II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to noodle accessories to build structures, and more particularly, to cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting systems.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART A noodle, also defined as a pool noodle, water log, or woggle is a cylindrical piece of polyethylene foam, typically hollow. Noodles are used by people of all ages while swimming. They are useful when learning to swim, for floating, for rescue reaching, in various forms of water play, and for aquatic exercise.

Applicant is aware of noodle connectors that are foam pieces, slightly larger than a noodle so that it can connect two pool noodles by encasing the end of each. There exist at least two-, four- and six-hole connectors. However, Applicant is not aware of any cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system having the benefits of the present invention.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention is a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system that is buoyant. It is another object of this invention to provide a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system that can be readily assembled and disassembled without the need of any special tools.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system that is of a durable and reliable construction.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a first isometric view of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a second isometric view of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a third isometric view of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a partial exploded view of the present invention seen in the figures above. Figure 5A is a first isometric view of a housing.

Figure 5B is a second isometric view of the housing seen in figure 5A. Figure 6A is a first isometric view of a second embodiment housing.

Figure 6B is a second isometric view of the second embodiment housing seen in figure 6A.

Figure 6C is a front view of the second embodiment housing seen in figure 6A.

Figure 7 A is a first isometric view of a third embodiment housing.

Figure 7B is a second isometric view of the third embodiment housing seen in figure 7A.

Figure 8A is a first isometric view of a fourth embodiment housing.

Figure 8B is a second isometric view of the fourth embodiment housing seen in figure 8A.

Figure 9A is a first isometric view of a fifth embodiment housing.

Figure 9B is a second isometric view of the fifth embodiment housing seen in figure 9A.

Figure 10A is a first isometric view of a sixth embodiment housing.

Figure 10B is a second isometric view of the sixth embodiment housing seen in figure 10A.

Figure IOC is a front view of the sixth embodiment housing seen in figure 10A.

Figure 11 A is a first isometric view of a seventh embodiment housing. Figure 11B is a second isometric view of the seventh embodiment housing seen in figure 1 1A.

Figure 11C is a front view of the seventh embodiment housing seen in figure 1 1A.

Figure 12 A is a first isometric view of an eighth embodiment housing. Figure 12B is a second isometric view of the eighth embodiment housing seen in figure 12 A.

Figure 12C is a third isometric view of the eighth embodiment housing seen in figure 12 A. Figure 13A is a first isometric view of a ninth embodiment housing.

Figure 13B is a second isometric view of the ninth embodiment housing seen in figure 13 A.

Figure 13C is a third isometric view of the ninth embodiment housing seen in figure 13 A.

Figure 14A is a first isometric view of a tenth embodiment housing.

Figure 14B is a second isometric view of the tenth embodiment housing seen in figure 14A.

Figure 14C is a third isometric view of the tenth embodiment housing seen in figure 14A.

Figure 15A is a first isometric view of a connector.

Figure 15B is a side view of the connector seen in figure 15A.

Figure 15C is a first front view of the connector seen in figure 15A.

Figure 15D is a second front view of the connector seen in figure 15A at a first angle.

Figure 15E is a third front view of the connector seen in figure 15A at a second angle.

Figure 16A is a first isometric view of a second embodiment connector. Figure 16B is a second isometric view of the second embodiment connector seen in figure 16A.

Figure 16C is a front view of the second embodiment connector seen in figure 16A.

Figure 17 A is a first isometric view of a third embodiment connector.

Figure 17B is a side view of the third embodiment connector seen in figure 17A.

Figure 17C is a front view of the third embodiment connector seen in figure 17A.

Figure 18A is a first isometric view of a fourth embodiment connector. Figure 18B is a side view of the fourth embodiment connector seen in figure 18A. Figure 18C is a second isometric view of the fourth embodiment connector seen in figure 18A.

Figure 19 is a first isometric view of a different configuration of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a partial exploded view of the different configuration of the present invention seen in figure 19.

Figure 21 A is a first isometric view of a fifth embodiment connector.

Figure 2 IB is a second isometric view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in figure 21 A.

Figure 21C is a front view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in figure 21 A.

Figure 2 ID is a cut view of the fifth embodiment connector taken along the lines 21 D- 21 D as seen in figure 21 C.

Figure 2 IE is a first exploded view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in figure 21 A.

Figure 2 IF is a first exploded perspective view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in figure 21 A.

Figure 21G is a second exploded perspective view of the fifth embodiment connector seen in figure 21 A.

Figure 22A is a first isometric view of a sixth embodiment connector.

Figure 22B is a second isometric view of the sixth embodiment connector seen in figure 22A.

Figure 23A is a first isometric view of a seventh embodiment connector. Figure 23B is a second isometric view of the seventh embodiment connector seen in figure 23A.

Figure 23C is a side view of the seventh embodiment connector seen in figure 23 A.

Figure 24A is a first isometric view of an eighth embodiment connector. Figure 24B is a second isometric view of the eighth embodiment connector seen in figure 24A. Figure 24C is a side view of the eighth embodiment connector seen in figure 24A.

Figure 25A is a first isometric view of a ninth embodiment connector. Figure 25B is a second isometric view of the ninth embodiment connector seen in figure 25 A.

Figure 25C is a front view of the ninth embodiment connector seen in figure 25A.

Figure 26A is a first isometric view of a tenth embodiment connector. Figure 26B is a second isometric view of the tenth embodiment connector seen in figure 26 A.

Figure 26C is a front view of the tenth embodiment connector seen in figure 26A.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system and is generally referred to with numeral 10. It can be observed that it basically includes housings 20; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 140; 160; 180; and 200, connectors 220; 250; 280; 300; 320; 350; 370; 390; 420; and 440, and tube 240.

As seen in figures 1 - 4, instant invention 10 may result in a multitude of structures or configurations while using the above listed housings, connectors, and tube 240 seen in figure 19, if desired. The illustrated configurations comprise housings 100 and connectors 320, whereby ends 330 snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, thereby a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. It is noted that any combination of housings 20; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 140; 160; 180; and 200, and connectors 220; 250; 280; 300; 320; 350; 370; 390; 420; and 440, and tube 240 can be utilized / assembled to be a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. As seen in figures 5A and 5B, housing 20 comprises exterior wall 22 and interior wall 24 having at least one edge 26. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 26, interior wall 24 has channel 28 that terminates at hole 30. In a preferred embodiment, housing 20 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics . As seen in figures 6A, 6B, and 6C, housing 40 comprises exterior wall 42 and interior wall 44 having at least one edge 46. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 46, interior wall 44 has channel 48 that terminates at hole 50. In a preferred embodiment, housing 40 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 7A and 7B, housing 60 comprises exterior wall 62 and interior wall 64 having at least one edge 66. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 66, interior wall 64 has channel 68 that terminates at hole 70. In a preferred embodiment, housing 60 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics .

As seen in figures 8A and 8B, housing 80 comprises exterior wall 82 and interior wall 84 having at least one edge 86. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 86, interior wall 84 has channel 88 that terminates at hole 90. In a preferred embodiment, housing 80 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics .

As seen in figures 9A and 9B, housing 100 comprises exterior wall 102 and interior wall 104 having at least one edge 106. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 106, interior wall 104 has channel 108 that terminates at hole 110. In a preferred embodiment, housing 100 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 10A, 10B, and IOC, housing 120 comprises exterior wall 122 and interior wall 124 having at least one edge 126. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 126, interior wall 124 has channel 128 that terminates at hole 130. In a preferred embodiment, housing 120 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. As seen in figures 1 1A, 1 1B, and 1 1 C, housing 140 comprises exterior wall 142 and interior wall 144 having at least one edge 146. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 146, interior wall 144 has channel 148 that terminates at hole 150. In a preferred embodiment, housing 140 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and /or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 12A, 12B, and 12C, housing 160 comprises exterior wall 162 and interior wall 164 having at least one edge 166. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 166, interior wall 164 has channel 168 that terminates at hole 170. In a preferred embodiment, housing 160 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics. As seen in figures 13A, 13B, and 13C, housing 180 comprises exterior wall 182 and interior wall 184 having at least one edge 186. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 186, interior wall 184 has channel 188 that terminates at hole 190. In a preferred embodiment, housing 180 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 14A, 14B, and 14C, housing 200 comprises exterior wall 202 and interior wall 204 having at least one edge 206. Extending a predetermined distance from edge 206, interior wall 204 has channel 208 that terminates at hole 210. In a preferred embodiment, housing 200 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

It is noted that housings 20; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 140; 160; 180; and

200 have at least one angle.

As seen in figures 15A, 15B, and 15C connector 220 comprises base 222. Extending from base 222 is shaft 226 having ends 224 and 230. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 226 comprises protrusions 228 designed to snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, seen in figure 4, until end 454 abuts base 222.

As seen in figures 15D and 15E, it is noted that each end 230 has a cooperative shape and dimension to snugly receive a distal end of tube q 240. In addition, connector 220, having a hinge system, is able to adjust to various angles. In a preferred embodiment, connector 220 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 16A, 16B, and 16C connector 250 comprises base 252. Extending from base 252 is shaft 256 having ends 254 and 260. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 256 comprises protrusions 258 designed to snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, seen in figure 4, until end 454 abuts base 252. It is noted that each end 260 has a cooperative shape and dimension to snugly receive a distal end of tube 240, seen in figure 2 IE. In a preferred embodiment, connector 250 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 17A, 17B, and 17C connector 280 comprises base 282. Extending from base 282 is shaft 286 having ends 284 and 290. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 286 comprises protrusions 288 designed to snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, seen in figure 4, until end 454 abuts base 282. Also extending from base 282 is hook 292. In a preferred embodiment, connector 280 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 18A, 18B, and 18C connector 300 comprises base 302. Extending from base 302 is shaft 306 having ends 304 and 310. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 306 comprises protrusions 308 designed to snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, seen in figure 4, until end 454 abuts base 302. Also mounted onto base 302 is suction cup 312. In a preferred embodiment, connector 300 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 19 and 20, instant invention 10 may again result in a multitude of structures or configurations while using the above listed housings, connectors, and tube 240 if desired. The illustrated configuration, being a section of any complete configuration, comprises housing 160 and connectors 320; 370; and 390, whereby protrusions 328 are designed to snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, thereby functioning as a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system. Fitting 404 may receive fitting 462 of hose 460. In addition, hook 384 may be forced into a section of sidewall 452 of noodle 450, whereby hook 384 would remain within an elongated cavity defined in noodle 450 that typically extends from one end of noodle 450 to its other end. Once hook 384 is within the elongated cavity defined in noodle 450, tube 240 may extend through one end of noodle 450 and through hook 384 to strengthen the built assembly being cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system 10.

As seen in figures 21 A, 2 IB, 21 C, and 2 I D connector 320 comprises base 322. Extending from base 322 is shaft 326 having ends 324 and 330. In a preferred embodiment, shaft 326 comprises protrusions 328 designed to snugly fit within each hole 456 at a respective end 454 of noodle 450, seen in figure 20, until end 454 abuts as close as possible to base 322.

As seen in figures 2 I E, 2 IF, and 21G it is noted that each end 330 has a cooperative shape and dimension to snugly receive a distal end of tube 240. In addition, connector 320, may comprise sleeve 340 that fits over shaft 326. Also extending from base 322 are tabs 332 designed to fill or fit within holes 30; 50; 70; 90; 110; 130; 150; 170; 190; and 210 of their respective housings. Connector 320 further comprises plug 334 that inserts into base 322. In a preferred embodiment, connector 320 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 22A and 22B connector 350 comprises base 352. Extending from base 352 are tabs 362 designed to fill or fit within holes 30; 50; 70; 90; 110; 130; 150; 170; 190; and 210 of their respective housings. In a preferred embodiment, connector 350 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 23A and 23B connector 370 comprises base 372. Extending from base 372 are tabs 382 designed to fill or fit within holes 30; 50; 70; 90; 110; 130; 150; 170; 190; and 210 of their respective housings. Also extending from base 372 is hook 384. In a preferred embodiment, connector 370 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics .

As seen in figures 24A and 24B connector 390 comprises base 392. Extending from base 392 are tabs 402 designed to fill or fit within holes 30; 50; 70; 90; 110; 130; 150; 170; 190; and 210 of their respective housings. Also extending from base 392 is fitting 404. In a preferred embodiment, connector 390 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride,

1 ? polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics .

As seen in figures 25A, 25B, and 25C connector 420 comprises base 422. Extending from base 422 are tabs 432 designed to fill or fit within holes 30; 50; 70; 90; 110; 130; 150; 170; 190; and 210 of their respective housings. Also extending from base 422 is ring 434. Ring 434 may be forced into a section of sidewall 452 of noodle 450, whereby ring 434 would remain within an elongated cavity defined in noodle 450 that typically extends from one end of noodle 450 to its other end. Once ring 434 is within the elongated cavity defined in noodle 450, tube 240 may extend through one end of noodle 450 and through ring 434 to strengthen the built assembly being cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system 10. In a preferred embodiment, connector 420 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/ or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

As seen in figures 26A, 26B, and 26C connector 440 comprises base 442. Extending from base 442 are rings 448, each having end 444 and shaft 446. Each ring 448 may be forced into a section of sidewall 452 of a respective noodle 450, whereby ring 448 would remain within an elongated cavity defined in the respective noodle 450 that typically extends from one end of noodle 450 to its other end. Once ring 448 is within the elongated cavity defined in the respective noodle 450, tubes 240 may extend through ends of each noodle 450 and through rings 448 to strengthen the built assembly being cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system 10. A combination of housings 20; 40; 60; 80; 100; 120; 140; 160; 180; and 200, and connectors 220; 250; 280; 300; 320; 350; 370; 390; 420; and 440, and tube 240 can be utilized / assembled to be a cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system 10 in a raft configuration as an example. In a preferred embodiment, connector 440 is made of a durable, weather resistant plastic material and/ or composite comprising polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and /or polypropylene or materials having similar characteristics.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

VII. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY It is evident that an invention such as the cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system claimed in the present application is quite desirable because it is buoyant and can be readily assembled and disassembled without the need of any special tools. Also, the present cylindrical foam tube strengthening and interconnecting system is of a durable and reliable construction and it is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.