WO2014148882A1

WO2014148882A1 - A floatation apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014148882A1
Application number: PCT/MY2014/000033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Chew HONG MENG; Chew JOON YIP
Original assignee: Johnson and Nicholson M Sdn Bhd
Current assignee: Johnson and Nicholson M Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2013-03-18
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2015-09-18
Also published as: JP2016516626A; MY173344A; JP2019131179A

Abstract

The present invention discloses a floatation apparatus (100) comprising a peripheral hollow float structure (101) having a top opening; a shelter ( 102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure (101); and at least one compartment (103) incorporated to the periphery of the structure (101) or below the structure (101); wherein the float structure has a base (104) that allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure (101); or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure (101).

Description

A FLOATATION APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a floatation apparatus which is used as a life support in water with a shelter that provides protection to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floats that are commonly used to assist floating such as vehicle tires and swim rings are still lacking in many aspects. In particular, conventional floats do not provide body protection to users and are not capable to support the body of the user under strong winds and rough waves. Therefore, some prior arts have introduced the use of shelter in a float for protecting the head or upper body part of the user.

An example of such shelter is disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 5718612. This personal watercraft shelter which is in a taut condition comprises a covering with transparent front panels, transparent side and ear panels and translucent or opaque lower front panels, side panels and rear panels. The front flaps of the shelter can be opened and zipped shut. The shape of the shelter is maintained by a shape retaining means made of resilient material which includes a flexible longitudinal rod and transverse rod. The shelter is easily mounted on the top surface of the float tube by using the straps and side straps and by inserting the transverse rod into side pockets that are in turn inserted between the handles and the tube. A rear strap and side straps are utilized to further secure the shelter to the tube.

Whilst the shelter in U.S. Patent Number 5718612 provides protection mainly to the upper body of users, especially the head, it does not provide entire body protection. The shelter is directed for float tubes, kick boats and the like. The lower part of the body, particularly the legs are exposed to the outside environment and are therefore prone to danger. The exposed body parts could be easily harmed by animals, microorganisms or dangerous objects in the water or when the body parts are soaked for a long period of time in the water. U.S. Patent Application Number 20120252290 provides a solution to this problem through introducing an aquatic life-saving capsule which comes with a capsule body to form a waterproof compartment allowing a user board. The capsule body has its upper portion opened and surrounded by a circular wing portion to maintain the balance of the capsule body. A capsule cover is provided at the opened upper portion to protect the user's upper body, particularly the head from the external factors. Connector units could also be provided to be coupled the connector of a life-saving jacket. Although this capsule provides a whole body protection, the capsule can only fit in one person and due to the limited space of the capsule, movement of the user is restricted and therefore, the capsule is not comfortable to be used.

The present invention aims to address the drawbacks of the prior arts with a floatation apparatus which provides enhanced protection, versatility and capacity to users.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a floatation apparatus that protects users, particularly the upper body part of the users including the head from external factors such as strong currents and winds while the users are standing or sitting.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a floatation apparatus that ensures safety of the users and stability of the floatation apparatus. Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a floatation apparatus with ample space to occupy more than one user and compartments for storage purposes.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a floatation apparatus that allows users to view the environment outside of the apparatus with sufficient oxygen supply.

Again another aspect of the present invention is to provide a floatation apparatus which is equipped with power supply.

At least one of the preceding aspects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, in which the embodiment of the present invention describes a floatation apparatus (100) comprising a peripheral hollow float structure (101) having a top opening; a shelter ( 102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure ( 101 ); and at least one compartment (103) incorporated to the periphery of the structure ( 101) or below the structure ( 101 ); wherein the float structure has a base ( 104) that allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure (101); or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure (101 ).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a diagram showing the float structure that can be formed by multiple detachable units such that it can be assembled and disassembled.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the floatation apparatus with a bottom and top opening that allows the body of the user to fit through, enabling the user to stand while floating and being supported by the structure. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the floatation apparatus with a base that allows users to be enclosed while sitting within the floatation apparatus. Figure 4 is a floatation apparatus having multiple float structures.

Figure 5 is a floatation apparatus having compartments around the float structure.

Figure 6 is a floatation apparatus having multiple compartments below the float structure that are positioned atop each other.

Figure 7 is a floatation apparatus with a ballast suspended from the float structure which could have an anchor stored within the suspended ballast. Figure 8 is a floatation apparatus equipped with oxygen tanks, light sources and antenna.

Figure 9 is a floatation apparatus having a canopy as the shelter. Figure 10 is a floatation apparatus having a bouncing mechanism having a plurality of springs configured in a radial configuration that is incorporated within a construct around the float structure.

Figure 11 is a floatation apparatus having a self-adjusting mechanism incorporated within the float structure that has a capsule which includes a weighted base and is integrated with the shelter for accommodating the user, and a pair of rods connecting the capsule with the float structure for enabling rotation of the capsule such that the capsule is self-adjustable to an upright position. Figure 12 is floatation apparatus having a tapered flap at the bottom of the floatation apparatus formed by multiple hinged pieces with one or more apertures formed on the pieces and a ballast hinged to the bottom of the flap.

Figure 13 shows a floatation apparatus incorporated to a boat raft frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a floatation apparatus (100) comprising a peripheral hollow float structure ( 101 ) having a top opening; a shelter (102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure (101 ); and at least one compartment ( 103) incorporated to the periphery of the structure (101) or below the structure (101 ); wherein the float structure has a base (104) that allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure (101); or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure (101). The float structure (101 ) floats on the water whereas the compartments that are positioned below the structure (101 ) are preferably located under the water. It should be noted that the term 'user' applied herein includes drivers or passengers of the floatation apparatus ( 100).

The most basic form of the floatation apparatus ( 100) consists of float structure ( 101 ) and a shelter ( 102) enclosing the top opening of the float structure ( 101 ). Materials used to produce the floatation apparatus ( 100) include any one or combination of balsa wood, rubber or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the flotation apparatus (100) is inflatable so that the floatation apparatus (100) can be stored in a small space when it is not being used. Another advantage for the apparatus ( 100) to be inflatable is that the gas stored within the float structure ( 101 ) is not only used to maintain the size and shape of the float structure (101 ) but also enables the floatation apparatus (100) to float. Besides gas, water and ice could also be used to fill up the float structure ( 101 ). Referring to Figure 1 , the float structure (101) can be manufactured as a single unit or a detachable unit which is formed by multiple parts such that the float structure (101 ) could be assembled and disassembled easily. The parts include tubes to form the sides or periphery of the float structure ( 100) and/or a base (104) as shown in Figure 1. The shelter ( 102) could be a canopy as shown in Figure 9 or an enclosure as depicted in Figures 2. Preferably, the shelter (102) is an enclosure that encloses the top opening of the float structure ( 101 ) and is made of a partially or completely transparent material that enables light to pass through such that users could see through the shelter (102) with their eyes protected by the shelter ( 102) from the outside environment. For ventilation purposes, apertures or windows can be formed on the shelter (102), in particular the enclosure type of shelter ( 102) to allow air flow. Else, the top portion of the enclosure can be adjustable to reveal or close the opening.

One of the major features of the present invention is its versatility in allowing users to sit or walk around in an enclosed area provided by the floatation apparatus ( 100), and sit or stand while floating and being supported by the floatation apparatus (100) whereby part of the body of the user is exposed to the water. Figure 3 is an example of the present invention which provides space for users to sit or stand within the enclosed floatation apparatus (100). Such embodiment keeps users away from the water and enables electronic and other power supported devices to be usable within the floatation apparatus ( 100). Oxygen tanks (105) are incorporable to the floatation apparatus (100) to provide oxygen to users enclosed within the floatation apparatus (100). The embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2 has a top and bottom opening for the body of the user to fit through partially or completely, allowing the user to sit on the float structure ( 101) or stand while floating and being supported by the structure (101 ) respectively. A support handle (110) can be mounted on the float structure (101) for users to hold while floating. Seats can be provided for users to sit while having their legs in contact with water. This embodiment allows paddles (108) to be incorporated below the float structure ( 101) for users to maneuver the floatation apparatus ( 100) as shown in Figure 9.

The design of the flotation apparatus (100) allows more than one float structures (101) to be added to the apparatus ( 100). As illustrated in Figure 4, the floatation apparatus (100) has multiple float structures (101) formed atop each other and joined by a container ( 103) for serving as a storage or accommodation. The additional float structures ( 101 ) form multiple levels for the floatation apparatus ( 100) such that users accommodating the apparatus could climb from the bottom to the top of the apparatus ( 101 ) and view the environment outside of the floatation apparatus ( 101 ) from the enclosure. A compartment (103) can be included below the container which could be used for storing objects or act as a ballast (106) when the compartment ( 103) is loaded. Figures 5 and 6 show different possible configurations for the compartments (103) incorporated to the floatation apparatus (100). The compartments ( 103) could be added around the periphery of the float structure ( 101 ). An example of such configuration is depicted in Figure 5, whereby the first compartment ( 103a) around the circular float structure (101) is in a toroid shape and has an inner periphery that fits to the outer periphery of the float structure (101 ). Additional compartments (103) with inner peripheries that fit to the outer peripheries of compartments ( 103) that are already installed to the float structure (101) could be added such as the second compartment (103b) that fits around the outer periphery of the first compartment (103a) in Figure 5. The compartments (103) shown in Figure 6 are disposed vertically atop each other, beneath the float structure (101). Each compartment (103) could be defined a level used for accommodating the users and allowing them to perform various activities within the compartments ( 103). This embodiment of the floatation apparatus (100) could be maneuvered by a driver sitting at the top of the floatation apparatus ( 100). For safety, emergency, convenience and entertainment purposes, the floatation apparatus ( 100) could be equipped with power supply such that telecommunication systems and other electronic systems could be incorporated to the apparatus (100). Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the apparatus is equipped with light sources ( 111 ) for viewing the environment outside of the floatation apparatus (100) especially in the dark and an antenna ( 1 12) being part of the telecommunication system for users to send and receive communication signals. Other telecommunication or electronic systems that could be included to the apparatus ( 100) include Global Positioning System (GPS), computer with internet connection and phone.

To ensure stability of the floatation apparatus, a ballast (106) could be added to the float structure (101). In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 7, the ballast ( 106) is in the form of cylinder suspending from the float structure (101) by cables. Besides acting as a ballast ( 106), the cylinder could also be utilized as a container for an anchor (107). The anchor (107) could be stored within the suspended ballast ( 106) container. A driving system could be incorporated to the floatation apparatus ( 100) for driving the anchor (107) out of the ballast ( 106) container when the anchor (107) is needed to connect the floatation apparatus (100) to the bed of a body of water for preventing the floatation apparatus ( 100) from drifting away by the wind or current. Preferably, the driving system is a pulley system.

The versatility of the floatation apparatus (100) allows the apparatus to be incorporated to the body of a boat or raft frame ( 113) as shown in Figure 13 to enhance the overall shape of the floatation apparatus (100) through forming it into a hull shape or the like to improve the performance of the apparatus ( 100).

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 10 comprises a bouncing mechanism having a plurality of springs (115) configured in a radial configuration that is incorporated within a construct ( 114) mounted around the float structure ( 101 ). Such bouncing mechanism serves to push away objects exerting a force onto the float structure ( 101 ). For instance, objects that are colliding with the float structure (101) could be gently bounced away from the float structure (101 ). The floatation apparatus ( 100) could also bounce off gently from the object when it collides with the object. The construct ( 1 13) is also capable of absorbing the collision force to reduce the impact of the collision on the float structure ( 101). The bouncing mechanism avoids serious collision with other objects to happen for ensuring safety of the users of the floatation apparatus ( 100).

Another preferred embodiment for the floatation apparatus ( 100) comprises a self- adjusting mechanism incorporated within the float structure ( 101 ) which has a capsule ( 116) that includes a weighted base (118) and is integrated with the shelter ( 102) for accommodating the user, and a pair of rods (117) connecting the capsule ( 116) with the float structure ( 101) for enabling rotation of the capsule (116) as illustrated in Figure 11 , wherein the capsule ( 116) can rotate and adjust itself back to the upright position due to the weighted base (1 18) while being guided by the rods (117). Such function of the self-adjusting mechanism prevents the users and objects inside the capsule (1 16) from toppling when the floatation apparatus ( 100) is floating, especially in rough waves situations. With reference to Figure 12, the floatation apparatus (100) could also be incorporated with a tapered flap at the bottom of the floatation apparatus ( 100) formed by multiple hinged pieces ( 119) with one or more apertures (121) formed on the pieces ( 119). As the hinges (120) allow the pieces (119) to rotate, the flap is capable of moving or swaying with a fluttering or waving motion to enhance movement of the floatation apparatus ( 100), especially through currents. The apertures (121 ) allow water to flow through such that the flaps would not be affected by the strong current. The ballast (106) which serves as a container to occupy load could also be added to the end of the flap. Preferably, the ballast ( 106) is adjustable to be opened or closed for controlling the amount of water contained within the ballast (106) for preventing or reducing toppling of the floatation apparatus (100). When the ballast (106) is opened, its volume increases. Hence more water can be contained within the ballast ( 106).

Although the description above contains many specifications, it is understood that the embodiments of the preferred form are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention and it may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A floatation apparatus (100) comprising

a peripheral hollow float structure ( 101) having a top opening;

a shelter ( 102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure (101 ); and

at least one compartment ( 103) incorporated to the periphery of the structure ( 101 ) or below the structure ( 101);

wherein the float structure has a base (104) that allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure (101); or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure ( 101 ).

2. A flotation apparatus ( 100) according to claim 1 , further comprising a bouncing mechanism having a plurality of springs (115) configured in a radial configuration that is incorporated within a construct ( 114) mounted around the float structure (101).

A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a self- adjusting mechanism incorporated within the float structure (101 ) having a capsule (116) which includes a weighted base (118) and is integrated with the shelter ( 102) for accommodating the user, and a pair of rods ( 117) connecting the capsule (116) with the float structure ( 101) for enabling rotation of the capsule (116) such that the capsule is self-adjustable to an upright position.

4. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising a tapered flap at the bottom of the floatation apparatus (100) formed by multiple hinged pieces ( 119) with one or more apertures (121 ) formed on the pieces ( 1 19).

5. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a ballast ( 106) disposed under the structure (101).

6. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ballast (106) is hinged to the bottom end of the flap and is adjustable to be opened or closed for controlling the amount of water contained within the ballast ( 106).

7. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 5, further comprising an anchor ( 107) stored within the ballast ( 106) which is suspended from the structure ( 101 ) and incorporated with a driving system for driving the anchor ( 107) out of the ballast ( 106) .

8. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising one or more oxygen tanks (105) for providing oxygen to the user.

9. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of paddles (108) for the user to maneuver the apparatus (100).

10. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the shelter (102) is a canopy or an enclosure.

11. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein the enclosure is partially or completely transparent.

12. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein the enclosure is formed with one or more apertures for allowing air flow.

13. A floatation apparatus ( 100) according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is equipped with power supply for providing power to telecommunication and/or electronic systems. A floatation apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the float structure ( 101) is inflatable.

A floatation apparatus ( 100) according to claim 1 , wherein the float structure ( 101) is made of any one or combination of balsa wood, rubber or polystyrene containing gas, water or ice therewithin.

A floatation apparatus ( 100) according to claim 1 , wherein the float structure ( 101) is a single unit or a detachable unit formed by multiple parts.

A floatation apparatus ( 100) comprising

a peripheral hollow float structure (101) having a top opening; and a shelter (102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure (101 );

wherein the float structure has a base (104) that allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure ( 101 ); or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure (101 ).

A floatation apparatus ( 100) comprising

a peripheral hollow float structure (101) having a top opening;

a shelter (102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure (101); and

a bouncing mechanism having a plurality of springs (1 15) configured in a radial configuration that is incorporated within a construct ( 114) mounted around the float structure (101 );

wherein the float structure has a base (104) that allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure ( 101); or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure (101 ). A floatation apparatus ( 100) comprising

a peripheral hollow float structure ( 101 ) having a top opening and a base which allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure (101 );

a shelter ( 102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure ( 101); and

a self-adjusting mechanism incorporated within the float structure (101) that has a capsule ( 116) which includes a weighted base (1 18) and is integrated with the shelter ( 102) for accommodating the user, and a pair of rods (117) connecting the capsule ( 116) with the float structure ( 101 ) for enabling rotation of the capsule ( 116);

wherein the capsule (1 16) can rock over and right itself while being guided by the rods (117) to maintain the floatation apparatus (100) at an upright position.

A floatation apparatus (100) comprising

a peripheral hollow float structure (101) having a top opening, and a base which allows at least a user to sit or stand on the structure (101 ) or a bottom opening that fits through the body of the user along with the top opening partially or completely such that the user can sit or stand while floating and being supported by the structure ( 101);

a shelter ( 102) attached to the top opening for partially or completely enclosing the structure (101); and

a tapered flap at the bottom of the floatation apparatus (100) formed by multiple hinged pieces (119) with one or more apertures (121 ) formed on the pieces (119) and a ballast ( 106) hinged to the bottom of the flap;

wherein the ballast ( 106) is adjustable to be opened or closed for controlling the amount of water contained within the ballast (106).