Abstract: A personal flotation device is configured and sized so that it is adapted to be positioned beneath a person's body to cause the person to be suspended in equilibrium in a partially-submerged state. The device includes a ring-shaped body and a plurality of side floats extending radially away from the ring-shaped body.

Abstract: A hydrostatic balancing jacket includes a dorsal element ending into two shoulder strips and two pectoral-abdominal strips. The dorsal element is equipped, on its outer side, with two wing-shaped strips. The wing-shaped strips are connected to the dorsal element along one of their rims. The wing-shaped strips are symmetrically located with respect to the longitudinal axis of the element and are inflatable.

Abstract: A floating devices connection and/or storage system, including a wide variety of hermaphroditic and non-hermaphroditic connectors for interconnecting two or more floating devices together. The connectors may be original equipment or added as after-market items. Storage devices include structure for storing floating devices from a vertical surface, spaced therefrom to guard against mold and mildew formation on the floating devices by assuring air flow about the stored device. A floating table, which is also disclosed, has a unitary structure and is useful in water or on land, having a weighted base and water-draining top surface, the water-draining top surface being slightly convex in structure. Further disclosed is a floating water lounge, the lounge including a floating wedge portion and being anchorable to prevent drift.

Abstract: A float board includes a main board and plural subordinate boards both made of a floatable material. The main board has plural through holes of the same shape and size as the subordinate boards so that the subordinate boards may fit completely in the through holes of the main board. The subordinate boards have a wearing band bound on an upper surface for a user's feet to wear for walking on beach sand. The main board may be used to float on water, with or without the subordinate boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming and/or gymnastics system comprising a flat base element with openings and with added elements which can be connected to said base element by insertion. Said added elements are an added element which creates resistance to water and which is shaped in such a way that it can engage in at least one central opening of the base element and which encompasses the base element tightly around the edges, and a grip element which engages in the longitudinal openings of the base element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting a person lying down. The device comprises a vertical breathing hole designed to allow a person to lie face down and continue breathing. In a preferred embodiment where this device is a raft, there is additional provision for breathing so that there is a series of lateral breathing holes disposed above a waterline. In this way, when a person lies face down, that person places their face adjacent to these breathing holes, and draws air into their lungs. Thus, the person does not have to turn their head to the side to breathe.

Abstract: A lightweight connector for use in association with buoyant members is provided. The connector is in the form of a substantially flexible body having a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving one or more buoyant members in a friction fit relationship. By adjusting the location of the connector relative to the buoyant members, the buoyancy of the resulting floatation apparatus can be modified.

Abstract: A infant floatation device for floating an infant user in a body of water. The infant floatation device includes a floatation ring with a center opening therethrough. A cover sheet is wrapped around the floatation ring to substantially cover the floatation ring with a center region of the cover sheet extending through the center hole of the floatation ring such that a lower portion of the center region of the cover sheet downwardly depends from the center hole to form a seat region. The cover sheet has a pair of leg holes therethrough in the lower portion of center region of the cover sheet.

Abstract: Expanded structures are formed by cutting a series of concentric rings or sections from a single block or sheet of solid material. The "rings" need not be circular, but may be any regular or irregular geometric or other shape as desired, so long as they are substantially concentric with one another. The cuts are made so that they angle outwardly from the upper to the lower surface of the block or sheet, and pass completely through the sheet or block. This provides a series of concentric sections, with each section having a lower, outer periphery which is at least slightly larger than the upper, inner periphery of the next larger adjacent section. This allows each section to be stacked atop a larger adjacent section, with the lower outer edge surface of each smaller section resting upon the upper inner edge surface of the larger section immediately therebelow.

Abstract: An elongated inflatable tubular device which is freely bendable, when inflated, in multiple directions about the longitudinal axis of the device. The device includes an elongated tubular member sealed at each end thereof to form a sealed inflatable air chamber. Spaced apart bendable folds are each formed generally transversely across said tubular member by attachment of one or more opposite points or areas of the side wall of the tubular member along a portion of the length of, and defining each fold. Air within said tubular member is thus free to flow past each fold to balance air pressure within the tubular member during inflation, deflation and bending thereof. The folds are rotationally oriented differently one to another, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member, thereby allowing the flotation device to be freely bendable in multiple directions about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable raft having an opening formed on one of its four side portions. A downward and then radially inward extended frame is formed around the opening for a top flange of a container to be radio heated thereto. The container has an accordion body. When the raft is inflated, the accordion container can be downward stretched to accommodate a can therein. And, when the raft is deflated, the accordion container can be collapsed along with the raft for convenient storage. The structure of the inflatable raft will not be adversely affected by the provision of the accordion container on the raft.

Abstract: A buoyant lounge chair supports a swimmer in a stable, semi-reclining position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame. Buoyant cushions are attached to the chair frame, forming a chair seat, a chair back, left and right chair arms and a bolster block. The buoyant cushions forming the chair seat and the chair back include overlapping layers of buoyant cushion material that are secured together by adhesive, with the seat frame and the back frame being sandwiched between the overlapping layers. One of the buoyant layers forms a continuous body support surface that transitions through an angle from the chair seat to the chair back. Each arm support includes an upright arm support riser that is laterally offset from the seat frame and a horizontal arm rest segment that is vertically offset from the seat frame.

Abstract: A flotation device (1) having at least two generally elongate buoyant pontoons (2 and 3) joined by a bridging portion (5) of reduced thickness relative to the thickness of said pontoons.

Abstract: A multipurpose recreational mat for primary use in water and a secondary use on an inflexible surface. The mat comprises three flotation bodies preferably made of a closed cell polyurethane foam. A waterproof unitary cover surrounds the flotation bodies formed by a specific process. A strap is provided for use in carrying or storage and while an individual is sitting on the mat while floating in the water. At least one grommet in each flotation body cover permits drainage of any water entering through the stitched seams.

Abstract: A recently popular form of exercise and therapy, aquatic exercising devices present unique operating conditions to the body because of their use of water resistance and their buoyancy. By making proper use of water resistance, such devices can provide the body with excellent muscular and cardiovascular training, at the same time, the buoyancy offered by these devices eliminates the stress and injuries associated with the jarring impact of such landbased exercises as running and aerobics. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an aquatic exercise devise that is a singular unit. The inventor began attending a water aerobic class in 1995 for health reasons. Exercising in the water took most of the pain out of the movement, but the inventor found that she was still hurting herself. She sought to reach a truly weightless state in which to condition her body.

Abstract: A flotation device carries two or more people down a waterslide on shaped flotation tubes, coupled by flexible straps into a train. The bows and the sterns of adjacent buoyant bodies are complementarily shaped, preferably the bow being circularly convex and the stern concave as viewed in plan. The straps hold the bow and stern together at a minimal gap, constraining relative rotation by the convex/concave engagement of the bow and stern. In addition, lateral shoulders on the bow abut against the ends of the concave stern to prevent rotation beyond a predetermined angle, for example wherein the bodies in the train are relatively rotated to a bend having about a ten foot radius. This structure provides sufficient flexibility to traverse relatively tight turns in the waterslide course while preventing buckling or accordion-fold collapse when the train of buoyant bodies encounter an obstruction such as a splash down pool.

Abstract: In combination, a floating structure supporting a person in a prone or sitting position, a propelling unit includes a casing with a handle mounted on it, the propelling unit being manipuable by one hand of the person on the floating structure, and a lanyard connected to the propelling unit and floating structure in such a way as to permit the propelling unit as a whole to be manipulated angularly and translationally by the hand of the person supported by the floating structure.

Abstract: A portable and low-cost flotation device consisting of a high density mat sized to accommodate a user while floating, a cooled head rest and a portable, hand held misting spraying mechanism which may be removably secured to the mat during periods of nonuse. The head rest includes a water containing cavity in communication with the spraying mechanism, and a foot activated pneumatic pump to pressurize the cavity to transmit the water to the spraying mechanism. The head rest further features a closable recess to receive a frozen ice pack to maintain the cavity water cool for a prolonged period of time, and at least one recessed cradle to receive a beverage can.

Abstract: The present invention describes a stable floating environment for an individual or cargo while at rest or under tow. The device, when occupied by an individual, allows the user to recline, lay prone or sit up right in any body of water. An important feature of the device is that it should possess a center of buoyancy above the center of mass of the occupant or cargo.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus is mounted on at least one end of a flexible tubular flotation member which is mountable about the body of the user. The propulsion apparatus is capable of propelling the tubular member and the user in the water. In one embodiment, a housing containing a motor driven propeller is fixedly mountable over one end of the tubular member. A guard containing an open mesh surrounds the propeller. In another embodiment, the housing and the propulsion means are mounted in a bore in the end of the tubular member, with the propeller projecting outward from the end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A floatable lounger includes a first buoyancy means; second buoyancy means spaced from said first buoyancy means; first and second extending means; and headrest rotatable about said first extending means between a first stored position and a second operable position. The floatable lounger provides for a simpler construction for a floating lounger with excellent buoyancy.

Abstract: A flotation device that converts an existing flexible round foam flotation piece into a flotation aid for recreational and/or exercise purposes. The flotation device is water resistant, lightweight, flexible and easy to carry and store. The round flotation piece, commonly known as a noodle, is inserted through a sleeve in the flotation device wherein the floating seat then takes shape. Due to the flexible characteristics of the invention, a wide range of body shapes and sizes provide a comfortable and stable flotation aid that allows the user to remain mostly submerged in the water with unrestricted movement of the arms and legs. In addition to a floating chair, other configurations utilizing the round flotation piece are possible by utilizing a reconfigured attachment device. For example, a flotation device can be made to form a floating raft by using a plurality of sleeves to mate with three round flotation pieces.

Abstract: An improved floatboard having a manually operable articulating member formed thereon. The articulating member is designed to assume a first inwardly biased position and a second outwardly extended position. The articulating member is provided with a stop member designed and oriented to engage with a stop surface formed on the floatboard when the articulating member is actuated to assume the second outwardly extended position to thus prevent a catastrophic tear from forming between the articulating member and the floatboard. The articulating member is further preferably provided with a surface that will enable the member to be easily grasped and manipulated. The floatboard of the present invention may additionally be formed to assume the appearance of a particular animal or creature, with the articulating member simulating the jaw or claw of such animal or creature.

Abstract: A flotation device useable as a life-preserver and a water toy, the device including a casing formed of water-impermeable synthetic plastic film material shaped to define a pocket for receiving a conventional pillow having a compressible filler. The pocket is provided with a closable inlet which when closed, hermetically seals the pillow-stuffed casing to provide a compressible yet buoyant life-preserver. The casing may be die cut to assume the contours of a humanoid or animal-like figure whereby the floatation device then functions as a water toy.

Abstract: A swimming pool float with anchoring system including a flotation device, at least one float anchoring assembly secured to the flotation device, at least two pool anchoring assemblies securable to the cantilever side edge of a swimming pool, and a flexible anchoring line including a first securing mechanism securable to a float anchoring assembly and a second securing mechanism securable to one of the pool anchoring assemblies in a manner to anchor the flotation device to the cantilever side edge of the swimming pool. The float anchoring assembly preferably includes a section of hook and pile fastener material and a flexible cover member What folds over the section of hook and pile fastener material when nothing is secured thereto. Preferably, four float anchoring assemblies are included, with each of the anchoring assemblies being permanently secured to a cantilever side edge surface of the flotation device.

Abstract: A multipurpose float is provided which employs a rotatable bar attached to a main body of the float. Four bolts, each having a snap ring disposed at the bolt head, are located in four deep holes respectively formed in four sides of the main body. The rotatable bar can be set perpendicular to the main body to prevent the float from jumping out from between the thighs of a user. Further, a plurality of the floats can be combined to form a large sized floating bed.

Abstract: A aquatic abdominal exerciser apparatus including an exerciser frame having a pair of side bars each having a central linear extent having a top end and a bottom end. Further provided is at least one arcuate extent integrally coupled to each central linear extent. The exerciser frame also has an adjustable crossbar coupled between the linear extents adjacent the bottom ends thereof. Lastly, a support frame is pivotally coupled to the exerciser frame thereby allowing the exerciser frame to pivot about an axis defined by the cross bar. The support frame is, in turn, fixedly coupled to a bath tub thus allowing use of the exerciser frame therein.

Abstract: A new Flotation Mattress Accessory for restricting movement of a flotation mattress placed on a body of water. The inventive device includes a planar member adapted for overlying and being releasably attachable to a flotation mattress, and a tethering system coupled to the planar member for mooring the planar member and the flotation mattress to a stationary object thereby restricting movement of the planar member and the flotation mattress.

Abstract: A handle unit for rafts, towables, and other buoyant water sports equipment which is recessed within the interior of the device and therefore provides a relatively smooth surface, eliminating the dangers of injury from protruding handles. The handgrips are fabricated from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other material having similar properties and comprise a flat disk member having an enlarged aperture secured at its lower surface to a cup-shaped receptacle member. The periphery of the disk member is then thermosealed or glued to the exterior skin of the aquatic device with the cup-shaped member extending within the interior of the aquatic device. The enlarged aperture of the handle unit is of sufficient size to receive the fingers of the user. An enlarged downwardly depending lip surrounding the aperture facilitates gripping of the handle unit.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus comprises first and second float sections, as well as a hinge section formed of a flexible material which extends between and joins the first and second float sections. The first and second float sections are comprised of a closed cell foam covered by a water resistant material, and are both of substantially the same constant thickness. The hinge section, preferably nonbuoyant, is constructed entirely of the same type of water resistant material which covers the foam in the first and second float sections. An important feature of the invention is that the hinge section is longer than at least one, and preferably both, of the float sections.

Abstract: A floating device that includes a floating member that is cooperatively designed to provide floating support to the lumbar portion of a user's body, a floating member for the legs and a floating member for the head. Elongated rigid members adjustably interconnect the floating members depending on user's height. A shade member is suspended above the head floating member and includes a telescopically adjustable support member.

Abstract: A cattle mattress made from a woven fabric which is double-woven in areas across the fabric into which crumb rubber is inserted and which are closed off after insertion of the crumb rubber to make a self-contained structure for the comfort of animals.

Abstract: A portable shelter (10) provides protection for users (18) of an individual float tube (12) or a pontoon style kick board (76). The shelter (10) comprises a covering 32 having transparent front panels (39), transparent side and rear panels (34,37), and translucent or opaque lower front panels (36a), side panels (36c) and rear panels (36b). A flexible longitudinal rod (38) and transverse rod (40) maintain the dome-like configuration of the shelter (10). It is easily mounted on the top surface (22) of the tube (12) by using the straps (60) and side straps (53) and by inserting the transverse rod (40) into side pockets (58) that are in turn inserted between the handles (14) and the tube (12). A rear strap (50) and side straps (60) further secure the shelter (10) to the tube (12). The front flaps (39) open to provide access for fishing, hunting, photography, and the like, or they may be zipped shut for protection from the elements and greater concealment.

Abstract: A buoyant body shaped substantially as a short, flexible, columnar buoyant body, constructed from polyethylene expanded foam material having a coloring substance added to produce a colored buoyant body to enhance their use, and to facilitate color coordination with an exerciser's swimwear. The buoyant body includes a port for receiving a hand, or foot, appropriately for the particular device to be used. The port is provided centrally positioned on the buoyant body, and defines a cavity, sized for receiving the exerciser's hand or foot in a relaxed and extended manner, and thus facilitates a non-gripping securement and grip-free manipulation of the buoyant body to produce resistance in a water exercising environment. For a hand manipulated buoyant body, the defined cavity is a rectangular shaped, tapered through-hole that dimensionally conforms to the tapered shape of a hand from finger tips to beyond the knuckles and part of the palm without including the thumb.

Abstract: A floating headrest is formed of a unitary member of expanded plastic such as polyethylene. The headrest includes two raised end sections, between which, the rider's head lays. The headrest includes a cylindrical hole bored from the forward surface to the rear surface to allow the insertion of other tubular flotation devices. The headrest is designed such that the center of buoyancy of the combined headrest, said tubular flotation device, and rider is significantly below the surface of the water, leaving the rider's head out of the water.

Abstract: A floating device, used as a floating chair, for supporting a user over a body of water and having three sections: first, second and third sections, where the second section includes two bays to cooperatively receive a user's legs when she or he sits down on it. The first section of the floating device includes handle members to hold and maneuver the floating member in the water, and a through opening with a transparent member rigidly mounted therein to permit the user to look through it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a pregnant user is disclosed comprising, in combination, a fixed support portion having a fixed configuration for supporting a portion of the user, and a variable support portion coupled to the fixed support portion and having a plurality of configurations for supporting a different abdominal portion of the user with each configuration of the plurality of configurations. The fixed support portion comprises a plurality of inter-connected, inflatable, tubular members. The variable support portion comprises a plurality of independent, concentric, inflatable, annular members attached to an independent, inflatable, cylindrical member. The variable support portion is in proximity to the abdomen of a user lying thereon, and the cylindrical member and the annular members are selectively inflated to conform comfortably to a protruding abdomen of a pregnant user. This support apparatus is especially useful as an air mattress and a floatation raft.

Abstract: Frames for flotation devices are described with integrally incorporated attachment sites for the air tight attachment of recycled plastic bottles, aluminum beverage cans, or other bouyant containers. Several embodiments of flotation devices made with such frames are described including floating mattresses, a raft, a baby seat, a bouy, a pool pillow, and a bumper. The devices discussed are easy to transport and to stow. Further, they are inexpensive and provide an incentive to recycle used bouyant bottles and cans for making the flotation devices of this invention.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress comprising a pair of exterior tubes longitudinally disposed in parallel on opposite sides of the mattress in combination with a plurality of parallel connected interior tubes smaller in diameter then the exterior tubes and in sufficient number and dimension to partially enwrap a human user reclining on the inflated mattress.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved floatation support comprising one or more buoyant flexible foam tubes having first and second ends. A sling having first and second sides is connected to the first and second ends of the foam tube(s) so that they may be retained in a U-shape so that a person can lie or sit on the sling. The sling is attached to the foam tube in such a way as to pull the two ends of the tube together. This creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the sling with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low center of gravity results because the weight of the user pulls down the center of the sling.

Abstract: A flotation device designed to support a person in a partially submerged position in a body of water includes a long narrow flexible main body member made of buoyant closed cell foam material. A first cylindrical float section, made of the same material, is attached to one end of the main body member. A second cylindrical section, also made of the same buoyant material, has a slot in it and slides over the second end of the main body member to frictionally engage the main body member to locate the second float section at various positions between the first and second ends of the main body member.

Abstract: An outdoor living apparatus includes: a shell having a mattress bag portion and a sleeping bag portion superimposed with each other; an inflatable mattress which may be normally embedded in the mattress bag portion of the shell to serve as a bed mattress adapted to be slept by a user sleeping in the sleeping bag portion superimposed on the mattress bag portion when the shell and the mattress are flattened, or may be removed from the mattress bag portion of the shell to serve as a swimming or beach mattress or as a life buoy in case of ship accidents; and a pair of convertible setting belts normally fastened to two opposite end portions of the shell to suspend the shell and the inflatable mattress filled in the shell between two fixtures or trees to be a hammock, or the two setting belts converted to be fastened to a right and a left side of a chair as folded from the hammock with flattened shell and mattress for seating purpose.

Abstract: A pool float (10) and method of joining a generally rectangular sheet (31) of netting and an elongated generally cylindrical flotation member (20) into the pool float (10) by forming sleeve segments from the sheet of netting (31) and deforming and captively engaging the flotation member (20) in a generally U-shaped configuration within the sleeve segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flotation platform engineered to permit aquatic based exercise routines in a conventional bathtub for fitness or rehabilitation, and an exercise method directed to total body strength with focus on stomach and back muscles without undue stress to the lower back, joints and disks of the user.

Abstract: Floating stretcher designed, in particular, for the recovery of injured persons at sea, of the type including a metallic framework (1) capable of being winched by a helicopter, supporting a panel (2) of composite material ensuring the buoyancy of the whole, characterized in that the panel (2) and the framework (1) are hinged (27, 6) in their median portion, so that the whole can be folded back on itself lengthwise.

Abstract: Floating stretcher, designed, in particular, for recovering injured persons at sea, of the type including a metallic framework (1) capable of being winched by helicopter and supporting a panel of composite material (2) ensuring the buoyancy of the whole, characterized in that the panel of composite material (2) is pivotably fixed to the front of the metallic framework (1) and in that means (25, 34) are provided for maintaining the said panel (2) either in a position inclined at a given angle in relation to the plane of the framework (1) and above the latter, or in the plane of the framework.

Abstract: A multipurpose floating pillow including an ellipse dish-like lower member having a spherical recess formed on its top surface for receiving an inflatable sac therein. A molded and resilient upper member covers and engages with the lower member. A container may be disposed in a recess formed on the bottom side of the lower member to receive, for example, a weight scale. Pads made of slightly rigid material may be disposed between the inflatable sac and the upper member. The resiliency and softness of the floating pillow can be adjusted through the inflation of the inflatable sac. The floating pillow will therefore not become deformed after long periods of use and may provide different functions on different occasions.

Abstract: A longitudinally extended float includes detachable longitudinal-side attachments for attaching to a substantially identical float. The attachments are connected to respective opposite first and second longitudinal sides of the floats. The attachments are made up of elongated profiles extending substantially parallel to respective opposite first and second sides of the float. Each of the profiles has a generally U-shaped cross-section with leg portions of unequal length, the unequal leg portions including a long leg and a short leg. The long leg is part of a back piece which is attached to a respective longitudinal side of the float, the long leg being connected to the short leg by a bottom portion of the U-shaped profile. The U-shaped profile has an open end opposite the bottom portion. The float attachments further include a fin adjacent the open end of the U-shaped profile which is substantially parallel to the bottom portion of the U-shaped profile.

Abstract: A float post (12, 12', 12") is shown having one end (14) receivable in a mounting stand (20) or directly into the bottom surface of a body of water and a second end (16) which mounts a storage locker 50 having a plurality of beverage container holders mounted thereto. A tether mounting device (36,80,90) is mounted adjacent the second end and receives one end of a tether (46,46') with the opposite end of the tether formed with a loop for reception on a foot or other body part of a person on a floatation device. The post may be unitary of may have a plurality of telescoping sections (70,72,74) to provide adjustable length.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for anchoring a flotation device includes a strap member having two ends. An attachment clamp is connected to one of the ends of the strap member, and has opposed clamp surfaces for clamping the flotation device. An anchoring device is fixed to the other end of the strap member.