Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheeled frame and sidewalls with a cockpit therein. A top is provided having a perimeter contoured for engaging a sidewall perimeter in a closed position and providing a canopy for the cargo/living space in an open position. Linear actuators are provided for moving the top between the open and closed positions along with a motor mechanism for operating the linear actuation. A panel moveably attached to the top enables operator entry and exit from the vehicle with the top in the closed position through an access provided by the panel.

Abstract: A self-sealing gasket is suitable for sealing a curved object to a surface. The gasket includes a pair of side rails and a support panel between the side rails. Respective top portions of the side rails extend above the support panel to define an object receiving channel on an upper side of the gasket. Respective bottom portions of the side rails extend below the support panel to define a deflection cavity on a lower side of the gasket. The gasket is formed of a flexible material such that when the curved object is received in the object receiving channel and the curved object and gasket are fixed to the surface, the top portions of the side rails deflect inward to seal the curved object. By virtue of material deflection, a dense material may be used for the gasket while maintaining flexibility.

Abstract: A hardtop for a boat including a windshield with an movable portion and a roof with a movable cover. The windshield includes an opening when the movable portion is in an open position and the roof includes a opening extending rearward from a front edge when the cover is in an open position. The opening in the windshield and the roof are generally aligned to define a pass-through. The forward edge of the opening portion of the roof is displaced rearward from the front edge of the roof when open and may be generally aligned with the front edge of the roof when closed. A boat including a hardtop with an opening windshield and roof.

Abstract: The present embodiments of the invention generally relate to a watercraft recovery device and method. The watercraft recovery method provides for operatively releasing an anchor from a watercraft, starting the watercraft, and steering the watercraft. The watercraft recovery device allows fisherman or other users to wade away from the boat and to recover the watercraft without re-navigating the water to return to the watercraft. This will help to ensure that fisherman or other users can quickly recover their boat in the case of an unexpected storm that makes the water conditions unsafe.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversion control device including a housing for a stationary vane and a flapper. In one example, the housing includes an expansion chamber to house the stationary vane and the flapper.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting debris from a propeller includes a spool securable to the propeller or a propeller shaft so as to rotate with the propeller. The cutting apparatus further includes a cutter oriented to pare debris from the spool. In use, debris snagged by the propeller is wound onto the spool, whereupon the debris is cut away from the spool by the cutter.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a kit for converting an elongated flexible noodle-type personal floatation device into a floating exercise assembly. Specifically, the rider straddles the flexible noodle-type device while rotating the first exercising assembly and/or the second exercising assembly for exercising the user's lower and upper body, respectively.

Abstract: A rowing shoe system for use by a rower in a racing boat has a footboard adapted to be secured in a boat, a pair of shoe liners and a pair of shoe shells. The pair of shoe liners are sized to receive the feet of a rower, are made out of anti-microbial material, and have a flexible exterior surface and a flexible interior surface configured to fit over substantially the entire foot of the rower. The pair of shoe shells are detachably securable to the footboard in a rowing position and have an interior sized to receive the flexible shoe liners. The shoe shells have openings therein to ventilate the rower's feet, and the shoe liners are removable from the shoe shells. The rowing shoe system may include a plurality of pairs of shoe liners of different foot sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating structure comprising at least a closed space (10), a hull in the shape of a concrete cofferdam (12) having an external delimiting surface intended to be exposed to surrounding water, and a function for heating of the space comprising a heat pump connected to a closed circuit for circulating heat transport medium. At least one collector hose (14) for the circulating heat transport medium is provided in recesses in the concrete such that the cross section of the collector hose is located entirely within an outer outline of the cofferdam, whereby heat from surrounding water is absorbed by the collector hose and used for heating of the space. The invention also relates to a method of moulding a concrete cofferdam (12) adapted to be a hull of a floating structure.

Abstract: The watercraft dry storage assembly includes two generally cylindrical bladders that are inflated to lift a boat from the water and hold the hull in a raised position. Each bladder is made from a scrim encased in a flexible plastic. The scrim is substantially non-stretchable. Air fills the bladders until each inch of bladder material is tensioned in a direction parallel to a long axis of the bladder by a force of at least 5 pounds and in a transverse direction by a force of at least 10 pounds. A plurality of straps encircle each bladder. Rings on the ends of each strap are connected by coupler assemblies to secure both bladders together. The straps are attached to the bladders in selected positions along the length of the bladders.

Abstract: A boat has a hull and a deck supported by the hull. The deck has a rearward passenger area. A seat is disposed in the rearward passenger area. A first console is disposed on the deck at a front of the rearward passenger area and forwardly of the seat. The first console has a top. A first windshield is disposed generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the boat. The first windshield is movable between a first position where the first windshield extends a first distance vertically above the top of the first console and a second position where at least a portion of the first windshield extends a second distance vertically below the top of the first console. When the first windshield is in the second position the at least one portion of the first windshield is in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A hidden marine windshield mounting system and method, utilizing a cooperative pair of elongated base members, longitudinally extending around the front of and fastened to a marine vessel deck. The two elongated base members cooperatively interlock with one another to form a single windshield mounting base unit, having a substantially vertically erect windshield receiving area for adhesion of most usually, curved windshield tempered glass. Mounted onto the top of the curved windshield glass is an elongated trim member, which may come into contact at its ends, with the ends of the base member pair. The base member pair can be forcibly separable from one another after stretch forming for assembly, installation and for glass replacement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a float tube carrier comprised of a support member and one or more pairs of arms extending from said support member and capable of securing one or more float tubes. Alternatively, the support member comprises a mount arm capable of securing to a vehicle, and a rotatable and removable support member connecting to said mount arm through a locking swivel. The support member may also comprise a generally 1-shaped mount arm capable of securing to a hitch, and having a locking swivel for removably connecting to the mount arm or, a generally I-shaped support member with a locking swivel for removably connecting to the mount arm. The carrier further comprises a first and second pair of arm members with a locking pivot operatively engaging a support member and, a first and second locking bar for securing one or more float tubes.

Abstract: A seismic survey system includes a winch having a winch cable coupleable to a source array towable between two deflected lead-ins, a positioning system for determining a current position of the source array and a controller for adjusting the winch to modify the current position of the source array to a desired crossline position. The winches may be attached to the deflected lead-ins or mounted on a tow vessel. The winches exert lateral forces on the source array, derived from the deflected lead-ins, to control the inline position of the source array. A method includes positioning a seismic source array in tow behind a vessel comprises determining a current position of the source array and adjusting a lateral force applied to the source array to move the source array to a desired crossline position. Optionally, by adjusting the gun cable winch, the inline position may be controlled.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (32) having a transverse mid- or rear-mounted engine (12) arranged to drive rear road wheels (30) and/or through an axial transmission (37), a marine propulsion unit (38), in which the engine (12) is so mounted in relation to the transmission (37) to the marine propulsion unit (38) that the bottom (8) of the engine is below the axis (37) of the transmission. This ensures an advantageous metacentric height which is preferably between 370 and 180 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for rescue of victims trapped in a body of water is disclosed. The invention utilizes a conventional fire hose as the main component of the invention. One end of the hose is capped with a retrieval end comprising a solid cap with a swivel based tether. The end is also provided with a pair of removable rudders which aid in the guiding have said apparatus in a controlled manner through the water. The opposite end of the fire hose is capped with a pressurizing mechanism that allows for the inflation and deflation of the fire hose. When inflated, the preferred embodiment floats upon the water surface thus providing for simplified water rescues. The invention is also envisioned as providing simplified ice rescues as well. The use of the present invention provides a greatly simplified method of water rescue which not only provides for quicker rescues for victims, but increased safety for rescue personnel as well.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a bracket assembly that has a swivel bracket carrying a drive unit for pivotal movement about a steering axis that extends generally vertically. The swivel bracket has a tubular section that extends generally vertically. The drive unit has a steering member that includes a steering shaft section extending through the tubular section and defining the steering axis. The steering shaft section has top and bottom portions out of the tubular section. The steering shaft section further has an upper portion below the top portion within the tubular section, and a lower portion above the bottom portion within the tubular section. The tubular section has upper, lower and middle bushings. The upper and lower bushings pivotally support the upper and lower portions, respectively. The middle bushing pivotally supports a middle portion of the steering shaft section between the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating leisure platform with a heating device (A) for food and a seating facility (14) for one or several people.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wireless control system including: a directional control system responsive to a directional command signal for steering a watercraft, the directional control system including a rudder position sensor to measure and transmit a rudder position signal, and a helm control system responsive to a helm command signal for receiving a directional input to a helm control unit from an operator, the helm control system including a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal to a master control unit in operable communication with the helm control system and the directional control system; the master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the helm position signal; and wherein the helm control unit wirelessly communicates with the helm control system.

Abstract: A hard shell cover hunting blind for a boat that may be left on while transporting the boat to the water. The shell has an open back that allows full visibility when moving. A camouflage covering is secured to a hoop in the back that can be quickly dropped down. Two large clamshell doors are placed in the front. The shell has a sliding door that opens up the sides of the blind. This provides easy access into and out of the boat as well as for placing decoys, etc. In addition, there is a curved top that is mounted on slides. This top can be pulled to either side to provide a full 360° filed of vision and a large shooting port. No tools are needed to operate the system of doors or to remove and install the clamshell front pieces.