Flotation Device

Abstract

A flotation device that includes a plurality of elongated, tubular members each composed of a buoyant material and interconnected to one another such that each extends in parallel relation to the others and are independently movable relative to one another. The tubular members are movable between a fully deployed position wherein each of the tubular members extend in a common plane and a fully transportable position wherein each of the tubular members are arranged in bundled relation to one another. A pair of cords passes through and interconnects each of the plurality of tubular members together, and a carrying strap is connected to the tubes to provide ease of transporting the device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flotation device, comprising:
 a. a plurality of elongated, tubular members each composed of a buoyant material and interconnected to one another such that each extends in parallel relation to the others and are independently movable relative to one another, and are movable between a fully deployed position wherein each of the plurality of tubular members extend in a common plane to a fully transportable position wherein each of the tubular members are arranged in bundled relation to one another;   b. at least one cord that interconnects each of the plurality of tubular members together; and   c. a carrying strap connected to at least one of the tubular members.   
     
     
         2 . The flotation device according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least two cords that interconnect each of the plurality of tubular members together. 
     
     
         3 . The flotation device according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said tubular members defines a hollow cylindrical passage that extends longitudinally therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The flotation device according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one cord passes through each of the plurality of elongated, tubular members. 
     
     
         5 . A method for converting a flotation device to a sleeping mat, comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a plurality of elongated, tubular members each composed of a buoyant material and interconnected to one another such that each extends in parallel relation to the others and are independently movable relative to one another;   b. positioning each of the plurality of elongated, tubular members in a common plane;   c. moving at least some of the plurality of elongated, tubular members to overlay others of said plurality of elongated, tubular members such that they are positioned in stacked relation to one another.   
     
     
         6 . A method for converting a flotation device between deployed and stowed positions, comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a plurality of elongated, tubular members each composed of a buoyant material and interconnected to one another such that each extends in parallel relation to the others and are independently movable relative to one another;   b. providing at least one cord that interconnects each of the plurality of tubular members together;   c. providing a carrying strap connected to at least one of the tubular members;   d. positioning said plurality of elongated, tubular members in a deployed position by arranging each of the plurality of elongated, tubular members in a common plane;   e. moving said plurality of elongated, tubular members from said deployed position to a stowed position by rolling each of the said plurality of elongated, tubular members relative to one another; and   f. fixing said carrying strap to prevent said plurality of elongated, tubular members from unrolling relative to one another.