Multi-use flotation device

Abstract

A multi-use flotation device (e.g., 100 ) includes two end sections (e.g., 101, 103 ) integrally connected to a central section (e.g., 102 ). The central section is configured and arranged to accommodate a torso of the user without significantly impeding a full range of movement of the appendages of the user when the user lays on at least the central section. The end sections are characterized by respective geometric shapes that are generally wider than the central section. One of the end sections accommodates at least a head of the user when the user lays on at least the central section. The other end section accommodates at least a derriere of the user when the user lays on at least the central section. The two end sections and the central section together form a concave, unitary device.

1 . A multi-use flotation device for use by a user in a body of water, the multi-use flotation device comprising: 
 a central section configured and arranged to accommodate a torso of the user without significantly impeding a full range of movement of appendages of the user when the user lays on at least the central section;    a first end section integrally connected to a first end of the central section, the first end section characterized by a first predetermined geometric shape that is generally wider than the central section, the first end section accommodating at least a head of the user when the user lays on at least the central section; and    a second end section integrally connected to a second end of the central section, the second end section characterized by a second predetermined geometric shape that is generally wider than the central section, the second end section accommodating at least a derriere of the user when the user lays on at least the central section,    wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second end section together form a concave, unitary device.    
   
   
       2 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined geometric shape and the second predetermined geometric shape are substantially identical.  
   
   
       3 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second end section form a generally hour-glass shape.  
   
   
       4 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second end section are constructed from a closed cell foam material.  
   
   
       5 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first end section and the second end section defines an aperture that accommodates at least part of a hand of the user and facilitates at least carrying of the unitary device by the user.  
   
   
       6 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the unitary device is further configured and arranged to have an overall length that permits a full range of motion of legs of the user.  
   
   
       7 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the central section is further configured and arranged to facilitate a full range of motion of the appendages of the user when the user lays on at least the central section.  
   
   
       8 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end section and the second end section each taper toward the central section.  
   
   
       9 . The flotation device of  claim 8 , wherein the first end section and the second end section each taper toward the central section in a non-linear manner.  
   
   
       10 . The flotation device of  claim 1 , wherein at least the first end section and the central section are further configured and arranged to mitigate contact between the central section and the torso of the user when the user lays on at least the central section.  
   
   
       11 . A multi-use, non-inflatable flotation device for use by a user in a body of water, the multi-use flotation device comprising: 
 a central section configured and arranged to accommodate a torso of the user without significantly impeding movement of appendages of the user in the water when the user lays on at least the central section;    a generally circular first end section integrally connected to a first end of the central section, the first end section having a radius in the range of approximately five inches to approximately six inches and tapering toward the central section, the first end section accommodating at least a head of the user when the user lays on at least the central section; and    a generally circular second end section integrally connected to a second end of the central section, the second end section having a radius in the range of approximately five inches to approximately six inches and tapering toward the central section, the second end section accommodating at least a derriere of the user when the user lays on at least the central section,    wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second end section together form a concave, unitary device.    
   
   
       12 . The flotation device of  claim 11 , wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second end section form a generally hour-glass shape.  
   
   
       13 . The flotation device of  claim 1   1 , wherein the first end section, the central section, and the second end section are constructed from a closed cell foam material.  
   
   
       14 . The flotation device of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first end section and the second end section defines an aperture that accommodates at least part of a hand of the user and facilitates at least carrying of the unitary device by the user.  
   
   
       15 . The flotation device of  claim 11 , wherein the unitary device is further configured and arranged to have an overall length that permits a full range of motion of legs of the user.  
   
   
       16 . The flotation device of  claim 11 , wherein the central section is further configured and arranged to facilitate a full range of motion of the appendages of the user when the user lays on at least the central section.  
   
   
       17 . The flotation device of  claim 11 , wherein the first end section and the second end section each taper toward the central section in a non-linear manner.  
   
   
       18 . The flotation device of  claim 11 , wherein at least the first end section and the central section are further configured and arranged to mitigate contact between the central section and the torso of the user when the user lays on at least the central section.  
   
   
       19 . The flotation device of  claim 10 , wherein the concave, unitary device has a thickness in the range of approximately one inch to approximately two inches.