Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.

Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.

Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.

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: A circular above-ground self-supporting pool, comprising a flexible and impervious pocket, the circular upper edge of which is provided with a buoyant inflatable annular hoop, wherein said inflatable hoop consists of several pneumatically independent inflatable annular chambers.

Abstract: A floating weir skimmer (1) with a pivoting flap (2) that can be fixed to a flexible wall (3) of an above-ground pool, comprising: a flexible pouch (4) with an open front face (7) that can be sealed to the exterior face of the flexible wall (3) to correspond with an opening (8) therein, and a removable rigid cassette (9) in the flexible pouch (4), with two side walls (10) frontally defining a water inlet (11) facing the opening (8) and at the bottom a water outlet (12), this cassette containing a pivoting floating flap (2) with its axle (13) fixed to the base of the side walls (10) near the inlet (11).

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 above-ground pool (1) having a protruding edge (3) and which can be covered with a cover (6): the folded cover, possibly enclosed in a bag (7) is anchored to a first location (P1); next, it is unfolded and drawn over the pool successively on either side thereof and it is successively anchored at two points (P2, P3) such that a line joining these two points is located at arm's length from a fourth point (P4) on the opposite side from the first point (P1); finally, it is drawn from the point (P4) where the lacing means (12) passing peripherally under the edge (3) are tied.

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: 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: 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: Quick coupling for a hose (4), comprising a tubular end fitting (2) which has an axial tapering surface (3) that can be pushed at least partially into the end of the hose (4); a clamping ring (5) mounted to rotate on the end fitting (3) and having, at its end facing the tapering surface, an axial opening (9) with a diameter that is between the extreme diameters of the tapering surface (3); and guide means (6, 8; 13, 14) provided on the end fitting (3) and on the ring (5), arranged so that rotation of the ring is accompanied by an axial movement thereof; by virtue of which, when the ring is tightened onto the end fitting, its axial movement along the tapering surface tightens it onto the said tapering surface with the end of the hose being tightened and locked against the tapering surface. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Inflatable objects such as (but not necessarily) chairs are disclosed. The objects may have enhanced stability for use in bodies of calm water such as swimming pools, including either or both of outrigger-style floats or pontoons and roll-up mattresses. Fittings, when present, may allow attachment and detachment of the pontoons and roll-up mattresses and connection of one inflatable object to one or more others.

Abstract: A water catchment device floating at the surface (19) of a basin comprising: a floating support (1) having a support base (3); and a skimmer (4) retained on the base (3) and comprising a skimmer body (5) which can be vertically displaced above the base (3), the skimmer body (5) having a base (7) which has at least one auxiliary passage (11) designed to be closed off by the base (3) when the skimmer body (5) is resting thereon, and a floating dish (13) which sits at the top of the skimmer body (5) during abnormal operation due to excessive buoyancy caused by inadequate filling with water, in which case the skimmer body becomes buoyant and rises above the base releasing the auxiliary passage (11) by which the water enters the skimmer body, from where it is pumped.

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: Inflatable mattress assemblies are disclosed. Typically including separately inflatable upper and lower components sealed one to the other, the assemblies nevertheless can create appearances of having been formed merely by laying each upper component atop the corresponding lower component. By incorporating inflatable frames around the central sections of each of the two components, the components may be sealed (welded) together at locations other than their extreme outer edges.