Abstract: An exercise machine is described that incorporates a double retractable resistance band system for rowing exercises and that includes a multi-purpose, morphable swinging seat assembly that applies to convertible exercise machines and rowing boats. The double retractable rowing system is detachably integrated into a base plate (inclined planar board) of the exercise machine. The base plate consists of a platform set at an angle consistent with the foot-placements of sit-down rowing machines and rowing shells together with an integral set of quick-release slots located above and to the outside of the toes of the foot placement positions. The multi-purpose, morphable swinging seat assembly provides an improved method/structural assembly for seat-based rowing machines, convertible/multi-purpose exercise machines and an improved architecture for boat-based rowing systems.

Abstract: A portable inflatable diving float that includes an inflatable float body is revealed. The float body consists of a horizontal portion provided with a left folding area formed on the left side and a right folding area formed on the right side. After the left and the right folding area being folded to a middle portion of the float body, a left edge portion of the left folding area and a right edge portion of the right folding area are connected by a first connection member and kept in the folded state. A flat body formed after deflation of the float body becomes a backpack body with smaller area. At least one strap member is connected between the top end and the bottom end on a front side or a back side of the float body so that users can carry the backpack body on their back.

Abstract: A stand-alone modular removable rudder system for watercraft having a rudder comprising a steering handle coupled to a quick release mechanism adapted to releasably secure said steering handle to said watercraft in proximity to the operator, said system further comprising, a rudder mount adapted to be coupled to the rear of the watercraft by a quick release mechanism adapted to releasably secure said rudder mount to said watercraft, said rudder being carried by a rudder support pivotal about said rudder mount and cables operatively connecting said steering handle to said rudder mount whereby the steering handle can be operated to steer the rudder.

Abstract: A shallow draft sampling raft including a bow, and a stern, in which the bow is an opposite end of the raft from the stern. The raft also includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of longitudinal stringers. The plurality of longitudinal stringers are attached to an inner face the bottom surface and run from the bow to the stern. A top surface is also attached to the longitudinal stringers.

Abstract: A boat hull has one or more track systems integral with a main body of the boat hull, each track system having a longitudinally extending channel comprising: a longitudinally extending channel body; and a longitudinally extending channel opening in communication with the channel body, wherein the channel body is wider in cross-section than the channel opening, the channel body is adapted to receive a fastener which has a portion that is wider in cross section than the channel opening, thereby preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the channel body through the channel opening, and wherein the fastener can be selectively secured to the track system at a selected longitudinal position. The track systems can be used for mounting boat hull structural parts and other parts and accessories.

Abstract: A narrow beam rotomolded foam filled catamaran that incorporates regular points of attachment through the deck and a tubular frame that is highly customizable with modular accessories making it ideal for maneuverability, stability, durability, transportation, storage, and customization.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for detecting the tilt of a roof floating on a medium in a tank, wherein a radar level gauge is mounted in a fixed position on the tank and emits signals in the direction of the roof. The method includes: determining and recording the level of the floating roof during a period of time including some filling/emptying cycles of the medium in the tank, detecting and recording the echo amplitudes of the echo signals during said period of time, filtering the echo amplitudes and recording the filtered echo amplitudes, calculating the gradient of the filtered echo amplitudes, calculating a threshold value for a tolerable deviation of the gradient of the filtered echo amplitudes, and generating an alert message that a roof tilting is detected if the deviation of the gradient falls behind the threshold.

Abstract: An inflatable water-based motorised device docking station is described. The inflatable water-based motorised device docking station includes an inflatable tube configurable to form an open ended area to receive a water-based motorised device; a floor area coupled to a portion of the inflatable tube; and a ballast bag with dump attached to the floor area and configured to stabilise the inflatable water-based motorised device docking station.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft comprises a foldable sheet and is transitionable between a deployable kayak configuration and a stowed configuration by folding or unfolding along predefined fold lines in the foldable sheet. In the kayak configuration, the watercraft is switchable between at least a single-seat configuration and a tandem configuration by installing a desired number of seat and footrest assemblies. At least some of the seat and footrest assemblies are installed in the kayak by strapping seat and/or footrest components to loops nonreleasably attached to removable floorboards of the kayak. The removable floorboards are installed in the kayak using extruded engagement profiles.

Abstract: A canoe and platform combination assembly includes a platform that has a top side, a bottom side, a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A plurality of arms is attached to the platform. The arms engage canoes positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral sides such that the canoes are orientated parallel to each other. A plurality of tethers is provided. Each of the arms has one of the tethers positioned thereon. Each of the tethers is positioned around one of a plurality of braces of the canoes.

Abstract: A boat fender includes a vinyl fender core that is sized and shaped for suspension adjacent a boat exterior to protect the boat exterior from damage resulting from impact with an obstacle. An integrated cover is secured to the fender core, such as by flocking.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a collapsible and foldable chair. The collapsible chair includes a harness member for fastening to an object. The collapsible chair comprises a seating assembly, a pair of front legs, midcross bars, a left arm support, and a right arm support. The seating assembly comprises a seat and a backrest. The seating assembly is collapsible and foldable for storage. The pair of front legs are extended from the seat assembly. A pair of front legs are hinged to a footer base. The mid-cross bars are designed to connect the seating assembly with the pair of front legs.

Abstract: Camera systems are disclosed relating to nautical vessels that include a linear actuator, a camera, a display, and a set of camera controls. The linear actuator may be configured to extend above the canopy such that the linear actuator fully supports the weight of the camera and such that the linear actuator is concealed within the canopy structural support. Such configurations may provide for elevated camera vantage points.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved seat for toddlers on a dinghy or other small watercraft. The seat preferably includes two parallel rods that are each secured to the port and starboard sides of the watercraft. Draped between the rods is a loosely hanging fabric sheet that extends from the rods down to an elevation below the rods, but above the floor of the watercraft. In the sheet are leg holes through which a toddler's legs may extend. The placement of the toddler's legs through the holes helps to secure the toddler into the watercraft and keeps the toddler from being jostled when the smaller watercraft is bumped by waves or the wake of a larger vessel.

Abstract: The various example embodiments disclosed herein pertain to an internal support structure in a watercraft that interfaces the motor to the hull and decreases the weight of the hull, by eliminating various components. The various example embodiments add structural stability to the overall structure of the hull or body, allowing for thinner hull and deck material. This chassis consists of a metal, composite, and or plastic bent or formed tubular structure that outlines the internal dimensions of the hull. The motor is able to mount to this structure so that the body is no longer the direct point of attachment. This furthers the structural stability and reliability of the hull as it disperses forces over a larger area and mounts to a means more suitable than direct hull mounts, which often shear and break loose from the traditional fiberglass hulls. By mounting the engine to this chassis, the hull can be completely removed without disassembling and other components.

Abstract: A multi-hull variable aspect surf rescue boat is provided, which can support and contain occupant(s) and cargo and can be readjusted in shape and size to vary the boat's length overall (LOA), beam on center (BOC), the LOA/BOC ratio or OAR, thereby changing the boat's attitude, center of buoyancy and center of gravity without changing the boat's components or weight. The boat includes a frame assembly comprised of a centerline tube and three or more radiating, extendable and retractable telescoping tubes which intersect at a center line of the boat. A respective starling control assembly is attached to each telescoping tube, providing buoyancy to the boat. The frame assembly carries a platform for carrying the occupant(s) and cargo, and a means of propulsion for transporting the boat in surf or turbulent waterways.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to watercraft with retractable drive mechanisms. One example provides a watercraft including a hull having a receiving compartment, and also having a deck. The watercraft also includes a drive unit extending through the deck and the hull of the watercraft and being configured to receive rotational input. The drive unit includes a driveshaft and propeller moveable between an extended position in which the propeller is positioned underneath the hull and a retracted position in which the propeller is positioned at least partially within the receiving compartment.

Abstract: A collapsible boat hull (10) with at least one bottom panel (16,18) and two side panels (12,14), and a removable transom (32) with attachment means (36) to engage the transom with the two sides of the boat hull, such that, during installation of the transom member, the attachment means initially engages with the sides of the boat, and rotation of the transom to an upright position in the boat hull retains the attachment means and the respective sides of the boat hull together. Releasable latches (42,44) at the lower edge of the transom engage with retaining members (54) on the bottom panels. Seating or cross-bracing has (100) which releasably engage with retainers on the sides of the boat.

Abstract: A self-deploying float assembly to support mechanical equipment such as aerators and mixers for use in water, wastewater and process water stream treatment basins and a method of installing same.

Abstract: An extendable structure which may be used in space-based applications, for example forming the body of a telescope. The structure is movable between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and comprises a plurality of walls arranged to give a polygonal cross-section in the extended configuration. Each wall comprises a plurality of repeating units which are connected by a plurality of hinges. Each repeating unit itself comprises a plurality of sections connected by pluralities of first and second hinges, and in the extended configuration, each of the first hinges lies between two second hinges with the second hinges having axes which are inclined with respect to the first hinge axis.

Abstract: A backpack frame is convertible from a frame position to a cot position. The backpack frame includes: a first U-shaped member having a closed end and an open end, a first intermediate member having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end is hingably connected to the open end of the first U-shaped member, a second intermediate member having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the first intermediate member is hingably connected to the distal end of the second intermediate member, a second U-shaped member having a closed end and an open end, the proximal end of the second intermediate member is hingably connected to the open end of the second U-shaped member. In the frame position, the first U-shaped member, the first intermediate member, the second intermediate member, and the second U-shaped member lie in a single plane.

Abstract: A twin hull foldout watercraft that quickly and easily deploys from a small mobile and portable size unit that will fit into a vehicle or stow in a closet, camper or larger boat to a dry stable watercraft that could be used with small motor, paddles, ores, stand up paddles, push poles or sail and which has all parts and accessories attached thereto. The twin hull foldout watercraft comprises a central deck, two side mounted hull flaps hingedly attached to the opposing side edges of the central deck and positionable in a vertical or horizontal position, a fore deck extension member hingedly attached to the front edge of the central deck and positionable in a vertical or horizontal position, and an aft deck extension member hingedly attached to the rear edge and which can be extended out from the rear of the central deck.

Abstract: A load carrying device with shoulder straps and a waist belt fitted to an outer hull rigid-composite exoskeleton that contains within it, a similar inner rigid-composite hull or hull(s) that are extendable from the outer hull. When the inner hull is retracted inside the outer hull the backpack has a load capacity volume, such that the backpack can be used in an un-extended form as a backpack for carrying materials, such as camping supplies, equipment or mission specific components. Alternatively, when the inner hull is empty, and the inner hull/exoskeleton is extended out from within the outer hull/exoskeleton and mechanically coupled together with the outer hull, the extended backpack can be used as a habitable rigid secure sleeping space, thus providing sheltered protection against predatory animals, environment, reptiles and other environmental hazards within a hard exoskeleton.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are folding tables for use on small boats like kayaks and canoes, including inflatable kayaks. Such tables are secured to the gunwales or topsides of such small boats and have various devices for organizing and securing sportsman's gear for fishing, hunting, photographing and the like. The tables are readily detachable from the boats and foldable for compact storage.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms and a brace for the transom are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An inflatable boat includes a hull-bottom backing sheet member, a hull-bottom top sheet member, transom strips bonded between the hull-bottom backing sheet member and the hull-bottom top sheet member, left and right sheet members bonded to the hull-bottom backing sheet member outside the hull-bottom top sheet member to form two lateral air chambers and to have the bonding areas between the hull-bottom backing sheet member and the left and right sheet members be kept above the waterline, and a V-shaped front piece formed on the middle of the front side of the hull bottom of the inflatable boat for breaking water (waves).

Abstract: An expandable and contractible pan protects a bottom portion of an expandable and contractible floor of a boat. The pan includes a panel of flexible material tensionable to fill a space between a first hull and a second hull of the boat in an expanded state of the floor. In a contracted state of the floor, the panel of flexible material relaxes to fit between the hulls of the boat. A deflector is mountable on a front portion of the boat. The deflector covers a front edge of the panel of flexible material, thereby obscuring entry to a top surface of the panel of flexible material.

Abstract: A pontoon boat includes two pontoons parallel to the bow to stern axis, and transverse beams which connect the pontoons. The pontoon boat has a width along the transverse beams which can vary from a contracted to an expanded state to allow for storage, and use, respectively.

Abstract: A pontoon boat includes two pontoons parallel to the bow to stern axis, and transverse beams which connect the pontoons. The pontoon boat has a width along the transverse beams which can vary from a contracted to an expanded state to allow for storage, and use, respectively.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a saddle with a seating surface, first and second opposite sides, and front and back ends. A pair of footing surfaces proceed from proximate lower edges of first and second opposite sides. A front recess is defined in the front end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. A back recess is defined in the back end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. The front and back recesses are configured to secure an inflatable body that substantially surrounds the saddle with the footing surfaces at least partially exposed.

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 collapsible kayak comprises a bow unit, a central unit, and a stern unit. The bow unit and the stern unit are both connected to the central unit with hinges, allowing the collapsible kayak to assume either an “in use” orientation or a “storage” orientation. While the collapsible kayak is in the “in use” orientation, the bow unit, the central unit, and the stern unit are held into a linear shape with removable clamps. While the collapsible kayak is in the “storage” orientation, the bow unit and the stern unit are folded back and locked into place with a securing device.

Abstract: A portable foldable boat includes a floating body portion, a base plate portion and a boat shell. The floating body portion is disposed with one or more rows of boat base units, each row including at least one but generally a plurality of boat base units. Several connection holes are disposed on a peripheral edge of the boat base unit. The base plate portion includes a waterproof member and a base plate. The boat shell includes a first outboard plate, a second outboard plate and a lateral plate. The base plate portion and the boat shell are superposed and fixed on the floating body portion.

Abstract: A motorized or manual extendable and retractable floating device is supported longitudinally by one or more floatation devices. The flotation deck is stored and supported by tracks or rails from beneath and between an upper deck of a houseboat, pontoon boat, tritoon boat, catamaran, floating dock, pier-supported dock or other watercraft or dock. When fully extended, the floating deck will remain attached to the watercraft, and additional width may be achieved with extendable or fold out sides or wings.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms and a brace for the transom are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.

Abstract: A collapsible catamaran has twin rigid hulls attached by frame members to a platform that holds a rider. The hulls and platform are divided into sections to allow the hulls and platform to be disassembled and transported in a small space. The hulls are substantially hollow and have access ports that allow a rider to store buoyant materials or equipment inside the hulls. A motor mount is attached to the front platform and receives an electric motor that is configured to pull the catamaran through the water. A cover may be attached to the platform to provide shade to the rider. The cover may support one or more solar panels that collect electricity to power the motor. The parts may be combined in a kit, which allows the rider to assemble the components of the collapsible catamaran. The catamaran may then be assembled from and disassembled into the components before and after each use.

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: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A foldable floating vessel providing a large surface area and heavy payload capability when deployed into a liquid, such as a manure lagoon. The vessel may be folded for transport using linear actuators to fold two hulls of the vessel from a first position substantially horizontal to a second position substantially vertical. Driving and steering assemblies are provided on a center frame to which the foldable hulls are pivotably connected.

Abstract: A hybrid inflatable kayak is configured to rival the handling and speed of skin-on-frame or hard-shell kayaks, while simplifying the assembly and disassembly process. The hybrid inflatable kayak includes an internal frame assembly that cooperates with inflatable bladders and inflatable thwarts giving the kayak an improved watershed capacity and also an improved combination of weight, stability, speed, structural strength, and portability. The internal frame assembly includes a bow rib, a stern rib, and a number of frame members that attach together and extend lengthwise from bow to stern. Front and rear thwarts are inflatable and urge against the frame members and side bladders to put the frame members in tension, make the outer cover sufficiently taut, and provide a faster and more structurally robust design.

Abstract: Collapsible/inflatable boats are disclosed. A collapsible/inflatable boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more removable solid seats that when installed support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have an inflatable exterior member connected with the hull such that the exterior member, when inflated, extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the hull when the hull is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft is comprised of a single high-strength foldable panel to fold into the form of a kayak with integrally defined keel, hull, sides, and deck. Using a single sheet of high strength panel creased in a predetermined pattern to form living hinges, the panel may be folded and transformed from self-defined compact knocked down package, into a rigid three dimensional tubular manifold in a kayak form that is optimized for performance in the water. Other removable rigid structural members, primarily a cockpit rim, rib, and floorboards help maintain the shape and integrity of the shell.

Abstract: A floating vessel comprising, in the orientation of use, a central longitudinal member (2) having a vertical height, and to each side of the longitudinal member an upper substantially laminar panel (3) connected to the longitudinal member and extending outwardly therefrom and a lower substantially laminar panel (4) connected to the longitudinal member at a distance below the upper panel and extending outwardly from the longitudinal member, wherein the outermost edges of the upper and lower panels are connected and the lower panel is larger in the outward direction than the upper panel such that the panels form a stable structure.

Abstract: A collapsible catamaran is described, comprising two hulls (1) and a frame (4) which connects the two hulls (1) in a detachable manner and carries plug-in noses (3) which engage in plug-in receptacles (2) of the hulls (1). In order to provide advantageous plug-in connections it is proposed that the plug-in noses (3) each comprise a guide tube (17) with at least one rubber-elastic clamping ring (18) which encloses the guide tube (17) on the outside, rests on an axial abutment (23) and can be subjected to axial pressure with the help of an actuator (22) penetrating the guide tube (17).

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Collapsible/inflatable boats are disclosed. A collapsible/inflatable boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more removable solid seats that when installed support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have an inflatable exterior member connected with the hull such that the exterior member, when inflated, extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the hull when the hull is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: The invention is a portable collapsible boat comprising one or more rigid cockpit sections, constructed of a material such as fiberglass, attached to a bow section and a stem section, which are constructed of fabric material covering a skeleton of longitudinal stringers and ring frames, and are attached to the rigid cockpit section(s) by means of a belt, buckles, and/or flanges. The hybrid folding boat combines the best features of rigid boats, such as performance and durability, with the best features of existing folding boats, such as transportability, without suffering from the drawbacks of rigid boats (mainly the extensive storage space required) or folding boats (mainly weight). The hybrid folding boat is lighter, easier to transport, more rugged, safer, easier to assemble, and stiffer than previous folding boats, adapts easily to a sailing rig, and facilitates one or more passengers.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a universally adaptable, collapsible, adjustable boom designed for selective attachment and detachment to any configuration of a boat tower, and which provides multiple support points to counteract the downward force exerted by a water sport participant. Attachment and detachment of the boom is efficiently accomplished with the use of adjustable clamps and lynch pins, and the boom further secured by a cabling system.