WO2012177271A1 - Inflatable device - Google Patents

Inflatable device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012177271A1
WO2012177271A1 PCT/US2011/050617 US2011050617W WO2012177271A1 WO 2012177271 A1 WO2012177271 A1 WO 2012177271A1 US 2011050617 W US2011050617 W US 2011050617W WO 2012177271 A1 WO2012177271 A1 WO 2012177271A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inflatable device
rider
inflatable
attachment point
receiving area
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/050617
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Keith Parten
Original Assignee
Nash Manufacturing, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nash Manufacturing, Inc. filed Critical Nash Manufacturing, Inc.
Priority to CN2011800452906A priority Critical patent/CN103153774A/en
Publication of WO2012177271A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012177271A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
    • B63B34/50—Body-supporting buoyant devices, e.g. bathing boats or water cycles
    • B63B34/54—Body-supporting buoyant devices, e.g. bathing boats or water cycles specially adapted for being towed, e.g. banana boats, water sledges or towed buoys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
    • B63B34/50—Body-supporting buoyant devices, e.g. bathing boats or water cycles
    • B63B34/52—Inflatable or partly inflatable

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to inflatable towable devices and, more particularly, to an inflatable towable device of simpler construction that provides superior comfort for the person riding the device.
  • Inflatable devices for recreational water or snow use exist.
  • One category of such devices referred to as “towables,” are designed to be towed behind a boat or other vehicle.
  • These towable devices typically support one or more persons and include many designs ranging from tire inner tubes to more complex designs.
  • the towable devices are designed to travel or skim across the surface of the water while occasionally bouncing off the surface when encountering a wave or similar disturbance in the water.
  • Prior art towables include a welded PVC inner bladder, and an outer cover.
  • the PVC of the inner bladder is strong enough to withstand the substantial forces of being towed without rupturing; however, it is not a comfortable surface, so it is important to provide a more comfortable exterior.
  • the outer cover is made of a softer flexible material such as polyester, nylon, or similar material, and may further include Neoprene and/or other similar materials to provide an even more comfortable riding surface for the rider.
  • the prior art teaches towables that include a PVC inner bladder and an outer comfort that provides the user with a comfortable riding surface.
  • the prior art does not teach a towable that includes a PVC inner bladder along, without a cover, and instead covered with a flocking layer that provides the comfortable riding surface.
  • the present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
  • the present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
  • the present invention provides an inflatable device adapted for towing a rider over a surface, the inflatable device comprising an inflatable bladder having a top portion and a bottom portion; a towing attachment point attached to the inflatable bladder; and a flocking layer bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion, to form a rider receiving area, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area while the inflatable device is being towed via the towing attachment point.
  • a primary objective of the present invention is to provide an inflatable device having advantages not taught by the prior art.
  • Another objective is to provide an inflatable device that includes a flocking layer in place of an exterior cover.
  • a further objective is to provide an inflatable device that is less expensive to manufacture, and easier to inflate and prepare for use.
  • FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of an inflatable device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof.
  • FIGURE 3 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the invention, an inflatable device 10 that is of simpler construction than prior art towables, yet provides superior comfort for the person riding the device 10. While the inflatable device 10 is especially suitable for use as a towable water-sport device and will be described herein as being used on water, the construction and techniques of the inflatable device 10 are useful and applicable for other related devices used on alternative surfaces as well, such as snow, ice, land, or other surfaces.
  • FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of the inflatable device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof.
  • FIGURE 3 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1.
  • the inflatable device 10 includes an inflatable bladder 12 constructed of a top portion 14 and a bottom portion 16.
  • the top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 are separate elements that are welded or otherwise attached to form a single unit that can hold air.
  • the term "welded” is hereby defined to include any form of welding, gluing, sewing, or other similar or equivalent method known in the art for attaching the top and bottom portions 14 and 16.
  • Figs. 1 is a top perspective view of the inflatable device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof.
  • FIGURE 3 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1.
  • the inflatable device 10 includes an inflatable bladder 12 constructed of a top portion 14 and a bottom portion 16.
  • the top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16
  • top and bottom portions 14 and 16 are welded together in a perimeter weld 17 such that the top portion 14 provides a rider receiving area, and the bottom portion 16 is generally in contact with the water.
  • the top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 may be of single construction, or formed in alternative manners.
  • the top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 are both made of plastic material substantially impervious to passage of an inflation fluid, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), and is typically inflatable with air or other appropriate fluid through a valve (not shown).
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • Alternative suitable materials may include, but not limited to polyester, EVA or other weldable or gluable plastic materials.
  • the device may include separately inflatable sections.
  • the inflatable bladder 12 of the present invention does not include a cover, but instead includes a flocking layer 18 laminated to the top portion 14.
  • the flocking layer 18 may be bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion 14, to form a rider receiving area 15, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area 15 while the inflatable device 10 is being towed via the towing attachment point 22.
  • the flocking layer 18 may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., velour).
  • laminated is hereby defined to include any form of welding, gluing, or other form of attachment known in the art that forms a suitably strong attachment between the layers.
  • the inflatable device 10 may further include at least one handle element 20 and/or other accessories that are desirable in a towable inflatable, or other related product.
  • the handle element 20 may be positioned at locations adjacent to where a rider or riders would be situated on the inflatable device 10.
  • the inflatable device 10 may further include towline attachment device 22 that includes a planar base 24 that is welded to the bottom portion 16, and an attachment point 26 that is suitable for attaching a tow rope.
  • the towline attachment device 22 is required because there is no cover to provide a point of attachment.
  • Figs. 1-3 teaches a device having a particular look and construction
  • the present invention should not be limited thereto, but should include alternatives shapes, designs, and structures, consistent with what is known in the art.
  • the invention further includes other inflatable recreational devices that are equivalent to the towable device illustrated herein.
  • the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.
  • the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise.
  • the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)

Abstract

An inflatable device (10) has an inflatable bladder (12) and a towing attachment point (22). The inflatable bladder (12) has a top portion (14) and a bottom portion (16). The 5 towing attachment point (22) is attached to the inflatable bladder (12) for towing the inflatable device (10). A flocking layer (18) is bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion (14), to form a rider receiving area (15), such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area (15) while the inflatable device (10) is being towed via the towing attachment point (22).

Description

TITLE: INFLATABLE DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
The invention generally relates to inflatable towable devices and, more particularly, to an inflatable towable device of simpler construction that provides superior comfort for the person riding the device.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
Inflatable devices for recreational water or snow use exist. One category of such devices, referred to as "towables," are designed to be towed behind a boat or other vehicle. These towable devices typically support one or more persons and include many designs ranging from tire inner tubes to more complex designs. The towable devices are designed to travel or skim across the surface of the water while occasionally bouncing off the surface when encountering a wave or similar disturbance in the water. Prior art towables include a welded PVC inner bladder, and an outer cover. The PVC of the inner bladder is strong enough to withstand the substantial forces of being towed without rupturing; however, it is not a comfortable surface, so it is important to provide a more comfortable exterior. The outer cover is made of a softer flexible material such as polyester, nylon, or similar material, and may further include Neoprene and/or other similar materials to provide an even more comfortable riding surface for the rider.
The prior art teaches towables that include a PVC inner bladder and an outer comfort that provides the user with a comfortable riding surface. However, the prior art does not teach a towable that includes a PVC inner bladder along, without a cover, and instead covered with a flocking layer that provides the comfortable riding surface. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
The present invention provides an inflatable device adapted for towing a rider over a surface, the inflatable device comprising an inflatable bladder having a top portion and a bottom portion; a towing attachment point attached to the inflatable bladder; and a flocking layer bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion, to form a rider receiving area, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area while the inflatable device is being towed via the towing attachment point. A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an inflatable device having advantages not taught by the prior art.
Another objective is to provide an inflatable device that includes a flocking layer in place of an exterior cover.
A further objective is to provide an inflatable device that is less expensive to manufacture, and easier to inflate and prepare for use.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of an inflatable device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof; and
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, an inflatable device 10 that is of simpler construction than prior art towables, yet provides superior comfort for the person riding the device 10. While the inflatable device 10 is especially suitable for use as a towable water-sport device and will be described herein as being used on water, the construction and techniques of the inflatable device 10 are useful and applicable for other related devices used on alternative surfaces as well, such as snow, ice, land, or other surfaces.
FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of the inflatable device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof. FIGURE 3 is a sectional view thereof taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1. As shown in Figs. 1-3, the inflatable device 10 includes an inflatable bladder 12 constructed of a top portion 14 and a bottom portion 16. In one embodiment, the top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 are separate elements that are welded or otherwise attached to form a single unit that can hold air. For purposes of this application, the term "welded" is hereby defined to include any form of welding, gluing, sewing, or other similar or equivalent method known in the art for attaching the top and bottom portions 14 and 16. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-3, the top and bottom portions 14 and 16 are welded together in a perimeter weld 17 such that the top portion 14 provides a rider receiving area, and the bottom portion 16 is generally in contact with the water. In an alternative embodiment, the top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 may be of single construction, or formed in alternative manners.
The top portion 14 and the bottom portion 16 are both made of plastic material substantially impervious to passage of an inflation fluid, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), and is typically inflatable with air or other appropriate fluid through a valve (not shown). While PVC is a one option, the term PVC as used herein is defined to include other fluid- impervious materials that are strong enough to withstand the significant forced imparted by towing. Alternative suitable materials may include, but not limited to polyester, EVA or other weldable or gluable plastic materials. Furthermore, although only one inflatable bladder 12 is shown in the figures, the device may include separately inflatable sections.
The inflatable bladder 12 of the present invention does not include a cover, but instead includes a flocking layer 18 laminated to the top portion 14. The flocking layer 18 may be bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion 14, to form a rider receiving area 15, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area 15 while the inflatable device 10 is being towed via the towing attachment point 22. The flocking layer 18 may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., velour). The term "laminated" is hereby defined to include any form of welding, gluing, or other form of attachment known in the art that forms a suitably strong attachment between the layers.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, the inflatable device 10 may further include at least one handle element 20 and/or other accessories that are desirable in a towable inflatable, or other related product. The handle element 20 may be positioned at locations adjacent to where a rider or riders would be situated on the inflatable device 10.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the inflatable device 10 may further include towline attachment device 22 that includes a planar base 24 that is welded to the bottom portion 16, and an attachment point 26 that is suitable for attaching a tow rope. The towline attachment device 22 is required because there is no cover to provide a point of attachment.
While the present embodiment of Figs. 1-3 teaches a device having a particular look and construction, the present invention should not be limited thereto, but should include alternatives shapes, designs, and structures, consistent with what is known in the art. Furthermore, the invention further includes other inflatable recreational devices that are equivalent to the towable device illustrated herein. As used in this application, the words "a," "an," and "one" are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the terms "have," "include," "contain," and similar terms are defined to mean "comprising" unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. An inflatable device adapted for towing a rider over a surface, the inflatable device comprising:
an inflatable bladder having a top portion and a bottom portion;
a towing attachment point attached to the inflatable bladder; and
a flocking layer bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion, to form a rider receiving area, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area while the inflatable device is being towed via the towing attachment point.
2. The inflatable device of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle element adjacent the rider receiving area to enable the rider to hold onto the inflatable device while riding the inflatable device.
3. The inflatable device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder of made of PVC and the flocking layer is made of velour.
4. The inflatable device of claim 1, wherein the towing attachment point includes a planar base that is welded to the bottom portion, and an attachment point that is suitable for attaching a tow rope.
5. An inflatable device adapted for towing a rider over a surface, the inflatable device comprising:
an inflatable bladder having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being welded to the bottom portion via a perimeter weld;
a towing attachment point welded to the bottom portion of the inflatable bladder adjacent the perimeter weld; and
a flocking layer bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion, to form a rider receiving area, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area while the inflatable device is being towed via the towing attachment point.
6. The inflatable device of claim 5, further comprising at least one handle element adjacent the rider receiving area to enable the rider to hold onto the inflatable device while riding the inflatable device.
7. The inflatable device of claim 5, wherein the inflatable bladder of made of PVC and the flocking layer is made of velour.
8. The inflatable device of claim 5, wherein the towing attachment point includes a planar base that is welded to the bottom portion, and an attachment point that is suitable for attaching a tow rope.
9. An inflatable device adapted for towing a rider over a surface, the inflatable device comprising:
an inflatable bladder having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being welded to the bottom portion via a perimeter weld;
a towing attachment point welded to the bottom portion of the inflatable bladder adjacent the perimeter weld;
a flocking layer bonded directly to at least a part of the top portion, to form a rider receiving area, such that the rider can ride on the rider receiving area while the inflatable device is being towed via the towing attachment point; and
at least one handle element adjacent the rider receiving area to enable the rider to hold onto the inflatable device while riding the inflatable device, wherein the inflatable bladder of made of PVC and the flocking layer is made of velour.
10. The inflatable device of claim 9, wherein the towing attachment point includes a planar base that is welded to the bottom portion, and an attachment point that is suitable for attaching a tow rope.
PCT/US2011/050617 2011-06-24 2011-09-07 Inflatable device WO2012177271A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN2011800452906A CN103153774A (en) 2011-06-24 2011-09-07 Inflatable device

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161500718P 2011-06-24 2011-06-24
US61/500,718 2011-06-24
US13/198,497 US20120329347A1 (en) 2011-06-24 2011-08-04 Inflatable device
US13/198,497 2011-08-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012177271A1 true WO2012177271A1 (en) 2012-12-27

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2011/050617 WO2012177271A1 (en) 2011-06-24 2011-09-07 Inflatable device

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US (1) US20120329347A1 (en)
CN (1) CN103153774A (en)
WO (1) WO2012177271A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD775293S1 (en) 2015-01-19 2016-12-27 Übertüb Inc. Inflatable recreational tube
US10228067B2 (en) 2016-01-21 2019-03-12 Übertüb Inc. Valve assembly for inflatable bodies

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CN106697213B (en) * 2016-12-19 2018-11-23 鲁杨 A kind of maritime travel scenic spot lifesaving appliance
USD945549S1 (en) * 2020-03-16 2022-03-08 Mijump Sports Co., Ltd Trampoline

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US5863633A (en) * 1994-01-12 1999-01-26 Squires; William J. Flocked fabric with water resistant film
US6010382A (en) * 1999-04-23 2000-01-04 Earth & Ocean Sports, Inc. Hydroplane inner tube with adjustable seat
US20030098558A1 (en) * 2000-01-24 2003-05-29 Josef Steiner Sports device, preferably a snow or water vehicle
US20080164728A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-10 Karen Michelle Tinsley-Kim Inflatable two-chambered rectangular ottoman with attached shoulder strap and pocket
US7478448B2 (en) * 2001-08-01 2009-01-20 Aero Products International, Inc. Inflatable reinforcing chamber

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US6746291B1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2004-06-08 Kenneth Coleman Hybrid inflatable and rigid shoreline riding toy
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DE102004002381B4 (en) * 2004-01-15 2007-09-13 Zoeppritex-Verbundstoffe Gmbh & Co. Kg Leather or leather-like composite material
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Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5863633A (en) * 1994-01-12 1999-01-26 Squires; William J. Flocked fabric with water resistant film
US5846108A (en) * 1997-04-17 1998-12-08 Milford; Larry R. Ski disk
US6010382A (en) * 1999-04-23 2000-01-04 Earth & Ocean Sports, Inc. Hydroplane inner tube with adjustable seat
US20030098558A1 (en) * 2000-01-24 2003-05-29 Josef Steiner Sports device, preferably a snow or water vehicle
US7478448B2 (en) * 2001-08-01 2009-01-20 Aero Products International, Inc. Inflatable reinforcing chamber
US20080164728A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-10 Karen Michelle Tinsley-Kim Inflatable two-chambered rectangular ottoman with attached shoulder strap and pocket

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD775293S1 (en) 2015-01-19 2016-12-27 Übertüb Inc. Inflatable recreational tube
US10228067B2 (en) 2016-01-21 2019-03-12 Übertüb Inc. Valve assembly for inflatable bodies

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20120329347A1 (en) 2012-12-27
CN103153774A (en) 2013-06-12

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