Abstract: One or more embodiments are disclosed for an infant bathing apparatus that fits in any sized bathtub for bathing a newborn, an infant, or a toddler and further allows a parent to sit in the bathtub during bath time. The infant bathing apparatus comprises a frame, a sling, one or more straps, and a stand. The frame is rigid and made of a buoyant material to stay afloat on top of the water and further defines an opening within which the sling is placed and removably connected to the frame. The sling holds and supports the baby within the frame. The one or more straps connect to the frame and may have suction cups that secure the frame to the sides of the bathtub. The stand is connected to the frame and rests on the floor of the bathtub. A parent may sit comfortably within the bathtub either with the stand attached to the frame or remove the stand from the frame once sitting inside the bathtub.

Abstract: A personal flotation system provides a horseshoe shaped float that is buoyant and can be used in a number or positions to float a person on the water and retain a beverage. The horseshoe shaped flotation device has a left and right armrest that extend out from an arced shaped closed end and dual cup holder, on the extended end of the armrest, has an cup cylinder to retain a beverage in the vertical orientation and an end cup holder to retain a beverage in an orthogonal orientation to the cup cylinder. The flotation device may have an extending strap that couples the left and right armrests together to secure the horseshoe shaped float around a person's torso.

Abstract: A horseshoe shaped personal flotation device is buoyant and can be used in a number or positions to float a person on the water and retain a beverage. The horseshoe shaped flotation device has a left and right armrest that extend out from an arced shaped closed end and dual cup holder, on the extended end of the armrest, has an cup cylinder to retain a beverage in the vertical orientation and an end cup holder to retain a beverage in an orthogonal orientation to the cup cylinder. The flotation device can be used in an underarm-floating configuration and a beverage can be retained in the cup cylinder, or used in a saddle, hammock or back floating configuration with a beverage retained in the end cup holder. The flotation device can be extended to spread the left and right armrest apart for some flotation methods.

Abstract: The personal flotation device is adapted for use with a person and a pet. The personal floatation device is configured for use with water. The personal flotation device provides buoyancy during water based activities. The personal flotation device is a multipurpose device that: 1) forms a seat; 2) forms a raft; and, 3) forms a plurality of flotation devices. The plurality of flotation devices are suitable for use by the person and the pet. The personal flotation device comprises a pet pad, a float, an insulated storage case, a dry storage container, and a plurality of straps. The plurality of flotation devices comprises the pet pad and the float. The plurality of straps interconnect the pet pad, the float, the insulated storage case, and the dry storage container to form the seat and the raft portions of the personal flotation device.

Abstract: An accessory for addition onto a floating pontoon style fishing craft that enables the occupant to safely stand while the craft is floating without fear of tipping the craft. This is in the form of a lowerable, retractable platform that resides below the waterline of the craft and also incorporates a removeable working table/safety bar that resides in front of the occupant's seat to constrain them from falling overboard and to allow them a stable work surface from which to perform fishing related activities. The retractable platform serves to allow the center of gravity of the occupant to remain in close proximity to the waterline of the craft thus preventing tipping. Because of the depth the platform projects beneath the craft, the position of the occupant's mass acts as a stabilizer or ballast rudder so as to let the occupant to safely cast his fishing line from the craft.

Abstract: The present invention is floating lounge that provides a central corridor between two lounge portions and a floating base supporting said lounge. The two lounge portions each have a concave channel extending along the length of each lounge portion on the underside of the cabana.

Abstract: A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. The rear portion provides a pair of substantially spaced apart lateral pontoons and a first web spanning the space therebetween. A relatively rigid platform is positionable within the raft, substantially adjacent the first web. A buoyant seat portion is positioned substantially on a back half of the device between the pontoons and adjacent the platform. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat.

Abstract: A recreational floatation device is disclosed. In one example, the recreational floatation device comprises a main body having a front portion and members extending substantially parallel from the front portion, a seat portion attached to the main body between the two parallel members and adjacent to the front portion, for receiving and supporting a user of the recreational flotation device in a seated portion, and a floating board removably attachable to said main body, when positioned between the parallel members.

Abstract: A “float boat” with a unitary twin pontoon hull comprising a pair of inflatable pontoons, each shaped, when inflated to have a fully curved rocker bottom surface and a substantially straight upper surface and with pontoons being interconnected at rigid ends by an inflatable transom that together with the pontoons forms a raised V-hull stern; a platform extending between the pontoons and adjacent to the transom and at least one foot rest for a user sitting on the platform.

Abstract: A manually retractable sportsman's blind releasably attached to a support provides a flexible camouflaged body having a mesh fabric window and supported on a frame comprised of plural elongate flexibly resilient stays pivotally attached to one another at proximate end portions to support the flexible camouflaged body and mesh fabric window in a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: A buoyant wading aid has a generally U-shaped body. The body includes a front portion and rearwardly extending legs. A pair of handles are provided on the legs. A storage container may be tethered to the body of wading aid to be towed behind the body when in use. The storage container may be adjusted into a transport configuration between and supported by the legs. The handles may be rigidly attached to a frame that provides structural support for the body of the wading aid.

Abstract: A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. A relatively rigid platform is positioned within the raft and configured to provide a stable surface for the person during use of the device. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water, the attachment means comprising at least one tow rope attachment point located on the nose portion of the raft, below a nose portion mid-plane. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat.

Abstract: This invention describes a buoyancy aid that is pre-formed from a buoyant foam plastic material and has an pre-formed internal tube that is sealed. The internal tube and the pre-formed buoyant foam are all shaped to provide support for a users head, and is designed to keep the users head above water. The buoyancy aid has an external covering that is selected to prevent chafing the user, as well as being water and mold resistant. The buoyancy aid is so designed as to be comfortable to the user, and enhance the wearers use of the buoyancy aid.

Abstract: A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user.

Abstract: A buoyant pool chair supports a swimmer in an upright, semi-reclining or sitting position while the chair is floating in a swimming pool. Interconnected rigid frame members collectively form an open chair frame for supporting buoyant cushions. The buoyant cushions include layers of flexible cushion material secured together in overlapping relation, with the frame members being sandwiched between the overlapping layers. A layer of adhesive material bonds the overlapping cushion layers together and forms a water-tight seal around the frame members. A flexible layer of a water-resistant coating material is bonded to external surface portions of the buoyant cushions to provide a further protective layer and water-tight seal.

Abstract: Water devices and methods for making and using such devices are described. The devices contain a main part for buoying a user's body and a part for supporting the body. The supporting part is releasably connected to the main part by a mechanism which is easily adjusted when not in use but remains fixed when in use. The device also can contain a handle for the user. These devices can be used in all areas of the water, including swimming, exercise, instructional, recreational, and the like.

Abstract: A float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further includes a seating device bridging the two leg portions of the flotation chamber. A stabilizing frame and system for connecting the stabilizing frame to the U-shaped flotation chamber provides support to the opposing legs of the flotation chamber and prevents them from pinching in on the occupant, and also preferably tensions a seat provided between the legs of the floatation chamber. For additional support and/or this preferred tensioning, a rigid and/or adjustable rod, or tube, extends between the opposing legs of the frame. The system for connecting the stabilizing frame comprises preferably a plurality of channel segments, which are fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of the flotation chamber.

Abstract: A flotation device includes an elongate buoyant body and an outwardly extending seat disposed intermediate first and second longitudinal ends of the buoyant body. The flotation device is configured to buoyantly support a user in both a reclining and a sitting position. In the reclining position, the body is disposed in a substantially flat configuration. In the sitting position, the body is substantially bent adjacent the seat for at least partially supporting the trunk of the user, and the seat extends between the legs of the user for abuttingly supporting the crotch of the user. The seat is provided with an oar coupling assembly for operatively coupling an oar thereto. The buoyant body is further provided with a solidifying component that extends outwardly from the body to act as a keel when the body is in the reclined position.

Abstract: This invention is of a float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further includes a seating device bridging the two leg portions of the flotation chamber. The invention also has a novel U-shaped stabilizing frame and means for connecting the stabilizing frame to the U-shaped flotation chamber. The U-shaped frame provides support to the opposing legs of the flotation chamber and prevents them from pinching in on the occupant. For additional support, a rigid rod, or tube, extends between the opposing legs of the frame. The means for connecting the stabilizing frame comprises preferably a plurality of channel segments, which are fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of the flotation chamber. Alternatively, a continuous channel may be used.

Abstract: A floating steerable spa chair (10) is provided. The floating, steerable spa chair (10) includes an upper hollow frame (12) having at least one air inlet (16) and a plurality of air outlets (18) formed therein. The spa chair (10) further includes a lower hollow frame (14) having a water inlet (20) and first and second valves (22, 24) formed therein. The lower hollow frame (14) has a plurality of spa jets (26, 28) and plurality of propulsion jets (46) formed thereon. First valve (22) selectively controls water flow to spa jets (26, 28) and second valve (24) selectively controls water flow to propulsion jets (46), allowing a user (60) to control speed and steering of the spa chair (10) when the chair (10) is being propelled through water. Jets (26, 28, 46) are in communication with air outlets (18), allowing the water projected through the jets (26, 28, 46) to be aerated.

Abstract: This invention is of a float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further includes a seating device bridging the two leg portions of the flotation chamber. The invention also has a novel U-shaped stabilizing frame and means for connecting the stabilizing frame to the U-shaped flotation chamber. The U-shaped frame provides support to the opposing legs of the flotation chamber and prevents them from pinching in on the occupant. For additional support, a rigid rod, or tube, extends between the opposing legs of the frame. The means for connecting the stabilizing frame comprises preferably a plurality of channel segments, which are fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of the flotation chamber. Alternatively, a continuous channel may be used.

Abstract: A flotation device to be worn for water activities includes first and second buoyant end portions and a clamping member that may be multi-sectional. The clamping member passes from an abdominal region of a user between the user's legs to a back region of a user and is used to move the buoyant portions toward and away from each other to clamp the flotation device to and unclamp the flotation device from the abdominal and back regions of a user's trunk. Preferably, the flotation device includes one or two connectors for connecting the flotation device to a tether so that a user of the flotation device can swim in place when wearing the flotation device.

Abstract: A dual pontoon float having a pair of inflatable pontoons joined together by a rigid floatation seat which secures the pontoons in parallel and symmetrical alignment; an upper inflatable horseshoe body having arms is releasably secured to the pontoons by its arms in one of a more aft or more fore position relative to amidships for distributing the load; the arms are secured to the pontoons with loop and pile fasteners and belts and buckles; a backrest is attached to the center of the horseshoe body; the open end of the body includes a spacer or stabilizer bar, whereby the spacer bar and rigid floatation seat resist inward collapse and rotation of the pontoons; thus when inflated and assembled, provides a rigid, stable dual pontoon float with the pontoons parallel and symmetrical; storage compartments are attached to the arms and backrest; and an apron is releasably connected between the spacer bar and arms to provide a working surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises two V-shaped tubes held in a nested and tensioned relationship with each other such that the assembly is free of tensioning straps or rigid supports while easily maintaining its relative legs angled relationship effectively supporting in fishing activity in wave agitated lakes and bodies of water persons weighing up to and over 250 pounds.

Abstract: A floating chair is provided which is made up of a U-shaped mesh seat which has, along the outer edge of the hemispherical portion of the U-shape, a sewn tube which is of the correct inside diameter to allow a commonly used cylindrical closed cell foam water toy to be passed trough it. The water toy provides floatation to the mesh seat, which in turn allows a swimmer to place it on the surface of a body of water (such as a swimming pool or lake) and then place himself on the mesh seat, having his back resting on the closed portion of the U. This configuration allows the swimmer to float on the surface of the water without expending any energy to stay afloat and, thus, enhances a swimmer's enjoyment of water recreation.

Abstract: The present personal watercraft is comprised of a hull with a center portion, and a pair of elongated side pontoons extending substantially behind the center portion. A rear-facing seat is arranged on the rear of the center portion. The rear of the hull behind the seat and between the pontoons is open for enabling a rider to kick for propulsion. The center portion and the pontoons each have a curved bottom for improving directional control. The hull includes a bow with a substantially slanted bottom, and sides that converge to a point for improving speed and gliding over seaweed. The hull is preferably made of a floatable rigid material. A watertight storage compartment is provided in the center portion for stowing equipment. Seat belts are connected across the seat for securing a rider in rough water. A removable apron is stretched across the pontoons behind the seat for use in fly fishing. A detachable harness attached to the top of the pontoons allow the watercraft to be carried on the back of a person.

Abstract: A float tube has a pair of separate side-by-side pontoons, each comprising a pontoon cover and an inflatable bladder. A generally U-shaped support, having a separate cover and bladder, is mounted on top of the pontoons. The support has a pair of arms which overlay portions of the pontoons and the cover of each arm is attached to one of the pontoon covers. The support also has a back support member which spans between the two arms. The back support member serves to interconnect the two pontoons and maintain the proper spacing between them, and be a back support for someone sitting in the float tube. A flexible seat extends between the two pontoons in front of the back support and a rigid separation element extends between the two pontoons in front of the seat to keep the pontoons parallel. A headrest, having a separate cover and bladder, is located above the back support member.

Abstract: A mounting system for an inflatable boat of the type having opposed first and second tubular gunwale sections extending from a tubular U-shaped stern section including a band horizontally positionable on a rearward surface of the U-shaped stern, a first strap that encircles the first gunwale section and secured to the band adjacent one end thereof, a second strap that encircles the second gunwale section and secured to the band adjacent the other end thereof, a bracket secured to the band at the boat stern and receiving a battery therein, a submersible motor having a horizontal propeller shaft rotatably extending therefrom to which is affixed a propeller, the motor being positioned beneath and supported by the bracket, and a motor control supported to a gunwale section of the boat and electrically interposed between the battery and the motor.

Abstract: A floating chair including a generally U-shaped float portion with arms and a base wall which define an opening into which a longitudinally oriented primary body portion having an upper backrest portion, a middle sling portion and a forward footrest portion is positioned to support the human body while the chair floats on the surface of water and further structured to easily fold to a compact flat storage position.

Abstract: The invention is a float platform for aquatic instruction and therapy for use in swim training facilities that includes three basic components, a frame and first and second flotation arms. The frame has a base platform with a first end wall, a second end wall and a back wall secured between the first and second end walls and extending above the base platform and cooperate to partially surround a user support area on the base platform. An unrestricted entry-exit is defined between the first and second end walls above a front edge of the base platform opposed to the back edge of the platform.

Abstract: A water toy apparatus includes an elongated buoyant torso having first and second ends. A head is defined on the first end of the torso. First and second arms are connected to an intermediate location on the torso. The first and second arms include first and second manually squeezable pump bulbs each of which has an inlet and an outlet. A discharge conduit has a first end communicated with the outlets of the first and second pump bulbs, and has a second end terminating in the head, so that upon squeezing the pump bulbs water is squirted out of the head.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus is mounted on at least one end of a flexible tubular flotation member which is mountable about the body of the user. The propulsion apparatus is capable of propelling the tubular member and the user in the water. In one embodiment, a housing containing a motor driven propeller is fixedly mountable over one end of the tubular member. A guard containing an open mesh surrounds the propeller. In another embodiment, the housing and the propulsion means are mounted in a bore in the end of the tubular member, with the propeller projecting outward from the end of the tubular member.

Abstract: An inflatable floating chair comprising a floatation means for providing support, a seat, and an adjustable seat support means for supporting said seat at various positions relative to said floatation means whereby the inflatable floating chair accommodates bathers of various sizes and serves to support a barber's head and shoulders above the water surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved floatation support comprising one or more buoyant flexible foam tubes having first and second ends. A sling having first and second sides is connected to the first and second ends of the foam tube(s) so that they may be retained in a U-shape so that a person can lie or sit on the sling. The sling is attached to the foam tube in such a way as to pull the two ends of the tube together. This creates a comfortable platform on which a person can lie down either in the supine or prone position, typically with the head at the "U" bend in the tube and resting around the middle of the U Bend. The U bend provides means to support the head in the water, as this is the point of greatest buoyancy. The weight of the person on the sling is distributed evenly across the sling with the foam tube on both sides, resulting in good floatation characteristics and stability. A low center of gravity results because the weight of the user pulls down the center of the sling.

Abstract: A pool float (10) and method of joining a generally rectangular sheet (31) of netting and an elongated generally cylindrical flotation member (20) into the pool float (10) by forming sleeve segments from the sheet of netting (31) and deforming and captively engaging the flotation member (20) in a generally U-shaped configuration within the sleeve segments.

Abstract: A water saddle is formed of a unitary member of expanded plastic such as polystyrene having closed cells on it surface. The saddle includes a center seat located between end sections. The center of the seat portion is narrower than the end sections and includes tapered surfaces to be grasped by a riders legs which extend to a bottom surface which curves downwardly from one end section to a maximum depth below the seat portion and them upwardly to the other end section. The saddle is designed such that the center of buoyancy of the combined saddle and rider is significantly below the surface of the water, leaving the rider's arms, shoulders and head out of the water.

Abstract: A flotation device (10) for sportsmen which includes a U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) having a pair of opposing parallel legs (12 & 14) which are encased by a fabric outer covering (20) and has attached thereto a flexible seating platform (18). Flexible seating platform (18) is attached to outer covering (20) so that it is suspended between opposing parallel legs (12 & 14) of U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11). Tensioning strap 22 spans the outer perimeter of the U-shaped flotation tube assembly and attaches to the ends of the opposing legs for preventing the legs from collapsing toward each other when weight is applied to the flexible seating platform. Flexible outer covering (20) has a zippered access hole (32) whereby the U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) may be introduced and inflated so that U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) fills out outer covering (20) and provides buoyancy for sportsman on water.

Abstract: A floatation device (10) for sportsmen which includes a U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) having a pair of opposing parallel legs (12 & 14) which are encased by a fabric outer covering (20) and has attached thereto a flexible seating platform (18). Flexible seating platform (18) is attached to outer covering (20) so that it is suspended between opposing parallel legs (12 & 14) of the U-shaped floatation tube assembly (11). Tensioning strap 22 spans the outer perimeter of the U-shaped floatation tube assembly and attaches to the ends of the opposing legs for preventing the legs from collapsing toward each other when weight is applied to the flexible seating platform. The flexible outer covering (20) has a zippered access hole (32) whereby the U-shaped floatation tube assembly (11) may be introduced and inflated so that the U-shaped floatation tube assembly (11) fills out outer covering (20) and provides buoyancy for a sportsman on water.

Abstract: A floating lounge chair that can also be used on land. A relatively light weight rigid panel acts as a base for an elongated air cushion, such that the person can be fully supported in a reclining position on the cushion. A U-shaped rigid plastic foam arm rest is attached to the rigid panel. Various recesses are formed in the plastic foam material to hold various items, e.g. a beverage glass, portable radio, book, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a bicycle-like pedal exerciser in a flotation structure designed for use in water. Two crescent shaped inflatable tubes are oppositely affixed in a fold-in frame horizontally disposed point to point. Hinged frame sections exposed between the flotation points and the convex inner wall tube shapes provides an operational and fixture-attach opening. A curved, flat bottom seat suspended downwardly in the opening faces a yoke-attached adjustable shaft downwardly affixed with a small flywheel turnable by bicycle-type pedals. The seat is adjustable and removable. An adjustable brake supplies a desired tension to the small flywheel. The device is operational in swimming pools or other limited water areas. The user sits or stands submerged to arm pit level and exercises by cranking the flywheel with the bicycle-like pedals. A variety of positions may be assumed for in-water therapy or for healthful exercising.

Abstract: A floating, reclining lounge (10) including a mechanism to permit it to be easily adjusted in the aquatic environment without the need for manually applied lifting force. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a slotted bracket (30) with resilient sockets which enable the seat of the lounge to be moved and secured in select positions of adjustment. In another embodiment, the mechanism include a slotted bracket (100) having a rack (110) and pinion (108) to facilitate such adjustment.

Abstract: The spoil line of a dredger is kept afloat by a series of spaced floatation elements in the form of tire carcasses, the beaded mouths of which have been spread until the distance between the edges of the mouths is greater than the radial distance from the surface defined by the mouths to the outermost surface of the carcass, the carcasses being filled with foamed plastic material. The floatation elements are strung on the spoil line whereby the spoil line passes through their centers.