Abstract: An inflatable kayak constructed of drop-stitch material. When inflated, the drop-stitch members form a rigid, planar structure. To form a non-planar contour in one of the surfaces of a drop-stitch member, the opposing surface is folded over onto itself and a strip of glue along the fold adheres the opposing surface along the glue strip, thereby forming a V-fold extending into the interior of the drop-stitch member. When the member is inflated, the V-fold will alter the profile of the opposing surface and cause the first surface to project away along that profile. The V-fold can be augmented by use of a V-tape or contour member within the V-fold. Using a contour member in the V-fold creates profiles that a fold alone cannot produce.
Abstract: An inflatable board, which can be used for floating or paddling on water, with a thin layer of inelastic material, such as acrylic, bonded between the layers of material forming the top or bottom surfaces of an inflatable board. The thin layer of inelastic material is bonded between the inner material and the outer material. The thin layer of inelastic material is bendable, so that the un-inflated board may be rolled-up for storage or transportation. When inflated, the thin layer of inelastic material bonded between the layers of the top or bottom surfaces of the board increases the rigidity of the board and the board's ability to resist flexing and bending.
Abstract: A frameless inflatable pontoon boat in which the pontoons and connecting section have a generally flat top and a generally flat bottom. Sufficient rigidity is achieved in the inflatable connecting section and the pontoon by the use of internal thread connections between the top surface and the bottom surface. The internal thread connections confine the inflated shape of the pontoons and connecting section to a flat shape.
Abstract: A frameless inflatable pontoon boat in which the pontoons and connecting section have a generally flat top and a generally flat bottom. Sufficient rigidity is achieved in the connecting section and the pontoon by the use of internal thread connections between the top surface and the bottom surface. The internal thread connections confine the inflated shape of the pontoons and connecting section to a flat shape.
Abstract: The invention is a protective cover for a buckle, for protecting a vehicle from the buckle, which may be used with a strap to secure loads such as kayaks, rafts, and canoes to the vehicle roof. The buckle and its attached strap can be inserted into the protective cover, and can later be removed from the protective strap if desired. The release lever of the buckle is covered by the protective cover, and is depressed by pressing down on a portion of the protective cover.