IN WATER

Field of the invention

[01] The present invention generally relates to floating loungers. Floating loungers are suitable for supporting one or more individuals or objects in water due to their buoyancy. [02] More specifically, the invention relates to the area of loungers for recreational activities on the water. Typical locations are, inter alia, swimming pools, the beach, lakes, the sea, etc.

Background of the invention

[03] In order to allow an individual or object to float on water, he/it can be carried or supported by objects or devices which have sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of the individual or the object. [04] A known application of such floating loungers are inflatable mattresses. These airbeds are typically made of plastics and are substantially used as aquatic toys.

[05] A problem of these mattresses is their inferior quality and lack of comfort. Due to the flexibility of the material, inflatable mattresses can quickly develop leaks or break. Repairing or mending these leaks is therefore often difficult.

[06] US patent US 6,045,423 entitled "Pool Chair" describes a floating lounger (10) which consists of a U-shaped portion (Fig. 1 : 12) made of cellular foam with a closed cell structure, a footrest (Fig. 1 : 40) made of cellular foam, a pivotable headrest/backrest (Fig. 1 : 32) made of cellular foam and a hanging part (Fig. 1 : 35, 36) which connects the footrest and headrest/backrest. The U-shaped part (12) is connected to the hanging part (35, 36) via a rod (Fig. 1 : 28). The U-shaped portion (12), the footrest (40) and the headrest (32) are covered with a protective cover (22) made from water-repellent canvas, for example plastic-reinforced canvas. The lounger from US 6,045,423 contains many parts, some of which float and some of which do not float. The components have to be produced separately, which renders manufacture complicated and expensive. In addition, a lounger assembled from so many components is susceptible to defects, such as tears, components detaching, etc., and is therefore not durable.

[07] US patent US 6,062,930 entitled "Multipurpose Recreational Mat" describes a floating lounger (Fig. 1 : 10) which consists of three floating bodies (Fig. 1 : 12, 14, 12) made of a closed-cell polyurethane. The three floating bodies are covered with one single water-repellent cover (Fig. 1 : 16), made from, for example, waterproof nylon. The three floating bodies are held together by the cover (16) which has to be provided with stitchings (Fig. 1 : 38) in order to keep the floating bodies in position. This lounger also contains several components which have to be produced separately and which have to be assembled to form a lounger which is highly susceptible to defects, such as tears at the location of the stitchings (38). This lounger is therefore not durable either.

[08] US patent US 5,779,513 entitled "Flotation Apparatus" describes a floating lounger (Fig. 1 : 10) which consists of two floating bodies (Fig. 1 : 12, 14) made of a closed-cell foam, and a hanging portion (Fig. 1 : 16) which connects the two floating bodies. A porous cover (Fig. 2: 23), for example made of cotton, nylon or vinyl, covers the two floating bodies (12, 14) and is possibly detachable via a zip fastener. This lounger also contains several floating parts which have to be produced separately and fitted together to form a lounger, and this is not durable due to the stitchings or other techniques which have to be used to keep the floating parts in position (see column 3, lines 62-67). Fig. 4 shows that the bed does not float in its entirety. The user is in the water on the intermediate piece of textile and is therefore wet the entire time. [09] Canadian patent application CA 2, 176,066 entitled "Coussin Thermo- Isolant" describes a mattress which consists of a base surface made of leather or plastic (Fig. 2 + Fig. 3: 20), a number of strips made of foam (Fig. 2 + Fig. 3: 26), and a textile cover (Fig. 3: 30). The mattress from CA 2, 176,066 is not a floating structure. [10] US patent US 5,853,309 entitled "Swimming Pool Float with Anchoring System" describes a floating lounger (Fig. 1 : 10) which consists of a floating body (Fig. 1 : 12), inflatable or made of closed-cell foam, a headrest (Fig. 1 : 14), and straps which make it possible to anchor the floating bed. The variant which is made of closed-cell foam and described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 contains four compartments for the straps (Fig. 8: 56) with separate compartment covers (Fig. 9: 66). The headrest, compartments and covers make the lounger less durable. In addition, the lounger is uncomfortable during use because the user is lying on the closed-cell foam.

[11] There is a need for a more durable and more comfortable floating lounger for supporting an individual or object in water. Since the durability has to be improved, there is also a need for a floating piece of furniture which is better able to adapt to the effects of the water and the open air.

Summary of the invention

[12] It is an object to overcome or improve the abovementioned shortcomings in comfort, durability and reparability.

[13] In a first aspect, this object is achieved by a floating lounger for supporting an individual or object in water, wherein the lounger comprises one single floating body, which floating body is made of a solid closed-cell foam, and wherein the floating body is provided with a textile layer on the outside.

[14] In the present invention, the term 'solid closed-cell foam' is understood to mean a material where the material is a foam made of solid closed cells. These closed cells are provided with a gas, gas mixture or air on the inside. These contribute to the floating ability of the floating body. Preferably, the solid closed- cell foam is a material selected from the group consisting of:

- polyurethane foam;

- foam rubber;

- XPS or extruded polystyrene foam;

- polystyrene foam; - phenolic foam; and/or

- other suitable closed-cell foams.

[15] According to an embodiment, the floating body is produced by means of a technique selected from the group consisting of:

- a suitable manufacturing process for producing a suitable solid closed-cell foam of sufficiently low density to function as a floating object on water. Density is also selected to be in an optimum range in order to ensure optimum reclining comfort;

- a suitable manufacturing process for producing a so-called skin foam, comprising a high-density outer wall and a low-density core, such as for example an open mould process or a closed mould process, such as for example a so-called reaction injection moulding or RIM process.

[16] According to a preferred embodiment, the solid closed-cell foam has one or more of the following material parameters:

- a density in the range from 10 to 50 kg/m ³ , for example 20 to 40 kg/m ³ , preferably 25 to 35 kg/m ³ ;

- a compression resistance at 10% deformation in the range from 5 to 50 kPa, for example in the range from 10 to 30 kPa, preferably 15 to 25 kPa;

- a Shore hardness in the range from 20 to 60, preferably 30 to 40;

- a cell size of less than 5 mm, for example less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5mm.

[17] Such material parameters make it possible for the lounger to function as a floating object, but are also optimal for optimizing the reclining comfort.

[18] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the textile layer is water-permeable. [19] According to an embodiment, the textile layer comprises a woven fabric.

[20] According to an embodiment, the textile layer comprises a first textile layer portion and a second textile layer portion, which first textile layer portion is at least provided at the top surface of the lounger, and which second textile layer portion is provided at the bottom surface of the lounger.

[21] According to a preferred embodiment, the second textile layer portion comprises a mesh-shaped structure, which second textile layer portion is able to drain water away to the surroundings via openings in the mesh-shaped structure.

[22] The term "mesh-shaped structure" in the description below is to be understood as a structure for a textile layer, wherein the textile is provided with openings, gauze, meshes, etc. which can transport moisture or water via the latter. A known example of such a gauze is, for example, the gauze known by the brand name Batyline ®, but according to alternative embodiments, other suitable gauzes, meshes, etc. which contain suitable openings for allowing water through may also be used.

[23] According to an embodiment, the textile layer is detachable from the floating body.

[24] According to an embodiment, the textile layer is a pouch which is suitable for subsequently enveloping the floating body.

[25] According to a preferred embodiment, the pouch comprises a closure element via which the floating body can be received in the pouch and which is able to close off the pouch containing the received floating body.

[26] According to a more preferred embodiment, the closure element relates to a zip fastener.

[27] It is obvious that a closure element may also refer to other known elements which are able to close the pouch. Examples hereof are one or more magnetic elements, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, etc.

[28] According to an embodiment, the textile layer is UV-resistant and preferably also resistant to the open air, to mechanical damage, is breathable, treated against mould formation, and/or able to prevent condensation from heat and moisture.

[29] According to an embodiment, the top surface at the head of the lounger makes an angle a with respect to the top surface at the foot of the lounger, with a being between 5° and 80°.

[30] It is advantageous if an end of the floating piece of furniture is sloping, since this provides a more comfortable headrest for an individual lying thereon. As is illustrated in the embodiments described below, this sloping end may form an integral part of the shape of the floating body. However, according to alternative embodiments, it may also be configured as a separate body, for example a soft body, such as for example a cushion, and be detachably fixed to the floating body. This may be effected, for example, by means of a detachable connection using magnets. In this way, these separate bodies may consist of a material which has a density which may differ from the density of the floating body and make it possible to optimize the density for the area of the lounger at the head in order to support the head. Such a separate body can also easily be replaced or removed, for example in order to allow for a more frequent cleaning operation compared to the other parts of the lounger. It may also be useful to replace the cushion by a second cushion, e.g. of a different colour or quality. Thus, such cushions can easily be repaired or replaced.

[31] According to an embodiment, the length of the floating body is between 1 .5 m and 2.5 m, preferably approximately 2 m, and the width of the planar body is between 0.40 m and 1.00 m, preferably approximately 0.80 m.

Brief description of the figures [32] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a floating lounger according to an embodiment according to the present invention.

[33] Fig. 2 shows a cross section along the transversal axis A-A for the floating lounger from Fig. 1 . [34] Fig. 3 shows a cross section along the longitudinal axis B-B for the floating lounger from Fig. 1 . [35] Figs 4 and 5 show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a floating lounger according to an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiment from Figs 1 to 3.

Detailed description of the embodiment(s)

[36] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a floating lounger (1 ) according to an embodiment according to the present invention. Said lounger (1 ) comprises a floating body (3) which is made of a solid closed-cell foam. As a result thereof, the lounger (1 ) is adapted to support the weight of an individual while he/she is floating in water. The floating lounger (1 ) is also adapted, with regard to length and width, to allow an individual to lie thereon. The floating body (3) is provided all around with a textile layer (2). The textile layer (2) may, for example, be made of a fabric known by the brand name Sunbrella ® or of any other suitable fabric suitable for covering a lounger. Preferably, the textile layer (2) is a water-permeable, woven fabric which is also durable and resistant to the open air, has good resistance to mechanical damage, is breathable, treated against mould formation and/or able to prevent condensation from heat and moisture. The lounger (1 ) has a planar shape, with a sloping part at the head (7) which serves as a headrest for an individual lying thereon. In the figure, the axes A-A and B-B are shown, which indicate the cross sections, respectively, of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[37] Fig. 2 illustrates how the textile layer (2) subsequently envelops the inner floating body (3). In addition, the top surface (4) at the foot (8) and the top surface (5) at the head (7) are indicated. The top surface (4) at the foot (8) runs parallel to the bottom surface (6) of the lounger (1 ) across the width. It is clear that, as is indicated, the top surface (4, 5) of the lounger (1 ) and the head (7), together with respective side faces (1 1 , 12, 17, 18) and a bottom surface (6), complete the peripheral surface of the lounger (1 ). [38] Fig. 3 shows the cross section along the longitudinal axis B-B for the floating lounger (1 ). The textile layer (2) covers the entire floating body (3) of solid closed-cell foam. The top surface (4) at the foot (8) also runs parallel to the flat bottom surface (6) of the lounger (1 ) across the length. The top surface (5) at the head (7) of the lounger (1 ) makes an angle a with the top surface (4) at the foot (8) of the lounger (1 ), as is indicated in Fig. 3. Preferably, a is between 5° and 80°. It is furthermore clear that, according to this embodiment, the side face (17) at the head (7), the side face (18) at the foot (8) and both lateral side faces (1 1 , 12) extend between the top surface (4, 5) of the lounger (1 ) and the bottom surface (6), respectively.

[39] Figs 4 and 5 show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a floating lounger according to an alternative embodiment, similar to the embodiment from Figs 1 to 3. Elements in Fig. 4 which have the same reference numeral as in Fig. 1 perform a function which is similar to that in the embodiment from Fig. 1 . In contrast to the embodiment from Fig. 1 , the periphery of both the top surface (4, 5) and the bottom surface (6) comprises corresponding rounded corners. These rounded corners have a radius, for example, in the range from 2 cm to 30 cm, for example in the range from 5 cm to 15 cm.

[40] Likewise in contrast to the embodiment from Fig. 1 , the textile layer (2) comprises a first textile layer portion (2a) and a second textile layer portion (2b). As can be seen in the top view from Fig. 4, the first textile layer (2a) covers the top surface (4) of the lounger (1 ), as well as the top surface (5) of the head (7). As can furthermore be seen in the bottom view from Fig. 5, according to this embodiment, the first textile layer portion (2a) subsequently also covers the side faces (1 1 , 12, 17, 18) up to the bottom surface (6). In order to achieve this, the first textile layer may be provided, for example, with one or more suitable seams, for example at the location of the corners of the lounger (1 ).

[41] As illustrated, the first textile layer portion (2a), near the periphery of the bottom surface (6), that is to say at a distance of for example less than 10 cm, for example less than 5 cm, adjoins a second textile layer portion (2b) which is provided on the bottom surface (6) of the lounger (1 ). Preferably, this second textile layer portion (2b) is a mesh-shaped structure which is able to drain water away to the surroundings via openings in the mesh-shaped structure. This makes it possible to drain away water efficiently after the lounger (1 ) has been used as a floating piece of furniture.

[42] As indicated diagrammatically, the first textile layer portion (2a) according to this embodiment adjoins the second textile layer portion (2b) by means of a diagrammatically illustrated zip fastener (9). However, it will be clear that, according to alternative embodiments, other suitable closure elements can be used to attach both textile layer portions, at least partly removably, to each other. It will be clear that, when both textile layer portions are at least partly detached from each other by means of the zip fastener, it is possible in this way to remove the textile layer (2) from the floating body (3) of the lounger (1 ), for example in order to clean it. It will be clear that furthermore, alternative embodiments are also possible for the floating lounger (1 ), in which said textile layer (2) is detachable from the floating body (3), for example by means of an alternative closure element, such as for example a closure element using buttons, press-buttons, hook and loop fasteners, such as for example a Velcro-type closure element, magnets, etc. It will be clear that, in the embodiment of Figs 4 and 5, a pouch is formed by means of the textile layer portions which envelops the floating body (3). It will be clear that alternative embodiments are also possible, in which the textile layer (2) forms a pouch which is suitable for subsequently enveloping the floating body (3). Preferably, such a pouch contains a closure element (9) via which the floating body (3) can be received in the pouch and which is able to close off the pouch containing the received floating body (3).

[43] Not only does the lounger have to have a sufficiently low density in order to function as a floating object, but it also has to ensure sufficient reclining comfort. A suitable embodiment of the solid closed-cell foam in this case preferably has the following material parameters:

- a density in the range from 25 to 35 kg/m ³ ;

- a compression resistance at 10% deformation in the range from preferably 15 to 25 kPa;

- a Shore hardness in the range from 30 to 40; - a cell size of less than 0.5 mm.

[44] The methods for determining the abovementioned material parameters are, for example, based on the respective standards ISO 1923, ISO 845, ISO 844, ISO 1926 and ISO 1856-B.

[45] Although the present invention has been illustrated by means of specific embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the above illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention can be achieved with various modifications and adjustments without departing from the area of application of the invention. The present embodiments therefore have to be seen as being illustrative and non-restrictive in all areas, and the area of application of the invention is described by the attached claims and not by the above description, and any changes which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are therefore deemed to be incorporated here. In other words, it is assumed that this covers any modifications, variations or equivalents which fall within the area of application of the underlying basic principles and the essential attributes of which are claimed in this patent application. In addition, the reader of the present patent application will understand that the terms "comprising" or "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the words "a" or "an" do not exclude the plural. Any references in the claims should not be interpreted as a limitation of the claims in question. In the same manner, the terms "top", "bottom", "side", and such are used for the benefit of the description and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It should be understood that these terms are mutually interchangeable under the right circumstances and that embodiments of the invention can function according to the present invention in different orientations than those described or illustrated above.