Abstract: A frame for a top of a boat that can be moved between a deployed position and a collapsed position with the aid of an articulated top assist mechanism such that the manual effort required to move the top between the collapsed position and deployed position is minimized or eliminated. The articulated top assist mechanism has a torque hub attached to a frame element of the top and a spring that applies torque to the hub by a strap attached to the hub and the spring.

Abstract: A frame for a top of a boat that can be moved between a deployed position and a collapsed position with the aid of an articulated top assist mechanism such that the manual effort required to move the top between the collapsed position and deployed position is minimized or eliminated. The articulated top assist mechanism has a torque hub attached to a frame element of the top and a spring that applies torque to the hub by a strap attached to the hub and the spring.

Abstract: The resilient snap connector system includes a resilient connector strap selectively coupled to a first connector and a second connector spaced from the first connector to form a bridged connection between the first and second connectors. In a typical use, the first connector is fixed to a deformable object, such as a tarp, and the second connector is fixed to another object, such as a hull. The resilient connector strap enables connection between the objects when the separation distance may be too long for normal engagement of the connectors by stretching to accommodate the separation. A pull tab is provided on the resilient connector strap to assist in the stretching and coupling.

Abstract: The method of generating a virtual design environment combines on-site geographic information with images of a geographic area to generate an editable, virtual design environment for construction planning, landscaping or the like. A set of geographical coordinates associated with a path followed by a mobile device as the mobile device is transported through a selected geographic region are recorded. An augmented three-dimensional image is then displayed to the user, including a three-dimensional image of the geographic region with a visual representation of the path overlaid thereon. The three-dimensional image of the selected geographic region may be any suitable background image, such as a generic background image, a generic flat surface, a pre-recorded image of the geographic region or an image made on-site. The augmented three-dimensional image may then be edited by adding at least one selected design element thereto using the visual representation of the path as a geographical reference.

Abstract: The resilient snap connector system includes a resilient connector strap selectively coupled to a first connector and a second connector spaced from the first connector to form a bridged connection between the first and second connectors. In a typical use, the first connector is fixed to a deformable object, such as a tarp, and the second connector is fixed to another object, such as a hull. The resilient connector strap enables connection between the objects when the separation distance may be too long for normal engagement of the connectors by stretching to accommodate the separation. A pull tab is provided on the resilient connector strap to assist in the stretching and coupling.

Abstract: A barrier system including a plurality of buoyant members, at least some of the plurality of buoyant members having a heat-resistant core, a median layer thrilled on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, and an antistatic layer formed on an outer surface of the median layer, wherein at least some of the plurality buoyant members are configured for adhering to other buoyant members.

Abstract: A barrier suitable for use in building construction materials. The barrier is formed from a plurality of members. Each member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer.

Abstract: A barrier system including a plurality of buoyant members, at least some of the plurality of buoyant members having a heat-resistant core, a median layer thrilled on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, and an antistatic layer formed on an outer surface of the median layer, wherein at least some of the plurality buoyant members are configured for adhering to other buoyant members.

Abstract: A vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel, or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer, and an adhesive layer on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.

Abstract: A vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel, or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer, and an adhesive layer on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.

Abstract: The vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, and an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.

Abstract: The vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, and an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.