Personal Foldable Floating Sun Shade Device

Abstract

The device of the present invention allows a user to float in a body of water while avoiding the harmful effects of the sun, and without having to physically hold his or her beverage, cellphone etc. More specifically, the foldable, portable, floating sun shade device provides a place for the user to keep a beverage, cell phone and other devices or products within arms-length. The floating sun shade device is also capable of collapsing into a compact position for easy and convenient transportation and storage.

Claims

1. A personal floatation device comprising: a first frame; a second frame; a pair of cross members; a protective cover; a device holder; and a beverage holder.

2. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second frames are positioned in substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship to one another.

3. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of cross members and the protective cover are attached to the first frame and the second frame.

4. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first frame, the second frame and the pair of cross members comprise a flotation element.

5. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 4, wherein the flotation element is comprised of one of a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polystyrene, a recycled plastic material, or a combination thereof

6. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protective cover is comprised of a high-density polyethylene.

7. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 6, wherein the protective cover blocks between 90 and 98 percent of a plurality of UV rays.

8. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1, wherein the device holder is attached to a top horizontal tube of first frame.

9. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 8, wherein the beverage holder is attached to a select one of the first frame, the second frame and a first cross member of the pair of cross members.

10. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a mounting mechanism for attaching each of the pair of cross members to each of the first and second frames.

11. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 10, wherein the mounting mechanism permits each of the pair of cross members to rotate about a select one of the first and second frames.

12. The personal floatation device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of cross members and a bottom horizontal tube of each of the first and second frames form a rectangular base for supporting a user in a body of water.

13. A recreational device for use in a body of water, the recreational device comprising: a base comprised of a plurality of tubular elements forming a quadrate configuration, wherein each of the plurality of tubular elements is at least partially covered with a buoyant foam material; a first pair of side posts extending outwardly from a first side of the base, wherein the first pair of side tubes are repositionable from a first position to a second position and are connected to one another by a first cross member; a second pair of side posts extending outwardly from a second side of the base, wherein the second pair of side posts are connected to one another by a second cross member; and a protective cover extending between the first cross member and the second cross member.

14. The recreational device as recited in claim 13 further comprising a container holder removably attached to the base, wherein the container holder is sized and configured to receive a consumer product.

15. The recreational device as recited in claim 13 further comprising a device holder removably attached to either the first cross member or the second cross member.

16. The recreational device as recited in claim 13, wherein the buoyant foam material is comprised of one of a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polystyrene, a recycled plastic material, or a combination thereof

17. The recreational device as recited in claim 13, wherein the protective cover is comprised of a high-density polyethylene and blocks between 90 and 99 percent of a plurality of UV rays.

18. A floating sun shade device comprising: a first frame and a second frame; a pair of cross members attached to each of the first and second frames; a protective cover attached to each of the first and second frames; a device holder attached to a select one of the first and second frames; and a beverage holder attached to a select one of the first and second frames or a select one of the cross members.

19. The floating sun shade device as recited in claim 18 further comprising a buoyant foam material comprised of one of a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polystyrene, a recycled plastic material, or a combination thereof.

20. The floating sun shade device as recited in claim 18, wherein the protective cover is comprised of a high-density polyethylene.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foldable floating sun shade device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device is both supporting an individual in a body of water and protecting the individual from exposure to the harmful effects of the sun;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foldable floating sun shade device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foldable floating sun shade device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device is floating on a body of water;

[0024] FIG. 4 further illustrates a perspective close up view of one potential embodiment of the cell phone holder as it is attached to the foldable floating sun shade device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cup holder and a smart phone holder being used in conjunction with the foldable floating sun shade device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates one potential embodiment of the steps in which the foldable floating sun shade of the present invention may be folded into a compact position for convenient storage and transportation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved floatation device to protect users from harmful UV rays and other effects of the sun, while also providing an improved waterborne experience. More specifically, there is a long felt need in the art for a floatation device that contains a cover or sunshade that is made of a UV protective material that allows the user to avoid over exposure to the harmful effects of the sun while beneath the sunshade. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a floatation device that provides a mechanism to securely hold the user's cell phone or smart device, and that is foldable to a compact position in order for the user to transport and store the device more efficiently and conveniently. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a floatation device that provides a mechanism to allow the user to keep a beverage close by for consumption, without requiring the user to continuously hold the same. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a flotation device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device 100 is both supporting an individual 170 in a body of water 180, and protecting the individual 170 from exposure to the harmful effects of the sun. More specifically, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention is buoyant enough to support the weight of the individual 170 in the body of water 180. The body of water 180 may be a pool, stream, lake, river, or any other type of venue which allows a user 170 to enter the water for entertainment, swimming, relaxation, floating, exercise, water aerobics or other similar activity.

[0030] The foldable floating sun shade device 100 is comprised of a protective cover 110, a pair of spaced apart frame components 120, a pair of straight connecting tubes 130, a cell phone holder 150 and a beverage holder 160. As explained more fully below, when in use, the protective cover 110 is positioned over the user and is preferably made from a high-density polyethylene, or other suitable material that provides an ample level of sunscreen protection to the user. More specifically, the protective cover 110 is preferably comprised of a material that blocks between 80 and 90 percent of the sunlight, and between 90 and 98 percent of the harmful UV rays from the sun. The protective cover 110 is also of a size and configuration such that it substantially covers the area occupied by the base, so that an individual can be under the protective cover 110 and within the area occupied by the base.

[0031] Each of frame components 120 are comprised of a pair of spaced apart side posts or tubes 121 connected to one another by each of a bottom horizontal cross member or tube 122, and a top horizontal cross member or tube 123, thereby forming the generally rectangular frame component 120. As best shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, each of the two frame components 120 are positioned in a generally parallel, spaced apart relationship to one another, but may be interconnected by the two connecting tubes 130 that span the distance between each of the frame components 120. When interconnected, each of the two connecting tubes 130 and the two bottom horizontal tubes 12 form a generally rectangular or square base 140 in which the user may position himself or herself when utilizing the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention, as best shown in FIG. 1. Likewise, the protective cover 110 also spans the distance between the two respective top horizontal tubes 123 of the two frames 120, and interconnects the same.

[0032] The base 140 and top which support the protective cover 110 may have a generally square configuration and the upright posts or tubes 121 form generally square or rectangular areas. If frame 120 created by the posts 121 and horizontal tubes 122, 123 forms a square, then the foldable floating sun shade device 100 will fold into a substantially square or quadrate configuration when in the second or folded position, as explained more fully below in relation to FIG. 5. By comparison, if the frame 120 created by the posts 121 and horizontal tubes 122, 123 forms a rectangular area, the interior height of the sunshade will be increased to allow for taller individuals to use the device 100, and the foldable floating sun shade device 100 will fold into a substantially rectangular configuration when in the second or folded position.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, each of the frames 120 are comprised of two generally parallel and spaced apart side posts 121, a bottom horizontal tube 122 for connecting a first end of each of the posts 121, and a top horizontal tube 123 for connecting a second opposing end of each of the posts 121. Each of the forgoing connections are at approximately ninety degree angles 124, and may be made using any suitable connecting or fastening mechanism including, without limitation, fasteners, adhesives, friction or interference fits, etc. Alternatively, the entire frame 120 may be formed from a single elongate member that has a series of 90 degree bends or angles therein to form the frame 120.

[0034] As previously stated, each of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 of the two frames 120 are connected to one another by two spaced apart and generally parallel cross member tubes 130 to form base 140. More specifically, each of the ends of each of the cross member tubes 130 are further comprised of a mounting mechanism 131 for firmly, but detachably, connecting the straight cross member tube 130 to the bottom horizontal tubes 122. The mounting mechanism 131 may be any suitable mechanism for removably connecting two items such as a clip, clamp, band, etc., provided that the same is capable of attaching, detaching and pivoting about one or both of the bottom horizontal tubes 122. Unless otherwise stated herein, each of the various components of the device 100 may be comprised of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, an aluminum, alloy, plastic or the like, provided that the same is relatively anti-corrosive, lightweight, strong, and durable.

[0035] Additionally, each of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 and the cross member tubes 130 are preferably enclosed in a buoyant foam 141, such as a cellular foam material made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, recycled plastic materials, combinations thereof, or other material suitable for floatation. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, each of the horizontal tubes 122 and the cross member tubes 130 may be filled with a foam material to increase the buoyancy of the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention so that it is capable of supporting (in terms of buoyancy) at least one adult user.

[0036] As noted above and best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 is further comprised of a cell phone or other smart device holder 150 that may be attached to a select one of the top horizontal tubes 123 or be suspended from the protective cover 110. In one embodiment, the cell phone holder 150 is comprised of a front wall 151, a back wall 152, a pair of opposing side walls 153 connecting the front and back walls 151, 152 together, a top portion 154, and a connection point 157 for attaching the cell phone holder 150 to either a select one of the top horizontal tubes 123 or for suspending the cell phone holder from the protective cover 110. The top portion 154 of the cell phone holder further comprises an opening 155 therein for the receipt of a cell phone 158. The front wall 151 may be constructed of a solid, opaque, or transparent material according to the needs and/or preferences of the user 170, and the holder 150 has a generally quadrate or rectangular configuration to accommodate any of a cell phone, tablet, music player, or the like. Nonetheless, other shapes and sizes of holder 150 can also be provided to receive other items, such as sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, a clock, wireless speakers, or any other sort of consumer product that the user 170 may need during his or her outing.

[0037] Additionally, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 is further comprised of a beverage holder 160 for supporting a cup, mug, can, bottle, or any other beverage container or food item slightly above the water line and in convenient reach of the user 170. More specifically, beverage holder 160 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape and is comprised of a sidewall 161 that extends from a base 162 to a top 163, and an opening 164 therein that is sized and configured for the receipt of a beverage container 165. Sidewall 161 may be further comprised of an insulating material to, for example, keep the beverage container 165 stored therein in a heated or cooled state. Nonetheless, the beverage holder 160 may also be comprised of a collapsible or flexible material that enables the beverage holder 160 to be stored in a flattened condition when not in use and prior to set up and positioning of the sun shade device 100 in the water 180. Then, when needed, the user 170 may insert the can, bottle or the like into the beverage holder 160, and the beverage holder 160 will then assume the shape of the beverage container 165. The beverage or container holder 160 is preferably attached along the base 140 of the device 100, such as to a select one of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 or connecting tubes 130, via a fastening mechanism 166. More specifically, and as best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, fastening mechanism 166 can be any suitable fastening mechanism known in the art, such as a clip, band, clamp or fastener, that is capable of keeping the user's beverage container 165 above the water line and in close proximity to the user 170 for easy retrieval when needed.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device 100 is floating in a body of water 180. In addition to providing a user 170 with a means to float in the water 180 with or without arms extended and with little to no effort in a floating state, the sun shade device 100 may also be used for exercise where a user holds onto the device 100 and then kicks or paddles his or her way across the pool or water. Likewise, the sun shade device can also be used for water aerobics to support the user 170 while exercising.

[0039] FIG. 3 also illustrates the ability of the foldable floating sun shade device 100 to provide a secure place to hold, for example, a beverage container 165, cell phone 158 and/or other items of the user 170. This capability frees up the user's hands, and allows the user 170 to swim or float about the pool 180 while still having their beverage container 165 and/or cell phone 158 nearby. Further, the presence of the protective cover 110 protects the user 170, the beverage container 165 and the cell phone 158 from the harmful effects of the sun.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a cup holder 160 and a smart phone holder 150 being used in conjunction with the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the beverage holder 160 about to be removably attached to the foldable floating sun shade device 100 via the fastening mechanism 166, in this instance a generally c-shaped clip. The c-shaped clip allows the beverage holder 160 to be secured at any point along either of the bottom horizontal tubes 122 or either of the straight tubes 130 to suit the needs and/or preferences of the user 170. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening mechanism 166 would be affixed to the center of the sidewall 161 of the beverage holder to ensure balance and stability, and to avoid the beverage from being spilled into, for example, the pool. Also, the fastening mechanism 166 should have sufficient strength to support beverage containers 165 of different weights, and may be manufactured from any suitable material such as, but not limited to, an aluminum, alloy, plastic or the like, provided that the same is relatively anti-corrosive, lightweight, strong, and durable.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective close up view of one potential embodiment of the cell phone holder 150 as it is attached to the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention. More specifically, the strap 156 may be attached to a top horizontal tube 123, which allows the cell phone holder 150 to attach at any point along either of the top horizontal tubes 123. Alternatively, the strap 156 may also be fixedly or removably attached to the protective cover 110, and hang downwardly therefrom. In either event, the strap 156 is constructed of a suitable and durable material, and the cell phone holder 150 should be such that the cell phone 158 supported thereby is inwardly facing in the direction of the user 170 for convenience.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates one potential embodiment of the steps in which the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention may be folded into a compact position for convenient storage and transportation. More specifically, in use, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 is in a fully opened or deployed position at step 190. At step 200 and once the foldable floating sun shade device 100 is no longer needed, the user 170 may detach one end of each of the connecting tubes 130 from the bottom horizontal tube 122. Then, at step 210, the user 170 rotates the first frame assembly 120 upward in the direction of the protective cover 110 and each of the connecting tubes 130 in the same direction (as they pivot on their opposite end about the other bottom horizontal tube 122), as best shown in FIG. 6. Finally, at step 220, the other frame 120 is also rotated upwardly in the direction of the protective cover 110 to fully collapse the foldable floating sun shade device 100 until the same is needed again.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the foldable floating sun shade device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the improved foldable floating sun shade device 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that other configurations of the foldable floating sunshade 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof

[0045] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.