Recreational Device

Abstract

A spherical cage device for aquatic or land use comprising two independent, inflatable semi-spherical, foraminous sections which have interlocking elements automatically disengageable upon deflation of either section. Each section has a hollow person-accommodating interior and each section is self-sustaining and can be manually attached or detached with respect to the other section.

Description

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices of similar nature comprise one-piece spheres into which the user is admitted and supported by straps and the like. Deflation of the sphere poses serious safety problems, particularly if such should occur when the user is operating the device in water. Inner and outer spheres are also used. These require alignment of the ingress and exit ports and trap the user within the deflated sphere so that he cannot readily disengage himself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to safe and versatile sporting equipment primarily useful as an acquatic recreation and exercise device, but which may be readily converted to land use.

A more specific object is to devise a novel cage of two sections, each of which is independently usable or which may be joined into a unitary sphere.

A further object is to provide a novel spherical cage comprising two complemental sections having means for interlocking the sections to form a globe, said sections having means for interlocking with each other and being automatically separable upon deflation of either section.

The invention contemplates the provision of a pair of sections, each in the form of a multiple chambered bladder so that even if the bladder is punctured it will continue to float, thereby providing flotation protection for the user and preventing the loss of the damaged bladder which normally would sink.

The invention also comprehends a device whereby the user may be supported on water and thus protected from drowning by being entangled within the device and which incorporates a series of ports of a size to prevent the user's limbs from protruding from the interior, the ports also providing ventilation to the interior and viewing apertures for the user.

These and other objects and advantages inherent in and encompassed by the invention will become more apparent from the specifications and the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded side elevation view of the device shown partially broken away and in section;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device also partly broken away and in section;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 4--4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the device on a small scale, the parts being shown spread apart.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Having reference to the drawings there is shown an inflatable ball or sphere generally designated 2 which comprises upper and lower hemispherical sections 4 and 6. Each section comprises inner and outer shells 8 and 10, each of which is preferably either of fabric impregnated with natural or synthetic rubber. The fabric may also be of natural fiber such as cotton and the like or synthetic fiber such as nylon, dacron, etc. A series of preferably equally spaced ports or apertures 12,12 are provided through the sections, and in the region of each port the shells are crimped to form offsets 16 and 18 which are brought into contact with each other and preferably cemented on their interfaces at 20. This structure not only provides a strong construction, but also the outwardly converging conical inner offset 16 affords a wide angle of vision which also is afforded by the inwardly converging contiguous conical offset 18. The depth of the aperture 12 is only the thickness of the inner and outer shells. In addition, a series of air pockets 22 are developed between the apertures which not only serve to provide buoyancy but also cushioning pads. The pockets 22 form a major air chamber which may be filled through a customary valve 23.

Each section has a separate segment 25 which provides a minor air chamber. This is formed by the inner and outer shells 8 and 10 which are circularly crimped at 26 and sealed thereat to form a minor air chamber 28 which is filled by a separate valve 30. Thus, even if the main air chamber should become deflated, the section would nevertheless float.

The two sections are provided with interlocking means herein shown as an inflatable male thread 32 projecting from one section recessed inwardly from the periphery 34 and the other section has internal inflatable female threads 36 which are adapted to be threaded together to join the sections with the user within the chamber 38 which is developed by the hollow interiors of the sections.

In use, if one of the sections should be punctured the thread thereon will collapse and the sections will separate. It will be understood that other forms of collapsible, inflatable locking devices are contemplated such as irregularly shaped projections on each section which fit into complemental apertures so that when such projections collapse they separate.

Having described a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various forms will become apparent which will come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A combination aquatic and land amusement device comprising a pair of opposing hollow sections providing an enclosure for a user, each section being inflatable, and securing means interconnecting said sections, and means for automatically releasing said securing means in response to deflation of either section.

2. The invention according to claim 1 and said securing means comprising projections and complementary receivers on respective sections, the projections and receivers being inflatable with the respective section.

3. The invention according to claim 1 and said sections having a plurality of independent inflated compartments.

4. The invention according to claim 1 and said sections each comprising inflatable interthreaded portions forming said securing means.

5. The invention according to claim 1 and each section having a series of ports extending from the interior to the exterior thereof.

6. The invention according to claim 5 and each of said sections formed of inner and outer shells, and said shells having portions offset toward each other and joined about said ports and defining wide angle vision windows from the interior to the exterior of the device.

7. The invention according to claim 1 and said securing means disposed at the areas of juncture of said sections.

8. The invention according to claim 7 and said securing means comprising a male thread portion on one section and a female thread portion on the other section.

9. The invention according to claim 8 and each section having a plurality of ports therethrough for ventilation and observation of the user.

10. The invention according to claim 8 and each section comprising a hemisphere and each having means for floatingly supporting the section.