Abstract: In an aspect, an inflatable object includes an object body enclosing a chamber to receive air, and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body, including a valve body defining a passageway between the chamber and an ambient environment. The valve body has a shoulder. The valve body defines an outside end, which opens to the ambient environment, and an inside end, which opens into the chamber. The valve includes a one-way flap that is movable between an open position to permit fluid communication between the chamber and the ambient environment through the passageway, and a closed position. The one-way flap is biased to the closed position with a closing force selected to be overcomable to move the one-way flap to the open position by an airflow having a speed that is less than about 48 m/s, and which is at a pressure lower than 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: This application relates to inflatable flotation devices that support an infant, and having first, second and third inflatable members. The first member has an outer and an inner perimeter and a first and second diameters at first and second end portions. The second member is at least partially within the inner perimeter of the first member. At least a portion of the upper surface of the second member is recessed with respect to an upper surface of the first member. The third member has an inner perimeter disposed about at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the first member. The third member has a maximum height, when inflated, that is less than the maximum height of the first member, at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the third member being spaced apart from the outer perimeter of the first member.

Abstract: In an aspect, an inflatable object includes an object body enclosing a chamber to receive air, and a valve mounted to the inflatable object body, including a valve body defining a passageway between the chamber and an ambient environment. The valve body has a shoulder. The valve body defines an outside end, which opens to the ambient environment, and an inside end, which opens into the chamber. The valve includes a one-way flap that is movable between an open position to permit fluid communication between the chamber and the ambient environment through the passageway, and a closed position. The one-way flap is biased to the closed position with a closing force selected to be overcomable to move the one-way flap to the open position by an airflow having a speed that is less than about 48 m/s, and which is at a pressure lower than 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: A collapsible flotation device is provided and includes an inflatable member forming a closed loop and defining at least in part a first opening within the closed loop. The inflatable member has a first portion positioned to be a back support and a second portion configured to be disposed beneath a leg of the user, a floor of the first opening being disposed between the first and second portions. The inflatable member defines a second opening providing access of a foot of the user to water. The second opening has a smaller axial length than the first opening such that a third, forwardmost portion of the closed loop is positioned to be a foot support member.

Abstract: An inflatable device is provided, and contains a body and a mouth. The mouth is positionable in an open position and a sealed position. The body includes a flexible body wall that defines an interior volume. The body defines at least one air flow path from the mouth through the interior volume. The air flow path has an air flow path axis and has a cross-sectional area. The body further includes at least one structural member that applies a force on the flexible body wall transversely outward from the axis so as to urge the flexible body wall towards a transversely expanded state. The body is movable between an axially collapsed state and an axially open state along at least a portion of the air flow path and is urged towards the axially expanded state by a force applied by at least one of: the at least one structural member, and air flow into the body through the mouth when the mouth is held in the open position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods related to recreational balls with illuminated surfaces are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an air-tight object having an outer layer and an inner layer. The opacity of the outer layer is greater than the opacity of the inner layer. The outer layer defines an aperture. Additionally, a light module is configured to send light from an interior of the air-tight object through the aperture of the outer layer.

Abstract: This application relates to flotation devices generally, and particularly to inflatable flotation devices configured for use by an infant to support the infant at least partially above the water and to at least partially retain the infant therein. In some embodiments, an apparatus is a flotation member having an inner perimeter, a top portion and a bottom portion. The flotation member has a first height between its bottom portion and its top portion at a first location of the flotation member. The flotation member has a second height between the top portion and the bottom portion at a second location of the flotation member, the second height different from the first height. The flotation member includes a support member at least partially disposed within the inner perimeter of the flotation member. The support member has a first portion coupled to the top portion of the flotation member at the first location.

Abstract: Kits and methods of play for creating decorative objects are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a kit comprises a plurality of rubber sticks, each stick with a continuous internal pattern that extends down the entire length of a longitudinal axis of the stick; a coring device, wherein the coring device includes a core cutter that is designed to cut holes through the plurality of rubber sticks; a cutting device designed to cut segments from the plurality of rubber sticks; and, a plurality of retainers designed to couple a plurality of segments together.

Abstract: A liquid jet ejection device is provided. The liquid jet ejection device has a flexible lumen having an intake end positioned to be in fluid communication with a liquid source, and an output end distal from the intake end. A pump is coupled to the flexible lumen, the pump being actuatable to eject a liquid from the liquid source via the output end. A body structure extends from a handle and supports the output end of the flexible lumen, the body structure having a base form in which the output end of the flexible lumen is supported in a base pose relative to the handle, the body structure being deformable from the base form via contact with an object, the body structure returning to the base form upon withdrawal of contact.

Abstract: A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user.