Abstract: An inflatable rescue attachment includes at least a U-shaped bladder that is adapted to be secured around the outer perimeter of the head and side portions of a rescue backboard and can be inflated rapidly using an inflation fluid source. The rigid, inflatable backboard includes a central portion with drop stitch material enclosed in an airtight chamber which, when inflated, provides a flat, rigid surface for securing and transporting a rescuee. The inflatable rescue attachment may be used with the inflatable backboard, as well as with a standard wood, plastic, or fiberglass rescue backboard.

Abstract: A buoyancy generator for a vehicle may include a housing detachably mounted on a vehicle, a buoyancy generating unit mounted in the housing and including a tube configured to be inflated and deployed to an outside of the housing and a gas supply connected to the tube and configured to supply inflation gas to the tube during operation, and a handle unit provided in the housing and having a handle to be operated to deploy the tube so that the tube floats to a water surface due to buoyancy of the tube to allow an occupant gripping the handle to float to the water surface together with the tube.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an open/non-closed hull collar assembly that is shaped to increase encapsulated volume of a hull. The hull collar assembly may include a hull collar structure and a foam module. The hull collar structure may include a gunwale, an outboard boundary, and an inboard boundary. The outboard boundary extends in an outward lateral direction from a lower hull portion and extends in a longitudinal direction from the lower hull portion such that at least a portion of the hull collar structure is at least partially included in a freeboard portion of a boat hull. The inboard boundary extends from the gunwale a portion of a distance to a deck such that the hull collar structure is at least partially open or non-closed to an inner hull volume. The foam module is comprised of a non-expansive, closed cell foam. The foam module is shaped for disposition within the hull collar structure.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an open/non-closed hull collar assembly that is shaped to increase encapsulated volume of a hull. The hull collar assembly may include a hull collar structure and a foam module. The hull collar structure may include a gunwale, an outboard boundary, and an inboard boundary. The outboard boundary extends in an outward lateral direction from a lower hull portion and extends in a longitudinal direction from the lower hull portion such that at least a portion of the hull collar structure is at least partially included in a freeboard portion of a boat hull. The inboard boundary extends from the gunwale a portion of a distance to a deck such that the hull collar structure is at least partially open or non-closed to an inner hull volume. The foam module is comprised of a non-expansive, closed cell foam. The foam module is shaped for disposition within the hull collar structure.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: With the objective of providing a small fiberglass boat that fulfills the criteria of being self-bailing, self-righting and being unsinkable, the boat may include: a hull including a deck at the waterline dividing the boat into a lower portion below the waterline and an upper portion above the waterline and a centerline defining the separation between the starboard side and port side; an additional weight equivalent to approximately forty percent of the weight of the hull located within the lower portion of the hull approximately along the centerline of the hull; a series of scuppers located in the upper portion of the hull; a buoyant element located above the upper portion of the hull; and buoyant material placed within the lower portion of the hull. The deck may further include a partition dividing the deck into two channels.

Abstract: A user floatation system for boating safety. There is included in the system a boat, having a seat for a user, and a rear and forward section located behind and in front of the user respectively. There is also a flotation system, including float device, designed to be placed in the water on at least one side of the boat; and frame system, coupled to the boat at one end and to the float device at an opposite end, designed to hold the float device in a 1) deployed position where the float device is held in the water when a user is in the seat, and 2) partially deployed position where the float device is held a distance above the water level when a user is in the seat sufficient to enable the user to tip the boat a certain angle from a level position but to assist in preventing the boat from tipping completely over.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus for transferring heat from and cooling one or more heat generating components that support or drive a flywheel or other spinning member. The apparatus may include a first heat transfer element attached to and spinning with the spinning member, a second heat transfer element stationary with respect to the spinning member, wherein the first and second heat transfer elements move relative to one another, and wherein the first and second heat transfer elements are shaped and positioned in close proximity to one another so that substantial heat is transferred from the first heat transfer element to the second heat transfer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an accessory for a watercraft, the watercraft including a body including a bow having an end, a stern and two sides, extending between the end of the bow and the stern, including gunwales at an upper edge. The accessory includes a body means adapted to lie substantially along the length of one side, substantially proximal to the gunwales. In use, two accessories are used, so that a body means lies substantially along the length of each side of the watercraft, and the body means are configured so as to provide increased flotation of the watercraft in the water. The invention also relates to an accessory for a watercraft which acts as a fender, reduces splash or spray, or increases lift of the watercraft as it moves through water. The invention also relates to a method of installing an accessory on a watercraft.

Abstract: A stabilized watercraft having a pointed bow, a transom and curved sides, and a rigid buoyancy tube which extends from the bow to a point past the transom. The tube has a cross-section which is approximately rectangular, but is generally somewhat wider in a lower portion than in an upper portion thereof over at least an aft portion of the boat. The tube has a dead rise in the range of 0° to +15° with the upper surface of the tube being flared outwardly in the range of 30°-80° at the bow portion of the watercraft and an angle of 60°-80° at the stern portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing and/or keeping afloat of a vessel after an incident like a marine accident, whereby by inflating at least one inflatable element in a subspace of the hold of the vessel by feeding inflating gas into the inflatable element, the inflatable element in its inflated use position is provided with such dimensions that essentially the free air of the subspace is displaced by the inflatable element so that flowing in of water into the hold of the vessel is hampered and/or spreading of fire is suppressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation element for vessels, consisting of concrete comprising closed-cell expanded foam beads, such as polypropylene beads, which are coated with a flexible binder, such as polyurethane, whereby the unfilled inter-bead volumes do not exceed approximately 20% of the volume of the floatation element. Preferably, one such floatation element comprises a concrete core as indicated above, a polyurethane coating around the core and a bonding film, such as polyurethane, which is disposed between the core and the coating. The invention is suitable for the construction of vessel floats.

Abstract: A buoyancy lift system having an inflatable bladder with a tether stowed inside a canister secured to a vessel. A sealing member is slidably received within canister and secures to the inflatable bladder. Pressurized gas forces the sealing member and bladder outwardly of the canister. A stop prevents the sealing member from escaping the canister such that the sealing member creates a seal between itself and the canister at an outboard end of the canister. Pressurized gas is forced through a channel in the sealing member into the bladder to increase the displacement of a vessel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a metal panel or pipe of an existing structure comprising the steps of attaching a reinforcing metal layer to said metal panel or pipe in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of said metal panel and said reinforcing metal layer, injecting an intermediate layer comprised of an uncured plastics material into said at least one cavity, and curing said plastics material so that it adheres to said inner surfaces of said metal panel or pipe and said reinforcing metal layer.

Abstract: A kayak stability system that stabilizes a kayak and supports a kayaker in water such that he or she can more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water. The device includes at least one sponson attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along an exterior surface of a hull of the kayak to a deployed position over the water to provide added buoyancy to the kayak for stabilizing the kayak and a stability arm for supporting the kayaker in the water. At least one stabilizing arm is also pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water in spaced relation to a corresponding sponson. A combination of the deployed sponson and stabilizing arm provides support to a kayaker to allow the kayaker to more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water.

Abstract: A modular sponson for a small boat has discrete sections disposed in a series from the bow and along both sides to the stern. Each section has an axially extending length of tubing defining a longitudinal opening and a plurality of elongate pieces of closed cell foam material secured to the outside of the tubing for the length of each section. Flotation structure outwardly disposed from and in contact with the elongate pieces is covered by a protective covering that reaches inwardly to opposite ends of each length of tubing. A bonding agent is provided on the tubing, elongate pieces, and flotation structure to hold them together in each discrete section of the modular sponson. An elongate cable extends through the longitudinal openings of the series of sections and exerts a tensile force to hold the sections adjacent one another in compression.

Abstract: An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation element for vessels, consisting of concrete comprising closed-cell expanded foam beads, such as polypropylene beads, which are coated with a flexible binder, such as polyurethane, whereby the unfilled inter-bead volumes do not exceed approximately 20% of the volume of the floatation element. Preferably, one such floatation element comprises a concrete core as indicated above, a polyurethane coating around the core and a bonding film, such as polyurethane, which is disposed between the core and the coating. The invention is suitable for the construction of vessel floats.

Abstract: The present invention is a floating island (FI), which is a buoyant apparatus for a watery environment such as, for example a swimming pool. The FI may be designed as a playful apparatus enabling users to safely climb upon the FI. The FI may be designed especially, yet not exclusively, for users such as children, toddlers and the like. The FI may comprise a buoyant-section that may be separated and sealed from a weight-section. The weight-section may be a hollow cavity walled by a substantially solid material, where the weight section's walls may comprise upper and lower holes to allow water enter and exit the chamber like cavity in the weight-section and function as a dynamic weight. The buoyant-section may allow floating of the FI.

Abstract: An emergency floatation system for a vessel in a body of water includes a portable canister having a removable lid; and an inflatable bag contained in the portable canister in a collapsed or deflated form, and wherein the inflatable bag is removable from the canister and inflatable to provide buoyancy to the vessel in an emergency condition.

Abstract: Flotation device which comprises an exterior receptacle which is designed to be supported on the external surface of a ship, cargo container or floating structure in such a manner that it extends substantially within the ship, cargo container or floating structure, leaving its open end oriented toward the outside; and, inside of said exterior receptacle, an interior receptacle whose open end corresponds to the open end of said exterior receptacle and which houses inflatable means and expulsion means for expelling said inflatable means from the open end of said interior receptacle following the activation of the flotation device of the present invention.

Abstract: A boat compensates for roll over conditions by maintaining a user in an upright position at all times. The boat contains an external frame, an internal frame disposed for moving within the external frame, and a seat assembly attached to the internal frame and maintained in an upright position by movement of the internal frame within the external frame. At least three buoyancy chambers are attached to the external frame.

Abstract: An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.

Abstract: An aquatic vessel safety device, comprised of a set of automatically inflatable water-tight inflatable flotation bladders, attached to the hull of any aquatic vessel or boat capable of being quickly inflated when the aquatic vessel is in danger of being sunk or capsized.

Abstract: Watercraft with a solid hull and a solid outer side, where a recess extending essentially in a horizontal plane is formed in the outer side of said watercraft above the water line, in which recess an elastically deformable safety element is permanently installed, which element is folded onto itself in a first operating state and is inflated by means of a pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid in a second operating state, characterized in that at least one undercut projection is formed in the recess in the outer side of the watercraft, and in that the safety element has at least one concavity designed as the negative of the positive shape of the projection, so that the projection engages positively and nonpositively with the concavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an AFIFD mounted on the front surface and both side surfaces of an amphibious vehicle to provide additional buoyancy. The AFIFD allows safe swimming of the amphibious vehicle, provides rapidity through automated folding and unfolding processes. The AFIFD has a membrane structure having a seal function and a plate structure having protection power, which are organically combined with each other, to provide both a seal function and protection power. The AFIFD is provided with air while being unfolded by the operation of driving means when the amphibious vehicle swims in water, so that the membrane structure and the plate structure are unfolded to form a completely sealed floating space. When the amphibious vehicle does not swim in water, the structures are folded and closed fixed to a vehicle body, so that the amphibious vehicle can run on ground without any difficulty.

Abstract: A stabilizer is releasably attached to a canoe-like boat and includes two floats that are located outside the periphery of the boat. The floats are attached to bars, and lock mechanisms attach the bars to the boat. The bars are releasably attached end-to-end. Each float includes a main float portion. Each float also includes an adjustable float portion and a strap that secures the adjustable float portion either vertically above or vertically below the corresponding main float portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system to float an automobile on water. The system comprises holder assemblies, a detecting sensor, a pneumatic system, envelopes, a propulsive system, and a steering system. The holder assemblies are fixed on the beams of the automobile. The pneumatic system is connected to air inlets of the envelopes with pipes and to a battery with a circuit. The envelopes are fixed at the holder assemblies. When the pneumatic system operates, the envelopes expand to float the automobile on water. The detecting sensor connects to the pneumatic system, the battery, and a first switch with circuits. The propulsive system connects to the battery and a second switch with circuits. The steering system comprises two steering boards that are fixed on fellies of the automobile.

Abstract: A flotation device for floating a watercraft is provided. The flotation device comprises a cover releasably secured to the watercraft. A first collapsible tubing is positioned between the cover and the watercraft for removing at least a portion of the cover. At least one inflatable flotation bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft wherein upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing, the first collapsible tubing releases at least a portion of the cover from the watercraft.

Abstract: Watercraft with a solid hull and a solid outer side, where a recess extending essentially in a horizontal plane is formed in the outer side of said watercraft above the water line, in which recess an elastically deformable safety element is permanently installed, which element is folded onto itself in a first operating state and is inflated by means of a pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid in a second operating state, characterized in that at least one undercut projection is formed in the recess in the outer side of the watercraft, and in that the safety element has at least one concavity designed as the negative of the positive shape of the projection, so that the projection engages positively and nonpositively with the concavity.

Abstract: An inflating flotation and stability device for equipment is provided. The device comprises at least one inflatable bladder mounted to the mounting plate and a cover covering the inflatable bladder. A carrier mechanism secures the inflatable bladder to the equipment. A cover removing mechanism removes the cover and an inflation mechanism inflates the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot.

Abstract: A device for floating a watercraft in a body of water with the watercraft having a water line is provided. The device comprises an inflatable first flotation bladder mountable adjacent the waterline and an inflatable second flotation bladder adjacent the first flotation bladder wherein upon inflation of the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder, the first flotation bladder directs the second flotation bladder in a general direction into the water.

Abstract: An integrated, compartmentalized, water impermeable hull that is constructed of a plurality of lengthwise tubes. The tubes are arranged in a generally parallel relation to one another such that an outer surface of each tube abuts an outer surface of at least one other of the tubes. The tubes are sandwiched between a first inner support layer and a second inner support layer. Each inner support layer undulates along and fixedly adheres to the tubes to thereby hold the tubes in a fixed relation to one another. First and second outer support layers are positioned over the first and second inner support layer, respectively, and are fixed to a plurality of peaks of the first inner support layers to thereby reinforce the first inner support layers.

Abstract: A system for making closed vessels unsinkable. The separate parts of the system are at least one air compressor, a compression chamber, a compressor/propeller clutch, at least one airbag, heating elements, and a diameter restrictor/gauge track. Additional features of this invention include sonar equipment for warning to avoid potential harm to the vessel and a re-entry system which transfers air from the inflated airbags to the inside of a repaired vessel. Upon activation, the air compressor charges the compression chamber, which, by way of a timed valve, distributes compressed air into inflatable bags.

Abstract: The focus of the new inventions here is on safety from injury and the lessening of the current loss of life in the use and pleasure desired by the American Public from the small, motor powered, open planing hull, first introduced to the world by Ole Evinrude in 1908. Specifically, thought is introduced about people riding on the top deck of a boat rather than down in a boat. Mention is made of swing chair seating, and it's support of high safety rails, as well as the all-round good view the driver has because of having his seat and console mounted on the top deck. Furthermore, discussion is developed on the advantages and dependability of the inertia control swing pivot used under the chairs which are mounted on the frames of the swing chair system. Some mention is made of the expected nationwide use of the boat with swing chairs as ambulance and police boats.

Abstract: A combination boat and distressed boat flotation apparatus, a distressed boat flotation apparatus, and methods of installing and using a boat flotation apparatus are provided. The combination preferably includes a boat including a boat hull and a plurality of flotation containers positioned to substantially surround the boat hull and positioned to be inflated with a gas responsive to the boat hull being in a distressed condition so that the boat is prevented from sinking by the inflated plurality of flotation containers. The apparatus of the combination also preferably includes a plurality of moisture sensors each positioned in the boat hull to sense the distressed condition and a distressed condition controller positioned in communication with the plurality of moisture sensors and the plurality of flotation containers to control the inflation of the plurality of flotation containers responsive to at least one of the plurality of moisture sensors sensing the distressed condition.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot.

Abstract: A combination boat and distressed boat flotation apparatus, a distressed boat flotation apparatus, and methods of installing and using a boat flotation apparatus are provided. The combination preferably includes a boat including a boat hull and a plurality of flotation containers positioned to substantially surround the boat hull and positioned to be inflated with a gas responsive to the boat hull being in a distressed condition so that the boat is prevented from sinking by the inflated plurality of flotation containers. The apparatus of the combination also preferably includes a plurality of moisture sensors each positioned in the boat hull to sense the distressed condition and a distressed condition controller positioned in communication with the plurality of moisture sensors and the plurality of flotation containers to control the inflation of the plurality of flotation containers responsive to at least one of the plurality of moisture sensors sensing the distressed condition.

Abstract: A combination boat and distressed boat flotation apparatus, a distressed boat flotation apparatus, and methods of installing and using a boat flotation apparatus are provided. The combination preferably includes a boat including a boat hull and a plurality of flotation containers positioned to substantially surround the boat hull and positioned to be inflated with a gas responsive to the boat hull being in a distressed condition so that the boat is prevented from sinking by the inflated plurality of flotation containers. The apparatus of the combination also preferably includes a plurality of moisture sensors each positioned in the boat hull to sense the distressed condition and a distressed condition controller positioned in communication with the plurality of moisture sensors and the plurality of flotation containers to control the inflation of the plurality of flotation containers responsive to at least one of the plurality of moisture sensors sensing the distressed condition.

Abstract: An emergency buoyancy system mounted to a vessel includes a depth sensor to sense a predetermined maximum depth, and an actuator actuated by the depth sensor. The actuator, upon actuation, opens a membrane between tanks, each holding one of a pair of gas producing chemicals. The gas producing chemicals, preferably bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, mix together to produce carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide fills a plurality of balloons, thereby providing buoyancy to the vessel to which the balloons are attached.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle for traversing a body of water or solid terrain such as a layer of ice floating atop the body of water. The vehicle includes a floatable boat hull having an elongate aperture there-through, and a snowmobile for traveling over the solid terrain received in the opening and sealed to the hull in water impervious relation. The snowmobile includes an endless drive track for supporting the hull in spaced relation with solid terrain being traversed and for rearwardly propelling water in the body of water to forwardly propel the vehicle over solid terrain or through the water, and a pair of skis which support the front of the hull in spaced relation with the solid terrain being traversed and include upturned forward ends mounting upstanding rudders for steering the boat hull as the vehicle traverses a body of water.

Abstract: A boat having chairs which are swingably mounted in transversely spaced relation at opposite sidewalls of the boat. The boat includes a lower deck and a vertically spaced upper deck, the latter extending generally in a single plane and generally substantially continuously across the boat's interior at the level of the upper surface of the sidewalls of the boat, to effectively shed substantially all high wave water. Each of the chairs has a supporting pedestal mounted at or above the top deck along the upper surface of both boat sidewalls, so the swinging seat of the chair can be swung outside the boat sidewalls. Each chair is pivotally mounted upon the upper surface of a swinging frame which encircles the chair's pedestal, and its axis of pivot relative to the frame is disposed at the front of the chair, which provides a force opposing the force vectors presented by high waves, and facilitates movement of the chair for greater comfort and safety.

Abstract: A system to keep any type of vessel afloat in case of entry of water or capsizing by means of providing an unfolding mechanism of inflatable flotation and stabilization elements through the outside of the hull of the vessel, including a variety of devices that are actuated automatically or manually if necessary when a water level or inclination meter inside the vessel detects that water has reached a maximum permitted level or an excessive inclination occurs, which causes the opening of an electrically operated valve to allow pressurized fluid to pass in order to unfold said flotation and stabilization elements. Alternatively, another unfolding mechanism may consist of a pair of cylinders screwed to one another, through the wall of the hull, the interior cylinder of which encloses the flotation and stabilization elements and the exterior cylinder of which includes a cover on its outside face that can be ejected by the pressure exerted from the interior.

Abstract: A system to keep any type of vessel afloat in case of entry of water or capsizing by means of providing an unfolding mechanism of inflatable flotation and stabilization elements through the outside of the hull of the vessel, including a variety of devices that are actuated automatically or manually if necessary when a water level or inclination meter inside the vessel detects that water has reached a maximum permitted level or an excessive inclination occurs, which causes the opening of an electrically operated valve to allow pressurized fluid to pass in order to unfold said flotation and stabilization elements. Alternatively, another unfolding mechanism may consist of a pair of cylinders screwed to one another, through the wall of the hull, the interior cylinder of which encloses the flotation and stabilization elements and the exterior cylinder of which includes a cover on its outside face that can be ejected by the pressure exerted from the interior.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises an elongated housing mounted to the watercraft. A carrier is slidably received within the housing with the carrier having a first and second cover channel and a bladder retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is releasably secured within the first cover channel and the second cover channel. A space is defined between the carrier and the cover. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space with the flotation bladder having a bladder edge receivable in the bladder retaining slot.

Abstract: An improved sponson and rigid inflatable boats incorporating the same. The sponson includes a non-inflatable buoyant component, such as closed-cell polyethylene, and an inflatable buoyant component, such as one or more inflatable tubes. The boat includes a rigid hull having sidewalls along which one or more of the improved sponsons extend. In some embodiments, the inflatable component is removably secured to the non-inflatable component by a restraining structure. In some embodiments, the restraining structure includes straps. In some embodiments, the restraining structure includes resilient arms that bias the inflatable component within a pocket formed in the non-inflatable component.

Abstract: A switch system for automatically activating a mechanism such as a gas or fluid supply, an electrical switch, or chemical process is provided. The switch system comprises a float housing and a float slidable within the float housing with the float slidable from a first position to a second position. An activation trigger extends through the float housing with the activation trigger having a first trigger end and a second trigger end, the first trigger end contacting the float. A valve activates the mechanism with the valve connected to the second trigger end wherein upon movement of the float from the first position to the second position, the second trigger end activating the mechanism.