Abstract: Collar assemblies for use with watercraft including rigid-hulled boats are disclosed. Collars of the assemblies may surround or envelope all or most of the perimeters of boats and provide increased buoyancy at least at their sterns. The collars typically are split, rather than continuous, both to facilitate installation and to reduce risk of damage during the installation process.

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: The present invention provides a foldable boat comprising a first rigid hull section having a bottom that is substantially V-shaped in transverse section, and a second rigid hull section hinged to the first rigid hull section, wherein an axis of the hinge is longitudinal. The foldable boat may further comprise an inflatable tube generally disposed above said first and second hull sections and extending rearwardly from a bow of the boat along opposite sides of the boat, a third rigid hull section hinged to the first rigid hull section, wherein an axis of the hinge is longitudinal and the third section is mounted on an opposite side of the first section from the second hull section such that the first section forms a center section and the second and third sections respectively form port and starboard sections, the second and third sections respectively forming upper edges of the V-shape.

Abstract: A liferaft has a floor (52) surrounded by one or more inflatable tubes (50, 51). Two canopies (54a, 54b) are provided, one (54a) covering one side of the floor (52) and the other (54b) covering the other side of the floor (52). When the liferaft is deployed on water, support means, which may be an inflatable column (63), erect the canopy (54a) that is above the water. The other canopy (54b) is unerected and lies in the water. The system of weights (67) and elastic ropes (66) forms the canopy in the water into stabilizing means in the form of water pockets. Similar means are provided on the deployed canopy (54a) but, when the canopy (54a) is erected, they lie flush with the canopy surface and so do not interfere with the operation of the liferaft.

Abstract: An inflatable raft has an inflatable hull of catamaran type. The hull has parallel spaced fore-and-aft pontoons centrally of its length between elevated transverse bridges at the ends of the hull. The pontoons and bridges are connected by inclined connecting sections. Along a vertical longitudinal centerplane of the hull there is an inflatable righting structure. The righting structure is of inverted V configuration having legs connected at an arm peak above the hull. Lower ends of the legs are connected to the bridges so that the arm extends between the bridges. Inflatable righting sponsons can extend laterally from the arm at its peak area.

Abstract: Deflectors for inflatable 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: The present invention relates to an inflatable, tubular structure designed to protect a water craft by attaching along a horizontal plane. The device comprises of inflatable, tubular structure, attaching devices and an ability to be inflated for use and deflated for storage. The inflatable structure is conformable to the contour of a water craft to protect the area of freeboard and the bulkhead surfaces of a craft.

Abstract: Inflatable chamber for hydrostatic balancing jackets, comprising two flat walls made of flexible material placed one opposite the other, connected by means of a folding wall, said wall consisting of at least two strips, each of them having its outer peripheral edge coupled with the outer peripheral edge of one of the two flat walls, and its inner peripheral edge coupled with the inner peripheral edge of the other strip; the strips of the folding wall are coupled one to the other by means of seams, sealing means being provided on said seams, particularly on the side facing the inside of said inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A steerable towable vehicle including a body member with a pair of fore-and-aft directed laterally spaced fins attached to the bottom surface. A towing line is attached to the bottom surface at a point centered between the fins adjacent the front of the fins. A passenger carried on the top surface of the body member can shift their weight to one side or the other of the towing line attachment point to selectively steer the vehicle to the right or left. Hand grips are provided to assist the passenger in effectively shifting their weight to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: Boats having one or more inflatable inner members or tubes incorporated into their fenders are described herein. Also described are valve assemblies for use with such inner tubes, the assemblies permitting relatively easy removal of the inner tubes when necessary as well as inflation and deflation thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable recreational vehicle including an inflatable body member and a pair of passenger cockpits defined by a pair of elongated fore-and-aft directed laterally spaced recesses disposed inwardly from the peripheral edge of the body member. A first inflatable backrest is disposed adjacent one of the cockpits between the cockpit and the rear of the body member. A second inflatable backrest is positioned next to the other of the cockpits between the cockpit and the front of the body member. The arrangement of the cockpits and the backrests allows two passengers to be seated laterally spaced from and facing each other.

Abstract: An adaptable, multi-purpose boat includes a rigid hull and a buoyant sponson removably connected to the rigid hull. The rigid hull includes a plurality of rigid ribs that are each constructed from a pair of sidewall portions and a ‘V’ angled keel portion, and are connected to form sides, a keel, and a ‘V’ angled bottom interposed between the sides and the keel. The plurality of rigid ribs includes a plurality of hull connectors arranged in a predetermined organized pattern, such that a variety of external components may be removably fastened to the boat using at least one of the plurality of hull connectors. As a result, the boat is repeatedly reconfigurable to adapt to multiple post-fabrication purposes.

Abstract: Inflatable kayak having a pneumatically inflatable peripheral tube with elongated side sections which come together fore and aft to form a passenger compartment, a flexible cover encasing the tube and forming a shell against which the tube can be inflated to form a relatively rigid structure. A sheet of tarpaulin material extends across the bottom of the passenger compartment and along the lower and outer sides of the tube, and an inflatable floor cushion rests on the tarpaulin material in the passenger compartment. A seat is provided toward the rear of the passenger compartment, and a splash skirt attached to the cover extends across the passenger compartment between the side sections of the tube in front of the seat.

Abstract: An inflatable towable vehicle including a tapered hull. The hull is formed of a plurality of concentrically disposed inflatable rings with chambers which have progressively increasing diameters from the outermost ring to the innermost ring. Interior connecting webs form shared walls for the adjacent chambers, and openings in the webs allow fluid communication between the chambers so that a single inflation valve can be used to simultaneously inflate all of the chambers. When inflated, the centers of the chambers are horizontally aligned to yield a hull profile that is tapered from both the top and the bottom. The passenger cockpit is defined by the open area in from the innermost ring, and a floor including an inflatable section and a drain opening. The tapered hull acts to minimize resistance to the water or snow over which the vehicle is being towed, and results in an aesthetically appealing vehicle profile.

Abstract: A pneumatic boat comprising a generally U-shaped float open towards the rear and made up of at least one pneumatically inflatable tube, the rear ends of which are braced by a rear board, a rigid floor disposed at least transversely inside the float and a hull with a V-shaped cross section formed by a flexible canvas fixed to the float and to the rear board and held taut by a longitudinal inflatable keel inserted between said floor and said canvas; the inflatable keel is formed by an elongate enclosure delimited by two substantially flat and approximately parallel main walls extending longitudinally and approximately perpendicular to the floor, these walls being braced by a plurality of flexible links; and this enclosure is inflated to a relatively high pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic boat comprising at least one inflatable fender (1) forming two approximately parallel branches (2) and a transom (4) extending between these two branches (2), each branch (2) being constituted by several tubular compartments (8, 9) placed side by side longitudinally and superposed having a poly-lobed cross section the major axis of which is tilted in relation to the horizontal; the lower compartment (9) of each branch (2) includes a flexible casing (11) integral with the compartment immediately above (8) and retaining a detachable float (12); the casing and the float are mutually shaped so that the float is applied by the casing against the compartment immediately above and that the external lateral part (10) of the casing is stretched approximately tangentially between these, forming with a horizontal plane an average angle of between 5 and 45° approximately.

Abstract: Support base for supporting accessories on the flexible wall of an inflatable body and an pneumatic boat fitted therewith. A mounting base (10) intended for the fixing of an accessory onto the flexible wall of an inflatable body, such as an inflatable buoyancy fender of an inflatable boat, characterized in that it includes a stack (11) of several layers of flexible material fixed one to the other and passed through by at least one fitting (16) appropriate to the fixing of the aforesaid accessory, the aforesaid mounting base being fixable to the inflatable body flexible wall, the number of layers of the stack being determined so that the thickness of the stack corresponds approximately to the height of an anchoring part of the fitting.

Abstract: An automatically inflatable boat including at least two separate compartments which are connected to one another by an intercommunicating valve which can be opened to connect adjacent compartments or closed to isolate adjacent compartments. The inflatable boat is provided with a gas pump permanently mounted on the boat and in fluid communication with a connection for receiving pressurized gas of at least one of the inflatable compartments. The pump can be actuated in order to automatically inflate the inflatable compartments of the boat to a preset pressure. Also shown is an inflatable enclosure which can be deflated and inflated and to house an adult and a commode to provide privacy.

Abstract: A portable inflatable floatation device for use as a backpack frame to maintain a standard backpack thereto for hiking, with the back pack frame being convertible into floatation device seat, foot rest, and outrigger pontoon mounting. Inflatable pontoons that are to be carried on or in the backpack and are inflated into long cylindrical pontoons at a water site, whereat, with the back pack frame converted to the water craft seat, the seat is attached to span across the pair of parallel inflated pontoons and the outrigger portions of which seat are positioned to rest on and are strapped onto tops of the inflated pontoons, with top and bottom sections of the frame, respectively, pivoted to form and seat back and to a planar attitude with a seat bottom as a foot rest, and straight narrow spacers are secured, as with straps, to the forward and rear pontoon ends completing the floatation device.

Abstract: An inflatable water craft including an inboard storage compartment. The storage compartment extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the body of the water craft and includes inflatable sidewalls and an inflatable cover that provide an insulated compartment for carrying items such as beverages and food.

Abstract: In inflatable large-size structures such as life boats it is required that an external and easily accessible gas cylinder is hose-connected with a plurality of mutually separated injection areas, because the gas medium, by evaporation and expansion, produces a substantial reduction in temperature at each injection area there will potentially exist choking ice formations. This can be counteracted by distributing the injection over more areas or spots in order to achieve a more rapid and effective transfer of heat from the surroundings for making sure that the inflation can take place in a desirably rapid manner. Conventionally this implies that the structure exhibits exposed connector hoses to the different injection spots, these hoses causing trouble in use of the structure. With the invention it has been recognized that the relevant distribution system may be arranged in the interior of the structure, whereby these troublesome exterior hoses can be entirely avoided.

Abstract: An inflatable watercraft having an annular flotation member, a half-floor at the forward end for occupant seating, and a floor opening at the rearward end for passage of the occupant's legs therethrough. The half-floor is located at approximately water level when the craft is afloat, so that the person's legs extend through the opening at a relatively shallow downwardly angle for efficient propulsion of the watercraft. The half-floor is preferably made up of a series of transverse inflatable tube sections mounted in edge-to-edge relationship. A quick-detach oarlock mechanism is also provided, in which a trunnion block is detachably mounted to the top of the flotation tube by means of a retractable spring-loaded axle pin.

Abstract: An inflatable chair suitable for white-water use consisting of two inflatable floats (2, 3), rigid/semi-rigid seat base (4), bow hull floor section (12) an adjustable seat back (8) and a waterproof covering (7). The two inflatable floats (2, 3) are circular in cross section and taper at both ends to conical points (10, 11) at the stern and (13, 14) at the bow (6). The floats (2, 3) are separated by a rigid/semi-rigid central section (15) comprised of the seat base (4), bow hull floor section (12) which extends from the bow (6) for a majority of the chair's length, and together with the seat back (8) providing a semi-reclining body position enabling the user to use hands and/or legs for propulsion/manoeuvring.

Abstract: A mounting system for an inflatable boat of the type having opposed first and second tubular gunwale sections extending from a tubular U-shaped stern section including a band horizontally positionable on a rearward surface of the U-shaped stern, a first strap that encircles the first gunwale section and secured to the band adjacent one end thereof, a second strap that encircles the second gunwale section and secured to the band adjacent the other end thereof, a bracket secured to the band at the boat stern and receiving a battery therein, a submersible motor having a horizontal propeller shaft rotatably extending therefrom to which is affixed a propeller, the motor being positioned beneath and supported by the bracket, and a motor control supported to a gunwale section of the boat and electrically interposed between the battery and the motor.

Abstract: A sailing craft that includes an elongated central tubular frame structure, a left outrigger assembly attached to the forward left side of the central tubular frame structure, a right outrigger assembly attached to the forward right side of the central tubular frame structure, a rudder steering assembly pivotally mounted to the rear center of the tubular frame structure, a left sail supported by the left outrigger assembly, a right sail supported by the right outrigger assembly, and a seat assembly secured to the rearward end of the central tubular frame structure.

Abstract: An inflatable sailboard consisting of an inflatable hull, a mast, a boom, and a sail, and optionally comprising a removable rigid deck and auxiliary devices such as mast supports and center boards attached to the hull by through-hull fittings. The hull of the invention consists of a plurality of independently inflatable compartments, has a relatively high beam width to length ratio, generally in the range of 1/3 to 2/3, and in preferred embodiments may be employed without mast, boom, or sail, and with an attached seat, as a kayak. The hull may also be towed by a boat or jet ski for sporting use, or may be used as a "boat trailer" to transport supplies or equipment. The sail of the invention incorporates head and foot cups adapted to attach the sail to the mast to control tension within the sail. Preferred masts for use with the invention are provided in a plurality of assemblable sections, and include an adjustable support for the boom and improved hull attachment means.

Abstract: A RIB (22), rigid-hull inflatable boat, includes an inflatable tube (24) having a general U shape with a forward end (26) at the bight of the U and trailing sides (28, 30) extending rearwardly therefrom along the legs of the U, and a molded plastic hull (32) within the tube and attached thereto. The hull has a lower surface (42), an upwardly facing deck (44), a transom (38), and a drain (40) through the transom. The deck has drainage channels (48, 54, 62, 70, 72) forming gutters channeling water to the drain. A removable floor insert (92) is detachably mounted to the deck and covers the drainage channels. Transom construction (120, 122) permits flexure.

Abstract: A mixed hull inflatable craft convertible into a closed box for its storage or transport is disclosed. The hull has a rigid body (1) with a top edge (5), a plane to which is fixed an inflatable buoyancy tube (7), a rigid closing panel corresponding in contour to the edge and an inverted U-shaped profile (15) interlocking the tube to the hull. The profile overlaps the top edge (5) of the body and has a first groove (16) open upwards and inside the body, retaining a ring (18) carried by a flexible skirt (19) connected to the tube; a second groove (20) open upwards and outside the body, receiving the edge of the panel closing the body (1) in the closed box conformation and supporting the flexible skirt (19) of the inflated tube located outside the body in the craft conformation; and an elastomer bead (21) located on the outside under the second groove (20) forming a sealed bearing surface for the inflated tube (7) in the craft conformation.

Abstract: A reversible liferaft has an inflatable structure (10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 40) that supports a canopy providing a floor (14) and a roof (15) that lie in parallel planes. This makes the liferaft reversible which is a useful safety feature.

Abstract: Inflatable kayak having a pneumatically inflatable peripheral tube with elongated side sections which come together fore and aft to form a passenger compartment, a flexible cover encasing the tube and forming a shell against which the tube can be inflated to form a relatively rigid structure. A sheet of tarpaulin material extends across the bottom of the passenger compartment and along the lower and outer sides of the tube, and an inflatable floor cushion rests on the tarpaulin material in the passenger compartment. A seat is provided toward the rear of the passenger compartment, and a splash skirt attached to the cover extends across the passenger compartment between the side sections of the tube in front of the seat.

Abstract: A seat for use on an inner tube having a body with a channel formed therearound of a size suitable for receiving an exterior surface of an inner tube therein and a seat formed in a central area of said body. The seat has a back portion extending upwardly above the body at one end of the body. The body and the seat are integrally formed together of a polymeric material. The body has a generally rectangular configuration. The back of the seat extends at approximately thirty degree angle relative to a bottom of the body. The seat has a bottom extending for at least two inches below the bottom of the body.

Abstract: Inflatable boat (1) with two inflatable tubular chambers (2) secured along the two sides of a hull, a rear board (4) being secured in watertight fashion, laterally, to the two tubular chambers (2) and, at the bottom, to the rear edge of the hull, the means of securing the rear board (4) to each tubular chamber (2) comprising a sole (5) with U-shaped section made of a semi-rigid synthetic material secured by its bottom (6) to the tubular chamber (2) in such a way that the arms (7) of the U project radially from the tubular chamber and are secured to the lateral edge of the board (4) fitted between them, each lateral edge of the board (4) has two grooves (8) cut in it, one on each of its two faces, these grooves running parallel to this lateral edge and being filled with a synthetic material (9) secured to the walls at the groove. The two arms (7) of the sole (5) are secured respectively to the material (9) with which the grooves (8) are filled.

Abstract: An inflatable towable vehicle including an inflatable bladder having an open cockpit. A windshield is disposed at the front and along the lateral sides of the cockpit to provide passenger protection from the wind, water, or snow. The windshield is formed of an inflatable member and may be transparent or translucent to enhance passenger comfort and enjoyment. A flexible protective shell receives and protects the inflatable bladder, and serves as a stable base for attachment of towing straps, storage pockets, head rests, hand grips, and the like.

Abstract: Mixed-hull inflatable boat, comprising a rigid submerged hull (2) surrounded at least bilaterally by inflatable buoyancy tubes (3), a transom (4) extending between the rear extremities of the two tubes (3) and the rigid submerged hull (2), characterised in that the rigid submerged hull (2) is extended to the rear, beyond the transom (4), by a flap (6) forming an integral part of said submerged hull (2).

Abstract: High-capacity life raft (1, 10) comprising an inflatable peripheral edge (2) forming a tubular buoyancy chamber and a central bottom (3) secured thereto, characterized in that the said central bottom (3) comprises at least one region (4) forming a platform for receiving those embarking and at least one region (5) for mustering those who have embarked, the said muster region (5) occupying an area of the said bottom that is quite distinctly larger than the area occupied by the said reception platform region (4).

Abstract: A roof structure is adapted for removable attachment to a boat permitting use of the roof as an emergency float for boat occupants. The roof includes a shell having a buoyant member affixed thereto with an inflatable ring carried on the shell in a collapsed manner. A source of pressurized air is in controlled communication with the inflatable ring. Roof support structure includes lug equipped plates on the boat and the roof which, upon roof repositioning, permits separation and launching of the roof. A modified form of root support structure includes deck mounted, swingably mounted upright supports located adjacent the roof sides and which permit lowering of the roof into the water. The inflatable ring contributes to buoyancy as well as occupant protection from the water.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for a water craft, for use on a body of water, having a bottom, and an inflatable keel, coupled to the bottom, wherein the keel contacts the surface of the water during operation of the craft, the keel comprising an inflatable bladder wherein inflating the bladder results in the keel at least partially transitioning from a collapsed state to an inflated state.

Abstract: Inflatable boat (1) with two inflatable tubular chambers (2) secured along the two sides of a hull, a rear board (4) being secured in watertight fashion, laterally, to the two tubular chambers (2) and, at the bottom, to the rear edge of the hull, the means of securing the rear board (4) to each tubular chamber (2) comprising a sole (5) with U-shaped section made of a semi-rigid synthetic material secured by its bottom (6) to the tubular chamber (2) in such a way that the arms (7) of the U project radially from the tubular chamber and are secured to the lateral edge of the board (4) fitted between them, each lateral edge of the board (4) has two grooves (8) cut in it, one on each of its two faces, these grooves running parallel to this lateral edge and being filled with a synthetic material (9) secured to the walls at the groove. The two arms (7) of the sole (5) are secured respectively to the material (9) with which the grooves (8) are filled.

Abstract: An inflatable boat (1) comprising laterally two inflatable buoyancy fenders (2) connected by a bottom (13) rigid at least transversely and by an underlying hull (4) presenting an approximately V transverse section, characterised in that a flexible bottom (16), lining the rigid bottom (3) and underlying it, is fixed in a sealed way to the fenders (2) and in that the aforementioned hull (4) is rigid at least in a central longitudinal strip (6) in the shape of a V gutter and is constituted by several sections (11) assembled longitudinally end to end in a removable way and held with the help of removable fixing means (8).

Abstract: Self-righting inflatable life-raft (1) comprising a peripheral edge (2) consisting of at least one inflatable tubular chamber surrounding a bottom (3) secured in leaktight fashion to the said tubular chamber, at least one inflatable tubular hoop (4) extending above the raft between two opposite sides of the inflatable tubular chamber (2); at least two more or less parallel hoops (4) are provided; each hoop (4) is equipped with a reserve of gas (8) projecting from the outside of the hoop (4) and in a region thereof which is at an angle (.alpha.) of approximately 30 to 60.degree. above the horizontal, the assembly formed by the hoop (4) and the reserve (8) being asymmetric with respect to the vertical mid-plane (5) of the raft; and a heavy weight (6, 7) is secured to the raft along that one of its edges that is on the same side as the abovementioned reserves (8).

Abstract: A keel system for an inflatable kayak which is a one-piece plate of plastic material defining a pressure plate at an upper end, a skeg at a lower end and an attachment portion therebetween. The attachment portion includes upper and lower engaging elements to cooperate with the web and a grommet of a typical inflatable kayak to lock the structure at the stern. A similar device with a keel strip extending rearwardly under the hull is provided at the bow of the kayak. A rudder may be pivotally mounted to the aft edge of a skeg and stern post portion and in turn receive an outboard motor. Locking plate may be extended perpendicularly across the tops of the pressure plates to cooperate with the gunwales and spray cover of the kayak.

Abstract: A method of making a bent inflatable tube includes providing elements on the boundaries of the tube surfaces which contact one another, such as elements which are interengaging loops through which is passed a tension member, such as a cord, or alternatively using interengaging teeth of a zip fastener or male and female components to hold the tube in a bent condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectively steering/controlling a towable inflatable watercraft utilizing a pulley steer steering system. The present invention allows a person/persons the convenience of being able to effectively control the direction of an inflatable watercraft. Any inflatable watercraft which utilizes the pulley steer steering system will be able to travel back and forth across the wake of a towing watercraft in a manner comparable to that of a jet ski. The advantage of this invention being that those who can't afford a jet ski or who are no longer permitted to operate a jet ski (due to recent legal restrictions) can experience the same thrill of travelling/jumping across a wake as a jet ski provides. This effect can not be provided in existing inflatables without damage being inflicted on the craft. This invention incorporates the use of the pulley steer steering system, whereby; a rope is safely housed within a hose which protects the watercraft from damage from the rope.

Abstract: An inflatable ice mud water rescue craft has an inflatable closed-loop tube that encircles a floor member and two rescue openings, one inboard at the bow and one inboard at the stern of the craft. Preferably the floor member is inflatable. The tube and floor member form the boundaries for the two rescue openings. The tube turns upward fore and aft of the floor member at an angle in the range of 30 to 65 degrees relative to the plane of the floor member and encircles the rescue openings. The tube and rescue openings at the bow and stern arch more than half as high as the overall beam of the craft above the surface of the rescue scene. Drowning victims or imperiled persons may be brought into the craft through the rescue openings.

Abstract: A kick boat employing a hinged frame design provides an infinitely adjustable foot rest and leg support, and infinitely adjustable mainframe positioning. No tools are required to assemble and disassemble the boat. The hinged frame is structured and arranged to collapse and partially rotate to form a back pack frame. Alternatively, the hinged frame may be fully rotated to a fully collapsed space minimizing storage position. A cargo bay restraining system is also provided.

Abstract: A device for attaching pontoon forms of watercraft to rigid keels. The invention utilizes an elongate member attached to the keel. The elongate member includes an arcuate form having a surface that substantially conforms a portion of the surface of the pontoon. The elongate member also includes a channel which receives a lip extending radially from the pontoon. The interference between the channel and the lip prevent the pontoon from being radially removed from the elongate member. The surface of the arcuate form may include ridges.

Abstract: Inflatable floor (5), in particular for inflatable boats, constituted by at least one closed airtight compartment of a generally very flat shape and inflatable to a relatively high pressure, said chamber comprising two main walls (6) opposite each other formed by at least two respective sheets (7) of at least one relatively flexible and airtight material connected together by a multiplicity of flexible links (8) of approximately equal length, characterised in that one of said main walls (6s) or upper wall has an external face (9) which is constituted so as to be anti-slip (11) at least over most of its surface.

Abstract: A diver's door which provides easy access to and from an inflatable boat for a diver and which can be replaced to minimize water leakage into the deck of the boat, is described. The diver's door is a removable tube element provided with a flexible flange which fits into a slot along the top edge of the hull. The removable tube element includes at least one peripheral hoop flange at one end for maintaining the removable tube element in position when fully inflated. Also disclosed are an inflatable boat including the diver's door of the present invention and a method for providing access to an inflatable boat using the diver's door of the present invention.

Abstract: Assembly of elements forming a mixed-hull inflatable boat which can be converted into a closed box for its storage/transport, including: an elongated rigid shell (1) with a profiled extremity (2) and the other extremity closed off by a transversal bulkhead (6); an inflatable tube (7) solidly attached to the shell (1) at least along its lateral edges; and a rigid panel (9) the peripheral contour of which follows that of the peripheral edge of the shell (1) and can be fixed in a removable fashion to it; thanks to which the assembly of elements can be configured for transport/storage with the tube (7) deflated and folded away in the shell (1) and the rigid panel (9) mounted on and locked to the shell to close it and form a closed box; and a navigation configuration with the panel (9) separated from the shell (1) and the inflatable body (7) inflated under pressure forming, together with the shell (1) forming a rigid hull, a mixed-hull boat.

Abstract: Device for attaching an oar (3) to the peripheral inflatable cushion (1) of an inflatable dinghy, characterized in that it comprises: a base (5) secured to the inflatable cushion (1) and having a retaining head (7), and a fastener (4) comprising, on the one hand, a mounting root shaped to complement the retaining head (7) so that it can be clipped removably onto this head and, on the other hand, above the said root, a ring (11) that can be deformed elastically in the radial direction and is shaped to grip tightly and elastically around the shaft (12) of an oar (3).