Patents by Inventor Richard A. Heaton

Richard A. Heaton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5323727
    Abstract: A first elongated buoyant float (20) and a second elongated buoyant float (40) are joined by a joining member (50) to form a substantially "V"-shaped frame. A propulsion unit (60) is pivotably mounted at the apex of the frame and can be controlled through a pistol grip (70) having a trigger (72). Participants in a guided group underwater tour can hold onto handrails (24) and (44) and be provided with air through regulators (32) provided through air hoses (30). The handrails (24) and (44) are preferably zig-zag in shape. Optionally, audio communications means can be provided to the tour participants. An alternative embodiment includes a "V" shaped frame (112) having zig-zag legs (112b) with two main floats (120, 140) and two outrigger floats (114, 116) at the ends of the legs. Another alternative embodiment comprises a "U" shaped float (202) with a handrail (224) that is guided with guiding fins (212).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Richard A. Heaton