Multi-passenger inflatable floating sundeck

Abstract

The present invention falls within the scope of floating sundecks suitable above all for the sea, but also for the lake, swimming pool or the like. In particular, the present invention intends to propose a spacious and stable floating sundeck that combines the stability of the same with characteristics of convenience of transport such as classic sundeck as well as the possibility of integration with objects that make the sundeck advantageous in multiple technical aspects.

Description

[0001] MULTI-PASSENGER INFLATABLE FLOATING SUNDECK

[0002] TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0003] Scope of the invention

[0004] The present invention falls within the scope of floating sundecks suitable above all for the sea, but also for the lake, swimming pool or the like.

[0005] In particular, the present invention intends to propose a spacious and stable floating sundeck.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] To date, most visitors to maritime and non marine beaches know how difficult it is, especially in the summer, to find a comfortable space to relax and sunbathe without being in the midst of confusion. Wanting to spend time at the beach for the classic tan or simple relaxation - users may have difficulty finding the right space in the preferred times (due to crowding, noise, etc.) at the traditional tourist infrastructures (beaches, bathing establishments, etc.) on the mainland, both public and private, without considerable efforts and / or expenses for hoarding and / or booking the place.

[0008] The user just has to settle for a small corner in the middle of the crowd, or spend considerable amounts for a bathing establishment or even a boat trip.

[0009] Small inflatable floating boats as well as always inflatable mattresses are certainly known, but all users know perfectly well that these gadgets can be comfortable to stay in the water for a short time, in an uncomfortable way since by their nature such gadgets are prone to tipping over, letting water in, being more suitable for entertainers for a few minutes than providing a relaxing situation away from the crowd.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to describe an innovative inflatable floating sundeck capable of solving the cited problems of the prior art.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to describe an inflatable floating sundeck that is also multi-passenger and stable on water. Yet another object of the present invention is to describe a multi-passenger inflatable floating sundeck suitable for providing a real "position on the sea" suitable for a comfortable and even long-lasting stay (e.g. an entire afternoon) without discomfort.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to describe an inflatable floating sundeck that is precisely multi-passenger and allows to comfortably accommodate from one to at least two people (if not more depending on the size).

[0013] It is still an object of the present invention to describe a multi-passenger inflatable floating sundeck suitable for replacing a position under the beach umbrella such as that on a beach.

[0014] It is still an object of the present invention to describe a stable multi-passenger inflatable floating sundeck, conveniently transportable by a user, therefore conveniently foldable.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to describe a multi-passenger inflatable floating sundeck that is simple and quick to assemble and low in cost.

[0016] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to describe a multi-passenger inflatable floating sundeck also suitable for trips on the sea in order to be able to find a favoured position and not end up drifting.

[0017] Brief description of the invention

[0018] These and further purposes will be achieved thanks to the innovative inflatable floating sundeck described by the present invention, which comprises at least one inflatable or semi-inflatable body characterized in that said body is made of drop stitch fabrics, once inflated, said body being therefore semi-rigid and the upper part of said body, i.e. the bridge being substantially flat, said body, once inflated, remaining resting on the surface of the water in a uniform manner (without sinking), not deform ing under the weight of one or more users, said sundeck further comprising at least one awning, poles for its fastening, said bridge thus further comprising at least housings for fixing said poles for said awning, said bridge further comprising interlocking areas to house at least two oars for directing the sundeck.

[0019] Said inflatable floating sundeck further comprises on the body means for fixing at least one anchor for the stop (or means suitable for being fixed to stable elements to be fixed to stop). Said inflatable body comprising a hull equipped with a system for the attachment and fixing of some extractable fins, which can be positioned either bow and stem, in order to provide the best stability during use of the sundeck.

[0020] Note that the drop stitch fabric is also known as DROP-STITCH fabric: the Drop Stitch fabric, also called Double Wall Fabrics, Double Layer Drop Stitch, consists of a polyester-based fabric coated with a PVC layer and is an excellent airtight inflatable material. Numerous yams between 2 base fabrics, once inflated, the yams inside rise to support the base fabrics. In this way, the airtight body maintains a stable flat surface. Drop-Stitch fabrics with TPU coating are designed for inflatable structures with high air tightness and aging properties, with minimal weight.

[0021] For the present invention, the use of this type of fabric is particularly important to create a sun lounger that is rigid once inflated, so that it is a comfortable sun lounger for users and does not "sink" like its predecessors.

[0022] In particular, it is innovative the fact that can be deduced from the above: creating a floating sundeck in Drop Stich fabric allows to solve all the above floating problems compared to the normal classic plastic inflatable materials of normal sundecks, however maintaining the indisputable advantage of having an inflatable sundeck, whose body, although rigid once inflated, and instead, once deflated (see description of the KIT below) can instead be conveniently stored in a bag that can be carried by a user, this together with the fact that it is a single-body device, so simple to handle, and being a sundeck not requiring special inflation pressures since it is intended for nearshore use for entertainment purposes, the device being therefore simple to assemble, disassemble, inflate, deflate, and transport.

[0023] It is possible to make the floating sundeck with raised anti-float edges to prevent water from entering the bridge, keeping passengers dry.

[0024] A system of elastic bands can be included at the bow and stem for fixing the household goods, at the stem and on the sides, handles for the safety of passengers who can hold on to it for greater stability on the sundeck and which will also be useful for lifting the sundeck out of the water and for its transport.

[0025] At the bottom of the bridge, a valve will be included for inflating the body of the sundeck, (for example by means of a manual pump). Still, in an embodiment, said bridge can be provided along the edges with two interlocking dowels for fixing the paddles in "rowing" mode.

[0026] Still in one embodiment, at least one bilge valve for draining the water may be included.

[0027] In a version 2.0, an ultra-thin fabric with photovoltaic cells is applied to the floating sundeck, in particular along the edges and / or on the roof of the awning, and is equipped with a control unit that allows the management of the energy produced by the photovoltaic cells for the power supply of an HYDRO JET engine and related electrical / electronic devices.

[0028] By way of example, some examples of known art are reported to better explain the advantages of the present invention.

[0029] The document CN 207 931 941 II discloses a drift dinghy composed of: an inflatable main locker (gasbag base); an inflatable packer fixed on the top of the main locker; a handle on the top of the inflatable packer, with a safety rope inside; a fastener on one side of the handle; a storage cabin on the other side of the fastener; a storage pocket on one side of the storage cabin; an oarlock on the top of the storage pocket.

[0030] The dinghy is also equipped with a sun visor and balancing plate. Thanks to the protection of the insulated floats, the body of the dinghy is not damaged in the event of a collision with submerged cliffs. The sunshade offers shelter from the sun and rain, while its large surface area increases contact with the water, improving stability while sailing. This design solves the problem of tipping, allowing safer and more comfortable navigation, but does not have the innovative features of the present invention as highlighted above

[0031] The document US 2014 / 245943 discloses a small-draft inflatable fishing boat. Key features are a removable inflatable bottom: similar to a paddleboard that ensures stable buoyancy for at least two standing adults. An adjustable and detachable rowing frame: it allows manoeuvrability and propulsion through oars, a vehicle-pushing pole, or a small engine. Then there is a seat with a refrigerated compartment. The rowing frame that houses the oars can be moved as needed, towards the stem or bow. Then there is an interchangeable bottom that in place, acts as a stable floor for standing fishing. If removed it becomes a standalone paddleboard for various activities.

[0032] Such a device does not have the purposes or the innovative features of the present invention as highlighted above.

[0033] Furthermore, the document CH 637 584 discloses a small boat that is characterized by a hull with sufficient water displacement capacity to carry one or two people. Propulsion is provided by a propeller driven by an electric motor mounted at the bottom of a vertical shaft carrying the electrical connections. The control unit includes the necessary controls to manoeuvre the vessel. The hull houses a rechargeable battery via a solar panel. The advantage of this boat is the small size and the recharging of the battery with solar panels.

[0034] Such a device does not have the purposes nor does it have the innovative features of the present invention as highlighted above

[0035] Finally, the document US 2019 / 263475 discloses a boat made with at least two inflatable components, each in drop-stitch fabric. This material offers strength and rigidity comparable to a solid material, allowing internal pressures between 14 and 21 atmospheres. The two components are inflated separately and then joined by adhesive, heat welding or stitching.

[0036] The "almost closed mesh" structure allows you to create a cockpit by superimposing the two components, allowing the boat to operate in two ways: either as a SUP board being able to stand or as a small boat being able to equip it with an outboard motor.

[0037] The document most similar to the present invention would seem for materials US’475, however, this document describes a real boat that needs particular safety requirements, here a simpler sundek device is described, in a single piece, which does not need double safety inflation as it is designed to sunbathe or do activities nearshore, the present device being advantageously equipped in a different way, the present sudek being easier to inflate, to deflate, to assemble and to equip, there are no constraints in terms of inflation pressures, double chamber or construction methodology, therefore it is certainly cheaper reflecting the needs of a beach gardet, simpler, available to any bather, immediate, easy to inflate and deflate and store, as well as being equipped with accessories that provide further innovative aspects to it. Still, no particular inflation pumps are needed, nor any particular pressures to which the present innovative sundeck must be inflated.

[0038] Brief Description of the Figures

[0039] These and further advantages obtained thanks to the innovative floating sundeck will be better described with reference to the attached figures which are examples of a preferred embodiment, it should be noted that these figures have merely illustrative and non-limiting purpose of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the floating sundeck with a view in particular from above the bridge covered by an awning;

[0041] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the floating sundeck with a view in particular of the hull;

[0042] Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the floating sundeck with a view in particular of some accessories that can be part of the floating sundeck.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a further preferred embodiment of the floating sun lounger with a view in particular of the bridge in version 2.0;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a further preferred embodiment of the floating sundeck with a view in particular of the same in the "privacy" version.

[0045] Detailed description of the figures

[0046] With reference to figure 1 , a variant of the innovative floating sundeck 1 described by the present invention is represented, which comprises at least one inflatable or semi- inflatable body 2 preferably made of drop stitch fabrics. The characteristic of this fabric is that once inflated the body becomes substantially rigid or semi-rigid, in this way it is possible to comfortably house one or more passengers, depending on the size of the bridge 3 (i.e. upper part emerged) of the body 2. It is emphasized, although it is clear from the description and the figures that the body 2 is a single body, being easily inflatable and deflatable.

[0047] The bridge 3 being flat for this purpose, so that said body 2, once inflated, rests in a uniform manner (without sinking) on the surface of the water.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment said sundeck 1 further comprises at least one awning 6, poles 7 for its sundeck on the bridge 3 - which for this purpose comprises housings suitable for the purpose - and means for parking such as for example an anchor, which will be fixed to the body 2 with special (known) means, said bridge 3 further comprises interlocking areas for housing at least two oars 11 for directing the sundeck 1.

[0049] In this preferred embodiment the sundeck is for example rounded in shape with a more pronounced bow.

[0050] A hull 4, i.e. the underwater part of the body 2 (visible in figure 2) in a preferred embodiment will be equipped with 10 housings and means for the engagement and fixing of some extractable fins 12, positioned either bow and stem, in order to provide the best stability during use of the sundeck 1 .

[0051] In one or more preferred embodiments, the bridge 3 may comprise: at the bow, one or more housing(s) 13 that allows the fixing of an anchor or a rope, at the bow and at the stem, of a system of elastic bands 14 for the fixing of the household goods, at the stem and at the sides, of handles 15 for the safety of passengers who can hold on to it to have greater stability on the sundeck 1 and which will also be useful for lifting the sundeck out of the water and for its transport.

[0052] At the bottom of the bridge 3, a valve 16 will be included for inflating the body 2 of the sundeck 1 , (for example by means of a manual pump).

[0053] PVC or equivalent dowels (preferably four) can be placed along the edge of the bridge 3 for the interlocking fixing of the four support poles 7 of the awning 6.

[0054] In one embodiment, each dowel is also provided with a system with one or more hooks for fixing the elastics of the awning.

[0055] Still, in an embodiment, said bridge can be provided at the bow, at the stem and on both sides, with four pins (with multi-function ring) for fixing the elastics of the awning.

[0056] Still, in an embodiment, said bridge can be provided along the edges with two interlocking dowels 17 for fixing the paddles in "rowing" mode.

[0057] Still as in figure 3, the oar 11 can be supported by an oar stop element 8 as in figure 3 of a superior II shape to house it and prevent its sliding out of the stop.

[0058] Still in one embodiment, at least one bilge valve for draining the water may be included. To maintain the simplicity of the device, a so-called "standard" variant has been designed for the present invention, which may include in one or more variants all or only some of the specif ications / components indicated above, and in this standard version they are included for "navigation" (navigation is mainly small displacements) with said sundeck 1 at least two extendable paddles 11 (visible in figure 3), usable as follows:

[0059] - if the sundeck 1 is used by two people, it is possible to use the paddles both in a sitting and standing position from the side edges;

[0060] - if the sundeck 1 is used by a person, it will be possible to use the paddles as oars by fixing them in the slots mentioned above.

[0061] There may be at least one folding seat fixed with an adequate system to allow you to paddle while seated.

[0062] A more elaborate 2.0 variant has also been designed for the present invention, in this case there is at least:

[0063] - a housing 21 for interlocking and fixing a small HYDRO JET engine 22 in a variant equipped with a rotating shaft foot, for example electrically; and still in this variant there will be present (figure 4) - a covering 20 in photovoltaic solar cell fabric along the edges and / or at the stem and / or at the bow (and / or on the roof, or upper side exposed to the sun), of the awning for the production of electricity;

[0064] - an electrical system or a control unit 23 between the photovoltaic and the hydro-Jet engine;

[0065] - there may be, always included in the control unit 23, a portable waterproof battery, alternatively conceived in one variant as a portable purse with fastening system to the awning pole, in another interlocking variant as a snap-fit component in the HYDRO JET engine;

[0066] - always included in the control unit 23, one or more sockets may be included for the connection of an electrical wire 24 output coming out of one of the corners of the awning connected with said solar cells to a battery.

[0067] Said control unit, similar to a portable bag in one embodiment, may also include an engine control device, a Bluetooth / WiFi transceiver to connect for example to a smartphone to control the motor (rotation speed, direction of rotation and directionality the latter achieved for example by means of the electrical rotation of the foot of the shaft). Smartphone charging sockets and connection (headphones, speaker, camera, etc.) may be included on the control unit; a GPS system may be included to set a navigation route and / or to maintain a stable position in the water, for example also stable with respect to the position of the sun; this functionality may preferably be realized by means of an application for example to be installed on the smartphone to be connected via bluetooth I WiFi.

[0068] The awning 6 will be a standard awning adapted for the purpose, as described above.

[0069] Figure 5 shows an embodiment variant in which a "privacy" awning 6 can be included, that is, an awning with side shielding elements 60 to protect from the sun and the view on the three or four sides of the bridge, to guarantee total protection from the sun and also the privacy of the users on board. In this case, the fabric of the shielding elements 60 on the three or four sides can be rolled up and fixed in an "open" position on the upper structure of the awning - "roof of the awning" - and stopped with elastics or clamps. When releasing it in privacy mode and / or total shielding from the sun, the fabric will be released from the fixing means and will wrap the exposed part of the sundeck, the side shielding elements can be fixed by special means (elastics, clamps or similar to the bridge of the sundeck).

[0070] As mentioned, at least one inflation pump will be included for said body 2, to be connected to the aforementioned inflation valve.

[0071] Packaging such as a carrying bag in the form of a backpack or shoulder bag of longitudinal shape, which allows it to be transported not only on foot and by car, but also by scooter or motorcycle, will also be included.

[0072] Standard packaging or standard kits include:

[0073] - body (2) deflated

[0074] - at least two / four foldable / shortenable poles 7 (as in figure 3)

[0075] - at least one foldable awning 6

[0076] - at least two foldable / shortenable paddles 11

[0077] - (optionally) a small anchor (e.g. 2.5Kg)

[0078] - one inflation pump. The packaging for the kit 2.0 version also includes an additional bag containing the engine 22, the control unit 23 with relative its bag and fastening systems to the photovoltaic power supply system, with awning 6-22 modified with photovoltaic cells as described above.

[0079] In light of the description of the innovative inflatable floating sundeck, it is evident how the present device and attached kit solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It should be noted that the SLIPs, as well as numerous objects, are also made in the fabric mentioned above, but this device has a valence of play, so it does not require the very stringent construction characteristics of a SUP, having no sports safety problems or similar.

[0080] It is evident that the present innovative sundeck can be made in numerous variants without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, whereby variants in size, aesthetic shape, optional accessories are to be considered variants included and protected by the present invention as better defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Inflatable floating sundeck (1 ) comprising at least one inflatable or semi-inflatable body (2) characterized in that said body (2) is made of drip stitch fabrics, once inflated, said body (2) being semi-rigid and the upper part of said body, i.e. the bridge (3) being substantially flat, said body (2) remaining, once inflated, resting on surface of the water in a uniform manner, not deforming under the weight of one or more users, said sundeck (1 ) further comprising at least one awning (6), poles (7) for its fastening, said bridge therefore further comprising at least housings for fixing said poles (7) for said awning (6), said bridge further comprising interlocking areas for housing at least two oars (11 ) for directing the sundeck (1 ).

2. The inflatable floating sundeck according to claim 1 , wherein said sundeck further comprises on the body (2) means or one or more housings (13) for fixing at least one anchor for the stop, or means suitable for being fixed to stable elements to be fixed for stopping such as a rope.

3. The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims, wherein said inflatable body (2) comprises a hull (4) equipped with housings (10) and means for fixing some extractable fins (12), which can be positioned either bow and stern, in order to provide the best stability during use of the sundeck (1 ).

4. The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims, wherein said bridge (3) comprises raised anti-float edges to prevent water from entering the bridge, keeping passengers dry.

5. The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims, wherein a system of elastic bands (14) are included at the bow and at the stem for fixing the household goods, at the stem and at the sides, of handles (15) for the safety of passengers who will be able hold to it for greater stability on the sundeck and which will also be useful for lifting the sundeck out of the water and for its transport.

6. The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims, wherein at the bottom of the bridge (3) a valve (16) is included for inflating the body (2) of the sundeck, for example by means of a manual pump, and at least one bilge valve is included for water drainage.

7. The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims, wherein at least:- on the body (2) a housing (21 ) for the engagement and fixing of a hydro-jet engine (22) in a variant equipped with a rotating shaft foot, for example electrically;- a covering (20) in photovoltaic solar cell fabric along the edges and / or at the stern and / or at the bow, and / or on the roof, or upper side exposed to the sun, of the awning for the production of electricity;- an electrical system or a control unit (23) for connection between photovoltaic and hydro-jet engine;- there will be, always included in the control unit (23), a portable waterproof battery, alternatively conceived in one variant as a portable purse with fixing system to the awning pole, in another interlocking variant as a snap-fit component in the HYDRO JET engine;- still included in the control unit (23), there may be one or more sockets for the connection of an electrical wire (24) coming out of one of the comers of the awning connected with said solar cells to a battery.

8. The inflatable floating sundeck according to claim 7, wherein said control unit (23), is similar to a portable bag, also comprises an engine control device, a Bluetooth I WiFi transceiver to connect for example to a smartphone to control the motor (rotation speed, direction of rotation and directionality the latter achieved for example by means of the electrical rotation of the foot of the shaft), smartphone charging sockets and connection (headphones, speaker, camera, etc.) are still included on the control unit.

9. The inflatable floating sundeck according to claim 8, wherein a GPS system is comprised to set a navigation route and / or to maintain a stable position in the water, for example also stable with respect to the position of the sun; this functionality can preferably be realized by means of an application for example to be installed on the smartphone to be connected via bluetooth I WiFi).

10. The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims, wherein packaging such as a carrying bag in the form of a backpack or shoulder bag of longitudinal shape, which allows it to be transported not only on foot and by car, but also by scooter or motorcycle, is also included.11 . The inflatable floating sundeck according to the preceding claims wherein said standard packaging or kit comprises:- body (2) deflated- at least two / four foldable / shortenable poles (7)- at least one foldable awning (6)- at least two foldable / shortenable paddles u (11 )- (optionally) a small anchor (e.g. 2.5Kg)- one inflation pump and in version 2.0 further comprising furthermore- an additional bag containing the engine (22),- the control unit (23) with relative bag and fastening systems to the photovoltaic power supply system;- an awning / fabric (6-22) modified with photovoltaic cells as described.

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