Abstract: The present invention provides a triggering mechanism that utilizes stepped triggering of successively higher-pre-loaded, counterdirected, nested stages. The present invention thus presents a triggering mechanism whereby an input force of a first value can result in an actuation force of a second value. In the preferred embodiment, the second force is greater than the first force. The present invention is suitable for incorporation in any apparatus taking advantage of its ability to use an input force of a given magnitude and provide an actuation force of different magnitude. Such devices include, but are not limited to, those utilizing hydrostatic pressure for actuation of flotation, marking, and retrieval devices, devices actuated by barostatic, mechanical, and pneumatic pressure, and devices that trigger chemical (including pyrotechnic), electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic devices. There is theoretically no limit to the number of successive stages in the triggering mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: The drogue of the present invention induces drag for a plurality of underer tow lines. A tail section is axially movable within a nose section and extends partially therefrom. A tow line passes through the nose section and is coupled to the tail section. A rod is fixed to the nose section and extends through and axially away from the nose section into the tail section. A spring couples the nose section to the tail section such that the spring is placed in tension when the tail section and nose section are caused to move axially towards one another. In turn, the nose section and tail section are caused to move axially away from one another when the spring is allowed to relax. Drag wings mounted on the tail section are movable between a first minimal drag position and a second maximum position. Movement of an actuator mounted in the tail section causes corresponding movement of the drag wings between the first and second position.

Abstract: A mooring system for mooring boats (20). The mooring system (10) includes buoys (12, 13), tautlines (16), a gridline (14), and anchor assemblies (18). The buoys (12, 13 ) float vertically at spaced-apart locations and are interconnected by the tautlines (16) and the gridline (14), the tautlines (16) being connected to the tops of the buoys(12, 13), and the gridline(14) being connected to the bottoms of the buoys (12, 13). The anchor assemblies (18) are attached to selected buoys (12) and urge the buoys (12, 13) apart and maintain the tautlines (16) and the gridline (14) in a taut condition. The tautlines (16) are positioned above and parallel to the water surface (22) so that boats (20) can tie up along the length of the tautlines (16).

Abstract: A recreational floatation device rising to about the wearer's diaphragm fits over the wearer's stomach, buttocks and hips and about his or her waist and the tops of his or her legs. The device has front and rear sections carrying a substantially uniform layer of floatation material in an amount sufficient to float the wearer at about mid-chest height, a pad of floatation material extending from the wearer's waist through the crotch in both the front and rear sections.

Abstract: A fire fighting accessory for diverting the water flow generated by a jet propulsion system from the drive unit to a fire fighting implement, the accessory specifically designed to be attached to an existing drive system in a noninterfering relationship with the steering nozzle of the jet. The accessory may be mounted either downstream or upstream of the jet outlet and is controllable from within the vessel. In one embodiment, the accessory coupler is moved into and out of engagement with the drive unit. In an alternative embodiment, a valve system is used to direct water into either the jet outlet or the accessory coupler.

Abstract: A trim pin arrangement for an outboard motor wherein the trim pin apertures are disposed so as to extend substantially in a straight line to make the bracket more compact and also so that the trim pin will engage the swivel bracket at a different location depending upon which aperture it is received in so as to make more uniform the wear on the swivel bracket.

Abstract: A water sport safety device for use with generally planar water sport devices which float at or beneath the surface of a body of water when floating unattended. The water sport safety device consists of a buoyant marker assembly which is attached to the water sport device so as to extend upward above the surface of the water when the water sport device is floating unattended in the water. The extension of the buoyant marker assembly above the surface of the water provides a highly noticeable and visible mark for water skiers, boaters and other water sportsman to identify the unattended water sport device, increasing the safety accorded the aforementioned individuals and increasing the ability to find and recover unattended floating water sport devices.

Abstract: A handle for stabilizing a passenger riding in tandem with an operator of a vehicle has a tubular core made of soft rubber. The tubular core is surrounded by a pliable covering of foamed elastomeric material. A nylon strap extends through, and has an end portion projecting to either side of, the tubular core. The end portions of the strap are provided with snaps which allow the handle to be releasably connected to one or more belts worn by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is presented an underwater body and intake scoop, the underwater body aving a wall defining a major portion of the body, the wall being exposed to water during movement of the body through a water environment. The intake scoop includes a recess in the wall of the body, the recess having forward and aft edges extending substantially width-wise of the body and interconnected by generally length-wise extending side edges to form, in plan view, a multi-sided recess with the side and aft edges being rounded to facilitate reduction of turbulence and cavitation. A bottom surface of the recess slopes from the forward edge inwardly of the wall. The recess is in communication with a conduit extending to the interior of the body.

Abstract: Several embodiments of lubricating and breather systems for outboard motors that provide effective oil separation and which permits the blow-by gases to flow in a direction the same as the lubricant return to the lubricant tank so as to avoid flow restriction. The blow-by gases are then discharged to the atmosphere through a conduit that is separate from any of the lubricant return conduits. Oil separating arrangements are disclosed as are various positions for the oil separator including in the cam chamber of the engine or in the lubricant tank.

Abstract: A child- or infant-sized safety seat is disclosed with relatively horizontal seat and relatively vertical back support elements designed with flotation effecting materials sufficient to keep said child or infant at the water's surface and with critically positioned and apportioned (relative to the weight of the back and seat support elements and the anticipated weight of the child) counter-weight effecting materials to result in that portion of the vertical back support element supporting the child's head and shoulders well above the water's surface. The safety seat is preferably constructed by injecting a semi-rigid, resilient polyurethane foam into a die cast mold into which the weight materials have been pre-positioned to result in the up-righting of the safety seat at the water's surface, and the foam, upon rising and curing, forms around the weighted material to fix its position.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhauling a sail movably attached to a mast assembly including a mast base having a gripping assembly are disclosed. The sail is coupled to the gripping assembly by a downhaul line adapted to be held at varying points along its length by the gripping assembly to maintain a degree of tension on the sail. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a system base adapted to be removably secured to the mast base. A lever arm including a first portion coupled to the system base and adapted to be pivotably moveable to the system base and a second portion coupled to the first portion so that the lever arm has a relaxed configuration and an activated configuration is provided. With the lever arm in the relaxed configuration, the downhaul line passes between the first and second portions. With the lever arm in the activated configuration, the downhaul line located between the first and second portions is prevented from movement relative to the lever arm.

Abstract: Two embodiments of carrying handles that can be permanently connected to an outboard motor for carrying the outboard motor when not in use. In each embodiment the carrying handle is connected so that it extends in a generally vertical direction in normal condition of the outboard motor and which can be grasped by a user for carrying of the outboard motor at the user's side, with the user's wrist in a normal condition. The carrying handle is associated with a latching bracket that latches the lower end of the handle to the clamping bracket for the carrying operation.

Abstract: A unicycle for operation in water comprised of a frame having buoyancy pads disposed therein. The frame has a yoke portion. The yoke portion has a pair of extending arms. A hollow wheel has an intake opening formed through a central portion thereof. The hollow wheel has an impeller mechanism disposed therein. The hollow wheel has an exhaust pipe tangentially integral therewith extending outwardly therefrom. The hollow wheel is positioned between the pair of extending arms of the yoke portion. A pair of pedals rotatably couple the hollow wheel to the pair of extending arms of the yoke through the intake valve opening. A foam padded seat portion is secured to the frame.

Abstract: A jet drive for propelling a vessel has a rotatable impeller coupled to an engine. An impeller housing surrounds the impeller. A diffuser housing and a nozzle housing are attached to the impeller housing, which is supported by a transom. An intake duct is disposed in front of the impeller housing. The intake duct has an intake opening, the perimeter of which is defined by a forward edge portion substantially flush and a rear edge portion raised relative to the remainder of the edge, which is substantially parallel to the perimeter to the forward edge. A sloped surface connects the raised rear edge and the lowest point of the transom. The intake duct has a forward facing separator baffle depending from and substantially parallel to the wall and disposed interiorly thereof. The space defined between the separator baffle and the wall is in fluid communication through at least one discharge duct to either one of the transom and bottom.

Abstract: A lightweight vehicle which is operational on water, mud, marshy areas and other ground surfaces which includes a raised main frame upon which controls are provided for independently rotating at least one pair of drive drums which are mounted on opposite sides of the main frame. The drive drums are of a hollow cylindrical configuration and of a size to provide sufficient buoyancy to allow the vehicle to float on water. Each drive drum is provided with a spiral flute for developing propulsion and is driven by one or more hydraulic motors mounted axially with respect to the drum. Cutter bars are mounted to the frame and extend toward the ends of the drums to prevent debris interference with the drive shafts or bearings on which the drums are mounted.

Abstract: In a marine propulsor which includes an electric motor with a rotor, a bearing assembly supporting the rotor, and a plurality of propulsor blades and a blade assembly driven by the motor, improved cooling/lubricating system includes an inlet through which coolant/lubricant is supplied to the bearing assembly and the motor, a passage communicating with the inlet through which the coolant/lubricant flows, and an outlet located adjacent the trailing edge of the blade assembly through which the coolant/lubricant is expelled, whereby the expulsion of coolant/lubricant through the outlet provides additional forward thrust to the propulsor. The outlet may be located in the blade hub of the blade assembly or, alternatively, the outlet may comprise a plurality of holes located in the trailing edges of the blades of the blade assembly.

Abstract: A hand operated remote control station for marine trolling motors. The hand operated remote control station enhances or replaces existing remote foot control stations for trolling motors. The remote hand control station is a totally adjustable, noncorrosive, telescoping steering shaft on which are placed the electric controls to remotely operate a trolling motor, such as power switches and speed control devices.

Abstract: A windshield for providing protection against wind and water spray for a driver and passengers in open boats of the type having a spaced apart driver's console and passenger's console, the windshield having a first and second panel operably attached to the boat floor situated between the two consoles, rising vertically upward to deflect wind and water spray. The two panels are held together at an angle by a centrally located hinge and secured to the floor of the boat by flexible holding members, the panels further secured by attachment to the consoles through additional flexible holding members attached to the upright sides of the panels. An alternate embodiment provides additional curved windshields attached to the first and second panels which are also attached to and residing above the driver and passenger's consoles respectfully.

Abstract: Twin-hulled boats such as SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) boats are designed and built to be so dimensioned as to fit transportably and removably atop the sidewalls of the open bodies or beds of various vehicles such as pickup trucks, trailers and the like. The horizontal deck and substantially solid hulls or struts of the boat provide a cover, closure or "cap" for the truck bed while installed. Such boats can be easily removed from the truck bed for use or storage. In one embodiment, the twin hulls have a cross section which is a hybrid of the relatively wide, shallow hulls of a catamaran and the narrow, deep struts attached to the lower flotation hulls of a SWATH boat. In the SWATH embodiment, the flotation hulls can be removed for separate transport, the struts themselves being secured atop the sidewalls, or the hulls can be left installed and themselves secured to said sidewalls.