US010239586B1
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Harbaugh
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Mar . 26 , 2019
`
`( 54 ) POOL NOODLE WITH DRINK HOLDER
`( 71 ) Applicant : Kenneth A . Harbaugh , Villa Rica , GA
`( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Kenneth A . Harbaugh , Villa Rica , GA
`( US )
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 715 , 103
`Sep . 25 , 2017
`( 22 ) Filed :
`( 51 ) Int . CI .
`B63B 35 / 73
`( 2006 . 01 )
`B63B 25 / 00
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 52 ) U . S . CI .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . B63B 25 / 004 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; B63B 35 / 73
`( 2013 . 01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B63B 25 / 004 ; B63B 35 / 73
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6 , 790 , 112 B2 *
`9 / 2004 Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`9 / 2011 Slattery . . . . . . . . . . . .
`2011 / 0233092 A1 *
`2015 / 0289690 A1 *
`10 / 2015 Parker . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`A47G 23 / 0216
`220 / 739
`B65D 1 / 36
`206 / 427
`A45F 3 / 16
`220 / 560
`
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner — Stephen P Avila
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Larry A . Roberts
`ABSTRACT
`( 57 )
`A pool toy consists of a flexible , buoyant pool noodle with
`a drink holder mounted to one end . A user sits on or astride
`the noodle in a well - known manner to float relaxingly in a
`generally upright posture in a pool , lake , or other body of
`water . The weight of the user on the flexible noodle causes
`the noodle to bend into a substantially U - shaped configu
`ration , in which at least one end of the pool noodle projects
`above the surface of the water . The drink holder is mounted
`to an end of the pool noodle that is located above the surface
`of the water , providing a handy location to hold a beverage
`container .
`
`9 Claims , 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Mar . 26 , 2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`n
`
`* * * * * * * * * * PPPPPPV444999
`
`ce
`
`INTER
`
`An
`
`w
`
`her
`
`ET
`
`FIG . 1
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Mar . 26 , 2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`WA
`
`Wiyon
`
`36
`
`WWW
`
`FIG . 2
`mmmmmm
`
`FIG . 3
`
`ARE
`
`Mustatatiittttttttttttt
`t ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt ?
`
`1
`
`FIG . 4
`
`FIG . 5
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Mar . 26 , 2019
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`
`
`wwwwwww 92
`
`MYYTYVYYYYYYYYYYYYINAH
`
`WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
`
`FIG . 7
`
`wwwx
`
`tttttttt
`
`FIG . 6
`
`A
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Mar . 26 , 2019
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`2
`
`* - * - * * . .
`
`.
`
`- .
`
`- . - . - . -
`
`www
`
`. - . - .
`
`td . Per
`
`* * * * * *
`
`00044
`
`9
`
`1
`
`* *
`
`*
`
`K X
`
`. -
`
`X
`
`- met
`
`- * *
`
`W207
`
`Yhtyy
`
`Y
`
`+
`
`1 + + + +
`
`*
`
`+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
`
`WW . WMVW . . .
`
`+ + + + + + + + +
`
`-
`
`.
`
`pures . - -
`
`- rmrerra -
`
`3 .
`
`* - .
`
`+ Juve - YYYY
`
`* * * * * * * * * *
`
`1944
`
`However
`
`are
`
`- Fr .
`
`wwww
`
`Fritttttttttttttt
`
`*
`
`W
`
`.
`
`PM
`
`Awwwwwwwwwwww
`
`
`
`
`
`to the so we way with the
`
`. .
`
`. - - - - - - - - - -
`
`vvvvvYYYYY
`
`
`
`name van
`
`*
`
`www .
`
`a
`
`rd
`
`PvPWWYWW
`
`FIG . 8
`
`SPA
`
`FIG . 9
`
`FIG . 10
`
`FIG . 11
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 5
`
`

`

`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`5
`
`50
`
`POOL NOODLE WITH DRINK HOLDER
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Technical Field
`The present invention relates generally to pool toys . More
`specifically , a drink holder fits onto the end of a pool noodle
`and holds a cup , beverage can , tumbler , or other drink
`container for convenient access by the user while riding the 10
`pool noodle .
`
`FIG . 9 depicts the insertion of a 16 oz , single - walled ,
`plastic cup into the drink holder .
`FIG . 10 depicts the insertion of a U . S . standard 12 oz ,
`beverage can into the drink holder .
`FIG . 11 depicts the insertion of a non - standard beverage
`can into the drink holder .
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`Referring now to the drawings , in which like numerals
`indicate like elements throughout the several views , FIG . 1
`Background Art
`illustrates a drink holder and pool noodle combination 10
`comprising a drink holder 12 mounted to an end of a
`The pool noodle is a well - known pool toy . The pool 15 conventional pool noodle 14 . A user sits on or astride the
`noodle is an elongated , cylindrical length of polyethylene
`buoyant pool noodle 14 in a generally upright position to
`foam , often hollow . The pool noodle is buoyant and flexible .
`float relaxingly in a pool , lake , or other body of water .
`Dimensions of a typical pool noodle may be about 160 cm .
`With the user sitting on or astride the flexible pool noodle
`( 63 in . ) in length and about 7 cm . ( 2 . 8 in . ) in diameter .
`A common use of a pool noodle is for the user to sit on 20 2014 , as shown in FIG . 1 , the pool noodle bends around the
`body of the user to form a generally U - shaped configuration
`or astride the buoyant noodle to float relaxingly in a gener
`in which the ends of the pool noodle are located above the
`ally upright posture in a swimming pool , lake , or other
`surface of the water . The drink holder 12 mounted to the end
`recreational body of water . ( As used herein , when a user sits
`of the pool noodle 14 is thus also disposed above the surface
`" on ” a pool noodle , both legs are on the same side of the
`noodle ; and when a user sits “ astride ” a pool noodle , the legs 25 of the water .
`are on opposite sides of the noodle . When a user “ rides ” a
`FIGS . 2 - 4 illustrate details of the drink holder 12 . The
`pool noodle , the user can be sitting either on or astride the
`drink holder 12 is a hollow tube having an outer wall 24 and
`an inner wall 26 defining a central opening 28 . A plurality of
`noodle . ) When riding a pool noodle , the user often desires to
`ridges 30 extend radially inward from the inner wall 26 .
`keep a beverage within easy reach .
`30 Each ridge 30 has an innermost end or tip 32 . The inner wall
`and ridges form two diameters — a first , large inner diameter
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`34 defined by the inner wall 26 , and a second , small inner
`The invention relates generally to a pool toy comprising
`diameter 36 defined by the inner ends 32 of the ridges 30 .
`a flexible , buoyant pool noodle with a drink holder mounted
`( For an even number of evenly spaced ridges 30 , the smaller
`to one end . A user sits on or astride the noodle in a 35 inner diameter 36 is simply the distance between the tips 32
`well - known manner to float relaxingly in a generally upright
`of opposing ridges . )
`posture in a pool , lake , or other body of water . The weight
`The drink holder 12 is optionally extruded from the same
`of the user on the flexible noodle causes the noodle to bend
`flexible , foamed polyethylene material from which the pool
`into a substantially U - shaped configuration , in which at least
`noodle 14 is manufactured . The drink holder 12 of the
`one end of the pool noodle projects above the surface of the 40 disclosed embodiment is about 7 . 5 inches high and has an
`water . The pool noodle is arranged so that the drink holder
`outer diameter of about 4 . 5 inches . The drink holder 12 has
`is mounted to an end of the pool noodle that is located above
`a large inner diameter 34 defined by the inner wall 26 of
`from 2 . 75 to 4 . 0 in . , and preferably approximately 3 . 0
`the surface of the water .
`The drink holder has an inner wall defining a diameter that
`inches . The drink holder 12 has a small inner diameter 36
`is larger than most common drink containers , such as drink 45 defined by the tips 32 of the ridges 30 of from 2 . 0 inches to
`cans , cups , and thermally insulated tumblers . Ridges project
`2 . 75 inches , and preferably approximately 2 . 5 inches .
`radially inward from the inner wall of the drink holder .
`In a disclosed embodiment , each ridge 30 is 0 . 1 to 0 . 5
`When the user places a drink container in the drink holder ,
`inches from base to tip and preferably 0 . 25 inches from base
`the ridges deform , compress , or are crushed to conform to
`to tip .
`the diameter of the drink container and create a snug fit .
`FIG . 5 depicts the pool noodle 14 . The noodle 14 is
`formed from extruded polyethylene foam and is generally
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`tubular in shape . The noodle 14 has a side wall 38 , first and
`second ends 40 , 42 and , optionally , a central longitudinal
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`opening 44 . The pool noodle 14 of the disclosed embodi
`FIG . 1 is a side view showing a user riding a pool noodle , 55 ment is approximately 63 inches in length and has a cross
`with a drink holder mounted to one end of the noodle to hold
`sectional diameter of about 2 . 8 inches , dimensions that are
`disclosed only by way of example .
`a beverage container .
`FIG . 2 is a top view of the drink holder of FIG . 1 .
`FIG . 6 illustrates the coupling of the drink holder 12 to the
`pool noodle 14 . The end 40 of the pool noodle 14 ( not visible
`FIG . 3 is a second top view of the drink holder of FIG . 1 .
`FIG . 4 is an isometric view of the drink holder of FIG . 1 . 60 in FIG . 6 but opposite end 42 of the noodle ) is inserted into
`an end of the drink holder 12 . Depending on the relative
`FIG . 5 is an isometric view of a pool noodle .
`FIG . 6 is a bottom isometric view of the drink holder of
`hardnesses of the polyethylene compositions from which the
`FIG . 1 mounted to an end of the pool noodle of FIG . 5 .
`drink holder 12 and noodle 14 are formed , the sharpness of
`FIG . 7 is a top isometric view of the drink holder and pool
`the tips 32 of the ridges 30 , the number of ridges , and other
`65 factors , the ridges may bite into the side wall 38 of the
`noodle combination of FIG . 6 .
`FIG . 8 depicts the insertion of a thermally insulated
`noodle or might be crushed or deformed to create a tight fit
`between the drink holder 12 and the end of the noodle 14 .
`tumbler into the drink holder .
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 6
`
`

`

`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`Referring to FIG . 11 , non - standard cans 80 , such as those
`In the disclosed embodiment , the end of the noodle fits
`often used for energy drinks and some beers , are about 6 . 5
`approximately 3 . 0 inches into the opening of the drink
`holder 12 .
`inches tall and about 2 . 5 inches in diameter . Because the
`diameter of the non - standard can 80 is not larger at any point
`For the drink holder 12 to be securely coupled to the end
`of the noodle 14 , the diameter of the noodle must be less 5 than the smaller inner diameter 36 of the drink holder 12 , the
`than or equal to the large inner diameter 34 defined by the
`drink can 80 does not crush or deform the ridges when it is
`inner wall 26 of the drink holder , so that the end of the
`placed in the drink holder 12 . In such an instance , the bottom
`noodle can fit into the central opening 22 of the drink holder .
`82 of the can 80 simply rests on top of the end 40 of the
`Further , the diameter of the pool noodle 14 must be greater
`noodle 14 that has been inserted into the opposite end of the
`than or equal to the small inner diameter 36 defined by the 10 drink holder 12 . The clearance between the side wall 84 of
`tips 32 of the ridges 30 , so that the side wall of the pool
`the non - standard can 80 and the tips of the adjacent ridges
`noodle will deform , compress , or crush the ridges 30 to
`30 is sufficiently close that the drink holder 12 prevents the
`create the interference fit between the drink holder 12 and
`can from tipping .
`the pool noodle 14 .
`It will be appreciated that the diameter of at least the
`FIG . 7 shows the upper or open end of the drink holder 12 , 15 lower portion of a drink container must be less than or equal
`to the large inner diameter 34 defined by the inner wall 26 ,
`with opposite end of the drink holder mounted to the noodle
`14 . The ridges 30 extend radially inward from the interior
`for at least the lower end of the drink container to fit into the
`wall 26 of the central opening 22 of the drink holder 12 . In
`drink holder . But as seen by the example of the non - standard
`the disclosed embodiment , the opening 22 is closed by the
`can 80 , it is not essential that the diameter of the drink
`upper end 40 of the noodle 14 at a location spaced down - 20 container be larger than the small inner diameter defined by
`ward by about 4 . 0 - 4 . 5 inches from the open end of the drink
`the tips 32 of the ridges 30 for the drink container to be held
`and prevented from tipping over by the drink holder 12 . The
`holder .
`Referring now to FIG . 8 , a typical 30 oz . , stainless steel ,
`most secure fit between the drink container and the drink
`holder 12 , however , occurs when the diameter of the drink
`thermally - insulated tumbler 50 is shown . The lower end 52
`of the tumbler 50 is approximately 2 . 8 inches in diameter , 25 container is sufficiently large to deform , compress , or crush
`which is greater than the small inner diameter 36 of the drink
`the ridges 30 .
`holder 12 as defined by the tips 32 of the ridges 30 . The
`As used herein , words such as top , bottom , left , right ,
`action of inserting the lower end 52 of the tumbler 42 into
`horizontal , vertical , and the like are used with reference to
`the drink holder 12 thus deforms , compresses , and / or
`the drawings for convenience of description . Unless stated
`crushes the ridges 30 , creating a secure fit between the 30 otherwise , use of such words is not intended to limit the
`tumbler and the drink holder . The diameter of the lower end
`invention to any particular orientation .
`52 of the tumbler 50 is less than the large inner diameter 34
`Finally , it will be understood that the foregoing embodi
`of the drink holder 12 ( i . e . , 3 . 0 inches in the disclosed
`ments have been disclosed by way of example , and that
`embodiment ) , permitting the lower end 52 of the tumbler 50
`other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art
`to fit into the central opening 22 of the drink holder by 35 without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended
`crushing or deforming the ridges 30 of the drink holder .
`claims .
`FIG . 9 depicts a 16 fl oz , single - walled , plastic cup 60 ,
`such as that sold by the Solo Cup Company , of Lake Forest ,
`What is claimed is :
`Ill . Such plastic cups are of well - known design and are about
`1 . An apparatus comprising a pool noodle , drink holder ,
`4 . 75 in . tall and 2 . 5 in . in diameter at their lower end 62 . The 40 and beverage container in combination ,
`side wall of the cup tapers outward to a diameter of 3 . 75 in .
`said pool noodle comprising an elongated cylinder of
`flexible , buoyant material , said cylinder having an outer
`at its upper end 64 . The diameter of the plastic cup 60 at its
`diameter and opposing ends ;
`lower end is the about the same as the small inner diameter
`36 of the drink holder 12 as defined by the tips 32 of the
`said drink holder comprising :
`a tubular body having upper and lower ends , an outer
`ridges 30 . Almost immediately above the base of the cup 60 , 45
`wall , and an inner wall , said inner wall defining a
`however , the outward taper of the cup ' s side wall 66 presents
`first inner diameter ; and
`a diameter greater than the small inner diameter 36 of the
`a plurality of longitudinal , deformable ridges extending
`drink holder 12 , such that further insertion of the cup into the
`radially inward from the inner wall of said tubular
`drink holder deforms or crushes the ridges 30 . The interfer
`body , each of said ridges terminating at a tip ;
`ence fit between the side wall 66 of the cup 60 and the ridges 50
`30 of the drink holder 12 holds the cup in place and helps
`wherein when said ridges are in an undeformed state ,
`prevent it from tipping or accidentally becoming dislodged
`said tips of said ridges define a second inner diameter
`from the drink holder .
`smaller than said first inner diameter ;
`Looking now at FIG . 10 , a U . S . standard , 12 fl oz can 70
`said beverage container having a lower end having an
`is 2 . 05 inches in diameter at its base 72 and 2 . 60 inches in 55
`outer diameter ;
`diameter at the widest part 74 of the cylindrical can body .
`wherein said outer diameter of said pool noodle and said
`outer diameter of said lower end of said beverage
`Because the diameter of the base 72 ( 2 . 05 inches ) is less than
`the smaller inner diameter 36 of the drink holder 12 defined
`container are less than or equal to said first inner
`by the tips 32 of the ridges 30 ( i . e . , 2 . 5 inches ) , the base 72
`diameter of said drink holder ;
`of the can 70 will fit into the drink holder without interfer - 60
`wherein said outer diameter of said pool noodle is greater
`ence from the ridges . As the user pushes the can 70 into the
`than or equal to said second inner diameter of said drink
`holder ;
`drink holder 12 , the widest part 74 of the can ( 2 . 6 inches , or
`0 . 1 inches greater than the small inner diameter 36 of the
`an end of said pool noodle being received within said
`lower end of said tubular body of said drink holder , said
`drink holder 12 ) contacts the ridges 30 . As the can 70 is
`pushed further into the drink holder 12 , the side wall of the 65
`pool noodle deforming said ridges of said drink holder
`to create an interference fit that attaches said drink
`can deforms , compresses , or crushes the ridges 30 to create
`an interference fit that will hold the can firmly .
`holder to said end of said pool noodle ; and
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 7
`
`

`

`US 10 , 239 , 586 B1
`
`said lower end of said beverage container being received
`within said upper end of said tubular body of said drink
`holder , said lower end of said beverage container
`deforming said ridges of said drink holder to create an
`interference fit that removably attaches said beverage 5
`container to said drink holder .
`2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said flexible , buoy
`ant material from which said pool noodle is formed com
`prises foamed polyethylene .
`3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said drink holder is 10
`comprised of foamed polyethylene .
`4 . The apparatus of claim
`1 , wherein said first inner
`diameter defined by said inner wall of the drink holder is
`from 2 . 75 to 4 . 0 inches .
`5 . The apparatus of claim
`4 , wherein said first inner 15
`diameter defined by said inner wall of the drink holder is 3 . 0
`to 3 . 5 inches .
`6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said second inner
`diameter defined by said tips of said ridges of said drink
`holder is from 2 . 0 inches to 2 . 75 inches .
`7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said second inner
`diameter defined by said tips of said ridges of said drink
`holder is from 2 . 0 inches to 2 . 75 inches .
`8 . The apparatus of claim
`1 , wherein each of said ridges
`of said drink holder is 0 . 1 to 0 . 5 inches from base to tip .
`9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein each of said ridges
`of said drink holder is 0 . 25 inches from base to tip .
`*
`*
`*
`*
`*
`
`25
`
`20
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2061
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139
`Page 8
`
`