varied. For example, the size and
specific shape of the various components can be different from the
embodiments shown, while still providing the functions as described
herein. Additionally, the relative size of various components of
the devices shown and described herein with respect to the size of
other components of the devices are not necessarily to scale.
Similarly, where methods and/or events described above indicate
certain events and/or procedures occurring in certain order, the
ordering of certain events and/or procedures may be modified. While
the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will
be understood that various changes in form and details may be
made.
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