Floatation device

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a slot and hole combination incorporated in a device to keep containers from tipping over. In one embodiment the slot and hole combination is incorporated into a flotation device for use in lakes, pools, hot tubs, spas, etc. for floating containers filled with beverages.

1 . A floatation apparatus being generally circular in shape, furthermore providing sufficient buoyancy to cause a container to float in a liquid when said container is received in said floatation apparatus, which is comprised of a substantially flat material having a vertical height, a beveled hole substantially located in the center of said floatation apparatus, and said hole is oriented substantially vertically, and said hole is of a size sufficient to cause interference with said container, and a straight slot with substantially parallel sides that radiates from the center of said hole which intercepts the edge of the floatation apparatus to allow the stem of said container to pass into said beveled hole. 
   
   
       2 . A floatation apparatus being generally circular in shape, furthermore providing sufficient buoyancy to cause a container to float in a liquid when said container is received in said floatation apparatus, which is comprised of a substantially flat material having a vertical height, a beveled hole substantially located in the center of said floatation apparatus, and said hole is oriented substantially vertically, and said hole is of a size sufficient to cause interference with said container, and a curved slot with substantially parallel sides that radiates from the center of said hole which intercepts the edge of the floatation apparatus to allow the stem of said container to pass into said beveled hole. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein an electronic module is integrated. 
   
   
       4 . The electronic module in  claim 3  wherein the electronic module functionality is selected from the set consisting of integrated lighting system, RFID tag, AM radio, FM radio, restaurant pager, Bluetooth radio, Wi-Fi radio, UWB radio, near field communication radio, and an interface. 
   
   
       5 . The interface in  claim 4  wherein the functionality is selected from the set consisting of RJ-11 jack, an RJ-45 jack, IEEE 1394 Fire Wire connection, USB, RS-232, and a PCMCIA slot. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus recited in  claim 2  wherein an electronic module is integrated. 
   
   
       7 . The electronic module in  claim 6  wherein the electronic module functionality is selected from the set consisting of integrated lighting system, RFID tag, AM radio, FM radio, restaurant pager, Bluetooth radio, Wi-Fi radio, UWB radio, near field communication radio, and an interface. 
   
   
       8 . The interface in  claim 7  wherein the functionality is selected from the set consisting of RJ-11 jack, an RJ-45 jack, IEEE 1394 Fire Wire connection, USB, RS-232, and a PCMCIA slot. 
   
   
       9 . A floatation apparatus being irregular in shape, furthermore providing sufficient buoyancy to cause a container to float in a liquid when said container is received in said floatation apparatus, which is comprised of a substantially flat material having a vertical height, a beveled hole substantially located in the center of said floatation apparatus, and said hole is oriented substantially vertically, and said hole is of a size sufficient to cause interference with said container, and a curved slot with substantially parallel sides that radiates from the center of said hole which intercepts the edge of the floatation apparatus to allow the stem of said container to pass into said beveled hole. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus recited in  claim 9  wherein an electronic module is integrated. 
   
   
       11 . The electronic module in  claim 10  wherein the electronic module functionality is selected from the set consisting of integrated lighting system, RFID tag, AM radio, FM radio, restaurant pager, Bluetooth radio, Wi-Fi radio, UWB radio, a near field communication radio, and an interface. 
   
   
       12 . The interface in  claim 11  wherein the functionality is selected from the set consisting of RJ-11 jack, an RJ-45 jack, IEEE 1394 Fire Wire connection, USB, RS-232, and a PCMCIA slot 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein a metal surface is integrated for clinking together with a second floatation apparatus. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus recited in  claim 2  wherein a metal surface is integrated for clinking together with a second floatation apparatus. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus recited in  claim 9  wherein a metal surface is integrated for clinking together with a second floatation apparatus. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus recited in  claim 1  wherein a plurality of apparatuses is used. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus recited in  claim 2  wherein pluralities of apparatuses is used. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus recited in claim wherein a plurality of apparatuses is used.