The present invention relates to a floating game device making it possible
to play or perform athletic activities in a swimming pool or in a body of water such
as a lake, these athletic activities for example being such as water polo, kayak
polo, water volleyball or others. The-invention in particular relates to means for
stabilizing the floating game device.
The known floating game devices typically make it possible to perform
athletic activities or play in the water. Among these floating game devices, a first
type consists of a floating element and an above-water part, positioned above said
floating element and including a first structure as well as a first flexible surface, in
particular of the net type; supported by said first structure for example to form a
cage for receiving the ball, in particular when it involves playing water polo or
kayak polo, or even to form a transversely stretched net, in particular. to play
water volleyball. One drawback of this type of floating game device is that it drifts
and is unstable in the water, in particular due to the waves generated by the
movements of the people in the water, or the kayaks and paddles, or due to the
wind or current that may exist in the body of water when it is a natural body of
water such as a lake or pond. To offset this drawback, floating game devices are
known that have means for mooring the floating element to a stationary element,
in particular the edge of the pool in which the floating game device is positioned.
Such a device is for example described in document US 6,220,975. This, however,
requires the game device to be used in a pool and near the edges of that pool.
Also known are devices such as those described in documents US
2009/0081919 and US 3,895,801 that include a submerged part, an above-water
part including a first structure and a first flexible surface borne by the first
structure and configured for play, for example by forming a volleyball net or cage
and a floating element positioned in a waterline and arranged to delimit the
submerged part from the above-water part. The submerged part is configured to
form means for stabilizing the above-water part and the floating element.
According to document US 3,895,801, these stabilization means consist of weights
fixed to the floating element and making it possible to ballast the floating game
device. According to document US 2009/0081919, the submerged part consists of
a second structure on which a second flexible surface is stretched making it
possible to form a panel configured to play underwater. The second structure
further comprises weights ma king it possible to ballast the floating game device.
The presence of such weights on the submerged part of the floating game device,
as described in documents US 3,895,801 and US 2009/0081919, has the drawback
of making said device heavier, in particular when the device needs to be handled
so as to be taken out of the water and put away.
The present invention aims to implement a floating game device that has
stabilization means whereof the design optimizes the stabilization and reduces the
weight of said floating game device so as to facilitate its handling when removed
from the body of water and its transport, for example to store it or even move it
on another body of water.
To that end, the invention relates to a floating game device compiising a
submerged part, an above-water part and a floating element. The above-water
part includes a first structure and a first flexible surface supported by that first
structure. The floating element constitutes a waterline that delimits the
submerged part from the above-water part, the submerged part comprising a
second structure and a second flexible surface supported by that second structure.
Assembly means are configured to keep the first structure and the second
structure assembled with the floating element, in a plane forming an angle with
said waterline, said floating element being configured to extend at a distance from
the first and second structures positioned in said plane. This angle will preferably
be comprised between 30° and 15U0, for example 9U0. Furthermore, according to
the invention, the second flexible surface is configured on the submerged part to
form a resistance means in the water. Furthermore, at least one of the first and
second flexible surfaces is fixed with the floating element at a distance from said
plane.
It will be understood that under normal usage conditions, on a calm body
of water, the submerged part and the above-water part are positioned in a plane
forming an angle with the floating element positioned in the waterline. When the
body of water is agitated, the resistance in the water procured by the submerged
part aims to keep the above-water part in a stable position, in a vertical plane
above the body of water. Furthermore, the shift of the floating element relative to
the above-water and submerged parts, as well as the fastening of at least one of
the first or second flexible surfaces on an offset part of the floating element, result
in transferring the force onto said offset part of the floating element, which tends
to rise, or, conversely, dive relative to the plane of the water, when the
submerged and above-water parts defined in a same plane tilt relative to the
vertical plane. The inverse force exerted by the water on the floating element aims
on the contrary to keep the latter in the waterline, that force being transferred
onto the above-water part or the submerged part by means of the first or second
flexible surface-depending on that which is fixed to the floating element-which
makes it possible to keep said above-water and submerged parts in the plane
forming an angle with the floating element. Thus, the floating game device
remains suitably stable without using weights for additional ballasting, which I
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II favors the handling thereof.
According to a first embodiment of the floating game device according to
the invention, the floating element has a bowed configuration delimited by two
lateral ends, an inner edge and an outer edge. Furthermore, the first structure is a
first hoop including two ends respectively subject to the two side ends of the
floating element. Furthermore, the first flexible surface is configured to be fixed to
the first bow and with one of the inner or outer edges of the floating element, in a
more or less stretched position so as to form a cage for receiving the ball.
According to one embodiment, the second structure comprises at least two
tubular portions respectively subjected to the two side ends of said floating
element. Furthermore, the second flexible surface is configured to be fixed to said
at least two tubular portions of the second structure and to the inner or outer
edge to which the first flexible surface is fixed, in a more or less stretched position
so as to form a volume. This configuration of the second flexible surface .has the
advantage of optimizing the resistance of the floating game device to the
movements in the water, aiming to stabilize said floating game device. The term
"tubular" is used in this description; it may, however, use circular or noncircular
bars or rods without going beyond the scope of the invention.
According to this first design embodiment, the second structure is
preferably an arch having two ends respectively subjected to the two lateral ends
of the floating element, the second flexible surface being fixed to the second arch.
According to one embodiment of this first design embodiment, the floating
element is crescent-sha ped. Furthermore, the first flexible surface and, optionally,
the second flexible surface are fixed on the outer edge of the crescent.
According to one alternative embodiment of this first design embodiment,
the floating element has a toroid portion shape. Further, the first flexible surface
and, optionally, the second flexible surface are fixed on the inner edge of the
toroid portion. Additionally, a third flexible surface extends. toward the inside of
the floating element from the inner edge of said floating element, in the waterline.
According to the inventive floating game device, the assembly means are
configured to bend the first and second structures. Furthermore, return means are
configured to exert a force on the first structure and the second structure so as to
position them naturally in a position that is more or less perpendicular relative to
the floating element. This has the advantage of being able to curve the first
structure and the second structure relative to the floating element and
automatically redeploy the floating game device. Furthermore, a tensing system is
arranged between the floating element and at least the second structure to keep
said second structure curved relative to the floating element so as to limit the bulk
of said second structure heightwise. This has the advantage of making it possible
to use the floating game device on bodies of water having little bottom.
According to the inventive floating game device, the first structure and the
second structure are made up of a single and same flexible arch comprising two
side portions. Furthermore, fastening means are arranged between the two lateral
sides of the floating element and the two respective side portions of the flexible
arch.
According to a second design embodiment of the inventive floating game
device, the floating element is rectangular comprising two lateral sides and two
longitudinal sides.
According to the second design em bodirnent, the first structure comprises
at least two upper lateral bars respectively positioned on the two lateral sides and
extending perpendicular to the floating element. Furthermore, the first flexible
surface is fixed to the two lateral upper bars. It is, however, also possible to
consider a transverse upper bar connecting the ends of the two upper lateral bars,
to which the first flexible surface can also be fixed.
According to the second embodiment, the second structure comprises two
lateral lower bars and one transverse lower bar positioned in a U, the lateral lower
bars respectively being fixed to the lateral sides of the floating element.
Furthermore, the second flexible surface has a rectangular shape comprising two
longitudinal ends that are fixed to the longitudinal sides of the floating element,
said second flexible surface being stretched bearing against the lower transverse
bar. This also makes it possible to form a volume in the form of a pouch offering
resistance in the water.
According to this second design embodiment, the second structure
comprises at least two lateral lower bars respectively subjected to the two lateral
sides of the floating element. Furthermore, the second flexible surface is
configured to be fixed to the two lower lateral bars and with one of the inner or
outer edges of the floating element, in a more or less stretched position so as to
form a volume.
According to the inventive floating game device, at least one fastening
system is configured on the floating element to allow mooring or complementary
ballasting of said floating element, in particular when the floating game device is
used on an agitated body of water.
According to the inventive floating game device, the first flexible surface is
a net. Furthermore, the second flexible surface is made from a textile, for example
cloth.
According to one alternative embodiment of this first flexible surface, in
particular when the game device is implemented according to the first design
em bodi ment, said first flexible surface includes a fabric peripheral contour whereof
an outer edge is fixed to the floating element and to the first arch and, a central
net whereof the peripheral edge is fixed to an inner edge of said peripheral
contour.
According to an alternative embodiment of this second flexible surface, in
particular when the floating game device is implemented according to the first
design embodiment and the second structure consists of an arch, said second
flexible surface includes a peripheral cloth contour whereof an outer edge is fixed
to the floating element and to the second arch and a central net whereof the
,
peripheral edge is fixed to an inner edge of said peripheral contour.
According to one embodiment of the inventive floating game device, a
sheath is fastened to the first structure and the second structure, the floating
element being flexible and configured to be inserted into the sheath.
According to one embodiment of the floating game device according to the
invention, the floating element is deforma bte, in particular when said floating
element is flexible or made up of several floating parts, which tends to deform the
first structure and the second structure affixed to said floating element. To that
%f end, a stiffening system is configured on at least one of the first and second
. a s structures to keep the first and second structures in a stable position.
The following description illustrates different design alternatives of the
inventive floating game device. The description of these design alternatives is
based on figures, in which:
- Figure 1 illustrates a floating game device according to a first
embodiment according to which the floating element is crescentshaped;
- Figure 2 illustrates a design alternative of the floating game device
according to which the floating element has a toroid portion shape;
-- Figure 3 illustrates a design alternative of the submerged part of the
floating game device according to figure 2;
- Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a design alternative of the floating game
device in which the floating element is rectangular; and
- Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate another design alternative of the floating
game device, in particular relative to the implementation of the first and
second flexi bie surfaces.
Figures 1 to 7 show that the floating game device 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 in
all cases includes an above-water part 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 and a submerged I
part 3, 103, 203, 303, 403 that makes it possible to form a volume improving the
resistance in the water. This above-water part and this submerged part are
separated by a floating element 4, 104, 204, 304, 404 that defines a waterline.
One can see that the above-water part includes a first structure 5, 105,
205, 305, 405 and a first flexible surface 6, 106, 206, 306, 406. Likewise, the
submerged part comprises a second structure 7, 107, 207, 307,407 and a second
flexible surface 8, 108, 208, 308, 408.
Figure 1 shows that the floating element 4 comprises a crescent shape. The
first structure 5 and the second structure 7 are implemented using a single and
same flexible arch 9 closed on itself, i.e., the first end 9a and the second end 9b
of the flexible arch 9 come together and are fixed to each other using a fastening
part for example making it possible to interlock said first and second ends 9a, 9b.
One can see that this arch is positioned inside a sheath 11 and that the sheath is
fixed at the lateral ends 4a, 4b of the floating element 4. This fastening is for
example done by sewing, welding, gluing or other means. Furthermore, the first
flexible sutface 6 is made up of a net whereof one of the edges 6a is fixed to the
sheath 11 for example by sewing or welding. Furthermore, the second edge 6b of
the net is fixed with the outer edge 4c of the floating element 4, for example by
welding, sewing or gluing. Furthermore, the second flexible surface 8 is made up
of a textile, for example cloth whereof one of the edges 8a is fixed to the sheath
11 and whereof the other edge 8b is fixed with the outer edge 4c of the floating
element 4.
The use of a single and same flexible arch 9 as illustrated in figure 1 has
the advantage of being able to bend the first structure 5 relative to the second
structure 7, said flexible arch offering a return force in a normal equilibrium
position as illustrated in figure 1 according to which the first structure 5 and the
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second structure 7 formed using the arch 9 are positioned naturally, perpendicular
relative to the floating element 4 positioned in a waterline. Of course, it is possible
to consider implementing this first sfructure 5 and the second structure 7 using
two independent arches whereof the lateral ends would be positioned adjoining
and fixed to the lateral ends 4a, 4b of the floating element 4. It is further possible
to provide return means, for example. flexible tips or springs, in which the ends of
the arches would snap, offering a return force making it possible to bring said
arches back perpendicular to the floating.element 4.
The floating game device 101 illustrated in figure 2 has a design similar to
that of the floating game device illustrated in figure 1 regarding the
implementation of the first structure 105, the second structure 107, the first
flexible surface 106 and the second flexible surface 108. Thus, the first structure
105 and the second structure 107 are implemented using a single and same
flexible arch 109 whereof the first end 109a and the second end 109b come
together and are fixed to each other using a fastening part making it possible for
example to snap said first and second ends 109a, 109b. Furthermore, the flexible
arch is positioned in a sheath 111 that is fixed with respect to the lateral ends
104a, 104b of the floating element, said fastening being able to be done by
sewing, welding, gluing or other means. However, according to this figure 2, the
floating game device 101 comprises a floating element 104 that assumes the form
of a toroid portion. Furthermore, the first edge 106a the first flexible surface 106
is fixed on the sheath 111 and the second edge 106b is fixed oh the inner edge
104d of the floating element 104. Likewise, the first edge 108a of the second
flexible surface 108 is fixed on the sheath 111 and the second edge 108b is fixed
on the inner edge 104d of the floating element 104. One can also see the
presence of a third fiexible surface 112 positioned in the waterline, the edge 112a
of said third flexible surface being fixed to the inner edge 104d of the floating
element 104 and extending in the waterline of the floating element 104. This third
flexible surface is for example made from cloth.
According to the design alternative illustrated in figure 3, one can see that
the floating game device 201 comprises a floating element 204 that has a toroid
portion shape similar to the floating element 104 illustrated in figure 2. In this
figure 3, one can see that the first structure 205 and the second structure 207 are
implemented using a single and same flexible arch that is curved in the shape of
an upside down U; the lateral end portions 209a, 209b of this flexible arch 209 are
positioned below the floating element 204 and form two tubular portions 207a,
207b of the second structure 207. Furthermore, the central portion 209c of this
flexible arch is positioned above the floating element 204 and forms the first
structure 205. This flexible arch 209 is positioned in a sheath 211 that is fixed at
its lateral sides with the lateral ends 204a, 204b of the floating element 204.
Furthermore, the first flexible surface 206 has a first edge 206a fixed on the
sheath 211 and a second edge 206b fixed on the inner edge 204d of the floating
element 204. The second flexible surface 208 is in the shape of a strip whereof
the lateral ends 208a, 208b are fixed on the sheath 211 at the tubular portions
207~1, 207b, while the upper edge 208c of that strip is fixed on the inner edge
204d of the floating element 204. This arrangement of the strip makes it possible
to form a volume offering resistance in the water and ensuring the connection
between the floating element 204 and the second structure 207. It is also possible
to consider implementing a third flexible surface 212 whereof the edge 212a is
fixed to the inner edge 204d of the floating element 204, said third flexible
element 212 extending in the waterline of the floating element 204.
According to the alternative design illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the
floating game device comprises a rectangular floating element 304 that has two
lateral sides 304a, 304b and two longitudinal sides 304c, 304d. One can see that
the first structure 305 comprises two lateral upper bars 305a, 305b and a
transverse upper bar 305c connected to the two lateral upper bars 305a, 305b,
the first structure 305 forming an upside down U. Likewise, the second structure
307 comprises two lateral lower bars 307aI 307b and a transverse lower bar 307c
connected to the lower ends of the two lower lateral bars 305al 305b, said second
structure 307 forming a U.
Figure 4 shows that the upper lateral bars 305a, 30% and the respective
lower lateral bars 307a, 307b are formed using a single and same flexible bar
fixed at the lateral sides 304a, 304b of the floating element 304. Using flexible
lateral bars has the advantage of making it possible to fold the upper structure
305 relative to the lower structure 307, the flexibility offering a return force that
makes it possible to bring said upper 305 and lower 307 structures back
perpendicular relative to the floating element 304 above and below the latter.
One can see that the first flexible surface 306 is made up of a net that is
fixed at the lateral upper parts 305a, 305b. It is also possible to consider fastening
said net at the upper transverse bar 305c.
Figures 4 and 5 show that the second flexible surface 308 comprises a
rectangular shape having two longitudinal sides 308a, 308 b respectively fixed to
the longitudinal sides 304c, 304d of the floating element 304. Furthermore, the '
second flexible surface 308 passes below the lower transverse bar 307c of the
second structure 307, which makes it possible to keep the central portion 308c of
said second flexible surface 308 bearing against the lower transverse bar 307c, as
illustrated in figures 4 and 5, and thus to stretch said second flexible surface 308
that forms a pouch below the floating element 304 offering resistance in the
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I water. The second flexible surface 308 is implemented using the net. It is,
however, possible to consider using other textiles, for example a cloth.
I It is, however, possible to consider an alternative configuration of the
second flexible surface 308, such that the latter defines a volume offering
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I resistance in the water and providing the connection between the floating element
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304 and the second structure 307. To that end, the second flexible surface 308
could have a configuration related to that illustrated in figure 3, i.e., by arranging
a strip of flexible material, for example a cloth, that would be stretched fixed on at
least part of the two lower lateral bars 307a, 307b, and with an inner or outer
edge on the floating element 304, so as to define a volume.
The design alternative of the floating game device 401 illustrated in figures
6, 7 and 8 has a configuration similar to that of the floating game device 101
illustrated in figure 2, the essential difference pertaining to the implementation of
the first flexible surface 406 and the second flexible surface 408. One can see in
these figures 6 to 8 that the first flexible surface 406 comprises a peripheral
contour 406a including an outer edge 406b that is fastened on the inner edge
404d of the floating element 404 and is fixed to a sheath 411 in which a flexible
arch is positioned making it possible to form the first structure 405 and the second
structure 407, said sheath being fixed to the lateral ends 404a, 404b of the
floating element 404. Furthermore, the first surface 406 comprises a net 406c that
is positioned in the central part, said net 406c including a peripheral edge 406d
that is fastened with the inner edge 406e of the peripheral contour 406a, as in
particular illustrated in figure 6.
Likewise, the second flexible surface 408 comprises a peripheral contour
408a made from cloth, comprising an outer edge 408b fixed on the sheath 411
and the central net 408c whereof the peripheral edge 408d is fixed to the inner
edge 408e of the peripheral contour 408a. The presence of a third flexible surface
412, for example made from cloth, is also visible, whereof the edge 412a is fixed
on the inner edge 404d of the floating element 404.
These figures 6 to 8 show the presence of two straps 413,414 whereof the
first ends 413a, 414a are fixed to the upper 411a and lower 411b parts of the
sheath 411. The other two ends 413d, 414b are fixed across from the floating
element 404 at its inner edge 404d as in particular illustrated in figure 8. The
presence of fastening loops 415, 416 is shown making it possible to fix the ends
413b, 414b of the straps 413, 414 with the floating element 404. These fastening
loops also make it possible to adjust the length of the straps 413, 414. This in
particular has the advantage, particular1y regarding the submerged part 403, of
being able to exert tension on the second structure 407 so as to curve the latter
- backward, which makes it possible to reduce the height of the submerged part
403 and thus to install the floating game device 401 on a body of water having
little bottom. Figure 8 shows the presence of. two fastening parts 417a, 417b
I arranged on the outer edge 404c of the floating element 404a. These fastening
parts 417a, 417b make it possible to moor the floating game device 401 for
example on the bottom of the pool, or to add additional ballasting means of the
weight type, in particular when the floating game device is used on a highly
agitated body of water.
According to these different designs of the floating game device 1, 101,
201, 301, 401 illustrated in figures 1 to 8, the submerged part 3, 103, 203, 303,
403 in all cases makes it possible to form a volume, in particular in the form of a
pouch making it possible to increase the resistance of said floating game device in
the water.
These different designs show that the floating element is implemented
using a fitting that is for exa'mple inflatable or formed so as to float on the water.
This floating element 4, 104, 204, 304, 404 is furthermore fixed to the first and
second structures as well as to the first and second flexible surfaces. It is of
course possible to consider alternative designs of this floating element and for
example to provide a flexible longilineal element, so as to be deformed and for
example form a U or rectangular shape, said flexible longilineal material being
inserted into a sheath that would be fixed to said first and second structures and
said first and second flexible surfaces.
It is also possible to consider implementing this floating element in several
parts, for example a first part fixed on one of the lateral sides of the first and
second structures and a second floating element fixed on the other of the lateral
sides of the first and second structures and a third floating element positioned in
the rear part of the floating game device and fixed to the first and second flexible
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surfaces. It will be understood that in this case, the floating element can deform,
which may tend to separate the first structure and the second structure. To that
end, in this design scenario, a stiffening system is provided positioned between
the lateral ends of the first structure and the second structure, or even between
the floating elements, for example rigid straps or semi-rigid rods, which prevents
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the separation of said lateral sides of the first and second structures and the
f bating elements.
I Other design embodiments may be considered without going beyond the
scope of the present invention. It is in particular possible to consider combining
I 1 the features of the different design embodiments of the floating game device
illustrated in figures 1 to 8; for example regarding the implementation of the
fastening parts 417a, 417b or regarding the implementation of the tensing straps
414,413.
It is also possible to consider design alternatives of the floating game
device according to which the structures of the flexible surfaces on the abovewater
part and on the submerged part are configured to constitute two different
games, such that inverting the floating game device makes it possible to play one
or the other of the two games. For example, based on a configuration of the
floating game device similar to that implemented in figures 1, 2, 3 or 6, regarding
the floating structure, at the first and second structures and the first flexible
surface, it is possible to consider the second flexible surface only being fixed on
the second structure and in that case extending in the plane of said first and
second structures. Thus, the above-water part constitutes a cage or goal and the
submerged part constitutes a volleyball net.
The example embodiments shown in figures 1 and 8 and described above
further show that the first 5, 105, 205, 305,405 and second 7, 107, 207, 307,407
structures are positioned in a plane that is more or less perpendicular relative to
the floating element 4, 104, 204, 304, 404 positioned in the waterline. It is,
however, possible to provide design alternatives of the floating game device in -
which the first and second structures would be positioned in a plane forming an
angle with the waterline different from 90° and preferably comprised between 30"
and 150°.
1. A floating game device (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) comprising a submerged part
(3, 103, 203, 303, 403), an above-water part (2, 102, 202, 302, 402) and a
floating element (4, 104, 204, 304, 404), the above-water part including a first
structure (5, 105, 205, 305, 405) and a first flexible surface (6, 106, 206, 306,
406) supported by that first structure, the floating element constituting a
waterline that delimits the submerged part from the above-water part, and the
submerged part comprising a second structure (7, 107, 207, 307, 407) and a
second flexible surface (8, 108, 208, 308, 408) supported by that second
structure, assembly means being configured to keep the first structure and the
second structure assembled with the floating element, in a plane forming an
angle with said waterline, said floating element having a part that is offset
relative to the plane formed by the first and second structures, characterized in
that the second flexible surface is configured on the submerged part to form a
resistance means in the water, at least one of the first and second flexible
surfaces being fixed with the floating element offset relative to the plane
formed by the first and second structures, such that the force exerted by the
water on said offset part of the floating element can be transferred onto the
above-water part or the submerged part.
2. The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to claim 1,
wherein:
- the floating element (4, 104, 204, 304, 404) has a bowed configuration
delimited by two lateral ends (4a, 4b; 104a, 104b; 204a, 204b; 404a,
404b), an inner edge (4d, 104d, 204d, 404d) and an outer edge (4c, 104c,
204c, 404c),
- the first structure (5, 105, 205, 405) is a first hoop including two ends
respectively subject to the two side ends of the floating element;
- the first flexible surface (6, 106, 206, 406) is configured to be fixed to the
first bow and with one of the inner or outer edges of the floating element,
in a more or less stretched position so as to form a cage.
3. The floating game device (1, 101, 401) according to claim 2, wherein the
second structure (7, 107, 207, 407) comprises at least two tubular portions
(207a, 207b) respectively subjected to the two side ends of said floating
element, the second flexible surface being configured to be fixed to said at
least two tubular portions of the second structure and to the inner or outer
edge of the floating element, in a more or less stretched position so as to form
a volume.
4. The floating game device (1, 101, 401) according to claim 2, wherein the
second. structure (7, 107, 207, 407) comprises at least two tubular portions
(207a, 207b) respectively subjected to the two lateral ends of the floating
element, the second flexible surface being configured to be fixed to the two
tubular portions in the plane of the second structure.
5. The floating game device (1, 101, 401) according to one of claims 3 or 4,
wherein the second structure is a second arch, the second flexible surface (8,
108, 408) being fastened to the a second arch. I
6. The floating game device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the floating
element (4) is crescent-shaped.
7. The floating game device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first flexible
surface (6) is fixed on the outer edge (4c) of the floating element (4).
8. The floating game device (1) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the second
flexible surface (8) is fixed on the outer edge (4c) of the floating element (4):
9. The floating game device (101, 201, 401) according to claim 2, wherein the
floating element (104, 204, 404) has a toroid portion shape.
10.The floating game device (101, 201, 401) according to claim 9, wherein the
first flexible surface (106, 206, 406) is fixed on the inner edge (104d, 20%
404d) of the floating element (104, 204, 404).
11.The floating game device (101, 201, 401) according to claims 3 and 9, wherein
the second flexible surface (108, 208, 408) is fixed on the inner edge (104d,
204d, 404d) of the floating element (104, 204,404).
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12.The floating game device (101, 201, 401) according to claim 9, wherein a third
flexible surface (112, 212, 412) extends toward the inside of the floating
element (104, 204, 404) from the inner edge (104d, 204d, 404d) of said
floating element, in the waterline.
13.The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of
claims 1 to 12, wherein the assembly means are configured to bend the first
(5, 105, 205, 305, 405) and second (7, 107, 207, 307, 407) structures, return
means being configured to exert a force on the first structure and on the
second structure so as to position them naturally in a perpendicular position
relative to the floating element (4, 104, 204, 304, 404).
14.The floating game device (401) according to claim 13, wherein a tensing
system (413, 414, 415, 416) is arranged between the floating element (404)
and at least the second structure (407) to curve the second structure relative
to the floating element, so as to limit the bulk of said second structure
heig htwise.
15.The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 401) according to any one of claims 1
to 14, wherein the first structure and the second structure are formed by a
single and same flexible arch (9).
16.The floating game device (301) according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
wherein the floating element (304) has a rectangular shape comprising two
lateral sides (304a, 304b) and two longitudinal sides (304c, 304d).
17.The floating game device (301) according to claim 16, wherein the second
structure (307) comprises at least two lower lateral bars (307a, 307b)
respectively subjected to the two lateral sides (304a, 304b) of the floating
element (304), the second flexible surface (308) being configured to be fixed
I to the two lower lateral bars and to an inner or outer edge of the floating
element, in a more or less stretched position so as to form a volume.
1
18.The floating game device (301) according to claim 16, wherein the first
structure (305) comprises at least two upper lateral bars (305a, 30%)
respectively positioned on the two lateral sides (304a, 304b) of the floating
element (304) and extending perpendicular to the floating element (304), the
first flexible surface (306) being fixed to the two upper lateral bars.
19.The floating game device (301) according to claim 16, wherein the second
structure (307) comprises two lower lateral bars (307a, 307b) and a transverse
lower bar (307c) that are positioned in a U, the lower lateral bars being fixed
to the lateral sides (304a, 304b) of the floating element (304), the second
flexible surface (308) having a rectangular shape comprising two longitudinal
ends (308a, 308b) that are fixed to the longitudinal sides (304c, 304d) of the
floating element, said second flexible surface being kept stretched bearing
against the lower transverse bar (307~).
20.The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of
claims 1 to 19, wherein at least one fastening system (417a, 417b) is
configured on the floating element (4, 104, 204, 304, 404) to allow mooring or
additional ballasting of said floating element.
21.The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) according to any one of
claims 1 to 20, wherein the first flexible surface (6, 106, 206, 306) is a net.
22.The floating game device (401) according to claim 2, wherein the first flexible
surface (406) includes a peripheral contour (406a) made from cloth whereof an
outer edge (406b) is fixed to the floating element (404) and to the first
structure (405) and a central net (406c) whereof the peripheral edge (406d) is
fixed to-an inner edge (406e) of said peripheral contour.
23.The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 301) according to any one of claims 1
' to 22, wherein the second flexible surface (8, 108, 208, 308) is made from a
textile, for example cloth.
I
I 24.The floating game device (401) according to claim 5 attached to claim 3,
I wherein the second flexible surface (408) includes a peripheral contour (408a)
made from cloth whereof an outer edge (408b) is fixed to the floating element
(404) and to the second structure (407) and a central net (408c) whereof the
I peripheral edge (408d) is fixed to an inner edge (408e) of said peripheral
contour.
25.The floating game device (1, 101, 201, 401) according to any one of claims 1
to 24, wherein a sheath is fixed to the first (5, 105, 205, 405) and second (7,
107, 207, 407) structures, the floating element (4, 104, 204, 404) being
flexible and configured to be inserted into the sheath.
26.The floating game device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the
floating element is deformable, a stiffening system being configured to stiffen
the first and second structures and keep them in a stable position.
27.The floating game device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the
floating element is made up of several floating parts.
28.The floating game device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the
angle formed between the plane in which the first (5, 105, 205, 305, 405) and
second (7, 107, 207, 307, 407) structures are situated and the waterline in
which the floating element (4, 104, 204, 304, 404) is situated is comprised
between 30° and 150".