Appeal No. 2003-1144
Application 09/212,343
Appellant's invention is directed to a flotation device for
use in the water and, more particularly, to a flotation device
for use in exercise programs conducted in the water. Independent
claim 9 is representative of the subject matter on appeal and
reads as follows:
9. An exercise device for use in water by a user, the
device comprising a unitary piece of material adapted for
floating and having:
a buoyancy for supporting a user positioned in a body of
water;
two opposed end portions having opposed sides, the end
portions having sufficient length to envelop a trunk of the user;
and
a narrowed central portion in connecting relation to the two
end portions and dimensioned to fit between the upper leg
portions of the user, wherein in use the user places the central
portion between the legs, causing the end portions to be buoyed
upward and over the chest and back of the user, the end portions
freely extending and unjoined along the sides, enveloping the
truck of the user and thereby supporting the user in an upright
position suitable for supporting [sic, performing] an exercise.
The prior art references of record relied upon by the
examiner in rejecting the appealed claims are:
Marchello et al. (Marchello) 4,276,670 July 7, 1981
Helt et al. (Helt) 4,986,786 Jan. 22, 1991
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