Abstract: A modular flotation device comprises a first elongated rigid pontoon module comprising a first pontoon section and a second pontoon section, a second elongated rigid pontoon module comprising a third pontoon section and a fourth pontoon section, and an intermediate frame module comprising longitudinal members extending substantially parallel to the first and second elongated rigid pontoon modules, and lateral members extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second elongated rigid pontoon modules. The first, second, third, and fourth pontoon sections can comprise identical connection profiles and are interchangeable with one another.

Abstract: A tow-rope terminal section for watersports is provided for attachment to the end a tow rope and forming a final link to the inner tube or whatever inflated or floating towable. The tow-rope terminal section is provide with climb-aboard provisions so that fallen riders can climb back aboard the towable more easily.

Abstract: This invention provides a paddle retainer for stand-up paddleboards. There are two basic embodiments of the idea: a plug with a paddle-retaining slit that can be attached wherever the user wishes to attach it on the SUP, and a paddle-retaining slit built into the kicktail of the SUP. With both embodiments, the tip of the paddle is held within the slit portion by friction, such that SUP users can easily “store” their paddles in a vertical position while engaging in activities such as fishing that require them to store their paddles, and then easily retrieve their paddles without bending over to pick them up. The plug optionally has one or more holes into which fishing rods can be removably secured.

Abstract: A floatation survival pod includes an elongate floatation body (1) having sufficient buoyancy to remain afloat when holding a plurality of persons, handles (4) formed on the sides (5) thereof for grasping by the persons, one or more ports (6) formed in the top and bottom of said body for receiving and mounting a flare or the like and two or more compartments (7) formed either side of the longitudinal axis of said body for storing survival tools wherein the compartments provide access to the survival tools when the pod is floating in any orientation without compromising the floatation of the pod or comprising the security of persons using the pod.

Abstract: A floatable boat ramp is disclosed including a plurality of hollow planks arranged parallel to one another such that the upper surfaces thereof define a drivable surface. A plurality of flexible channels couple cavities defined by adjacent planks of the plurality of hollow planks to one another a first end plank defines one or more openings to allow inlet and outlet of air and water in order to cause the boat ramp to sink or float. The interior cavity of the planks may be divided into right and left hand portions. Left and right hand channels coupled the right and left hand portions, respectively, of adjacent planks to one another. A second end plank includes a continuous cavity and allows fluid communication between left and right hand portions of the other planks. The planks may be coupled together by cables extending through sleeves rotatably mounted to the ends thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for floatation of one or more persons on water includes a floatation device. The floatation device is sized for a single person and can be interlocked (i.e., secured) to additional floatation devices. Each individual floatation device is preferably made from an air-filled vinyl mattress or from foam. Each floatation device preferably includes at least one protrusion and at least one recess; however any desired combination of protrusions and recesses may be included. The protrusion of one individual floatation device interlocks within a recess of a second individual floatation device. A pair of retaining clips helps maintain each of the protrusions within the recesses. Any desired number of the individual floatation devices may be secured together to provide a larger overall floatation device for use by multiple persons while still providing each person their own personal floatation device.

Abstract: Embodiments generally to raft assembly components and methods. Specific aspects provide a tape configuration that can assist positioning of raft tubes with respect to one another, as well as positioning a life raft floor with respect to one or more of the raft tubes. The tape configuration may have a base and an extending T-shaped flange.

Abstract: A flotation control system that allows a user to place a first anchor base and a second anchor base operating in conjunction with respective retractable lines at opposite ends of an inflatable float. Each retractable line is secured to an outer bag that is used to protect an internal inner bag. The inner bag is filled with sand and sealed so that the outer bag, inner bag, and sand form an anchor. A user will release two anchors at opposite ends of the float. This function affords the user control over direction and drift.

Abstract: A floatation survival pod includes an elongate floatation body (1) having sufficient buoyancy to remain afloat when holding a plurality of persons, handles (4) formed on the sides (5) thereof for grasping by the persons, one or more ports (6) formed in the top and bottom of said body for receiving and mounting a flare or the like and two or more compartments (7) formed either side of the longitudinal axis of said body for storing survival tools wherein the compartments provide access to the survival tools when the pod is floating in any orientation without compromising the floatation of the pod or comprising the security of persons using the pod.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floating platform suitable for supporting a motorized fowl decoy upon a post attached to the-platform. The floating platform comprises a rectangular-shaped solid base portion having a vertically-mounted post attached to the top surface of the platform. Hingedly attached to each long side of the base is a foldable wing frame, each wing frame being a quadrilateral assembly of two longitudinal members and two lateral members, connected by four 90-degree elbows. The longitudinal member of each wing frame is pivotally attached to each long side of the base. The base and each wing are further enclosed in lightweight material to ensure buoyancy of the entire floating platform. The device is easily transportable by pivoting the wing frames upward and carrying the device in the manner of a briefcase.

Abstract: A platform raft is provided which includes a flotation tubing frame having an open central portion, a substantially rigid platform supported in the open central portion of the frame, and a roof disposed on at least one support, said roof having fabric suspended from the roof down to the flotation tubing frame. A second embodiment of a platform raft is provided including a flotation tubing frame having an open central portion, and a substantially rigid platform supported in the open central portion of the frame, the platform covering less than the entire open central portion of thereby forming an access area within the open central portion adapted for use as a swimming area.

Abstract: An assembly for stowing away and removing a survival kit in a passenger cabin of an aircraft, includes a first stowage compartment configured to be put in place in a floor of the passenger cabin. The first stowage compartment is equipped for completely accommodating the survival kit and for leading out a hook that is connected to the survival kit by way of a strap. The hook is used for hooking the survival kit to an attachment device of a rescue device with the first stowage compartment remaining closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for storing an inflatable liferaft, the container including a bag adapted to contain a deflated liferaft and means for inflating the liferaft using an inflating gas, preferably CO2 or a mixture of gasses, wherein the substantial part is CO2. The inflating means being connected to the liferaft, preferably being substantially contained inside the bag. The bag furthermore has means for measuring and/or monitoring at least the relative humidity (R.H.) and the CO2-content of the gas inside the bag.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for expandable modular raft and a water ride using the same. In one embodiment, the expandable modular raft can include a raft, and a base unit attached to the raft and configured to receive a building block. The building block can be configured to be force fit to the base unit and/or each other. Furthermore, the building block could be formed from various shapes. The expandable modular raft can be used in a water ride and can float along a path such as a river. Interactive units such as water guns can be placed along the path to allow observers to interact with the riders. Furthermore, a raft area can be located adjacent the path to store the rafts, while a building block area can be located adjacent the path to store the building blocks.

Abstract: A floating friendship assembly (10) comprises a first floating raft (21), a second floating raft (22), and a linkage (50) joining the first raft (21) to second raft (22) so that the pillow portion (31) of the first raft (21) faces the pillow portion (32) of the second raft (22). The rafts can be made from a foam pad (60) having a front end (70) curled to form its pillow portion. The linkage (50) can be made from a floatable material (e.g., foam) and can removably join the rafts (21-22) together so that they can be separated and used independently.

Abstract: A robust-skin-encapsulated, non-inflatable raft including (1) shape-establishing body structure in the form of an assembly including (a) perimeter structure defining and at least partially circumsurrounding a deck zone, and (b) deck structure joined to said perimeter structure within said deck zone, and (2) an all-over, encapsulating, penetration-barriering and fracture-resistant, elastomeric, polyurea skin coating applied to the assembly of the perimeter and deck structures within the body structure. The perimeter and deck structures are preferably formed of solid foam material.

Abstract: The inflatable buoyant tent apparatus provides a buoyant shelter for use on water. The apparatus is deflatable and inflatable except for the battery pack, alarm, pump, and pressure sensor. The apparatus is therefore compactly transported. The included switched air pump provides for automatic inflation. The most complete apparatus embodiment provides a spine and ribs that ensure rigidity of the tent. Rigidity for the float chamber is aided by corrugations that extend from the chamber first end to the chamber second end. The pressure sensor provides constant monitoring of the inflatable apparatus, with automatic pump operation initiated at a given low pressure setting, and automatic pump cessation upon the apparatus reaching a given air pressure. The beacon atop the tent provides clear visibility of the apparatus, especially at night, to ensure the safety of the apparatus and anyone within the tent. Tent flaps are provided for each end of the tent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boat (1) with a general contour defined by a periphery of predetermined shape and comprising a float (2) closed on itself along the periphery and formed by at least one floating tube (3); this tube is longer than this periphery and extends locally within the periphery towards the inside (INT) of the boat and has a curved portion (5) with a concavity turned towards the outside (EXT) and defining a re-entrant zone (7); a tent fabric (15) is fixed, along the periphery defining the general contour of the boat, to the tube except for the portion (5) defining the re-entrant zone (7).

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 attachment to a helicopter that includes a support frame, a float pack assembly and an inflation system. The float pack assembly includes a float in a packed configuration, a sleeve integrated into the float and a rigid support that at least partially extends through the sleeve. The float pack assembly is configured so that it may be installed and/or removed from the support frame separate from the inflation system.

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: A displaceable load carrying structure characterised by a main support arrangement (3), first and second sets (4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, 9, 10, 11) of support legs for supporting the main support arrangement (3) said support legs being vertically movable between raised and lowered positions relative to the main support arrangement, characterised in that each such set (4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, 9, 10, 11) of legs is capable of displacement as a set between said raised positions and said lowered positions and displaced relative to the other set whilst the legs of the other set (8, 9, 10, 11, or 4, 5, 6, 7) are in their lowered main support arrangement (3) supporting positions.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to an active carbon cocofiber mattress with the functions of floating and life saving. The embodiment can be folded to form a floating bed. The mattress core comprises prefabricated solid and rigid cocofiber mattresses with an ultra-thick sandwiched layer sandwiched therebetween; thus, when integrated as a whole, has a specific gravity of less than about 1. On said cocofiber mattress, there is provided with a high elastic cocofiber mattress. Within the ultra-thick sandwiched layer, air holes and channels filled with active carbon are provided. Active carbon layers cover the surface of the cocofiber mattress core.

Abstract: A portable floatation apparatus comprising a platform, a ramp, and a buoyancy structure non-removably attached to the platform. At least one buoyancy structure may be removably attached under the platform to adjust the buoyancy of the floatation apparatus. The platform may be perforated to allow liquids to drain through the perforations. A membrane structure may be removably attached to a bottom side of the floatation apparatus to capture any liquid draining through the perforations. The floatation apparatus is adapted to support an animal, such as a pet dog or a pet cat, over the body of water.

Abstract: A portable flotation platform is disclosed for use in supporting a load of equipment, hunting dogs, or personnel above the level of a body of water. The platform includes a deck constructed to be of an overall density less than that of water and sized so as to support the load above the level of the water. An anchor extends down to the bottom of the water and up to the deck to hold the deck on station in the water. The deck is provided with a carrying attachment to facilitate the user carrying the deck to a point of deployment at the water. The deck further has anchor storage for carrying the anchor along with the deck to the point of deployment.

Abstract: A buoyant lounger. The buoyant lounger has an outer loop constructed of a plurality of releasably secured resilient foam sections. A resilient containment band is placed within the outer loop and a plurality of mesh chairs are coupled between the containment band and the outer loop to produce a floating, buoyant lounger, which can accommodate a plurality of users. The buoyant lounger may be quickly and easily disassembled for transport and storage.

Abstract: A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Abstract: A plastic frame made up of lengths of plastic tubing and hollow plastic containers mounted on and releasable tied to the frame, both independently floatable. It also includes a form made up of containers and ties securing them together.

Abstract: A light-weight, transportable raft to be utilized for recreational purposes. The raft is constructed of high-impact plastic material (polyethylene) and is sized to comfortably accommodate two people. Handles are conveniently located to make lifting and carrying easy. The raft is provided with a partially filled internal styrofoam core to maintain floatation and thus, does not require inflation before use. A soft, vinyl-covered ensolite mat is removably fastened to the top surface of the raft to enhance comfort. Safety features include high visibility color, an anchor housing, a battery operated night light, paddle holders and drain openings. Book holders, bottle holders and cooler holders are strategically arranged on the raft's surface.

Abstract: A portable flotation platform is disclosed for use in supporting a load of equipment or hunting dogs above the level of a shallow body of water. The platform includes a deck constructed to be of an overall density less than that of water and sized so as to support the load above the level of the water. An anchor extends down to the bottom of the water and up to the deck to hold the deck on station in the water. The deck is provided with a carrying attachment to facilitate the user carrying the deck to the point of deployment on the water.

Abstract: A collapsible flotation device has an uncollapsed configuration and a collapsed configuration. The device includes a spring which is forced to coil in upon itself by folding to achieve the collapsed configuration of the device and which is biased towards the uncoiled configuration. The spring is located along the perimeter of the device in a pocket formed along the perimeter of a panel of flexible material or on the external perimeter of the device. Also located within the pocket are one or more inflation chambers which are inflated to provide buoyancy. Additional or alternate pockets which include inflatable chambers may be located in the central portion of the flexible panel.

Abstract: A detection system for small water craft, such as a kayak. Radar reflective material is incorporated in the surface of the kayak or other water craft, and also is incorporated in surface areas of water craft accessories, such as cushion, life vest or paddle. When the smaller water craft is in the vicinity of a larger aircraft which may be radar equipped so that there is danger of a collision or where the water craft is in a position where it would want detection as part of a rescue effort or the like, the water craft is oriented so that the radar reflective surface would reflect radar back to the sending source, thus better enabling detection. Also, the paddle or other water craft accessory could be positioned so as to reflect the radar waves. Further, the paddle or other accessory could be oriented to reflect the radar waves back to the source, or do so intermittently, in the event that the radar system is programmed to ignore a constant reflective signal.

Abstract: A rigid, inflatable dory and method for constructing the same. A pre-hull is constructed by attaching to a front end of a rigid, substantially, flat bottom a forwardly inclined stempost and, to a rear end thereof, a rearwardly inclined sternpost, and by attaching left and right garboard plank blanks to the sides of the bottom and to the sides of the stempost and sternpost. The stempost and sternpost are forced toward one another to impart camber and flare to the garboard plank blanks, as by connecting them by a taut rope, thereby converting the blanks into garboard planks. A hull frame is then constructed on the pre-hull, comprising longitudinally spaced apart ribs and laterally spaced apart stringers. A gunwale is attached to an upper edge of each side of the hull frame. An inflatable sponson is mounted exteriorly on each side of the hull.

Abstract: A float includes a hollow main body having four upper corners each having a first recess defined in therein, a cavity defined below the first recess, and a lug extending outwardly therefrom at a position below the cavity. The hollow main body further includes a second recess defined in an upper side thereof. An anti-slip cover is removably mounted to the second recess.

Abstract: Frames for flotation devices are described with integrally incorporated attachment sites for the air tight attachment of recycled plastic bottles, aluminum beverage cans, or other bouyant containers. Several embodiments of flotation devices made with such frames are described including floating mattresses, a raft, a baby seat, a bouy, a pool pillow, and a bumper. The devices discussed are easy to transport and to stow. Further, they are inexpensive and provide an incentive to recycle used bouyant bottles and cans for making the flotation devices of this invention.

Abstract: An artificial reef structure includes a floating platform formed by a number of buoy units combined together and a large number of vertically extending rows of waste tires secured to an under side of the platform to extend to any desired depth and assume any desired configuration. The resiliency of the tires allows the artificial reef structure to be used as a fender, the ring or donut shape of the tires provides cavities in which fish and other sea creatures may breed and feed, and the bulky volume of the reef structure that is formed by the great number of waste tires serves to break up tides and waves and thus protect the seashore and pier and jetty from being damaged by strong tides and waves.

Abstract: Protective mat assemblies are formed from lightweight beads which are secured together in a generally rectangular array. The beads have unobstructed longitudinal central openings to receive a rope. Certain of the beads have permanent rope members including an eyelet at each end of the rope member. The beads are secured by a forming rope which passes alternately through plain beads and through eyelets of second beads. Fastening elements are provided along one side of the resulting rectangular mat.

Abstract: A lightweight boat construction in which the main body is formed of top and bottom sheets of lightweight floatable plastic material. The sheets are configured externally to provide the desired external boat configuration when the sheets are superimposed and bonded. One of the bottom and top sheets is formed with a frame-receiving channel in the surface thereof contiguous the other sheet, and a PVC pipe frame is mounted in the channel for stabilizing and reinforcing the boat construction. The sheets with the embedded PVC frame are then bonded together to form the reinforced boat. Openings or recesses can be formed in the top sheets or both sheets to provide footwells, storage and battery compartments, and the like.

Abstract: A water sled is arranged for towing behind a self-propelled boat such as a ski boat and the like. A plurality of spaced parallel buoyancy tubes include removable caps to provide for reception of ballast within each respective buoyancy tube to accommodate tilting of cargo positioned upon a support web mounted within a rectinilear buoyant framework tube structure secured upon the first and second buoyancy tubes.

Abstract: A lantern float is arranged to attract fish, insects, and the like to enhance success of a fishing procedure. The organization includes a perimeter buoyant ring mounting a light transmissive support therewithin, with the support having a support ring to include a lantern positioned thereon. The invention may further be afforded with a reflective inverted cone mounted above the lantern utilizing various anchor structure associated with the ring support. A replacement illumination ring is provided in lieu of the lantern.

Abstract: A barge apparatus which includes first and second elongated pontoon members each including a buoyant foamed plastic material and decking bridging the pontoon members with the pontoon members disposed in spaced relationship. Each of the pontoon members including first and second elongated longitudinally extending members that extend substantially the entire length of the pontoon member proximate to the upper surface thereof and each of the pontoon members including first and second lower corner angles disposed in nested relatioship to the lower extremities of the buoyant foam plastic material. The apparatus also includes either a plurality of straps disposed at axially spaced intervals along each of the elongated longitudinally extending members with each of the straps extending around the buoyant foam plastic material and the first and second lower corner angles or other apparatus that joins these members.

Abstract: The invention comprises generally square buoyant cushions. A separate fabric skirt is attached to each side of each cushion. Each skirt has fastening means so the skirts on one cushion can be fastened to the skirts on another cushion. If the cushions are stacked one on top of another, and the skirts of the stacked cushions are connected together, the skirts are sufficiently long so the buoyant compartment formed by the facing surfaces of the cushions and the connected skirts of the cushions will have sufficient volume for storing emergency supplies. In another configuration the skirts on the cushions can be connected together in side by side relationship to form a chain of buoyant cushions or a raft which can support a number of people so they will not drift apart in the water.

Abstract: A floating dock, swimming platform or the like can use airbags, foam or other flotation material held within plastic frames which may be foldable for storage or transportation surfaces upon a car top or the like.

Abstract: A securing arrangement so executed as to be tripped for release on actuation for the purpose of changing the state of an attached item of equipment. It is so executed as to secure the equipment by means of a loadable link (8) in a securing position. The equipment can be released by means of a tripping arrangement (36, 37, 42) by breaking the link by the actuation of an actuating arrangement (20, 32) by means of a specific factor such as a change in pressure. The link consists of a device which is capable of being cut through, such as a cable (8). The tripping arrangement comprises a blade (36, 37) provided with an edge so arranged as to be moved by the effect of the force of a tensioned spring (42) into a position in which the cable is cut through. The actuating arrangement (20, 32) is so arranged as to hold the blade in its first position by means of a locking arrangement (26), and as to release the blade so that it will adopt its second position upon actuation by means of said factor.

Abstract: A swim float constructed of a plurality of hinged sections. Core blocks are hingedly interconnected by upper and lower flexible layers. Sidewalls of adjacent flexible layers are bevelled so that the skin of a user will not be pinched therebetween. The hinges alternatingly are formed by the upper and lower flexible layers so that the swim float flexes and follows the contour of waves.

Abstract: A plurality of rod elements, an inflatable mattress and a cover are configured so that they can be assembled to form a stable raft having good flotation characteristics for supporting an adult individual while traversing a body of water. The components used to form the raft can be reassembled to form a tent. The components can also be disassembled and packaged into a compact, lightweight parcel for easy backpacking.

Abstract: A raft inflation valve, which is actuated by pulling a detachable cable connected to one end of a piston, thereby allowing inflation gas to flow from an attached pressure vessel into an inflatable raft includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, an internal cylinder open at one end to the valve outlet, and an inlet passage leading from the valve inlet to and intersecting with the midsection of the internal cylinder. A double-ended piston with O-ring seals on both ends is positioned in the internal cylinder so that one end blocks the passage to the outlet. In this position (valve closed) the O-ring seals are on opposite sides of the intersection of the inlet passage which results in a balancing of the gas pressure forces acting on the piston, thereby allowing the piston to be moved (for actuation) by simply overcoming the O-ring drag on the internal cylinder wall. This results in a low actuation force that is only remotely related to the operating pressure of the inflation system.

Abstract: A raft for a rapid flow water course amusement ride having a generally circular shaped hull fabricated in two sections with a surrounding floatation bumper and separate redundant floatation material in the bottom of the hull. A multiplicity of inwardly facing high-backed seats are disposed around the inner periphery of the hull with a circular hand-hold in the center. The circular construction and seat distribution and arrangement, coupled with the redundant floatation feature, provides a stable and safe floatation device which is especially adapted to endure abuse from collisions with the water course banks and obstructions disposed in the water course while carrying a plurality of raft riders.

Abstract: A floating platform assembly designed to provide a stable work surface within cylindrical, vertically upward closed vessels which have axially centered obstructions and limited entry space and which vessels are partially filled with a liquid. The platform floats on a plurality of pontoons and includes an annular platform on which persons inspecting the interior of the vessel can stand. The annular configuration of the platform allows it to be assembled within the vessel around the central obstruction. The platform is modular and is assembled in the vessel from a plurality of identical sections. After the inspection of the vessel interior, the platform is disassembled and removed from the vessel through the limited entry space.

Abstract: A kit includes a legless table and a chair having a tubular frame with detachable legs. The table is detachably connectable to the chair. Rigid flotation material encases portions of the tubular frame and buoyantly supports the chair and the table.