Abstract: An expansion deck system for vessels includes a frame assembly for positioning between a stationary floor of a vessel and a plurality of pontoons of the vessel. The frame assembly including a first side with a first elongated opening, and a second side with a second elongated opening. One or more sliding deck members are telescopically connected to the frame assembly by one or more sliding rails and transition between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position the one or more sliding deck members are positioned between the floor and pontoons of the vessel, and in the extended position the one or more sliding deck members are positioned alongside the frame assembly.

Abstract: A device for pivoting a navigation light and methods that use the device can include a mount assembly with an attachment for attaching the device to a structure. A pivot assembly can be supported by the mount assembly, with the pivot assembly configured to pivot the navigation light to one or more operating, service, or hold positions. A brake pin with an end sized and shaped to fit within an indentation of a disc of the pivot assembly can secure the pivot assembly against rotation when the second end is accommodated by the indentation.

Abstract: A method of stowing a boat is disclosed. The boat may include three hull segments, namely a first hull segment, a second hull segment, and a third hull segment. The third hull segment may form the bow of the boat. The method may include separating the third hull segment from the other hull segments. Thereafter, one of the first hull segment and the second hull segment may be pivoted and inverted over onto the other such that the first hull segment and the second hull segment collectively form a clamshell enclosure. The relative sizing of the first, second, and third hull segments may be such that the third hull segment may be stored within an interior volume of the enclosure.

Abstract: A foldable canoe comprising includes: a gunwale formed around the hull, the hull formed of an elongate sheet of synthetic material having multiple folds including at least one longitudinal and one or more horizontal folds, with the hull configured to be folded into a stored configuration along the folds of the elongate sheet; one or more ribs installed across a width of the hull; and a gunwale cap formed of a plurality of adjoining gunwale sections, wherein each of the plurality of adjoining gunwale sections is removably secured to adjacent gunwale sections. In a deployed configuration the plurality of adjoining gunwale sections are joined such that the gunwale cap maintains a shape of the gunwale of the hull, and wherein in a stored configuration the plurality of adjoining gunwale sections are separated such that the gunwale cap is folded into a stowed configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved boat tower hinge which supports a boat tower for use in supporting tow lines used for towing skiers or the like. The hinge can support a boat tower in a raised position while allowing the tower to be swung to a lowered rest position. In the raised tower position the hinge wedges an elongated tongue with polymer sides into an elongated groove having polymer locking inserts to reduce the side-to-side motion of the tower.

Abstract: A watertight foldable system comprises a watertight panel in which folds have been made such that the panel may be folded from a flat state into an open-top watercraft such as for example a canoe. The panel comprises a set of folds such that the watercraft, after it has been folded into watercraft, has a bottom having a flat profile in longitudinal direction or having a convex profile relative to the watercraft.

Abstract: A retractable pontoon boat has a deck, a starboard pontoon and a port pontoon, a center beam coupled to the underside of the deck and running substantially from bow to stern, a plurality of pivoting arms coupling the pontoons to the center beam, a plurality of bearings interposed between the deck and the pivoting arms, and one or more linear actuators for actuating the pivoting arms; wherein, in a first, retracted position, the pontoons are substantially underneath the deck; and wherein, in a second, extended position, the pontoons are substantially extended from underneath the deck.

Abstract: An object that can be towed in a fluid by a cable along a substantially horizontal transport axis comprises a body suspended under gravity from the cable by a fixing arm, and an exterior hydrodynamic surface that is symmetric with respect to a vertical plane containing the transport axis, so as to limit the lateral lift of the body, and an opening passing through the body along a vertical axis and configured to equalize the pressures of fluid flowing along the exterior surface, making it possible to limit the hydrodynamic forces that may be generated perpendicular to the transport axis giving rise to a force in rotation about the transport axis opposing the effect of gravity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable canoe. More particularly, the foldable canoe is configured such that it is constructed by folding a single synthetic resin sheet along a folding line without using a separate structural frame, and after the use of the canoe, the synthetic resin sheet can be completely folded along the folding line to form a compact shape, thus reducing the volume and length of the canoe, thereby facilitating transportation and storage of the canoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bicycle for water and land including: a first floating means, which is provided on and rotates with a front wheel frame that rotates in conjunction with a handlebar, for unfolding on both sides by means of buoyancy to buoy the front wheel frame when entering water; a second floating means, which is provided on a rear wheel frame, for unfolding on both sides by means of buoyancy to buoy the rear wheel frame when entering water; and propellers, which are provided on a plurality of spokes that are installed on the rear wheel frame so that the surfaces face the direction in which the rear wheel rotates, for generating propelling force in water.

Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed herein. The vehicle system includes first and second shell members, each extending along respective first and second axes between respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member also includes respective hull walls extending along the respective axes, interconnecting the respective stern ends and junction ends. Each shell member defines respective volumes of space accessible through respective perimeters. The vehicle system also includes a first hinge assembly interconnecting the first shell member and the second shell member. The first hinge assembly is mounted to the first junction end and to the second junction end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage unit that converts into a boat. The storage unit can store emergency or other supplies as well as components for quickly converting the storage unit into a boat. The compact design of the storage unit allows it to be stored in many different locations including inside or outside a home, business, institution, church, or other buildings, and above or below ground such as on a deck or patio, in a shed, garage, or basement, etc. where it can be quickly accessed and converted into the boat. The storage unit is further convertible into a cart using the components for converting the storage unit into the boat.

Abstract: A hinge connector for connecting adjoining floating dock sections formed from a pair of hinge halves. Each hinge half has a top flat surface, a downwardly directed leg having a lower leg portion. A plurality of hinge knuckle loops is formed on each leaf and hinge pin sleeve sections are fastened therein. When the two hinge leaves are brought together with their respective hinge knuckle loops/hinge pin sleeve sections interleaved and aligned, a hinge pin is inserted axially through the hinge pin sleeve sections, the two hinge halves are each free to rotate around the hinge pin. An orthogonal relationship exists between the top flat surface and the lower leg portion of the downwardly directed leg portion. This allows the floating dock hinge to be connected to both a horizontal surface such as the top deck of a floating and a vertical surface such as the edge of a floating dock module to maximize the strength of the hinged joint between modules.

Abstract: A boat comprising a two-piece construction which consequently conserves space during storage and transportation is herein disclosed. The apparatus splits in half to allow the forward half hull to be stored within the aft half hull portion. When joined, the apparatus appears and performs as a conventional small one-piece flat boat. Each half hull portion resembles a conventional shape; however comprises an additional centrally-located bulkhead portion, thereby forming a pair of completely watertight half hulls. Said half hulls are then attached securely via mating features and locking pins to form a rigid boat structure.

Abstract: A folding boat includes a pair of stringer tube assemblies arranged for extending longitudinally when assembled and the stringer tubes of each pair of the assemblies connected by hinges to respective adjacent stringer tubes at the hinges. The stringer tubes assemblies are received within a waterproof skin. Frame members or butterfly frame members serve to connect to the assemblies of the stringer tubes within the skin to provide a frame for the waterproof skin. Fabric inflatable tubes are located within the skin, each having a seam for having the assembled stringer tubes assemblies nestled within when assembled in the frame.

Abstract: A hinged, foldable work platform that may be mounted on the deck of a vessel such as lift boat or type of work boat is described. The platform has a support frame and a work deck frame pivotally mounted to each other. When not in use, the work deck frame is pivotally folded for storage upon the support frame. When the work platform is required, the vessel is positioned at a desired location and the work platform is deployed by pivoting the work deck frame from the support frame and unfolded so that the work deck frame extends from the side of the vessel to a work area away from the vessel.

Abstract: A folding boat with at least two foldable horizontal frames each comprising at least two foldably connected sections a frame. Said sections comprise two longitudinal rails connected by a plurality of transverse members and at least one swivelly foldable guard rail with releasable locking means. Said longitudinal rails comprise internal and external longitudinal groves, where said internal longitudinal grooves hold a plurality of removable and stackable floats. Said floats can be equipped with at least two fins attached to the bottom of said floats for attachment of boat launching wheels. One of said horizontal transverse has two front guard rails equipped with a guiding channels supporting a slideable frame of climbing step, where said frame is slideably movable between an upper retracted position acting as a guide rail and said frame being moved to lower position provides convenient position of the climbing step.

Abstract: A towing apparatus comprises a structural assembly extending between opposing first and second bases for pivoting between operating and stored positions. A locking assembly includes a pin in each base and a hook carried at opposing ends of the structural assembly. A cam is pivotally connected to the hook for movement between locked and released positions. In the locked position, the hook is secured to the pin for preventing rotation of the structural assembly. In the released position, the hook is spaced from the pin to permit rotation of the structural assembly. The hook is rotatable with the cam from the released position to adjacent the pin by rotation of a shaft and slidable along the pin into the locking position by a continued shaft rotation. A cable is attached between the base and a spring within the structural assembly for biasing the structural assembly toward the operating position.

Abstract: A folding boat includes a pair of stringer tube assemblies arranged for extending longitudinally when assembled and the stringer tubes of each pair of the assemblies connected by hinges to respective adjacent stringer tubes at the hinges. The stringer tubes assemblies are received within a waterproof skin. Frame members or butterfly frame members serve to connect to the assemblies of the stringer tubes within the skin to provide a frame for the waterproof skin. Fabric inflatable tubes are located within the skin, each having a seam for having the assembled stringer tubes assemblies nestled within when assembled in the frame.

Abstract: A foot-steered, split-construction watercraft adjustable to accommodate users of different heights and compactable into a transport configuration and having a reversible bow with different leading hull geometries for accommodating different water conditions.

Abstract: A folding boat (11) with at least two foldable horizontal frames (12) each comprising at least two fold ably connected sections secured to each other by releasable locking means (24) and equipped with at least one foldable guard rail (26). Said frames (12) are connected by a plurality of removable horizontal transverse beams (34) supporting deck sheets (44) and are secured to the frames (12) by releasable locking means (38), said frames (12) hold a plurality of removable and stackable floats and said deck sheets (44). Said floats can be three types of configurations: for individual installation, paired mirror oriented installation or combination of the intermediate and the end floats forming a continuous hull. Said floats are equipped with removable and stackable gasketted watertight covers (48) and with a removable stiffening elements (80) installed inside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in the form of a transformable craft (1). It consists of two or three sections held together, a middle part (10) and one or two end parts (stem and stem) (8, 9). When a so-called “Container & Boat”™ forms a boat, the end parts (8, 9) constitute an extension of the middle part (10). The end parts (8, 9) can be turned up 180° and be fitted into spaces intended therefor on the middle part (10). The result becomes a container (C). Container fittings (4) are placed in the corners underneath the middle part (10), while the end parts (8, 9) are provided with two container fittings (5) each. When a C & B is a boat and the end parts (8, 9) are lowered, the container fittings thereof are in the bottom. When a C & B is a container and the end parts (8, 9) are raised, the container fittings (5) thereof are on the topside.

Abstract: The Folding Boat is made from three interlocking sections that can be folded into a barrel shape. The user can roll the folded boat hull in order to transport it between uses. The three hull sections nest together within the barrel shape when the boat is collapsed, but are positionable to form a boat hull when unfolded. In order to provide additional stability, the boat may have outrigger assemblies that also fold into the hull sections when the boat is collapsed. A sailboat version of the folding boat is also available.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a small boat (kayak or hybrid kayak-canoe) made in a plurality of nesting sections. It is covered with a waterproof fabric cover, incorporating a stabilizing and flexible keel sewn into it. The boat also has a releasably attachable and flexible coaming.

Abstract: A collapsible boat hull comprises a pair of bottom panels and a pair of side panels, connected by continuous hinges. Erection of the boat causes a fore portion of the bottom panels to curve upwards, and fore portions of the side panels to curve inwards. The boat also includes a V-shaped rear seat, which acts to transfer force and vibration from a rearwardly mounted outboard motor to the side walls of the boat. The boat is braced between its seats and the hull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in the form of a transformable craft (1). It consists of two or three sections held together, a middle part (10) and one or two end parts (stem and stem) (8, 9). When a so-called “Container & Boat”™ forms a boat, the end parts (8, 9) constitute an extension of the middle part (10). The end parts (8, 9) can be turned up 180° and be fitted into spaces intended therefor on the middle part (10). The result becomes a container (C). Container fittings (4) are placed in the corners underneath the middle part (10), while the end parts (8, 9) are provided with two container fittings (5) each. When a C & B is a boat and the end parts (8, 9) are lowered, the container fittings thereof are in the bottom. When a C & B is a container and the end parts (8, 9) are raised, the container fittings (5) thereof are on the topside.

Abstract: A folding boat can comprise a forward hull portion provided by a first molded plastic shell, an aft hull portion provided by a second molded plastic shell, a sprayskirt detachably attached to the forward hull portion, and a waterproof joint detachably attached to the cockpit end of the forward hull portion cockpit and to the cockpit end of the aft hull portion. The boat can be in an assembled state or in a folded state.

Abstract: An apparatus with two configurations: a deployed configuration forming a watercraft that floats in water and a folded configuration that allows for transport of the apparatus. The apparatus includes multiple modules. One module is a planar sheet of corrugated material with a plurality of joints that allow the sheet to assume the shape of a hull when in the deployed configuration and to assume a box-shape when in the folded configuration. Another module is a paddle assembly that is releaseably connected to a pair of sidewalls when the sheet is in the deployed configuration. The paddle assembly is foldable such that it fits within the box-shape when the sheet is in the folded configuration. The planar sheet is foldable around a plurality of joints or hinges that are configured to fold two ways, thereby allowing the sheet to assume the two configurations.

Abstract: An application for a boat tower load relief system includes a boat tower support post connected to a receptacle for the boat tower support post by a hinge. The boat tower load relief system includes a torsion spring with a first end, a first winding, a central bend, a second winding and a second end. The central bend pushes on a boat tower support post section of the hinge and the first end and the second end of the torsion spring push on a support plate which is attached to the receptacle for the boat tower post.

Abstract: The folding boat includes bow and stern members made up of a pair of tubes connectable to each other through a pin mechanism. A polarity of chines extend the length of the boat and are made up of connected tubes which can be disconnected amidships. Cockpit tubes serve to define a cockpit region and are interconnected by hinges and by pin clips to allow folding along two axis approximating one-forth of its assembled size.

Abstract: A foldable boat comprises a first hull segment, a second hull segment and a hinge assembly connected between the first hull segment and the second hull segment. The hinge assembly enables the hull segments to be moved between an open configuration thereby jointly providing a boat hull usable for boating functionality and a closed configuration wherein a storage space is defined between the two hull segments.

Abstract: A bi-fold dinghy, which is foldable from front to back, is being claimed in this application. It will be easily stowed and transported on the back of a sailboat or other vessel like the traditional dinghy. It will allow individuals to get to and from the boat and ashore while also economizing space but having all the safety features of a dinghy.

Abstract: A pontoon usable for supporting a load, the pontoon being towable on land and usable on water to support the load thereonto. The pontoon includes a hinge; a first platform attached to the hinge, said first platform including a first substantially buoyant body extending therefrom; a second platform attached to said hinge so that the first and second platforms are hingedly attached to each other, the second platform including a second substantially buoyant body extending therefrom; a first and a second wheel respectively reversibly attachable to the first and second platforms respectively substantially adjacent the first and second buoyant bodies; the first and second platforms being movable between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration wherein in the folded configuration, the pontoon is usable on water to support the load and in the folded configuration, the pontoon is towable on land.

Abstract: A boat having inflatable pontoons connected therewith by rotatable support assemblies is described. The structure is capable of collapsing to a small size for transport on a trailer, but provides a wide base for stable operation when deployed on water. A foldable deck assembly provides an expanded deck surface and further enhances stability of the boat when in use on water.

Abstract: A folding boat (11) with at least two foldable horizontal frames (12) each comprising at least two fold ably connected sections (12A), (12B) in one said frame (12) and (12C), (12D) in another said frame (12). Said sections are attached to each other by a transverse swivel joint (22) on one side and by releasable locking means (24) on another side. Said sections comprise two longitudinal rails (14) connected by a plurality of transverse members (16) and at least one swivelly foldable guard rail (26) with releasable locking means (32). Said longitudinal rails comprise internal (20) and external (18) longitudinal groves, where said internal longitudinal grooves hold a plurality of removable and stackable floats (46) with gasketted covers (48).

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft for personal recreation. The collapsible watercraft includes a tubular frame that has a first portion and a second portion. Each of the portions are generally rectangular and are hingably coupled together allowing them to be folded one portion on top of the other. Two sets of pairs of floatation members are hingably mounted to the frame and are positionable between being adjacent the outer side of the frame for use, and adjacent the inner side of the frame for storage or transit. A human-powered oscillation of a fin member propels the craft. The fin member also serves as a rudder for steering. A foldable seat with a backrest along with a cargo net behind the seat is provided. A canopy is mountable to the frame for protection of the user from the elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable footer. The hinge assembly has two members that pivot about a pivot point. At least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engages a corresponding opening in one member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation. The releasable footer has a bolt that engages an opening, thereby locking a releasable member to the footer body.

Abstract: A towing system, especially useful in wake boarding is described. Using a beam mounted to a tower and a carriage that travels over the beam, a towline attached to the carriage of one variation of the system offers a rider more air time and eliminates certain burdens created with the towline/rope. Further, more room to gain speed and set up for the wake jump, more air and natural feeling during the air time due to the elimination of rope tightening otherwise experienced. A number of other possible system variations and options in addition to the basic beam and carriage configuration are also disclosed. Preferably, the beam and carriage are configured to offer a virtual pivot point for the tow rope that is pushed forward of where the beam is mounted.

Abstract: A folding boat is disclosed comprising a deck, a plurality of safety fences and a plurality of pontoons. The deck floor is composed of a plurality of various deck sections that are pivotally hinged to each other so that they form a common coplanar deck flooring for use in the operational mode of the folding boat. The plurality of various deck sections can be easily folded into a substantially compact configuration so that the folded boat can be conveniently stored and easily transported. Floatation of the folding boat is provided by a plurality of pontoons attached to some of the deck panels that make up the common coplanar floor. The folding boat further comprises a safety fence composed along the starboard and port sides.

Abstract: A folding rigid boat for routine and emergency use by occupants as an auxiliary watercraft and including complementary rigid bow and rigid stern sections joined together along respective mating edges to form a hull, complementary rigid hinge elements cooperating together to form a centrally-disposed joint pivotally connecting the bow and stern sections along a port-to-starboard axis in vertically spaced-apart relation to the bottom of the hull for permitting the bow and stern sections to be folded onto themselves into a storage configuration and away from each other along the joint into an unfolded use configuration. Flexible topsides are secured to the hull along at least port and starboard sides of the hull for providing an upwardly-extending freeboard to the hull when the boat is in the unfolded use configuration. The topsides are unconnected to and independent of the rigid hinge elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a boat tower, including a hinge assembly and a releasable footer. The hinge assembly has two members that pivot about a pivot point. At least one spring loaded bolt, or locking pin, engages a corresponding opening in one member, thereby locking the two members in fixed relation. The releasable footer has a bolt that engages an opening, thereby locking a releasable member to the footer body.

Abstract: A hunting accessory comprises a pair of essentially identical shells which are removably attachable to one another by hinges. At least one shell comprises an unbroken, continuous, waterproof hull useful as the lower portion of a blind in water or marshy areas. A second shell may include a separate openable portion with viewing openings disposed over the hunter's head and upper body when the assembly is used as a blind with a supine hunter concealed therein. The smaller portion is opened when the hunter has a shot at game in the vicinity. The device may also be used for the carriage of hunting equipment, and/or is useful as a closed container for containing and hauling loose materials (leaves, etc.) in an open vehicle. The two shells may be separated from one another, with one of the shells being useful as a game drag or the like.

Abstract: Bow and stern sections (1,2) of a boat are hinged together to enable the bow section (1) to be folded over the stern section (2) which has wheels (6) deployed for towing and storage on land. The folded boat is towed by a towbar (10) bolted to a retracted spine (8) of a chassis (7) on which the stern section (2) is mounted. The spine (8) is extendable telescopically to support the unfolded bow section (1), and the wheels (6) are pivotally-mounted on the chassis (7) to be retracted by over-center operation, into open-bottom compartments (26) of the stern section (2); an interlock with the spine (8) precludes wheel-retraction while the spine (8) is retracted. Spring-biased doors (36) are freed to close the open-bottoms of the compartments (26) in response to retraction of the wheels (6).

Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind for use with a vehicle such as a boat has a framework and a cover, where the framework has several parts, including tree-shaped frames with several arms and a vertical post, crossbars, and a lid frame. Each tree-shaped frame is mounted to a crossbar coupled to the vehicle. The cover is attached to the framework and extends over the lid frame to form a lid. Persons traveling in the vehicle are thus concealed when the lid is closed. When the blind is collapsed, each arm folds against the vertical post and the entire tree-shaped frame folds to a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible boat includes a center pontoon and two side pontoons which can be moved toward or away from one another and toward or away from the center pontoon. The center pontoon is fixed in position and is accommodated by a cradle fixed in position on a trailer. The trailer includes two movable cradles which accommodate the movable side pontoons of the collapsible boat so that the trailer can be widened or narrowed when the boat is widened or narrowed.

Abstract: A primary goal of the present invention is to improve the prior art assembly system. The present invention provides a boat of simple ultra light construction with the fewest number of parts that can be easily assembled without tools. Then, when disassembled provides a compact lightweight package suitable for long range or rough terrain portage or back packing. A plastic coated nylon waterproof cover or like skin can be conveniently slid onto, and off of the assembled hull and quickly fastened in place to provide waterproofness for the hull. Another goal of this invention is to introduce a watercraft construction method whose components can be made from extruded corrugated plastic and other plastic materials that are lightweight, but strong, and can be inexpensively mass produced using rule dies and the like inexpensive tooling and assembly methods.

Abstract: A folding pontoon boat which can be folded to a lesser width unfolded to a greater operating width. The boat can be launched in the folded configuration, unfolded on the water, and subsequently refolded to the reduced width on the water. The boat comprises pontoons, deck members, jamb plates at the inner sides of the deck members, and a hinge connecting inner sides of the deck members to each other. The jamb plates provide sufficient structure that the deck members are self-supporting and can support normal deck loading at the hinge without additional superstructure above the deck to support the hinge structure. A motor mount at the rear of the boat maintains a constant orientation as the boat is folded and unfolded between the reduced width configuration and the greater width configuration.

Abstract: A folding rigid boat for routine and emergency use by occupants as an auxiliary watercraft and including complementary rigid bow and rigid stern sections joined together along respective mating edges to form a hull, complementary rigid hinge elements cooperating together to form a centrally-disposed joint pivotally connecting the bow and stern sections along a port-to-starboard axis in vertically spaced-apart relation to the bottom of the hull for permitting the bow and stern sections to be folded onto themselves into a storage configuration and away from each other along the joint into an unfolded use configuration. Flexible topsides are secured to the hull along at least port and starboard sides of the hull for providing an upwardly-extending freeboard to the hull when the boat is in the unfolded use configuration. The topsides are unconnected to and independent of the rigid hinge elements.

Abstract: A boat comprising a folding internal frame and a flexible outer skin. When not in use, the boat folds in half to a compact flat shape beneficial for shipment, storage and transport. The integrated tubular frame/floor pan is hinged to “pop up” or collapse quickly without the need for separate tools. The outer skin stays on the boat even when it transitions to the folded configuration. Latch mechanisms hold the frame rigid in the open position.

Abstract: A folding rigid-inflatable boat for routine and emergency use by occupants as an auxiliary watercraft. The floating rigid-inflatable boat includes a hull having complementary rigid bow and rigid stern sections joined together along common, centrally disposed joint edges, a hinge element extending laterally from port to starboard along the centrally disposed joint edges and pivotally connecting the bow and stern sections together for permitting the bow and stern sections to be folded onto themselves into a storage configuration and into an unfolded use configuration; and inflatable topsides secured to the hull and extending around the periphery of the hull for providing an upwardly extending freeboard and for further providing rigidity to the hull when the boat is in the unfolded use configuration.