Baby floating device

Abstract

This invention relates to a flotation device, and more particularly to an inflatable flotation device configured for use by an infant to at least partially support and hold the infant at least partially above and within water. The device may be a flotation member having an inner periphery, a top, and a bottom. The flotation member has a first height at a first position. The flotation member has a second height, different from the first height, at a second position. The flotation member includes a support member at least partially disposed within the inner periphery of the flotation member. A first portion of the support member is attached to the top of the flotation member at the first position. A second portion of the support member is attached to the top of the flotation member at the second position. A third portion of the support member is attached to the bottom of the flotation member at a third position, different from the first and second positions.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application filed based on the original parent application filed on March 16, 2018, application number 201810215985.8 (which was filed on January 4, 2022, application number 202210002383.0, and the examiner pointed out a unity of invention deficiency in the first office action issued on August 2, 2022).

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 473,094, filed March 17, 2017, entitled “Infant Float,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This application generally relates to floating devices, and more specifically to inflatable floating devices configured for use by infants to support the infant at least partially on the surface of water and to hold the infant at least partially therein. Background Technology

[0005] Recreational flotation devices known to allow users to lie, sit, and / or lean against them while floating on water are generally designed for use by young adults and / or adults. Some known recreational flotation devices designed for children and even infants are designed so that when the flotation device is on the water and the user is seated on it, the user is essentially sitting upright with part of their lower body submerged. Such known devices are not suitable for young infants who have not yet developed sufficient muscle control to maintain an upright position. These known devices also allow more of the user's body (especially the lower body) to be submerged during use than might be expected for a young infant.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a flotation device for children or infants that allows an infant to be placed on it and optionally supports one or more parts of the lower body on the water surface. There is also a need for a flotation device for infants or other users who cannot (or have only limited ability to) sit upright on their own. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application generally relates to flotation devices, and more specifically to an inflatable flotation device configured for use by an infant to at least partially support and hold the infant at least partially on and in the water surface. In some embodiments, the device is a flotation member having an inner periphery, a top, and a bottom. The flotation member has a first height at a first position between its bottom and its top. The flotation member has a second height at a second position between its top and bottom, the second height being different from the first height. The flotation member includes a support member at least partially disposed within the inner periphery of the flotation member. The support member has a first portion connected to the top of the flotation member at the first position. The support member has a second portion connected to the top of the flotation member at the second position. The support member has a third portion between the first and second portions. The third portion is connected to the bottom of the flotation member at a third position, different from the first and second positions of the flotation member. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top view of a floating device according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the device, in Figure 1 The parts shown in dashed lines are for illustrative purposes only.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a top view of a floating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A bottom view of the device.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A side view of a portion of the device.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the device, with a portion of the device removed for illustrative purposes.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line XX, with some parts of the device removed for illustrative purposes.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A side view of the device, showing a representative user seated therein, with some parts of the device shown as transparent for illustrative purposes.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 3A perspective view of the device, which includes a canopy in a first position.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A side view of part of the canopy.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 The front perspective view of the device, which includes a canopy in a second position and is situated on the water surface when a user sits on it.

[0019] Figure 12-13 They are Figure 3 The front and side perspective views of the device show the user sitting on it and the device being on the water.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a top view of an apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A front view of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This article generally discloses devices for use in floating and recreation on water, and more specifically, it discloses flotation devices for infants.

[0023] As used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and “the” include plural indicators. Thus, for example, the term “component” is intended to mean a single component or a combination of components, and “material” is intended to mean one or more materials or a combination thereof.

[0024] As used herein, when used to describe processes and / or procedures, the terms “reversible,” “reversible,” “reversibly,” etc., generally refer to a non-destructive process or procedure that can subsequently be reversed by a similar but substantially opposite, inverse, and / or reverse non-destructive process or procedure. When these terms are used herein with respect to the attachment and / or separation of elements or assemblies, reversible attachment means the non-destructive, repeatable attachment and / or separation of an element or assembly.

[0025] As used herein, when used in conjunction with numerical values ​​and / or ranges, the terms “about” and / or “approximately” generally refer to those numerical values ​​and / or ranges that are close to the listed numerical values ​​and / or ranges. For example, in some cases, “about 40 [units]” may mean within ±25% of 40 (e.g., 30-50). In some cases, the terms “about” and “approximately” may mean within ±10% of the stated value. For example, the term “approximately the whole” may mean within ±10% of 100%. In other cases, the terms “about” and “approximately” may mean within ±9%, ±8%, ±7%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, less than ±1%, or any other value or range of values ​​or values ​​thereunder or below. The terms “about” and “approximately” are used interchangeably. Furthermore, while numerical values ​​modified by the terms “about” or “approximately” may allow and / or otherwise cover tolerances for the stated values, they are not intended to exclude (and more specifically may include) the exact numerical values ​​stated.

[0026] Similarly, when used in conjunction with, for example, geometric relationships, numerical values, and / or ranges, the term "substantially" is intended to express that the defined geometric relationship (or structure thus described), numerical value, and / or range are nominally the stated geometric relationship, quantity, and / or range. For example, two structures described herein as "substantially parallel" are intended to express that while parallel geometric relationships are desired, some non-parallelism may occur in a "substantially parallel" manner. As another example, a structure defining a diameter as "substantially 100 millimeters (mm)" is intended to express that while the stated diameter is desired, some tolerances may occur when the volume is substantially the stated volume (e.g., 100 millimeters). Such tolerances may be due to manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances, and / or other practical considerations (e.g., minor defects, the age of the thus defined structure, pressures or forces applied within the system, etc.). As mentioned above, appropriate tolerances may be, for example, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%, ±9%, ±10%, or more of the stated geometric relationship, numerical value, and / or range. Furthermore, while numerical values ​​modified by the term "substantially" may allow and / or otherwise cover tolerances for said numerical values, they are not intended to exclude (and more specifically may include) said exact numerical values.

[0027] While a range of values ​​may be provided for certain quantities, it should be understood that these ranges may include all subranges thereof. Thus, the range “from 5 to 10” includes all possible ranges thereof, and all values ​​within a given range may be endpoints of the ranges thereby encompassed (e.g., 6-10, 7-10, 8-10, 9-10, 5-9, 6-9, 7-9, 8-9, 5-8, 6-8, 7-8, 6-8, 7-8, 8-9, or parts thereof).

[0028] As used in this article, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “proximal” and “farthest” refer to directions that are closer to and farther from the user (e.g., the user placed on the device).

[0029] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates a device 100 according to one embodiment. Device 100 may be, for example, a flotation device for at least partially supporting a user, particularly an infant, on or above the surface of water or other suitable liquid. Device 100 has a basket 102 including a support member 110 and a basket wall portion 130 (or partition basket wall portion) arranged around at least a portion of the periphery (e.g., outer periphery) of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the basket wall portion 130 is arranged around substantially the entire outer periphery of the support member 110.

[0030] The support member 110 is configured to place a user (e.g., an infant) thereon. The support member 110 and the basket wall portion 130 together define a seat portion 120, which is recessed relative to the upper surface of the basket wall portion 130, and at least a portion of the user can be arranged therein for use with the flotation device 100. In use, an infant or other user can be placed on the support member 110 in the seat portion 120 in a position between an upright sitting position and a supine position, such that the user is at least partially located within the container defined by the basket wall portion 130 and the support member 110. For simplicity only, the position between the aforementioned upright sitting position and supine position is referred to herein as a “reclining position,” which is not to imply that the term “reclining position” is otherwise limited to include only positions between the upright sitting position and the supine position.

[0031] The basket wall portion 130 is configured to help retain at least a portion of the user within the seat portion 120. For example, the seat portion 120 may be configured to receive at least a portion of an infant's head, torso, and legs, wherein the user's knees may optionally rest on and / or over a portion of the basket wall portion 130 and the lower legs and one or both feet may optionally rest outside the outer periphery of the basket wall portion 130. Because the basket wall portion 130 extends upward (or laterally) to at least a portion of the upper surface of the support member 110, in use, the basket wall portion 130 helps prevent the infant from rolling over and / or dislodging from the support member 110. The basket wall portion 130 is also configured to help prevent water from entering the container of the seat portion 120 (e.g., from above the top of the basket wall portion 130) or reduce the amount of water entering when the device 100 is used on water.

[0032] The first portion 131 of the basket wall portion 130 may have a first height, and the second portion 133 of the basket wall portion 130 may have a second height different from the first height. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 131 of the basket wall portion 130 is adjacent to the user's head when using the device and has a greater first height than the second portion 133 of the basket wall portion 130, which is adjacent to and / or located below the user's legs when using the device. In some embodiments, the first height of the first portion 131 of the basket wall portion 130 is in the range of about 5 inches to about 10 inches, about 6 inches to about 9 inches, or about 7 inches to about 8 inches. In some embodiments, the second height of the second portion 133 of the basket wall portion 130 is in the range of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or about 3 inches to about 4 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the first height is about 7.5 inches, and the second height is about 3.4 inches. In some embodiments, when the basket wall portion 130 is inflated, the first portion 131 and the second portion 133 of the basket wall portion 130 each have a first height and a second height, respectively, reaching, for example, one of a maximum volume or a threshold volume.

[0033] In some embodiments, the basket wall portion 130 decreases in height from a first portion 131 to a second portion 133. For example, the upper surface 132 of the basket wall portion 130 may be inclined or inclined from the first portion 131 to the second portion 133. In this way, for example, the upper surface 132 of the basket wall portion 130 may have (or substantially coincide with) a longitudinal axis LA forming an angle with respect to the horizontal plane H (see, for example...). Figure 2 The lower surface of the basket wall portion 130, opposite the upper surface 132, can be substantially horizontal.

[0034] The basket wall portion 130 is buoyant (e.g., on water or other suitable liquid). In some embodiments, the basket wall portion 130 includes a membrane and an inflatable bladder (not in...). Figure 1-2 (As shown in the figure). In some embodiments, the membrane of the basket wall portion 130 defines at least a portion of a sleeve in which an inflatable bladder is disposed. The membrane may be made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the membrane is impermeable to liquids. In other embodiments, the membrane is permeable to liquids (e.g., water). In some embodiments, the membrane of the basket wall portion 130 is optional. For example, the basket wall portion 130 may include an inflatable bladder without a membrane.

[0035] In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder includes a plurality of inflatable chamber portions. Two or more inflatable chamber portions may be stacked vertically within the basket wall portion 130. One or more inflatable chamber portions of the inflatable bladder may be formed, for example, by one or more welded portions of the inflatable bladder. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder forms at least one ring within a sleeve of a thin film of the basket wall portion 130. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder (or the inflatable chamber portions together) is wound once, once and a half, twice, twice and a half, or more times within the sleeve. In some embodiments, for each ring above a first ring or a portion thereof, one inflatable chamber segment may be stacked or positioned above another inflatable chamber segment. In some embodiments, a first portion of the inflatable bladder of the basket wall portion 130 has a larger cross-sectional surface area than a second portion of the inflatable bladder of the basket wall portion 130.

[0036] The support member 110 of the basket 102 may be flexible. The support member 110 may be buoyant. In some embodiments, the support member 110 includes a membrane (not shown in the figure). Figure 1-2 (in the middle) and inflatable airbags (not shown in) Figure 1-2 (in the middle). In other embodiments, the support member 110 is made of a floating or buoyant (e.g., non-inflatable) material. The membrane, inflatable bladder, or both can be flexible. The membrane of the support member 110 may include a first layer and a second layer and define a bag-like element therebetween. An inflatable bladder may be arranged within the bag-like element of the membrane of the support member 110.

[0037] Support member 110 is coupled to basket wall portion 130. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer peripheral portion (e.g., viewed from a top view) of support member 110 (e.g., the first and / or second layers of the support member film) is coupled to basket wall portion 130 of device 100. In some embodiments, substantially the entire outer peripheral portion of support member 110 is coupled to basket wall portion 130. The outer peripheral portion of support member 110 is coupled to basket wall portion 130, such as the inner peripheral portion of basket wall portion 130, such that opposing first and second ends of support member 110 are coupled to basket wall portion 130 at first and second positions substantially at a first height and a second height of basket wall portion 130, respectively, and such that opposing side portions of support member 110 disposed between opposing first and second ends of support member 110 are coupled to basket wall portion 130 at a third position lower than the first height and less than the second height. For example, the third height of basket wall portion 130 may be substantially zero inches (e.g., the bottom of basket wall portion 130).

[0038] The ends of the inflatable bladder can be connected to the opposite ends of the basket wall portion 130 at approximately a first height and a second height, respectively. In this manner, the first end of the inflatable bladder of the support member 110 is separated from the support surface (e.g., the water surface or the second or lower surface of the basket wall portion) by a first distance (e.g., a first height of the basket wall portion 130), which is greater than a second distance separating the second end of the inflatable bladder of the support member 110 from the support surface (or the second surface of the basket wall portion). In some embodiments, the support member 110 has a longitudinal cross-sectional profile (e.g., taken along a longitudinal axis that extends along the longer dimension of the support member 110 at least between the first end and the second end of the inflatable bladder) including a recessed portion. In some embodiments, the support member 110 has a longitudinal cross-sectional profile including a protruding portion and a recessed portion. In some embodiments, the support member 110 has a transverse cross-sectional profile (e.g., taken along a transverse axis that extends along the shorter dimension of the support member 110 from a first side of the support member to a second opposite side of the support member) including a recessed portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, the support member 110 is configured to receive and / or adapt to users of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., infants). In some embodiments, for example, the inflatable bladder of the support member 110 is configured to produce a pillow-like effect, such that the air within the inflatable bladder shifts therein in response to varying weight or pressure exerted by different parts of the user's body placed thereon. In this way, the support member 110 is configured to at least partially adapt to the user's body.

[0040] In some embodiments, when air (or other gas) within the inflatable bladder shifts therein in response to the movement of a user's body placed upon it, a first portion of the support member 110 may have a first thickness (e.g., measured along a direction truncated between the upper and lower surfaces of the support member 110) and a second portion of the support member 110 may have a second thickness less than the first thickness. In some such embodiments, a third portion of the support member 110 may have a third thickness greater than the second thickness. For example, the first portion of the support member 110 may be close to the user's head, the second portion may be close to the user's hips, and the third portion may be close to the user's legs. The second portion of the support member 110 is thinner than the first and third portions of the support member 110 when the user is placed upon it, which helps to more easily hold or squeeze the user (e.g., an infant). In other words, in some embodiments, the support member 110 may have thinner or flatter portions arranged between relatively thicker portions (e.g., due to air dispersion therein or due to the construction of the support member 110 itself), and the thinner portions may have greater flexibility than the thicker portions. Because the thinner portion of the inflatable bladder of support member 110 has greater flexibility, it can encourage the user's body to lean, fold, sink, or otherwise roll into the thinner portion of support member 110. In some embodiments, having a thinner portion between relatively thicker portions of support member 110 can help facilitate the user being held head-to-toe within the container of seat portion 120. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of facilitating head-to-toe holding within the container of seat portion 120, having a thinner portion between relatively thicker portions of support member 110 can also help facilitate the user being held laterally within the container of seat portion 120. In other embodiments, support member 110 can have any suitable thickness variation, whether due to the construction of support member 110 (e.g., an inflatable bladder configured to have different cross-sectional areas when inflated and without external pressure thereon, or due to the different thicknesses of the materials constituting one or more portions of the inflatable bladder and / or membrane of support member 110), or due to the dispersion of air or other gases within the inflatable chamber in response to external pressure thereon.

[0041] In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder of the support member 110 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more inflatable segments, wherein two or more inflatable segments may be fluidly connected. In this manner, two or more inflatable segments can be inflated via a single valve. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder is fused together to create a fluid connection between the two or more inflatable segments. The inflatable portions of the support member 110 may be substantially stacked or arranged in parallel. This segmented inflatable bladder allows the support member 110 to better adapt to the shape of the user (e.g., compared to an unsegmented inflatable bladder) and also helps to keep the user's center of gravity low when resting on it. The segmented inflatable bladder also provides a pillow-shaped portion adjacent to a first end 131 of the basket wall portion 130, on which the user's head can be rested during use. In some embodiments, one or more inflatable segments of the inflatable bladder are configured to compress when the user rests on it. In other embodiments, the support member 110 may include two or more inflatable bladders in place of any one or more or all of the inflatable sections.

[0042] In some embodiments, the floating device 100 includes a stabilizing member (not shown in the figure). Figure 1-2 A stabilizing member is arranged around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the basket wall portion 130 of the floatation device. The stabilizing member is configured to lower the center of gravity of the floatation device 100, thereby helping to prevent the floatation device from capsizing during use, for example, when a user (e.g., an infant) passes over the basket wall portion 130 of the floatation device facing the water surface. The stabilizing member may be (indirectly or directly) attached to the basket wall portion 130 of the floatation device. The stabilizing member may be buoyant and optionally inflatable. The stabilizing member may form a closed loop around the basket 102. The stabilizing member 150 has any suitable shape, including but not limited to substantially annular or elliptical.

[0043] In some embodiments, the flotation device 100 includes a safety belt (not shown). Figure 1-2 (In the middle) The seat belt is configured to hold the user to the floatation device 100 to help prevent the infant from climbing out or pulling himself or her out of the seat portion 120. In some embodiments, the floatation device includes a coil spring configured to fold over itself for greater compactness. The coil spring may be coupled to the periphery of the floatation device, such as to a stabilizing member or to the carrier 102. The coil spring allows the floatation device to move between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the coil spring is retracted and the floatation device is folded over itself, and in the second configuration, the coil spring is extended and the floatation device is deployed (and inflated or ready to be inflated). In some embodiments, one or more inflatable components of the floatation device are inflated to maintain the coil spring in the extended configuration, thereby holding the floatation device in the second configuration.

[0044] Coil springs can be made of or coated with a waterproof material. Coil springs can be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metals (e.g., steel), plastics, or other materials. A coil spring can be a single continuous element or can comprise multiple spring elements that can optionally be joined together by a joint, such as a sleeve joint, connecting the ends of one or more spring elements. Coil springs can have any suitable shape and size. In some embodiments, the coil spring has shape memory, such that when it is not maintained in a coil configuration (e.g., due to the inflation of one or more inflatable bladders of the flotation device, such as inflatable bladders of a stabilizing member), it is deflected to return to its non-coil configuration. Coil springs can be similar in many respects to the coil spring disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,849,949, entitled “Collapsible Flotation Device,” issued December 26, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0045] In some embodiments, the floating device includes a canopy (not shown) Figure 1-2 (Middle). The canopy can be fastened via, for example, buckles, strips, buttons, buckles, ties, hooks and loops (e.g.) The canopy may be reversibly coupled to the flotation device by at least one, two, three, four, or more of the following, or combinations thereof. The canopy may be configured to shield at least a portion of the user's body from solar ultraviolet radiation when the user is seated within the seating portion 120 of the flotation device. At least a portion of the canopy may comprise a fabric or coating with a rated ultraviolet protection factor (“UPF”), such as UPF 50, UPF 40, etc. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the canopy is made of a flexible material similar to the flexible material used for one or more films of the flotation device (e.g., a flexible material, a permeable material, a mesh material, or any other suitable material described herein). The canopy may be movable relative to the flotation device. For example, the canopy may have a first position and a second position in which a first (or rear) edge of the canopy contacts or is spaced less than 5 inches from the upper surface of the first portion of the flotation device, and in a second position in which the first edge of the canopy is spaced 5 inches or more from the upper surface of the first portion of the flotation device.

[0046] An apparatus 200 according to one embodiment is illustrated in Figure 3-13The device 200 may be, for example, a flotation device similar to or the same as the device 100 described herein in many respects. The flotation device 200 is configured to support a user, particularly an infant, on and at least partially on the surface of water or other suitable liquid. More specifically, the flotation device 200 is configured to support the user in a lying position such that at least a portion of the infant's head and torso is above the water surface and at least a portion of the infant's buttocks is positioned at or below the water surface as described herein.

[0047] The flotation device 200 has a basket 202 including a support member 210 and a basket wall portion 230 arranged around at least a portion of the periphery of the support member 210 (e.g., the outer periphery in a top view). The support member 210 is configured to place a user (e.g., an infant) thereon. The support member 210 and the basket wall portion 230 together define a container 220 in which at least a portion of the user's body can be placed to allow the flotation device 200 to float, for example, on water. As described herein, the support member 210, the basket wall portion 230, and the container 220 may together form the seating portion of the flotation device 200.

[0048] The basket wall portion 230 includes a first (or upper) surface 232, a second (or lower) surface 234, a third (or inward) surface 236, and a fourth (or outward) surface 238. The basket wall portion 230 may have any suitable thickness between the third surface 236 and the fourth surface 238, including, for example, a thickness of about 1 inch to 5 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or about 2 inches to about 3 inches. At least a portion of the basket wall portion 230 may be raised relative to at least a portion of the first surface 212 of the support member 210 (e.g., extending laterally or substantially perpendicular to that portion). In use, an infant (or other user) may lie on the support member 210 of the flotation device 200 such that the infant is at least partially located within the container 220 defined by the basket wall portion 230 and the support member 210. For example, container 220 may be configured to receive at least a portion of an infant's head, torso, and legs, wherein the user's knees are optionally positioned on and / or above a portion of the basket wall portion 230, and the lower legs and one or both feet are optionally positioned outside the outer periphery of the basket wall portion 230. Thus, the basket wall portion 230 is configured to help retain at least a portion of the user within container 220. In other words, because the basket wall portion 230 extends transversely to the first surface 212 of the support member 210, in use, the basket wall portion 230 helps prevent the infant from rolling over the basket wall portion 230 and / or dislodging from the support member 210. The basket wall portion 230 is also configured to help prevent water from entering container 220 (e.g., from above the upper surface 232 of the basket wall portion 230) or reduce the amount of water entering container 220 when the flotation device 200 is used on water.

[0049] refer to Figure 5 When the flotation device 200 is inflated, the first portion of the basket wall portion 230 has a first height H1, while the second portion of the basket wall portion 230 has a second height H2 different from the first height H1. For example, the first portion of the basket wall portion 230 may include a portion of the basket wall portion adjacent to the user's head when the device is in use, and the second portion may include a portion of the basket wall portion 230 adjacent to and / or located below the user's legs when the device is in use. Thus, the first portion of the basket wall portion 230 adjacent to the user's head may have a height H1 that is higher than the height H2 of the second portion of the basket wall portion 230 adjacent to and / or located below the user's legs. In some embodiments, when the basket wall portion 230 is inflated to one of its maximum or predetermined volumes, the first portion and the second portion of the basket wall portion 230 have a first height H1 and a second height H2, respectively. The height (e.g., first height H1, second height H2, or the height of different portions of the basket wall portion 230) can be measured relative to the distance between the upper surface 232 and the lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230, or the horizontal plane H of the lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230. Figure 5 As shown. The horizontal plane H of the lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230 may be parallel to or in the same plane as the upper surface of the water or other supporting surface. The first height H1 of the first portion of the basket wall portion 230 may be in the range of about 5 inches to about 10 inches, about 6 inches to about 9 inches, or about 7 inches to about 8 inches. The second height H2 of the second portion of the basket wall portion 230 may be in the range of about 1 inch to about 5 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, or about 3 inches to about 4 inches. For example, the first height H1 may be about 7.5 inches, and the second height H2 may be about 3.4 inches.

[0050] In some embodiments, the height of the basket wall portion 230 decreases from the first portion of the basket wall portion 230 to the second portion of the basket wall portion 230 (e.g., by a predetermined angle, slope, or inclination). For example, the upper surface 232 of the basket wall portion 230 may slope downward from the first portion of the basket wall portion 230 or be biased towards the second portion of the basket wall portion 230. In this way, for example, the upper surface of the basket wall portion 230 may have a longitudinal axis intersecting the horizontal plane H (see, for example, see...). Figure 5 ).

[0051] The basket wall portion 230 is buoyant (e.g., on water or other suitable liquids). The basket wall portion 230 includes a membrane 240 and an inflatable bladder 246. The membrane 240 may be made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the membrane 240 is liquid-impermeable. In other embodiments, the membrane 240 is at least semi-permeable to liquids (e.g., water). One or both of the membrane 240 and the inflatable bladder 246 may be flexible. The membrane 240 of the basket wall portion defines at least a portion of a sleeve 242 in which the inflatable bladder 246 is disposed.

[0052] The inflatable bladder 246 of the basket wall portion 230 may include a plurality of fluidly communicating inflatable chamber portions (e.g., gas or liquid from one inflatable chamber portion can flow to another inflatable chamber). When the inflatable bladder 246 is inflated, at least two inflatable chamber portions may be stacked vertically within the sleeve 242 of the basket wall portion 230. One or more inflatable chamber portions may be formed, for example, by one or more weld lines of material forming the inflatable bladder, which divide the inflatable bladder 246 into a plurality of inflatable chamber portions. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder forms at least one ring within the sleeve of the membrane of the basket wall portion 230. The inflatable bladder (or the inflatable chamber portions together) wraps around the sleeve approximately twice and a half times, as... Figure 7 As shown. For each ring above the first ring, or a portion thereof, inflatable chamber portions can be stacked or positioned above another inflatable chamber portion. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, the inflatable bladder 246 includes three inflatable chamber portions stacked within a first portion of the basket wall portion 230 and two inflatable chamber portions stacked within a second portion of the basket wall portion 230.

[0053] The first portion 247 of the inflatable bladder 246 of the basket wall portion 230 has a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second portion 249 of the inflatable bladder 246 of the basket wall portion 230. The first portion 247 of the inflatable bladder 246 can be arranged within the first portion of the basket wall portion 230, while the second portion 249 of the inflatable bladder 246 can be arranged within the second portion of the basket wall portion 230.

[0054] The support member 210 of the carrier 202 is configured to support a user (e.g., an infant) lying on it. As described herein, the support member 210 may be flexible to adapt to the user's body. The support member 210 may be buoyant. The support member 210 includes a membrane sheet 222 and an inflatable bladder 216. One or both of the membrane sheet 222 and the inflatable bladder 216 may be flexible. The membrane sheet 222 includes a first layer 223 and a second layer 225 and defines a pouch 224 therebetween. The inflatable bladder 216 is at least partially disposed within the pouch 224 of the membrane sheet 222 of the support member 210.

[0055] Support member 210 may be arranged within the inner periphery of basket wall portion 230. Support member 210 is attached to basket wall portion 230. At least a portion of the outer periphery of support member 210 (e.g., from a top view) (e.g., the outer periphery of one or both of the first layer 223 and / or the second layer 225 of the support member film) is attached to basket wall portion 230 of basket 202. Figure 3 As best shown in the diagram, substantially the entire outer periphery of the support member 210 is connected to the basket wall portion 230. More specifically, substantially the entire outer periphery of the membrane 222 of the support member 210 may be connected to the inner periphery of the membrane 240 of the basket wall portion 230.

[0056] A support member 210 (e.g., the outer periphery of the support member) is coupled to a basket wall portion 230 (e.g., the inner periphery of the basket wall portion) such that opposing first ends 211 and second ends 213 of the support member 210 are coupled at corresponding locations to opposing first and second portions of the basket wall portion 230, the first and second portions being substantially at a first height H1 and a second height H2 of the basket wall portion 230, respectively. The support member 210 is also coupled to the basket wall portion 230 such that one or more sides 215 of the support member 210 between the first ends 211 and the second ends 213 are coupled to the basket wall portion 230 at a third location having a height less than the first height H1 and the second height H2. In some embodiments, the sides 215 of the support member 210 are coupled at least at one location to the lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230. At least a portion of the support member 210 is configured to extend downward in use such that the portion (e.g., the middle portion relative to the length and / or width of the support member 210) is below the lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230.

[0057] A first end 217 of the inflatable bladder 216 is connected to a first portion of the basket wall portion 230, while a second end 218 of the inflatable bladder 216, which is different from the first end 217 and / or opposite to the first end 217, is connected to a second portion of the basket wall portion 230. In this way, the first end portion 217 of the inflatable bladder of the support member 210 is separated from the support surface (e.g., water surface) or lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion by a first distance (e.g., substantially equal to the first height H1 of the basket wall portion 230), which is greater than a second distance (e.g., substantially equal to the second height H2 of the basket wall portion 230), and the second end 218 of the inflatable bladder 216 is separated from the support surface or lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230 by this second distance.

[0058] The support member 210 has a longitudinal cross-sectional profile (e.g., taken along a longitudinal axis that extends along the longer dimension of the support member 210 at least between the first end 217 and the second end 218 of the inflatable bladder), which includes a recessed portion. In some embodiments, the support member 110 has a longitudinal cross-sectional profile including a protruding portion and a recessed portion. For example, as in Figure 7 As best illustrated, when the inflatable bladder 216 is inflated, the portion of the support member 210 near the third position of the basket wall portion 230 (or the middle portion of the longer dimension of the support member 210) may include a recessed portion, while the portion of the support member 210 near the first end 217 (e.g., between the recessed portion and the first end 217) may include a protruding portion. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support member 210 is recessed along at least a portion of its width (e.g., between opposing sides 215 of the shorter dimension of the support member 110). This curvature of the support member 210 helps the support member to at least partially conform to the user's body when the user lies on it.

[0059] The support member 210 is configured to receive and / or adapt to users of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., infants). In some embodiments, for example, the inflatable bladder 216 of the support member 210 is configured to produce a pillow-like effect, such that the air (or other liquid or gas) within the inflatable bladder shifts in response to various weights or pressures exerted by different parts of the user's body placed thereon. In this way, the support member 210 is configured to at least partially adapt to the user's body.

[0060] The first portion of the support member 210 may have a first thickness (e.g., measured along a direction truncated between its upper surface 212 and its lower surface 214), while the second portion of the support member 210 may have a second thickness less than the first thickness. The third portion of the support member 210 may have a third thickness greater than the second thickness but less than the first thickness. For example, in use, the first portion of the support member 210 may be close to the user's head, the second portion of the support member 210 may be close to the user's hips, and the third portion of the support member 210 may be close to the user's legs. The second portion of the support member 210 is thinner than the first and third portions of the support member 210 when used and placed on it, which helps to more easily hold or squeeze a user (e.g., an infant) into it. In other words, the support member 210 may have a thinner or flatter portion at its bottom (e.g., due to air dispersion therein or due to the construction of the support member 210 itself) and be arranged (longitudinally) between relatively thicker portions, wherein the thinner portion has greater flexibility than the thicker portion. Because the thinner portion of the inflatable bladder 216 of the support member 210 has greater flexibility than the thicker portion, the support member thereby encourages the user's body to lean, fold, sink, or roll into the thinner portion of the support member 210. The thinner portion between the relatively thicker portions of the support member 210 can help keep the user from head to toe within the container 220 defined by the basket wall portion 230 and the support member 210. In addition to or instead of helping the user stay from head to toe within the container 220, the thinner portion between the relatively thicker portions of the support member 210 can also help keep the user on both sides within the container 220. Variations in the thickness of the support member 210 can be attributed to the construction of the support member 210 (e.g., the inflatable bladder 216 segment is configured to have different cross-sectional areas when inflated and in the absence of external pressure, or to the different thicknesses of the materials of one or more portions of the inflatable bladder 216 and / or membrane 222 that construct the support member 210) or to the dispersion of air or other gases within the inflatable bladder 216 in response to the aforementioned external pressure.

[0061] Reference is made in which the first layer 223 of the thin film 222 has been partially removed for illustrative purposes. Figure 7 The inflatable bladder 216 of the support member 210 includes a set of inflatable sections, wherein two or more inflatable sections are in fluid communication. In this way, two or more inflatable sections can be inflated, for example, via a single valve 219 (see...). Figure 4 The inflatable bladder 216 can be welded together in a manner that creates a fluid connection between two or more inflatable segments. For example, as... Figure 6As shown, the inflatable bladder 216 is fused with a substantially continuous sinusoidal weld line (indicated by the dashed line W, for illustrative purposes only) that divides the inflatable bladder into inflatable segments (e.g., articulated segments). Thus, the centerline of the inflatable bladder 216 has multiple curved portions. In this way, the inflatable segments of the support member 210 can be substantially stacked or arranged in parallel. In other words, two or more inflatable segments of the inflatable bladder 216 can have parallel centerlines CL1, CL2. This segmented inflatable bladder 216 allows the support member 210 to better adapt to the shape of the user (e.g., compared to an unsegmented inflatable bladder) and also helps to keep the user's center of gravity low when placed on it. One or more inflatable segments of the inflatable bladder 216 are configured to compress when the user remains on it, for example, to allow air dispersion as described above. Although support member 210 is shown and described as comprising a single inflatable bladder 216 having multiple segments, in other embodiments, support member 210 may include two or more inflatable bladders in place of any one or more (or all) inflatable segments.

[0062] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7-8 The lower surface of the basket 202 of the flotation device 200 defines a recessed portion 221 having a container. More specifically, the inner surface 236 of the basket wall portion 230 and the lower surface 214 of the support member 210 define the recessed portion 221. Various portions of the support member 210 can move, bend, retract, or shift within the container of the recessed portion 221 to adapt to the user's body during use, as described herein. In particular, the intermediate portion of the support member 210 (e.g., the portion of the support member 210 near or below the user's hips during use, or the portion of the support member 210 including a thinner or flatter inflatable section) can adapt to the user's body and / or be shifted by the user's body such that during use, the intermediate portion extends below the recessed portion (e.g., into the water) (e.g., as described herein). Figure 7 and 8 (As shown).

[0063] The flotation device 200 includes a safety harness 290 configured to rest on at least a portion of the user when the user is positioned within the container 220 and basket wall portion 230 of the support member 210. For example, as... Figure 3As shown, the seatbelt 290 may be a three-point restraint configured to at least partially retain a user within the basket 202. The restraint 290 includes a panel 292 attached at a first end 293 to at least one of a support member 210 or a basket wall portion 230. At least a portion of the panel 292 is configured to be positioned between the user's legs. A first strap member 294 and a second strap member 295 are attached to opposite sides of the panel 292, and each includes a first portion of a buckle 298, 299, or other suitable fastener. A third strap member 296 and a fourth strap member 297 are attached to opposite sides of the support member 210, and each includes a second complementary portion of a corresponding buckle 298, 299, or other suitable fastener. In this manner, when a user sits inside the container 220, the panel 292 unfolds between the user's legs, and the buckles 298 and 299 are fastened, thereby connecting the first strap member 294 and the third strap member 296 together, and connecting the second strap member 295 and the fourth strap member 297 together, thus securing the user at least partially within the container 220 of the basket 202. Although the securing strap 290 is shown as including the panel 292, in other embodiments, the securing strap may be constructed differently, for example, with a central strap and two side straps.

[0064] The flotation device 200 includes a stabilizing member 250 arranged around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the basket wall portion 230 of the flotation device. The stabilizing member 250 is buoyant. The stabilizing member 250 is configured to help prevent the flotation device 200 from capsizing during use, for example, when a user (e.g., an infant) attempts to cross the basket wall portion 230 of the flotation device 200 towards the water surface. For example, the stabilizing member 250 provides a wider bottom for the flotation device, thus providing a lower center of gravity for the flotation device 200, for example, compared to a separate basket 202. The stabilizing member 250 is inflatable; however, in other embodiments, the stabilizing member is not inflatable (but may still be buoyant, for example, made of foam). The stabilizing member 250 includes a membrane 252 and an inflatable bladder 258. The stabilizing member 250 may include a valve 259 for inflating and / or deflating the inflatable bladder 258. The membrane 252 is, for example, between a first layer 253 and a second layer 255 of the membrane (e.g., Figure 8 As shown) defines the sleeve 256 (as shown) Figure 7 (As best shown in the figure). The inflatable bladder 258 of the stabilizing member 250 can be arranged in the sleeve 256 of the membrane 252. As shown, the stabilizing member 250 can be substantially annular or oval and has an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining an opening in which at least a portion of the basket 202 is arranged.

[0065] The stabilizing member 250 is spaced apart from and connected to the basket 202. More specifically, the outer surface 238 of the basket wall portion 230 of the basket 202 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the stabilizing member 250. The flotation device 200 includes a membrane 270 (e.g., formed of a flexible material such as a mesh, a liquid-permeable material, or a material configured to allow fluid flow therethrough) disposed between the outer periphery of the basket wall portion 230 and the inner periphery of the stabilizing member 250. The membrane 270 may be configured to allow a user's feet to come into contact with water through the membrane during use. The flotation device 200 includes a set of supports 248, each support extending from the basket wall portion 230 of the basket 202 (e.g., the outer periphery of the basket wall portion 230) to the stabilizing member 250 (e.g., the inner periphery of the stabilizing member 250). The supports 248 are inflatable. More specifically, the supports may include inflatable chambers (not shown) that can be disposed within the membrane. For example, the support column 248 can be in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder 246 of the basket wall portion 230 of the basket 202, such that the support column 248 and the inflatable bladder 246 can be connected by a single valve 239 (in Figure 3 (The image shows inflation on the outward surface 238 of the basket wall portion 230). However, in other embodiments, one or more supports may be fluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder 258 of the stabilizing member 250. One or more handles 266 may be coupled to the flotation member 200, for example, to the outer periphery of the stabilizing member 250. The handles 266 can help a parent or other person to hold the flotation device 200 during use.

[0066] The flotation device 200 includes a helical spring 260. The helical spring 260 is configured to fold itself to become more compact. The helical spring 260 is configured to move the flotation device 200 between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the helical spring 260 is retracted and the flotation device 200 is folded on itself, and in the second configuration, the helical spring 260 is extended and the flotation device 200 is deployed (and inflated or ready to be inflated).

[0067] A helical spring 260 may be coupled to the outer periphery of the flotation device 200. A helical spring 260 may also be coupled to the outer periphery of the stabilizing member 250. More specifically, the spring 260 may be disposed within a sleeve 256 of the stabilizing member 250. While the stabilizing member 250 is shown and described herein as including a sleeve 256, in other embodiments, the stabilizing member 250 may include two sleeves or sleeve portions, and an inflatable bladder 258 may be disposed in one sleeve or sleeve portion, while the helical spring 260 may be disposed in another sleeve (or sleeve portion) of the stabilizing member 250. The stabilizing member 250 may include one or more rings configured to receive a helical spring passing through it to couple the helical spring to the stabilizing member 250 and to the flotation device 200 as a whole.

[0068] The coil spring 260 may be made of or coated with a waterproof material. The spring 260 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metals (e.g., steel), plastics, or other materials. The coil spring 260 may be a single continuous element or may comprise multiple spring elements, which may optionally be coupled together by a joint such as a sleeve joint connecting the ends of one or more spring elements. The coil spring 260 may have any suitable shape and size. The coil spring 260 may have shape memory, such that when not maintained in a coil configuration (e.g., by a restraint, container, etc.), the spring 260 is deflected to return to its non-coil configuration. The coil spring may in many respects be similar to the coil spring disclosed in patent '949, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] The floating device 200 may include a canopy 280. The canopy 280 may be reversibly connected to the floating device 200. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the canopy 280 can be connected to a first side 204 of the floatation device 200 at a first end 282, and to a second side 206 of the floatation device 200 opposite to the first side at a second end 284. For example, the canopy 280 can be fastened via buckles, straps, buttons, buckles, ties, or hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g.,...). At least one of the following, or one, two, three, four or more of the aforementioned suitable combinations, are connected to the stabilizing member 250 and / or the liquid-permeable membrane 270. As shown, the canopy 280 includes a snap-fit ​​connector portion (not shown in the figure). Figure 9-10 The four strips 281 of the (middle) are configured to connect to a complementary snap-fit ​​connector portion 209, which is arranged on the strip 201 of the floating device 200 connected to the inner periphery of the stabilizing member 250, such as Figure 9-10 As shown.

[0070] The canopy includes a membrane 286 and a peripheral portion 288. The canopy 280 is configured to shield at least a portion of the user's body from solar ultraviolet radiation when the user is seated inside the container 220 of the flotation device. At least a portion of the canopy 280 (e.g., the membrane 286) may include a fabric or coating with a rated UV protection factor (“UPF”), such as UPF 50 or UPF 40. At least a portion of the canopy 280 (e.g., the membrane 286) is made of a flexible material similar to one or more membranes used in the flotation device 200. For example, the canopy 280 may include: a central panel of a first flexible material, which may be a membrane material similar to one or more of the support member 210, basket wall portion 230, or stabilizing member 250 of the flotation device; and two panels disposed on the sides of the central panel, which may be at least partially made of a liquid-permeable (e.g., mesh) material as described herein. The peripheral portion 288 of the canopy 280 may include a helical spring (not shown) configured to fold over itself for greater compactness. The helical spring is configured to move the canopy 280 between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the helical spring retracts and the canopy 280 folds over itself, while in the second configuration the helical spring extends and the canopy 280 is deployed (and optionally ready to be coupled to the floating device 200).

[0071] The canopy 280 can move relative to the floatation device 200. For example, the canopy 280 may have a first (or overhead) position in which the canopy is positioned above the basket 202 and the first (or rear) edge 283 and the second (or front) edge 285 of the canopy 280 are spaced apart (e.g., 5 inches or more) from the upper surface of the floatation device 200 (or more specifically, from the portion of the stabilizing member 250 behind the basket 202). For example, the canopy 280 can be biased towards the first position when it is attached to the first side 204 and the second side 206 of the floatation member 200 at the first end 282 and the second end 284, respectively. The canopy 280 may have a second (or rear) position in which the first (or rear) edge 283 of the canopy 280 contacts or is spaced apart from the upper surface of the floatation device 200 by less than 5 inches. The canopy 280 may be coupled to the flotation device 200 to hold the canopy 280 in its second position. For example, the canopy 280 includes a connecting strap 281 on which complementary portions of snap-fit ​​connectors are disposed. The connecting strap 281 extends from a first (or rear) edge 283 of the canopy 280. The connecting strap 281 is configured to partially pass through a loop coupled to the outer periphery of the stabilizing member 250 and then fold back onto itself, such that the complementary portions of the snap-fit ​​connectors are engaged together, thereby holding the canopy 280 in its second position. In some embodiments, the canopy 280 may have a third (or leading edge) position in which a second edge 285 of the canopy contacts or is spaced less than 5 inches from the upper surface of the flotation device 200 (or more specifically, from a portion of the stabilizing member 250 at the leading edge of the basket 202). In such an embodiment, the canopy 280 may include a connecting strap (not shown) coupled to the second (or leading edge) edge 285, which may operate similarly to the connecting strap 281 to hold the canopy 280 in a third position. Although the canopy 280 is shown and described as removably attached to the floating device 200, in other embodiments, the canopy may be fixedly attached to the floating device.

[0072] Any suitable fabric (including but not limited to polyester, Textileline, PVC, polypropylene, POM, nylon, metal alloys, etc., or combinations thereof) can be used to construct the various parts of the flotation device. One such suitable material includes: polyester - 40.00% (210D human body) / (190T UV-protected canopy); Textileline - 15.00%; PVC - 20.00%; PP - 8.00%; POM - 2.00%; and metal alloy - 15.00%.

[0073] While the floating device shown and described herein is generally elliptical or annular in shape (viewed from the top or bottom view), in other embodiments, the floating device may have a different shape. For example, a floating device according to one embodiment may have a generally circular, square, rectangular, or rhomboid outer perimeter (viewed from the top and / or bottom view).

[0074] Although the floating device is shown and described herein as comprising an upper surface 232 of a substantially linear basket wall portion, in other embodiments, the upper surface of the basket wall portion (or support basket wall) may have a different shape. For example, in some embodiments, the upper surface of one or more segments of the support basket wall is non-linear. More specifically, for example, the upper surface of a side portion of the support basket wall may be curved (e.g., curved concavely relative to the upper surface and convex relative to the upper surface, or a combination thereof).

[0075] Although the flotation device is shown and described herein as comprising three valves, each associated with one inflatable bladder of the flotation device, in other embodiments, the flotation device may include any suitable number of valves. For example, in one embodiment, all inflatable bladders of the flotation device may be fluidly connected, thus the flotation device may include one valve. In other embodiments, the flotation device may include two, four, or more valves.

[0076] While the various parts of the flotation device are shown and described herein as comprising a single inflatable bladder (e.g., an inflatable bladder for wall 130, an inflatable bladder for the support member, an inflatable bladder for the stabilizing member), in other embodiments, each part of the flotation device may include any suitable number (e.g., two, three, four, or more) of inflatable bladders. For example, in some embodiments, the stabilizing member includes two inflatable bladders that may be arranged on opposite sides of the flotation device. In another example, in some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include four inflatable bladders. In yet another example, wall 130 may include two, three, or four inflatable bladders.

[0077] Although the basket wall portions (e.g., basket wall portion 130, basket wall portion 230) are described as inflatable, in other embodiments, basket wall portion 230 is non-inflatable. For example, basket wall portion 230 may be made of a buoyant material such as, but not limited to, foam, or plastic.

[0078] Although the flotation device has been shown and described herein as comprising multiple inflatable bladders, any one or more inflatable bladders may alternatively be or may comprise different types of buoyant components, such as non-inflatable buoyant components (e.g., foam, etc.).

[0079] While the first portion 247 of the inflatable bladder 246 of the basket wall portion 230 has been shown and described as having a larger cross-sectional surface area than the second portion 249 of the inflatable bladder 246 of the basket wall portion 230, in other embodiments, the various portions or segments of the inflatable bladder of the basket wall portion may have different sizes and / or shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion of the inflatable bladder may have cross-sectional surface areas of substantially similar sizes and / or shapes.

[0080] While the flotation device has been shown and described herein as comprising a basket (e.g., basket 202) having a basket wall portion (e.g., basket wall portion 230) separate from and fluid-isolated from a support member (e.g., support member 210), in other embodiments, the flotation device may include a basket having a basket wall portion fluidly connected to the support member. In this way, the basket wall portion and the support member can be inflated via a single inflation valve. In another example, in other embodiments, the flotation device may include a basket without a basket wall portion distinct from the support member. For example, the support member may be configured with multiple sides having dimensions and shapes (e.g., having raised edge height) that help hold an infant thereon and / or help prevent or reduce the amount of water entering the seat portion of the support member. In yet another example, in other embodiments, the flotation device may include a basket in which the basket wall portion and the support member are integrally constructed (e.g., of foam or other buoyant material).

[0081] Although the flotation device is shown and described herein as including a helical spring (e.g., helical spring 260), in other embodiments, the flotation device does not include a helical spring. In other words, the helical spring may be optional. In some embodiments, for example, the flotation device includes a different encapsulation mechanism configured to retract the flotation device, for example, to facilitate carrying or storage.

[0082] Although the flotation device 200 has been shown and described as including a liquid-permeable membrane 270 between the basket wall portion 230 of the flotation device 200 and the stabilizing component 250 of the flotation device 200, in other embodiments, the membrane may be liquid-impermeable or liquid-semi-permeable.

[0083] While the flotation device 200 has been shown and described as including a stabilizing member 250 connected to the basket 202 via a liquid-permeable member 270 and / or struts 248, in other embodiments, the stabilizing member may be connected to the basket 202 in a different manner. For example, the stabilizing member may be connected to the basket via a tether, a rigid member, or any other suitable connector. Furthermore, while the struts 248 are shown and described herein as comprising a pair of struts 248 on each side of the flotation device 200 and the struts 248 in each pair being substantially parallel, in other embodiments, the struts 248 may be arranged differently. For example, in some embodiments, the struts may be arranged non-parallel (e.g., in a radial or starburst pattern).

[0084] While the flotation device 200 has been shown and described as including a strut 248 extending between the basket 202 and the stabilizing member 250, in other embodiments, such a strut is optional. For example, in some embodiments, the flotation device includes a diaphragm sheet between the basket and the stabilizing member without one or more struts or any struts. Although the strut 248 is shown and described herein as inflatable, in other embodiments, the strut 248 is not inflatable (e.g., buoyant but not inflatable, or non-buoyant and not inflatable).

[0085] Furthermore, although the stabilizing member 250 has been shown and described as being spaced apart from the basket 202 of the floating device 200, for example by the support column 248 and / or the liquid-permeable membrane 270, in other embodiments, the stabilizing member is directly coupled (i.e., in contact) with at least a portion of the basket 202 (e.g., with the basket wall portion 230).

[0086] For example, in some embodiments, such as Figure 14-15 As shown, the device is a flotation device 300, having a support member 310, a basket wall 330, and a stabilizing member 350, said stabilizing member 350 being arranged to surround and connect to at least a portion of the periphery of the basket wall. One or more elements of the flotation device 300 may in many respects be similar to or the same as elements of the flotation devices 100, 200 described herein, and therefore will not be described in detail here. The basket wall 330 and the stabilizing member 350 together form a basket 302 having a seating portion 340. The stabilizing member 350 is inflatable (e.g., having an inflatable bladder therein or being made of an inflatable material). Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, the stabilizing member 350 is directly connected to the basket wall 330 of the floating device 300.

[0087] exist Figure 3-13 In the illustrated embodiment, the inflatable bladder 258 of the stabilizing member 250 has a generally circular or circular cross-sectional profile when inflated (see, for example...). Figure 7However, in other embodiments, the inflatable bladder of the stabilizing member can have different cross-sectional profiles when inflated. For example, refer again... Figure 14-15 The cross-sectional profile 358 of the inflatable bladder of the buoyancy device 300 and stabilizing member 350 shown may be as illustrated only. Figure 15 The rounded triangle shape is shown in dashed lines. The upper surface of the stabilizing member 350 slopes downward from the inner periphery of the stabilizing member toward the outer periphery of the stabilizing member, which helps to guide the water on it away from the basket wall 330 of the floating device 300 and away from the stabilizing member 350.

[0088] In other embodiments, stabilizing members (e.g., stabilizing members 250, 350) are optional. For example, the flotation device may include buoyancy baskets 202, 302, whose dimensions and shapes are designed to prevent the flotation device from tipping over during use. For example, in some embodiments, the flotation device includes a basket having a total width and / or total length that provides stability to the basket, such that the flotation device prevents the device from tipping over and / or capsizing during normal use. In another example, the flotation device may include a basket with a support member having a central portion relative to the lower surface of the basket wall portion, which is arranged lower than the central portion of the support member 210 relative to the basket wall portion 230, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the flotation device. In yet another example, the flotation device includes a basket with a basket wall portion having a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile. In this way, the basket wall portion of the basket can have a greater width at its bottom than at its top, thereby providing additional stability to the flotation device.

[0089] While the various parts of the flotation device have been shown and described herein as including a membrane and an inflatable bladder disposed within a sleeve or bag-like structure of the membrane, in other embodiments, such a part may be inflatable without a separate inflatable bladder. For example, in some embodiments, the support portion includes a membrane defining one or more inflatable chambers without a surrounding sleeve or bag-like structure. In another example, one or both of the basket wall or stabilizing portion may include a membrane defining one or more inflatable chambers. In such embodiments, the membrane may be made of an impermeable material.

[0090] Similarly, in some embodiments, the flotation device may include one or more inflatable bladders as described herein, without an surrounding membrane. More specifically, sleeves and / or bags formed of membrane as described herein are optional, and flotation devices according to other embodiments may not include one or more such sleeves, bags, or membranes separable from the inflatable bladder.

[0091] Although the floating device 200 has been shown and described as including a basket 202, which defines a recess 221 relative to the lower surface of the basket defined by the lower surface 214 of the support member 210 and the inner surface 236 of the basket wall portion 230, in other embodiments, the lower surface of the basket may be constructed differently. For example, in some embodiments, the lower surface of the basket (e.g., formed by the lower surface 234 of the basket wall portion 230 and the lower surface 214 of the support member 210) may be substantially flat, outwardly curved, or other suitable shape.

[0092] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented as examples only and not as limitations. Where the schematic diagrams and / or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in a particular orientation or location, the arrangement of components may be modified. While embodiments have been specifically shown and described, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made. Although various embodiments have been described as combinations having specific features and / or components, other embodiments may have any combination or partial combination of any features and / or components from any embodiment described herein.

[0093] The specific configurations of the various components described herein can also be changed. For example, the dimensions and specific shapes of the various components may differ from those shown in the embodiments, although they still provide the functionality described herein. Furthermore, the relative sizes of the various components of the apparatus shown and described herein with respect to the sizes of other components of the apparatus are not necessarily proportional. Similarly, where the methods and / or events described above indicate that certain events and / or steps occur in a specific order, the order of certain events and / or steps can be modified. Although embodiments have been specifically shown and described, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made.

Claims

1. A device for supporting an infant in water, comprising: A basket includes a basket wall portion having an inner perimeter and a support member, the basket wall portion defining a sleeve and having an inflatable bladder disposed within the sleeve, the inflatable bladder being arranged around the inner perimeter of the basket wall portion by at least one and a half turns, the support member being disposed at least partially within the inner perimeter of the basket wall portion, the support member having an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter of the support member being connected to the inner perimeter of the basket wall portion substantially entirely. The basket wall portion has a first portion and a second portion, and the upper surface of the basket wall portion slopes downward from the first portion towards the second portion. The supporting member has a first end connected to a first portion of the basket wall and a second end connected to a second portion of the basket wall. The support member is arranged to support the user in a reclining position and includes a safety belt to keep the infant on the safety member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the outer periphery of the support member is coupled to an upper surface adjacent to the basket wall portion, a second portion of the outer periphery of the support member opposite to the first portion is coupled to an upper surface adjacent to the basket wall portion, and a third portion of the outer periphery of the support member between the first portion and the second portion is coupled to a lower surface adjacent to the basket wall portion.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The basket wall portion has a first distance at its first end between a horizontal plane of at least one of the supporting surface or the lower surface of the basket wall portion and the upper surface of the basket wall portion. The basket wall portion has a second distance at its second end between the horizontal plane and the upper surface of the basket wall portion, the second distance being different from the first distance.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member and the support member are configured together to support the user in a reclining position on the fluid surface.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is inflatable.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the support member includes an inflatable chamber having a centerline having a plurality of curved portions.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is inflatable and the basket wall portion is fluidly isolated from the support member.

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