FLOATATION DEVICE FOR A PREGNANT WOMAN

• US 20110081815A1
• Filed: 06/24/2010
• Published: 04/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bellyflopz, LLC
• Original Assignee: Bellyflopz, LLC
• Inventors: Green, Gina
• Granted Patent: US 8,303,361 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 441/129
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 32/50 Boards characterised by their constructional features
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 34/52 Inflatable or partly inflatable

Abstract

A floatation device for a pregnant woman is formed from a panels of an air impermeable material defining an inflatable chamber having an abdomen cavity passing there through to allow a pregnant woman rest on the floatation device while lying in a prone position. The unique torso cavity shape and cover encasing the chamber functionally combine to provide the woman an improved level of comfort when using the device. Internal structural support features, handles, and appropriate device dimensions can further combine to increase the level of comfort provided to the user.

Claims

1. A floatation device for a pregnant woman having an extended abdomen, the floatation device comprising:

an inflatable chamber having a forward end, a rearward end, sides, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the chamber comprising at least one panel, the panel defining an abdomen cavity extending through the chamber,

wherein the abdomen cavity is ergonomically shaped to receive the extended abdomen of the pregnant woman.

2. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel includes two major panels joined at seams and at least one cavity panel defining the abdomen cavity and joined to the major panels at cavity seams.

3. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a generally air impermeable material.

4. The floatation device of claim 3, wherein the air impermeable material comprises vinyl.

5. The floatation device of claim 1, further comprising a cover encasing the chamber, the cover comprising a cover material.

6. The floatation device of claim 5, wherein the cover material comprises Nylon.

7. The floatation device of claim 5, further comprising one or more handles coupled to the cover along the sides.

8. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic shape of the abdomen cavity is generally ovate, the cavity being generally symmetrical about a longitudinal centerline of the chamber and having a broad base and a narrower tapered end.

9. The floatation device of claim 8, wherein the tapered end is oriented toward the forward end of the inflatable chamber.

10. The floatation device of claim 1, wherein the abdomen cavity is generally centrally located relative to the sides and forward of the lengthwise center of the chamber.

11. The floatation device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of internal support structures coupled between the upper surface and the lower surface to contour the floatation device.

12. The floatation device of claim 11, wherein the internal support structures are positioned to provide a leg portion at the rearward end of the chamber having a generally flat profile, and an upper body portion at the forward end of the chamber having a generally convex profile.

13. The floatation device of claim 1, further comprising one or more handles located on the sides.

14. The floatation device of claim 1, further comprising a valve disposed within a panel of the air inflatable chamber for inflating and deflating the device.

15. A floatation device for a pregnant woman, the floatation device comprising:

an inflatable chamber having a forward end, a rearward end, sides, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the chamber comprising at least one major panel joined with at least one cavity panel at cavity seams;

an abdomen cavity defined by the cavity panel and extending through the upper and lower surfaces of the chamber, the abdomen cavity being shaped to provide a generally rounded, convex cavity that is symmetrical about a longitudinal centerline of the chamber and comprises a plurality of circular arcs each having a major radius of curvature separated by a plurality of circular arcs each having a minor radius of curvature; and

a cover encasing the chamber, the cover comprising a cover material.

16. The floatation device of claim 15, wherein the cover material comprises Nylon.

17. The floatation device of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of panels of cover material, the panels being joined at cover seams.

18. The floatation device of claim 17, wherein the cover seams are arranged to not overlap the cavity seams.

19. The floatation device of claim 15, further comprising one or more handles located on the sides.

20. The floatation device of claim 19, wherein the handles are coupled to the cover.