Abstract: A life raft may include a base comprising a first side and a second side, and a self-supporting, collapsible spring canopy. The canopy may include a spring wire frame, a first panel circumscribed by the spring wire frame, and a second panel circumscribed by the spring wire frame.

Abstract: A boarding apparatus for use on a flotation device, in accordance with various embodiments is disclosed herein. The boarding apparatus comprises a stirrup ladder. The boarding apparatus may be integral to a lifeline assembly of the flotation device. The boarding apparatus may be removably coupled to a loop patch of the flotation device. The boarding apparatus may release from the loop patch and become a boarding configuration for the flotation device.

Abstract: An evacuation system may comprise a packboard, an evacuation slide configured to deploy from the packboard, and a canopy support apparatus is disclosed. The canopy support apparatus may comprise a valve extending from a proximal end of a canopy support tube toward a distal end of the canopy support tube and into an internal cavity of the canopy support tube. The valve may be configured to open a channel during inflation. The valve may be configured to seal the channel via internal pressure in the internal cavity acting on a sealing component of the valve when the canopy support tube is in an inflated state.

Abstract: An inflatable apparatus is disclosed that includes an inflatable mattress with a tent coupled to the inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress may include an inflatable mattress chamber with two elongated inflatable chambers attached to the inflatable mattress chamber. The two elongated inflatable chambers may provide support and stability for the inflatable mattress chamber. The tent may be a collapsible tent coupled to the inflatable mattress chamber. The inflatable mattress and the tent, when deflated and collapsed, respectively, may be rolled-up or folded-up into a compact state for transport and/or storage.

Abstract: An evacuation assembly of an aircraft includes an evacuation slide and a sheet coupled to the evacuation slide. The sheet may be deployable in a wind curtain configuration and a canopy configuration. In the wind curtain configuration, the sheet may extend, as a substantially vertical panel, longitudinally along opposing lateral sides of the evacuation slide. In the canopy configuration the sheet may extend over at least a portion of a top side of the evacuation slide. In the canopy configuration, the sheet may include a first portion that is the substantially vertical panel that extends longitudinally along the opposing lateral sides of the evacuation slide and a second portion that extends over the top side of the evacuation slide. The second portion of the curtain may in a furled, collapsed form in the wind curtain configuration and may be configured to unfurl in the canopy configuration.

Abstract: An evacuation assembly of an aircraft may include an evacuation slide and a sheet coupled to the evacuation slide. The sheet may be deployable in a negative lift configuration and a canopy configuration. In the negative lift configuration, the sheet may extend across at least a portion of an underside of the evacuation slide. In the canopy configuration, the sheet may extend over at least a portion of a top side of the evacuation slide. The evacuation assembly may also include a support that is coupled to and extends between the top side of the evacuation slide and the sheet in response to the sheet being in the canopy configuration.

Abstract: A life raft is disclosed. In various embodiments, the life raft includes a flotation platform, a container and a ballast bag, the ballast bag being attached to the flotation platform and to the container. The container is configured to separate upon deployment of the life raft on a surface of a body of water and draw the ballast bag down into the body of water upon separation.

Abstract: A life raft may include a base having a first side and a second side. The life raft may also include a first canopy support arm coupled proximate the base, a second canopy support arm coupled proximate the base, and a canopy coupled to the base. At least one of the first canopy support arm or the second canopy support arm may comprise a joint.

Abstract: An inflatable canopy assembly includes an inflatable canopy cover, and a tunnel structural system integrated into the inflatable canopy cover. The tunnel structural system is positioned to provide a frame structure to the inflatable canopy assembly.

Abstract: A watercraft with a rigid outer hull having a substantially circular shape in plan view and a rounded bottom surface for contacting a body of liquid, and a rigid top surface disposed opposite said bottom surface and integrally formed with the outer hull, the top surface having an annular stability portion with convex walls in cross-section and a recessed flat-bottomed deck portion adapted to receive a person, and an edge of the recessed deck portion being disposed inwardly from an outermost edge of the top portion by a distance, and a method for using same.

Abstract: A ladder system for a boat having gunwale tubing comprises a ladder including two side rails and at least one rung transversely disposed across the side rails and a platform having a curved recess and platform surface. The top portion of the ladder is pivotably attached to the side of the platform and extends downward therefrom. The platform is disposed on the gunwale tubing of the boat such that the curved recess of the platform receives and engages the tubing. A stanchion extends laterally from the ladder and includes two support each extending from a corresponding side rail of the ladder. A stanchion pad is disposed at an end of said stanchion disposed between the two stanchion supports, and engages the hull of the boat to prevent twisting of the ladder when it is deployed. The ladder system prevents deformation of the gunwale tubing while providing enhanced stability.

Abstract: A watercraft with a rigid outer hull having a substantially circular shape in plan view and a rounded bottom surface for contacting a body of liquid, and a rigid top surface disposed opposite said bottom surface and integrally formed with the outer hull, the top surface having an annular stability portion with convex walls in cross -section and a recessed flat-bottomed deck portion adapted to receive a person, and an edge of the recessed deck portion being disposed inwardly from an outermost edge of the top portion by a distance, and a method for using same.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The harness may be a backpack that enables a user to transport the system while engaging in activities that may be exposed to avalanche risk. The harness may include hip straps, shoulder straps, internal compartments, etc.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for tsunami survival shelters. In various embodiments, a tsunami survival shelter comprises a vertical support column designed to withstand forces exerted by anticipated tsunamis and accompanying debris field; a buoyant inflatable survival life raft removably attached near a top portion of the vertical support column and capable of floating free from the vertical support column, and thereby protecting the occupants in the event of failure or overtopping of the support column; and adornments and coloring to allow the vertical support column and survival raft to blend with their surroundings by imitating trees indigenous to the area.

Abstract: An upper smart arch extends upwardly from an inflatable upper tube and a lower smart arch extends downwardly from a lower inflatable. An orientation sensing transfer valve is located at each interface of the upper smart arch and upper tube and a lower orientation sensing transfer valve is located at each interface between the lower smart arch and the lower tube. Deployment of the upper smart arch along with an upper canopy will be deployed with the opening of the upper orientation sensing transfer valve and the lower smart arch and a lower canopy will not be deployed since the lower orientation sensing transfer valve remains closed.

Abstract: A free floating canopy shade system for use in a pool or at a beach. The canopy has four legs each leg supported by an open top float, each float having an outer tapered cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall being sized to receive a leg, an attachment to attach the leg to the float. The float being water tight and open at the top. Wherein an open shaded area is created beneath the canopy bounded only on four corners by each float.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for tsunami survival shelters. In various embodiments, a tsunami survival shelter comprises a vertical support column designed to withstand forces exerted by anticipated tsunamis and accompanying debris field; a buoyant inflatable survival life raft removably attached near a top portion of the vertical support column and capable of floating free from the vertical support column, and thereby protecting the occupants in the event of failure or overtopping of the support column; and adornments and coloring to allow the vertical support column and survival raft to blend with their surroundings by imitating trees indigenous to the area.

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: Apparatus for helping a person survive on a cold body of water includes a suit capable of covering at least a substantial portion of the user's body while allowing the user to move and work out of water. An inflatable raft is provided to hold and support the person on water when the raft has been inflated. The raft in a deflated state is foldable into a compact configuration and is sufficiently light in weight to be carried on a back of the person out of water. There is a raft holder adapted to hold the raft in its compact state and adapted for carrying on the suit. The raft can be tethered to the suit or the raft holder.

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 relates to an inflatable liferaft comprising at least an inflatable first tube, an inflatable second flotation tube, said first and second flotation tubes being adapted to be arranged substantially above each other, said first and second flotation tubes extending circumferentially for providing a substantially ring-shaped area; and a bottom element which is adapted to provide a bottom to the substantially ring-shaped area. Furthermore, said first and second flotation tubes are arranged separately substantially above each other, and said first and second flotation tubes are mainly connected via said bottom element.

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 dual-sided, or reversible, inflatable rescue and safety raft consists of an inflated grille provided with mesh netting spanning open regions to accommodate personnel, manually releasable locking devices that close access openings in the netting to permit personnel to board from underneath the floating grille, both surfaces of the grille being provided with fasteners for safety handles and belts; one or more containers with compactly folded modular floor and shelter units that can be fastened to the surface of the grille (or removed from the raft for use as tents on land) are repositionably secured to the grille in the event that the containers are submerged when the raft is initially disposed in the water.

Abstract: An amphibious tent capable of floating on water surface without capsizing includes three or more floats as a skeleton thereof in addition to the components of a normal tent, power equipment installed to a base of the tent to form a lifeboat, and screens that can be erected to become a sailing boat.

Abstract: The invention is an air-inflatable multi-wall multi-cell spheroidal-shell life raft that forms a shelter for occupants and that includes removable window covers to allow cross ventilation when desired and that is constructed of one or more air-or-gas-inflatable cells and/or air-or-gas-inflatable panels and contains an internal water-inflatable ballast tank located below an air-or-gas-inflated multi-cell floor cushion centered in the lowest point of the spheroidal shell thus providing the tank with the lowest center of gravity available within the shell. Key features new to the art are the inflatable spheroidal shape of the shell that forms the shelter enclosure, the water-inflatable internal ballast tank and the relationship of the shell to the ballast tank that insures that the raft will not capsize when occupants and their belongings are equally distributed within the raft.

Abstract: An inflatable raft has an inflatable hull of catamaran type. The hull has parallel spaced fore-and-aft pontoons centrally of its length between elevated transverse bridges at the ends of the hull. The pontoons and bridges are connected by inclined connecting sections. Along a vertical longitudinal centerplane of the hull there is an inflatable righting structure. The righting structure is of inverted V configuration having legs connected at an arm peak above the hull. Lower ends of the legs are connected to the bridges so that the arm extends between the bridges. Inflatable righting sponsons can extend laterally from the arm at its peak area.

Abstract: An easily inflated cover protecting occupants of a small vessel, preferably an inflatable dinghy, includes: (a) a flexible canopy comprised of a central canopy portion having side edges for contacting opposite sides of the vessel, a forward canopy portion having a lower edge for contacting a bow of the vessel, the forward canopy portion extending from one side of the central canopy portion, and an aft entrance portion connected to an opposite side of the central canopy portion; the aft entrance portion including an opening to an interior of the vessel; (b) a system of spaced-apart, flexible straps attachable across a bottom of the vessel for affixing the cover to the vessel, the strap system including a connector strap, the connector strap being detachably or permanently attached at its ends to two, opposite, lower edges of the canopy; and (c) at least one inflatable central support for supporting the canopy over the vessel interior, the inflatable support including an enclosed, inflatable support tube and

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable, reversible life raft with a raft body including upper and lower inflatable, peripherally disposed bladders defining a closed geometric shape. The raft body also includes upper and lower inflatable masts in pneumatic communication with the upper and lower bladders, respectively. A floor closes the geometric shape between the upper and lower bladders. The upper and lower masts support upper and lower canopies, respectively. The upper canopy forms an upright, above-water enclosure to protect survivors from the elements. The lower canopy forms an underwater ballast beneath the floor of the raft, stabilizing the life raft. The reversible life raft is equipped with a reversible, collapsible ladder attached to an exterior portion of the two stacked bladders, and is equipped with two reversible ballast pouches mounted to an exterior portion of the two stacked bladders opposite the ladder.

Abstract: A liferaft has a floor (52) surrounded by one or more inflatable tubes (50, 51). Two canopies (54a, 54b) are provided, one (54a) covering one side of the floor (52) and the other (54b) covering the other side of the floor (52). When the liferaft is deployed on water, support means, which may be an inflatable column (63), erect the canopy (54a) that is above the water. The other canopy (54b) is unerected and lies in the water. The system of weights (67) and elastic ropes (66) forms the canopy in the water into stabilizing means in the form of water pockets. Similar means are provided on the deployed canopy (54a) but, when the canopy (54a) is erected, they lie flush with the canopy surface and so do not interfere with the operation of the liferaft.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool assembly includes an inflatable swimming pool with a peripheral wall that has a top surface, a first half and a second half. A sun shield has a flexible sunshade portion with two opposite sides, which are formed respectively with a curved first inflatable tube and a curved second inflatable tube. The first inflatable tube has two ends that are respectively in fluid communication with two ends of the second inflatable tube at two intersections.

Abstract: A reversible liferaft having two canopies (4a, 4b), one on each side, and an inflatable column (13), which supports the upper canopy (4a) when the liferaft is floating on water. The column (13) preferably has a narrow center (12) and wider extremities (3a, 3b) and is positioned in an aperture (7) in the floor (2) on the liferaft. A sleeve (9) is connected at one end (10) of the edge of the aperture (7) and at the other end (11) to the center (12) of the column (13).

Abstract: Compact and light weight deployable flotation devices with improved elasticity, tensile strength, shear strength, and puncture resistance using higher quality materials and sequencing of layers of polymer coating with greater mechanical strength in outer layers, and improved impermeability to gas leakage from within. The flotation devices are folded in containers with the containers having an integral gas supply cannister for use in a vehicle or vessel and for portability. The flotation devices are deployed by inflation by means of mechanical pull cord, automatically by float switches, hydrostatic release, electronic panic buttons, or switches used with a pyrotechnic release valve mechanism, or by pyrotechnic inflators. Restraining mechanisms form part of inflatable bag construction for permanent mounting in a vehicle or vessel. A protective cover enshrouds the inflatable bag and its integral restraining mechanism, the shroud being able to expand at the end of bag inflation.

Abstract: High-capacity life raft (1, 10) comprising an inflatable peripheral edge (2) forming a tubular buoyancy chamber and a central bottom (3) secured thereto, characterized in that the said central bottom (3) comprises at least one region (4) forming a platform for receiving those embarking and at least one region (5) for mustering those who have embarked, the said muster region (5) occupying an area of the said bottom that is quite distinctly larger than the area occupied by the said reception platform region (4).

Abstract: A self-righting inflatable life raft having a raft body formed by inflatable sidewalls, a floor above a bottom of the sidewalls, a line of rotation of the raft defined by the outer perimeter of the raft body about which the raft body rotates on the surface of the water when moved from an inverted position to an upright position. The center of gravity of the raft body is spaced a first predetermined distance from the line of rotation and displaced horizontally from the line of rotation when the raft is inverted. At least three inflatable spaced apart tube members extending upwardly and outwardly from the perimeter of the raft body at an angle from the perpendicular to the raft body to a sufficient degree and having a buoyancy sufficient such that the moment exerted on the raft about the line of rotation by the weight of the raft acting through its center of gravity causes the raft body to topple by gravity to an upright position.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for an inflatable life raft, wherein the life raft has a flotation body, including at least one support tube and a bottom and further having a roof structure, including an inflatable support and a cover, has at least one bracket positioned exterior to the roof structure and spanning the roof structure. The at least one bracket includes a closed, inflatable hollow body and a pressure medium connector for inflating the closed inflatable hollow body with a pressure medium. Fasteners connected to the at least one bracket are provided for connecting the at least one bracket to the life raft.

Abstract: The present invention involves an inflatable life raft for use in an aircraft. The life raft comprises an air providing device, a floor, a buoyancy tube, and a canopy. The buoyancy tube is disposed about the floor. The canopy protects survivors located on the floor, and includes a cover and an inflatable support having at least three inflatable legs attached to the buoyancy tube. The air providing device inflates the buoyancy tube and the inflatable support. The canopy cover may be positioned in at least three arrangements: a closed position, a sailing position, and a convertible position. The two layered canopy cover includes two zippered doors allowing for ingress and egress, and has a plurality of radar reflective portions. The floor has a generally round shape or a polygonal shape with at least ten sides. A second buoyancy tube is disposed on the first buoyancy tube, and both have approximately the same size.

Abstract: In a method for activating a life raft, wherein the life raft has an inflatable bottom frame, a bottom connected to the bottom frame, an inflatable roof structure, including inflatable tubes connected to the bottom frame and a cover connected to the roof structure, wherein the bottom frame and the inflatable roof structure have at least one inflating opening for an inflation medium, it is suggested to first inflate the roof structure in order to facilitate flipping the life raft into the correct position of use.

Abstract: The present invention involves an inflatable life raft for use in an aircraft. The life raft comprises an air providing device, a floor, a buoyancy tube, and a canopy. The buoyancy tube is disposed about the floor. The canopy protects survivors located on the floor, and includes a cover and an inflatable support having at least three inflatable legs attached to the buoyancy tube. The air providing device inflates the buoyancy tube and the inflatable support. The canopy cover may be positioned in at least three arrangements: a closed position, a sailing position, and a convertible position. The two layered canopy cover includes two zippered doors allowing for ingress and egress, and has a plurality of radar reflective portions. The floor has a generally round shape or a polygonal shape with at least ten sides. A second buoyancy tube is disposed on the first buoyancy tube, and both have approximately the same size.

Abstract: The floatation device is a combination of an adult water exerciser and a child float. The floatation device allows a child to float safely and securely on the water while an adult uses the device as a kickboard to push it or as a leg buoy to pull it. The floatation device includes a buoyant board and in the middle of the board is a generally circular opening through which an adult places a child onto a holding seat which hangs down directly underneath the opening. Attached to the rear of the board and directed over the opening is a canopy which is designed to shield the child from the sun and from splashes. The canopy includes a canopy window through which an adult pushing the board from behind may monitor the child. The floatation device also includes a handlebar attached to the rear of the board. An adult may grip the handlebar and use the floatation device like a kickboard.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft incorporates upper and lower canopies that are raised automatically above the upper or lower sides of the raft, respectively, depending on which side of the raft is facing upwardly when the raft is floating. The canopies each form a tent-like enclosure when raised to protect the raft occupants. The canopies are selectively raised by a generally vertically-oriented pillar slideably joined to the raft body, each end of the pillar being joined to corresponding upper and lower canopies. Preferably, the pillar is capable of floating to permit it to elevate above the raft body. The pillar may comprise an inflatable elongate member that slides disposed within an aperture within the floor. A skirt joins the pillar to the floor and provides a reversible waterproof seal between the pillar and the floor and limits the range of vertical travel of the pillar. One or more drain holes may be provided within the base of the skirt to allow the occupants to drain water from within the raft.

Abstract: A portable shelter (10) provides protection for users (18) of an individual float tube (12) or a pontoon style kick board (76). The shelter (10) comprises a covering 32 having transparent front panels (39), transparent side and rear panels (34,37), and translucent or opaque lower front panels (36a), side panels (36c) and rear panels (36b). A flexible longitudinal rod (38) and transverse rod (40) maintain the dome-like configuration of the shelter (10). It is easily mounted on the top surface (22) of the tube (12) by using the straps (60) and side straps (53) and by inserting the transverse rod (40) into side pockets (58) that are in turn inserted between the handles (14) and the tube (12). A rear strap (50) and side straps (60) further secure the shelter (10) to the tube (12). The front flaps (39) open to provide access for fishing, hunting, photography, and the like, or they may be zipped shut for protection from the elements and greater concealment.

Abstract: A floating sun shield apparatus includes a frame having oppositely disposed longitudinal frame members and oppositely disposed transverse frame members. The frame members have a perimeter defining a user area. Also included is a canopy operatively coupled to the frame and disposed over the user area where the canopy is configured to block sunlight from the user area. Two flexible canopy support rods releasably attach to the frame at opposite ends substantially forming an arch where each support rod is configured to attach to either the longitudinal frame members or to the transverse frame members such that the canopy support rods are maintained in a flexed convex orientation relative to the frame. The canopy has opposite longitudinal sides configured to engage the canopy support rods such that the canopy is maintained in a curved orientation above the user area. The frame is configured to be buoyant in water such that the canopy is maintained above the user area.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an air, sea, or land deployed rapid response, self-propelled, autonomous or semi-autonomous marine vehicle (AMV) possessing a pair of extendible hydraulic cylinders encased in a pneumatic inflation chute, with an ability to be directed toward, and to autonomously seek out and recover physically restricted persons in peril from an aqueous environment. The AMV uses video, thermal, and audio sensors to actively and autonomously detect persons floating in an aqueous environment, and can be directed to a person or persons in distress on the sea surface through an aircraft, ship, or shore mounted, GPS linked, laser targeting system. The present invention also possesses the ability to provide life support functions, propulsive mobility, and two way real-time radio frequency and satellite based voice, video and data telemetry with the rescue aircraft, ship, or shore based coordination center responsible for deploying, operating, or monitoring the AMV.

Abstract: A removable hollow-wall anchor for fastening machine screws to a wall is disclosed. Commonly called a Molly bolt, in one aspect of the invention the head of the Molly bolt is unthreadable from the anchor part of the Molly bolt so that once the Molly bolt has been secured to the wall the head can be unthreaded so as to remove it from the outer surface of the wall. A gripper is used in conjunction with the head to prevent rotation of the Molly bolt when the machine screw is being threaded in or out. The gripper is also removable from the wall. Once the machine screw, head and gripper have been removed from the wall, the outer surface of the wall is flush and free from any part of the Molly bolt.

Abstract: A convertible recreational raft that can be used on a pool or lake, comprising a floating raft defining a relatively large central opening to surround the users. By itself the buoyant raft provides recreational opportunities. A mesh material may be stretched over and releasably fastened to the top of the raft to form a closed interior whereby the only entry is from the water by way of the opening in the raft, so that insects are precluded from reaching the users; the raft also provides privacy and protection from cool breezes for users in the closed interior. A rigid panel, the top of which provides a raised deck for sunbathing or diving may also be releasably fastened to the top of the raft. This configuration also results in a closed interior below the panel and within the raft inner perimeter that provides privacy and protection from cool breezes for users.

Abstract: A floating insect screen for personal use on a pool or lake comprising a floating base member defining a large central opening to surround the user, relatively upright vertical members attached to said base member, and a mesh material attached between and to said upright members and said base member. The mesh material forms a closed interior where the only entry is from the water by way of the opening in the base member, so that insects are prevented form reaching the user.

Abstract: A self-righting inflatable life raft including a raft body having inflatable sidewalls and an inflatable member extending from the raft body having a buoyant portion sufficient to provide lifting force to move the raft's center of gravity beyond its point of rotation on the surface of water such that the raft will topple by gravity to an upright position. The inflatable member may include a plurality of inflatable tube portions which extend from an upper edge of the raft sidewalls to a first predetermined position upwardly and outboard from the upper edge and which then extend inboard to centrally converge with one another at a second predetermined position above the raft body.

Abstract: A modular liferaft wherein the canopy, canopy support, floor pads if any, boarding ramp and at least one ballast are detachably attached to a liferaft hull and floor assembly. Modular construction facilitates maintenance and repair and may reduce the cost and volume of materials employed in spares programs necessary to support liferafts used in commerce.

Abstract: A convertible, collapsible shelter apparatus for use on land and in a body of water comprises a buoyant vehicle in combination with a shelter assembly. The buoyant vehicle has (a) an inflatable frame, (b) a flexible member whose perimeter is sealingly attached to the frame, and (c) anchors for holding a spaced plurality of pole members. The shelter assembly has (a) a plurality of struts which are removably held by the anchors and extend upwardly therefrom and across the floor, (b) a flexible cover supported by the struts and which extends to proximate the perimeter of floor and has an entrance for an occupant of the shelter; (c) an inflatable cushion which covers the frame and is removably retained against the floor by the frame, and (d) fasteners for holding a bottom portion of the cover proximate an edge of the cushion. When the cushion, the struts, and the cover are removed from the vehicle to form a tent, the fasteners are capable of maintaining the cover proximate the cushion.

Abstract: A life buoy 1 in the form of an inflatable ring with a floor 10 has a textile, invert cone keel 11 filled with water and held open by a ballast mass 14. Around the keel hangs an open mesh textile sea anchor 25. Steps 18, braced 20 to the keel, assist a man overboard in entering the life buoy. The life buoy is detachably provided with a sling 30, having a lifting eye 31 for lifting the man overboard from the life buoy.