Abstract: An inflatable boat with a V-shaped hull comprising at least a central longitudinal strip that is rigid, and that is made up of a plurality of longitudinal segments assembled together end-to-end, and secured together by releasable fixing means which comprise: at each side top end, at least one longitudinally-extending projecting finger on an end of one segment and at least one respective facing longitudinal recess provided in the abutting end of the adjacent segment; and, in the tip portion of the V-shape and inside the hull, at least one connection member on an end of one segment, and at least one corresponding connection member situated inside the adjacent segment, and a retaining pin suitable for being engaged through the mutually aligned perforations in the two connection members.

Abstract: A towable non-powered nautical device for aquatic leisure sport is lifted at the front when pulled, or towed, and is sometimes altogether lifted out of the water. The nautical device can carry one or more persons and includes a front inflatable structure equipped in its lower part with a towing attachment, at least one inflatable elongated secondary stucture, at least an inflatable elongated auxiliary structure, retainers for passengers who are standing, seated, lying down, or positioned astride on the secondary structure, on each side of a flexible lateral skirt.

Abstract: The boat is delimited around its perimeter by a float closed upon itself and comprising at least two superposed floating fender sections. The lower fender section is longer than the upper fender section and extends locally beyond the upper fender section towards the outside. The projecting region delimited by the lower fender section beyond the upper fender section is covered by a covering fixed to the projecting portion of the lower fender section and to that part of the upper fender section bordering this projecting region. Thus, the boat is provided with a projecting zone forming a low platform area onto which a person in the water can raise himself or herself in order to get into the boat more easily.

Abstract: A float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further includes a seating device bridging the two leg portions of the flotation chamber. A stabilizing frame and system for connecting the stabilizing frame to the U-shaped flotation chamber provides support to the opposing legs of the flotation chamber and prevents them from pinching in on the occupant, and also preferably tensions a seat provided between the legs of the floatation chamber. For additional support and/or this preferred tensioning, a rigid and/or adjustable rod, or tube, extends between the opposing legs of the frame. The system for connecting the stabilizing frame comprises preferably a plurality of channel segments, which are fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of the flotation chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides an attachment for inflatable watercraft such as inflatable rafts to render such watercraft more suitable for sports fishing. The attachment includes a swivelable seat mounted at a convenient height for fishing, oarlocks mounted at the optimum position for rowing while seated, and, in the preferred embodiment, means for deploying an anchor or drag to keep the watercraft in the desired location. The attachment is mounted on and supported by the gunwales of the inflatable watercraft, to distribute the weight of the attachment and its user over as wide an area as possible in order to enhance the stability of the watercraft in use.

Abstract: An inflatable kayak having a multi-position footrest spaced from the seat of the kayak is disclosed. The multi-position footrest allows the kayak to accommodate operators of various sizes. The kayak may also include front and rear recessed cargo compartments which allow a significant quantity of cargo to be carried on the kayak without significantly raising the center of gravity of the kayak and without causing the kayak to become unbalanced.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a prefabricated boat consisting of a reinforced plastic boat body (1), and a rubber tube (2) detachably attached along each side of the body (1) to give buoyancy to the body (1). The sides of the boat body (1) each have a longitudinal guide groove (4) designed such that the tubes (2) are closely attached to the body (1) with enlarged contact surfaces between the tubes (2) and the body (1). Upper and lower brackets (6), each having a fitting groove (5), are formed along the upper and lower edges of each guide groove (4). Each tube (2) has two slidable fittings (7) engaging with the fitting grooves (5) of the two brackets (6). This boat thus minimizes hydraulic impact energy applied to the tubes (2) during a voyage, thus improving its sailing stability and cruising power as well as increasing its mileage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable kayak having a first set of inflatable tubes defining a bottom portion for contracting a body of water. The bottom portion of the present invention is attached to one or more side walls defining the sides of the kayak. The kayak of the present invention is equipped with a first area sized to receive a surfboard and a zipper or other sealing system to secure the surfboard within the first area. The surfboard providing additional rigidity and stability to the kayak of the present invention.

Abstract: Watercraft flooring including both inflatable and non-inflatable elements is detailed. Such flooring may be designed to support substantial loads while maintaining its lightweight nature and contributing to its longitudinal and lateral rigidity. Some versions of the flooring have an inflatable core with slats positioned both above the upper surface of the core and below the lower surface of the core at regular intervals along its length. The slats extend laterally across substantially the width of the core, effectively sandwiching portions of the core between them.

Abstract: An inflatable boat with a V-shaped keel comprising at least a central longitudinal strip that is rigid, and that is made up of a plurality of longitudinal segments assembled together end-to-end, and secured together by releasable fixing means which comprise: at each side top end, at least one longitudinally-extending projecting finger on an end of one segment and at least one respective facing longitudinal recess provided in the abutting end of the adjacent segment; and, in the tip portion of the V-shape and inside the keel, at least one longitudinally-projecting perforated link on an end of one segment, and at least one perforated link situated inside the adjacent segment, and a retaining pin suitable for being engaged through the mutually aligned perforations in the two links.

Abstract: Composite-shell pneumatic craft convertible into a closed box, having a rigid hull and an inflatable float fixed to the edge thereof, a removable rigid panel constituting a lid for the hull containing the deflated float; a profile fixed along the outer edge of the hull comprises a supporting flank and a groove with narrow opening which opens into an upper wall close to the flank; the groove holds a bead joined to flexible skirt of the float; the upper wall, in its part adjacent to the groove opposite to the flank, can support a lip of the removable panel; a portion of the flank cooperates with members for fixing the profile to the hull.

Abstract: A boat with an inflatable collar mounted on the sides of the hull. The inflatable collar extends outwardly from the sides of the hull so that it contacts and displaces an increasing volume of water as the boat lists. The inflatable collar is partially filled with foam and the foam inserts are sized so that the boat retains a sufficient righting moment for its intended purpose, even when the inflatable collar has lost its water- and air-tight integrity. The foam inserts may also be sized to provide the boat with sufficient buoyancy to ensure that the boat will float even if filled with water or capsized.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for constructing inflatable objects are detailed herein. Objects made according to these techniques may include both plastic material (such as polyvinyl chloride) and fabric connected indirectly via an interfacing material including the two. The objects additionally may include a fastening system including opposed, spatially-alternating loops through an article is placed. Use as inflatable sleds may (although need not necessarily) be the intended function of the objects.

Abstract: This invention is of a float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further includes a seating device bridging the two leg portions of the flotation chamber. The invention also has a novel U-shaped stabilizing frame and means for connecting the stabilizing frame to the U-shaped flotation chamber. The U-shaped frame provides support to the opposing legs of the flotation chamber and prevents them from pinching in on the occupant. For additional support, a rigid rod, or tube, extends between the opposing legs of the frame. The means for connecting the stabilizing frame comprises preferably a plurality of channel segments, which are fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of the flotation chamber. Alternatively, a continuous channel may be used.

Abstract: A folding rigid boat for routine and emergency use by occupants as an auxiliary watercraft and including complementary rigid bow and rigid stern sections joined together along respective mating edges to form a hull, complementary rigid hinge elements cooperating together to form a centrally-disposed joint pivotally connecting the bow and stern sections along a port-to-starboard axis in vertically spaced-apart relation to the bottom of the hull for permitting the bow and stern sections to be folded onto themselves into a storage configuration and away from each other along the joint into an unfolded use configuration. Flexible topsides are secured to the hull along at least port and starboard sides of the hull for providing an upwardly-extending freeboard to the hull when the boat is in the unfolded use configuration. The topsides are unconnected to and independent of the rigid hinge elements.

Abstract: A boat with an inflatable collar mounted on the sides of the hull. The inflatable collar extends outwardly from the sides of the hull so that it contacts and displaces an increasing volume of water as the boat lists. The inflatable collar is partially filled with foam and the foam inserts are sized so that the boat retains a sufficient righting moment for its intended purpose, even when the inflatable collar has lost its water- and air-tight integrity. The foam inserts may also be sized to provide the boat with sufficient buoyancy to ensure that the boat will float even if filled with water or capsized.

Abstract: An air pump having a minimum number of parts. The air pump is built in the inflatable body of an inflatable product. The air pump consists essentially of a pump body, an air inlet provided on the pump body for introducing air outside the inflatable body into the pump body, and an air outlet also provided on the pump body for introducing the air from the pump body into the inflatable body.

Abstract: Alternative collar assemblies for use with watercraft including rigid-hulled boats are described. The collars may include both foam materials and one or more inflatable compartments, thereby offering multiple advantages over existing foam or inflatable collars. Optionally included in or on the collars are reinforcing material (such as but not limited to Kevlar) and an abrasion-resistant coating surrounding the foam and inflatable compartments. Similarly, compartments comprising the collar optionally may be nested.

Abstract: Armored protective panels for inflatable (and other) boats are detailed. The panels themselves may be inflated, either separately or together, for deployment and hence need not normally impede navigation or performance of the boats. If relatively flexible anti-ballistic materials are selected as components, the panels may be designed to collapse into rolls when not inflated. Alternative panels may include stealth or other non-anti-ballistic materials or be designed for use with objects or vehicles other than boats.

Abstract: An air charged appliance includes an air chamber and an air sac, made in various shapes for different uses. The air sac is placed in the air chamber and filled up with air to become inflated together with the air chamber, but the both are made separately from each other. The air chamber is not easy to break and able to endure bumping so the air charged appliance can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: An air charged appliance includes an air chamber and an air sac, made in various shapes for different uses. The air sac is placed in the air chamber and filled up with air to become inflated together with the air chamber, but the both are made separately from each other. The air chamber is not easy to break and able to endure bumping so the air charged appliance can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: Composite-shell pneumatic craft convertible into a closed box, having a rigid hull and an inflatable float fixed to the edge thereof, a removable rigid panel constituting a lid for the hull containing the deflated float; a profile fixed along the outer edge of the hull comprises a supporting flank and a groove with narrow opening which opens into an upper wall close to the flank; the groove holds a bead joined to flexible skirt of the float; the upper wall, in its part adjacent to the groove opposite to the flank, can support a lip of the removable panel; a portion of the flank cooperates with members for fixing the profile to the hull.

Abstract: An inflatable towable vehicle including an inflatable bladder and a protective shell having a rigid lower portion and a flexible upper portion. The bladder includes an inflation valve that is positioned to underlie a closeable access opening in the flexible upper portion of the shell, and hand grips and a towing strap are attached to the upper portion of the shell. The rigid lower portion of the shell is made of a durable material that effectively protects the bladder in abrasive environments that are present when the vehicle is used on ice or snow.

Abstract: A water skiing float, jacket attachment structure consisting of a jacket externally sleeved around the water skiing float utilized for protection, towing, and grasping which has through-holes of identical size disposed in alignment with input/output air stems projecting from the water skiing float such that after being fitted over them, sealing retainers clip it onto water skiing float. After sleeving around the water skiing float, there are round, tooth-shaped ligature openings in an alternating arrangement along its interior edge, with each ligature opening having a perforation at its lateral margin through which a rope is threaded for binding and attachment around the inside of the water skiing float. As such, when utilized at rapid speed or in powerful currents, the practical invention herein prevents the dislodging of the water skiing float, the easy movement of the jacket, and the unrestrained tearing of the ligature openings that could result in injury.

Abstract: Inflatable watercraft such as PWCs are disclosed. The watercraft function additionally as cargo holders mountable to roofs of vehicles and towable behind boats. Covers associated with the craft serve partially or completely to enclose cargo placed within the craft, protecting the cargo from wind, rain, and waves.

Abstract: An easily inflated cover protecting occupants of a small vessel, preferably an inflatable dinghy, includes: (a) a flexible canopy comprised of a central canopy portion having side edges for contacting opposite sides of the vessel, a forward canopy portion having a lower edge for contacting a bow of the vessel, the forward canopy portion extending from one side of the central canopy portion, and an aft entrance portion connected to an opposite side of the central canopy portion; the aft entrance portion including an opening to an interior of the vessel; (b) a system of spaced-apart, flexible straps attachable across a bottom of the vessel for affixing the cover to the vessel, the strap system including a connector strap, the connector strap being detachably or permanently attached at its ends to two, opposite, lower edges of the canopy; and (c) at least one inflatable central support for supporting the canopy over the vessel interior, the inflatable support including an enclosed, inflatable support tube and

Abstract: A modular marine vessel has a variable hull and a plurality of boat forming modules including a bow section module, a load section module having a bow end and an aft end, and a bulkhead forming module is detachably connected to each bow and aft end of the load section module. The bulkhead forming module that is connected at the bow end of the load section module is detachably connected to the bow section module. Each boat forming and bulkhead forming module includes a topside section and a hull bottom side section. The topside section of each boat forming module has a shell gunnel portion, and the hull bottom side section of each boat forming module has a pivotally mounted bottom shell hull portion. The gunnel and hull portions of the load and bow section modules are detachably connected end-to-end, and sealingly juxtaposed the detachably connected bulkhead forming module to prevent water from entering the boat when the boat engages water.

Abstract: A detachable planing enhancement system with two substantial planing surface areas attached symmetrically on the transom of an inflatable sportboat to provide a substantial lifting force thereon. The system includes a method of quick attachment and detachment to the transom of the inflatable sportboat and means to ventilate such planing surfaces with air to reduce drag at high planing speeds. The planing surfaces and attachment components are comprised of plastic compatible with the injection molding process of fabrication.

Abstract: A floatation toy for providing a floatation device which resembles a boat includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall fluidly coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom and peripheral wall is generally hollow and comprising a flexible material. The flexible material is airtight. The peripheral wall includes a back wall and a pair of side walls. The side walls converge into a front portion such that the a combination of the bottom wall and the peripheral wall resembles a boat. A valve is fluidly coupled to the peripheral wall for selectively inflating and deflating the bottom and peripheral walls.

Abstract: A device (1) for attaching a flexible linear element to an inflatable tube of an inflatable craft comprising a stud (2) in the shape of a spherical cap with a discoidal mounting base (3) and with a through passage (4) with a cylindrical central channel (5) extended on both sides by two flattened slots (6), this passage (4) emerging in a cavity (7) formed in the stud (2); the end of the flexible linear element (18,29) is made fast to a locking peg (19) that engages with a wedge action in the central channel (5); the locking peg (19) comprises a shank (20) made up of two axial parts (21,22) capable of gripping the end of the flexible linear element and an enlarged head (26) integral with an axial part (21,22) and capable of engaging in the cavity (7) to form a fastening.

Abstract: A watercraft apparatus comprises a rigid platform supporting a seat on an upper surface and a rudder rearward and extending downwardly for providing stability to the apparatus when afloat. A strut extends forward of the platform and supports a propulsion unit mount. A frame is engaged with the strut and extends downwardly for supporting an electrical battery. A toroidal flotation structure is engaged with the strut and the undersurface of the platform for floating the apparatus on a body of water the frame is received within a central aperture of the flotation structure and a bottom cover, integral with the flotation means, closes the center aperture at a lower surface of the flotation structure.

Abstract: A watercraft comprising an inflatable skin operable to define a hull shape when inflated, and a frame comprising an extendible rigid keel member engageable with the inflatable skin to stretch the inflatable skin to define a rigid keel form in the inflatable skin. The frame may further comprise chine or gunwale stiffeners connectable to the keel member to extend lengthwise along or over port and starboard sides of the inflatable skin. The inflatable skin may further comprise bow and stern connectors for connecting the inflatable skin to the frame at a bow and a stern of the watercraft, respectively. The keel member of the frame when extended defines the rigid keel form, which curves upward at the bow and stern. The chine and gunwale stiffeners of the frame when expanded resist the upward curvature of the bow and stern, leading to a longer waterline and a faster watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft apparatus comprises a rigid platform supporting a seat on an upper surface and a rudder rearward and extending downwardly for providing stability to the apparatus when afloat. A strut extends forward of the platform and supports a propulsion unit mount. A frame is engaged with the strut and extends downwardly for supporting an electrical battery. A toroidal flotation structure is engaged with the strut and the undersurface of the platform for floating the apparatus on a body of water. the frame is received within a central aperture of the flotation structure and a bottom cover, integral with the flotation means, closes the center aperture at a lower surface of the flotation structure.

Abstract: A pontoon comprising a seamless, non-woven, one-piece, inflatable vessel preferably formed by a process of rotational molding, from a resilient, semi-rigid polyolefin elastomer, preferably metalocene. The pontoon has shape memory characteristics, which make it partially self-inflating, and cause it to entrap air when partially deflated, to thereby resist complete deflation if punctured, allowing a user to more easily get to safety. Punctures in the pontoon may be easily eliminated by applying heat to the polymer material at the site of the puncture, such as with a hot knife or other metal implement, so as to fuse the polymer material together. The bottom of the pontoon is preferably thicker than the top, and the ends of the pontoon taper to a blunt point that is thicker still, to thereby resist damage from impact and to help maintain the desirable shape-memory characteristics of the pontoon.

Abstract: A device for shielding floaters of an inflatable boat includes shielding plates for fastening in a juxtaposed arrangement to external faces of the floaters along their entire length and made of a light material which is resistant to the impacts of ordnance.

Abstract: A watercraft comprising an inflatable skin operable to define a hull shape when inflated, and a frame comprising an extendible rigid keel member engageable with the inflatable skin to stretch the inflatable skin to define a rigid keel form in the inflatable skin. The frame may further comprise chine or gunwale stiffeners connectable to the keel member to extend lengthwise along or over port and starboard sides of the inflatable skin. The inflatable skin may further comprise bow and stern connectors for connecting the inflatable skin to the frame at a bow and a stern of the watercraft, respectively. The keel member of the frame when extended defines the rigid keel form, which curves upward at the bow and stern. The chine and gunwale stiffeners of the frame when expanded resist the upward curvature of the bow and stern, leading to a longer waterline and a faster watercraft.

Abstract: A propelling system for propelling a fisherman's float through the water while fishing. The propelling system includes a frame assembly having a plurality of strap members. Each of the strap members is designed for selectively engaging the floatation device whereby the strap members are for securing the frame assembly to the floatation device. A propelling assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. The propelling assembly designed for propelling the flotation device along the top of the water when a fisherman is positioned in the floatation device. At least one rod member is coupled to the frame member. The rod member is designed for holding a fishing rod. The rod member is designed for being positioned proximate the fisherman whereby the rod member facilitates access to the fishing rod by the fisherman when the fisherman is positioned in the floatation device.

Abstract: A mounting bracket adapted for mounting downriggers to inflatable boats comprising an arcuate arm extending between the boat's gunwale and transom board. A clamp is adapted for affixing the arcuate arm to a lip on the gunwale. A flange is adapted for affixing the arcuate arm to the transom board. The arm is rotatable about the clamp and adjustable in length for easy installation and to fit a variety of sizes of inflatable boats.

Abstract: An attachment (10) with rigid bridge shelter (14) and rigid perimeter deck runway (12a) connected at the rear with an aft support platform (26) and with collision protection at the front (28). Attachment also comprising a wheelhouse (16) with windows (24) and support ribs (20) which enable attachment to be secured to floating surface.

Abstract: A life raft or ocean survival unit (1) is capable of self-righting upon capsize, even when occupied by one or more survivors. The life raft (1) comprises a hull-shaped ballast chamber (5) which fills with water upon inflation of the life raft and provides added stability to the vessel and in part see self-righting capabilities to the life raft. Water is sucked in through membrane valves located at the rear of the ballast chamber. The life raft also comprises a canopy (4) and inflatable base section (3), wherein the inflatable base section may be compartmentalised to prevent sinking of the unit in the event of a puncture deflation.

Abstract: This bracket is designed for the use of down riggers on inflatable boats. It provides greater stability on the mount for more efficient operation of the down rigger. These are easily installed, can be adjusted to fit various sizes of inflatable boats, are lightweight aluminium, rust free, and can be rear boat mounted.

Abstract: An improved sponson and rigid inflatable boats incorporating the same. The sponson includes a non-inflatable buoyant component, such as closed-cell polyethylene, and an inflatable buoyant component, such as one or more inflatable tubes. The boat includes a rigid hull having sidewalls along which one or more of the improved sponsons extend. In some embodiments, the inflatable component is removably secured to the non-inflatable component by a restraining structure. In some embodiments, the restraining structure includes straps. In some embodiments, the restraining structure includes resilient arms that bias the inflatable component within a pocket formed in the non-inflatable component.

Abstract: A Hard-Body assembly/apparatus with a deck and cabin (FIGS. 1-2). Which is designed to fit over a generic inflatable pontoon. The hard-top apparatus significantly increases the useable space and the applications to which inflatable boats can be adapted.

Abstract: An inflatable device having a safety system provided by having at least two separate and distinct independently inflatable bladders contained within the outer shell of the device. Each of the bladders is designed when fully inflated to fully inflate the shell, but during use one of the bladders is not fully inflated and has a projected area of no greater than 50% of the projected area of the inflated shell.

Abstract: A device for insertion into the cockpit of a small boat such as a kayak or canoe is presented. The device is a hip grip designed to be positioned within the cockpit of the boat and retain the hip portion of a user of the boat. The device has an inflatable bladder which can be fastened inside the cockpit on an interior wall by a fastener. An inflator is provided to infuse an inflation material into the bladder. The inflation material is retained within the bladder by a retention valve. The inflated bladder exerts a pressure on the hip portion of a user seated within the cockpit.

Abstract: A switch system for automatically activating a mechanism such as a gas or fluid supply, an electrical switch, or chemical process is provided. The switch system comprises a float housing and a float slidable within the float housing with the float slidable from a first position to a second position. An activation trigger extends through the float housing with the activation trigger having a first trigger end and a second trigger end, the first trigger end contacting the float. A valve activates the mechanism with the valve connected to the second trigger end wherein upon movement of the float from the first position to the second position, the second trigger end activating the mechanism.

Abstract: A boat with an inflatable collar mounted on the sides of the hull. The inflatable collar extends outwardly from the sides of the hull so that it contacts and displaces an increasing volume of water as the boat lists. The inflatable collar is partially filled with foam, and the foam inserts are sized so that the boat retains a sufficient righting moment for its intended purpose even when the inflatable collar has lost its water and airtight integrity. The foam inserts may also be sized to provide the boat with sufficient buoyancy to ensure that the boat will float even if filled with water or capsized.

Abstract: A pontoon comprising a seamless, non-woven, one-piece, inflatable vessel preferably formed by a process of rotational molding, from a resilient, semi-rigid polyolefin elastomer, preferably metalocene. The pontoon has shape memory characteristics, which make it partially self-inflating, and cause it to entrap air when partially deflated, to thereby resist complete deflation if punctured, allowing a user to more easily get to safety. Punctures in the pontoon may be easily eliminated by applying heat to the polymer material at the site of the puncture, such as with a hot knife or other metal implement, so as to fuse the polymer material together. The bottom of the pontoon is preferably thicker than the top, and the ends of the pontoon taper to a blunt point that is thicker still, to thereby resist damage from impact and to help maintain the desirable shape-memory characteristics of the pontoon.

Abstract: Deflectors for inflatabe watercraft or other objects are disclosed. The deflectors themselves may be inflatable and distinct from the crafts to which they are attached. They thus may be used to increase the height of the crafts without changing the dimensions of the tubes from which the crafts are formed or diminishing the cockpit space available within the crafts.

Abstract: A combination inflatable ring, locking bar, hydroplane shield, to convert ordinary folding boats into a folding rigid inflatable boat, with improved safety, stability, load capacity, and improved performance.