Abstract: A rescue water craft comprising an elongated closed-loop tubular structure and a floor is described. The tubular structure has a mid portion and two end portions. Both end portions rise upwardly and outwardly from the mid portion at an angle comprised between 70 and 85 degrees. The floor partially runs along the mid portion. The floor is attached to and encircled by the tubular structure. Each of the two end portions defines an opening between the tubular structure and the floor.

Abstract: Flotation systems including separately packed floats and life rafts are disclosed. Such systems, advantageously used for helicopters or other vessels, attach rafts to exterior covers of the floats. Thus, if not needed, or if maintenance or repair is required, the rafts may be removed from the float covers quickly and easily and without unpacking the floats themselves. Likewise, removal of the rafts permits maintenance to be performed on the floats without any need to unpack the rafts. Also identified are mechanisms for indirectly connecting both floats and rafts to vessels and for independently inflating both floats and rafts using a single actuator.

Abstract: The trampoline with inflated base includes a generally toroidal shaped inflatable tube having an open center area. A mesh rebound member extends over the open center area and is secured around its entire periphery to the tube on the upper surface of the tube member. The tube includes a singular air duct or a plurality of air ducts extending radially which allow communication of air between the space interior to the tube and the space exterior to the tube.

Abstract: A frameless inflatable pontoon boat in which the pontoons and connecting section have a generally flat top and a generally flat bottom. Sufficient rigidity is achieved in the inflatable connecting section and the pontoon by the use of internal thread connections between the top surface and the bottom surface. The internal thread connections confine the inflated shape of the pontoons and connecting section to a flat shape.

Abstract: A frameless inflatable pontoon boat in which the pontoons and connecting section have a generally flat top and a generally flat bottom. Sufficient rigidity is achieved in the connecting section and the pontoon by the use of internal thread connections between the top surface and the bottom surface. The internal thread connections confine the inflated shape of the pontoons and connecting section to a flat shape.

Abstract: A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the self-illumination of various objects designed for use in sports, entertainment, safety, and emergency related activities. The objects are caused to self-illuminate by chemiluminescence to facilitate usage of the objects during non-daylight hours or in areas that are otherwise surrounded by darkness. Chemiluminescence may be activated through a variety of injection, acceleration, or tactile manipulation that are utilized to cause emission of visible light from within one or more cavities of the objects, from exterior portions of the objects, or from various inserts of the objects. Subcutaneous layers are also provided that may be caused to emanate visible light through chemiluminescence.

Abstract: The inventive inflatable life raft comprises a peripheral pneumatic float (1) and a bottom (2) fixed thereto and is characterised in that a mechanically résistant belt (4) extends along the float (1) circumference, is fixed thereto along the entire length thereof and said belt (4) bears or incorporâtes fixing means (8) for at least one towing line in such a way that towing forces are distributed through the entire circumference of the float and the raft can withstand high towing forces without any damages.

Abstract: A rescue water craft comprising an elongated closed-loop tubular structure and a floor is described. The tubular structure has a mid portion and two end portions. Both end portions rise upwardly and outwardly from the mid portion at an angle comprised between 70 and 85 degrees. The floor partially runs along the mid portion. The floor is attached to and encircled by the tubular structure. Each of the two end portions defines an opening between the tubular structure and the floor.

Abstract: A collapsible, height adjustable support device with inflatable buoyancy floats for mounting articles particularly cinematographic apparatus upon and below the water. It is characterised by a central tubular frame (1) with a plurality of detachable support arms (2) perpendicular to the central frame. The support arms also attach to the elongate inflatable buoys (10). Cinematographic apparatus is mounted upon a fixing plate (5) positioned centrally on the central frame member (1). The adjustable height of the mount above and below the surface of the water, is facilitated by the angular relationship of the central longitudinally splined frame member (1) and each support arms splined hub. Footpads (4) with releasable locking pins and receiving plates (22) provide attachment of support arms to the floats (10). Anchorage and tether points (14) permit towing and static deployment.

Abstract: A boat that is provided with floating tubes in a multi-layer design is composed a plurality of floating tube devices which are installed respectively at a left and a right side of a hull, and is provided with an air bag, a buffer, and a surface layer unit. The buffer is provided with a holding space and an assembling slot hole; whereas, the surface layer unit is provided with a sealing element which is used to seal the assembling slot hole, such that the floating tube devices are configured as a multi-layer design to facilitate balance, anti-collision, and increase of chance of survival.

Abstract: A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.

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 device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: In inflatable watercraft made of recyclable materials is presented, where the interior structure of the watercraft is a honeycomb of plastic cells, each with an inflation hole. The board can be made lighter than air, or made of transparent material, and requires a minimum amount of molding.

Abstract: A floatation system for attachment to a helicopter landing skid includes a girt dimensioned to be attached to a landing skid and a plurality of floats attached to the elongate girt, wherein the plurality of floats are adapted to be converted from a packed configuration to an deployed configuration, and wherein at least one of the plurality of floats extends beneath the elongate girt when the plurality of floats is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: An emergency floatation system associated with a landing gear of a rotorcraft comprising at least a float unit and a raft module. The float unit is formed by a base and a float cover with an inflatable float being positioned therebetween. The raft module is formed with a raft compartment adapted to receive an inflatable raft in the packed condition thereof. The raft module is supported on the float by the base. The raft is adapted for inflation and deployment from the raft module independently of the float deployment.

Abstract: A self-emptying bag having a quick coupling buckle assembly, in particular for shoulder-strap, has a buckle assembly (4) comprised of two parts (40, 41) that are respectively fixed to two sections (201, 202) of a shoulder-strap (200) of a bag so that a snatch on the bag, through the flexible transmission (30), operates the release mechanism and causes the expandable sack to be inflated to upset outside the contents in the bag. Flexible transmission (30) is connected to a coupling member (91) movable inside the first part (40) of the buckle assembly (4). The two parts of buckle are formed in such a way that first the second part (41) can be detached from the first part (40), and then the second part (41) can be detached from the coupling member (91) after a traction has been exerted on the coupling member (91).

Abstract: A foldable rigid frame attachment system for portable, inflatable pontoon boats including first and second inflatable elongated pontoons arranged to be approximately parallel to each other. The pontoons include pairs of upwardly extending strips formed in a longitudinal direction on both sides of the centerline on the top of each of the pontoons. Transversal slats connect the pontoons, and the bottom of each slat includes engaging means to engage the strips of the pontoons. The pontoon boat is held rigid by first and second underbars. The first underbar is positioned in a longitudinal direction on the top of the first pontoon in between the pairs of strips and below the slats, the second underbar is positioned in a longitudinal direction on the top of the second pontoon in between the pairs of strips and below the slats. As the pontoon boat is inflated, the underbars are locked into position between the pontoons and the slats.

Abstract: Apparatus including an inflatable enclosure delimited by a flexible wall to which an accessory is secured. The wall has an opening defined by an edge to which a protruding reinforcement is secured; two rigid frames straddle the edge of the opening on each side of the wall, at least one frame including a groove accommodating the reinforcement; the two frames are clamped against one another, trapping the reinforcement in the groove; the accessory is secured to a frame; and the accessory mounted on the wall is leaktight with respect to the fluid used for inflating the enclosure.

Abstract: An inflatable boat comprising: an inflatable float that is U-shaped and open at the stern, and that braced by a transom; a floor that is disposed inside the space defined by the float, and a V-shaped keel formed of a flexible canvas sheet fastened to the float and to the transom and tensioned by a longitudinal inflatable keel-forming spacer interposed between the floor and the canvas sheet; the inflatable keel-forming spacer is formed by at least two elongate and flat chambers inflated under a relatively high pressure; and the two chambers have their respective bottom longitudinal edges touching and their respective top longitudinal edges spaced apart from each other so that the keel-forming spacer is generally V-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A water trampoline includes a tumbling unit, a plurality of floating members, and a rope assembly. The tumbling unit includes a bed frame, a tumbling mat, and a plurality of elastic members connecting the tumbling mat to the bed frame. The floating members are connected to and are mounted independently around the bed frame. The rope assembly interconnects the floating members. A ladder is attached to one of the floating members. An anchor unit is connected to another one of the floating members and is spaced apart from the ladder at an angular distance.

Abstract: A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve includes an inflatable portion disposed about at least a portion of the circumference.

Abstract: A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve includes an inflatable portion disposed about at least a portion of the circumference.

Abstract: A floatation system for attachment to a helicopter landing skid includes a girt dimensioned to be attached to a landing skid and a plurality of floats attached to the elongate girt, wherein the plurality of floats are adapted to be converted from a packed configuration to an deployed configuration, and wherein at least one of the plurality of floats extends beneath the elongate girt when the plurality of floats is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Life raft (1) launched by davit (7) and comprising for this purpose hanging means (4, 5) able to be held in a hook (6) suspended from the davit (7), this raft (1) being fitted out with equipment comprising at least one load (102) that is heavy or heavier than the others, which raft is characterized in that the heavy or heavier load (102) is attached to the aforesaid raft hanging means (4, 5), as a result of which, when the raft is hoisted by the davit, the heavy load or at least the heaviest load remains suspended from the raft hanging means without touching the raft, and the raft, being much better balanced, occupies a more horizontal position.

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: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an inflatable deck by sealing a top and bottom sheet of material at an outer peripheral edge, at spaced intervals interior of and parallel to the outer peripheral edge, and at opposing edges formed when a wedge-shaped section is removed. An air inlet valve is fitted in one of the top or bottom sheets. The deck may be circular, square, rectangular, or polygonal in shape. When the deck is inflated it has flat top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: An inflatable hot tub kit that includes a self-supporting tub structure that can be used on ground or used in a body of water. The kit includes a thermostat and hoses designed to connect to an external fresh water supply system. The tub structure comprises three inflatable ring sections that form the sidewalls designed to hold warm or hot water. The upper ring section is octagonal-shaped when viewed in plan view. In cross-section, the upper ring section is circular and relatively large so that when the tub structure is placed in a body of water, the water edge is approximately 8 to 10 inches below the top surface of the upper section. The middle ring section is flat in cross-section and vertically aligned under the center axis of the upper ring section. The middle ring section provides buoyancy and supports the upper ring section when used on the ground or extends into the body of water to provide buoyancy. Attached to the middle ring section is an inflatable lower ring section.

Abstract: A tube ship includes at least three closed gas containers fastened into close lateral proximity to define an interstitial space between the containers which functions as a ship hold for retaining cargo, crew or passengers. The gas containers preferably are all tubes having substantially circular cross-sections and preferably being fastened together by a looped outer skin of sheet wrap material, which also protects the tubes from damaging sunlight and from high speed water friction. The tubes are filled with helium to provide extreme buoyancy and also function as the overall framework of the ship. A high power turbine motor preferably drives the ship so that the hull hydroplanes.

Abstract: A semi-rigid pneumatic boat (1) comprising: a rigid hull (2) defined by a rigid underwater hull (3) closed on the top by a rigid floor (4) and bordered on two sides by two pneumatic floats (5); a ballast (8) arranged in the rear part of the rigid hull (2) and pumping means for filling it with water or emptying it thereof; two pneumatic chambers (10) defined in the respective rear parts of the two floats (5) and pneumatically isolated from the rest of the floats; means (12, 13) for inflating and means (14) for deflating the rear chambers; the boat having no rear board; thus, by filling the ballast (8) and by deflating the rear chambers (10) the boat is nosed up, with its rear part submerged and a load (25) may be brought closer, against the floor (4), and then by emptying the ballast and re-inflating the chambers (10) the boat is set afloat, supporting the load (25).

Abstract: A multichambered boat that is constructed upside-down on stationary platforms where flotation chambers are located in the perimeter portion of the multichambered boat. The perimeter chambers have a laterally downward sloping exterior surface that directs fluid downwardly and provides lift to the multichambered boat which creates a smoother ride. A fuel input line that passes through the flotation chamber to the fuel storage tank to provide convenient access for refueling the multichambered boat.

Abstract: Watercraft flooring including both inflatable and non-inflatable elements is detailed. Such flooring may be designed to support substantial loads while maintaining its lightweight nature and contributing to its longitudinal and lateral rigidity. Some versions of the flooring have an inflatable core with slats positioned both above the upper surface of the core and below the lower surface of the core at regular intervals along its length. The slats extend laterally across substantially the width of the core, effectively sandwiching portions of the core between them.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an inflatable enclosure (1) delimited by a flexible wall (2) to which an accessory (3) is secured: the wall (2) has an opening (4) defined by an edge to which a protruding reinforcement (5) is secured; two rigid frames (6, 7) straddle the edge of the opening (4) on each side of the wall (2), at least one frame comprising a groove (8) accommodating the reinforcement (5); clamping means (9) clamp the two frames against one another, trapping the reinforcement (5) in the groove (8); securing means secure the accessory (3) to a frame (6, 7); and leakproofing means (10) ensure that the accessory (3) mounted on the wall (2) is leaktight with respect to the fluid used for inflating the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for constructing inflatable objects are detailed herein. Objects made according to these techniques may include both plastic material (such as polyvinyl chloride) and fabric connected indirectly via an interfacing material including the two. The objects additionally may include a fastening system including opposed, spatially-alternating loops through an article is placed. Use as inflatable sleds may (although need not necessarily) be the intended function of the objects.

Abstract: A flotation collar for a water park craft has a flexible outer wall and an inflatable outer chamber. A number of containment bags within the outer chamber define a plurality of inner chambers containing buoyant material, such as foam, that partially fill the outer chamber.

Abstract: An air pump having a minimum number of parts. The air pump is built in the inflatable body of an inflatable product. The air pump consists essentially of a pump body, an air inlet provided on the pump body for introducing air outside the inflatable body into the pump body, and an air outlet also provided on the pump body for introducing the air from the pump body into the inflatable body.

Abstract: An emergency floatation system includes at least one inflatable float and an inflatable emergency life raft contained within a single cover, wherein the system is adapted to be converted from a packed configuration to a partially deployed configuration by use of a first actuating member, and wherein the system is adapted to be converted from the partially deployed configuration into a fully deployed configuration by use of a second actuating member.

Abstract: An inflatable chair including an annular body 2 forming a toroidal chamber 3 which has a top axial end 8 and a bottom axial end 9 and can be filled with air, two plane walls 10, 11 perpendicular to the axis of revolution 4 of the annular body 2, a central chamber 12 coaxial with the annular body 2 formed by an interior portion 6 of the annular body 2 and said two plane walls 10, 11 fixed to the interior portion 6 of the annular body 2, characterized in that the plane walls 10, 11 are at an axial distance from the top and bottom axial ends 8, 9 of the annular body 2 in order to leave free spaces 13, 14 in the vicinity of the top and bottom axial ends 8, 9 of the annular body 2.

Abstract: A flotation device including a buoyant body having an elongated configuration and a seat component extending outwardly from the body intermediate the body first and second longitudinal ends. The body and the seat component are configured, sized and positioned relative to each other so as to allow the device to buoyantly support a person in both a reclining and a sitting position. In the reclining position, the body is in a substantially flat configuration. In the sitting position, the body is substantially bent about a bending location positioned substantially adjacent to the seat component so as to allow at least part of the body to abuttingly support at least part of the trunk of the intended user and so as to also allow the seat component to extend between the legs of the user adjacent the crotch thereof for abuttingly supporting the latter. The seat component is provided with an oar coupling assembly for operatively coupling an oar thereto.

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: A self-righting inflatable life raft (10) comprises a raft body (11) having inflatable side walls (21, 22) and a floor (15) located therebetween. At least two inflatable tube members form arches (51, 52) that extend from one side of the raft body to the other, each arch extends upwardly and outwardly from a perimeter of said raft body (11) at an angle from the perpendicular to said raft body. The life raft has a central axis of symmetry (61) and a center of gravity through which the weight of the life raft acts to rotate the raft on the surface of water from an unstable inverted position to a stable upright position. The tube members when inflated have a buoyancy sufficient to exert a turning moment on the life raft (10) causing the life raft to topple by gravity to an upright position. At least one inflatable interconnecting tube (70, 71, 72, 76, 77) is positioned between the arches (51, 52) and offset from the central axis (61) to increase the turning moment.

Abstract: A variable volume raft containing adjustable ratio and amounts of air and or water. The buoyancy and ballast of the raft are routinely adjusted to accommodate additional occupants and changing weather conditions. A manual pump can be the primary or back up source for initial inflation. The torque pump twisted by hand or amplified by a lever arm generates air pressure for maintenance and repairing deflating lacerations at sea. The pumps collector gathers and pressurizes rain water for drinking in one chamber while pressurizing sea water as a stabilizing ballast in another chamber. A double hull or full floor chamber allows huge variations in buoyancy or ballast as dictated by changing needs for stability versus mobility. A compressed liquid or two-part foam confers puncture resistance to a portion of the raft. A thrown self-righting manual air horn, worn water-activated air horns and water activated transmitted signals, mark the site for rescuers.

Abstract: A bounce apparatus that includes a continuous inflatable support, an apron attached to the support, the apron including a sheet having a plurality of apertures and being folded over upon itself to form a plurality of loops, a mat that includes loops, and a cord passing through the apron loops and the mat loops.

Abstract: An air charged appliance includes an air chamber and an air sac, made in various shapes for different uses. The air sac is placed in the air chamber and filled up with air to become inflated together with the air chamber, but the both are made separately from each other. The air chamber is not easy to break and able to endure bumping so the air charged appliance can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: An air charged appliance includes an air chamber and an air sac, made in various shapes for different uses. The air sac is placed in the air chamber and filled up with air to become inflated together with the air chamber, but the both are made separately from each other. The air chamber is not easy to break and able to endure bumping so the air charged appliance can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A water skiing float, jacket attachment structure consisting of a jacket externally sleeved around the water skiing float utilized for protection, towing, and grasping which has through-holes of identical size disposed in alignment with input/output air stems projecting from the water skiing float such that after being fitted over them, sealing retainers clip it onto water skiing float. After sleeving around the water skiing float, there are round, tooth-shaped ligature openings in an alternating arrangement along its interior edge, with each ligature opening having a perforation at its lateral margin through which a rope is threaded for binding and attachment around the inside of the water skiing float. As such, when utilized at rapid speed or in powerful currents, the practical invention herein prevents the dislodging of the water skiing float, the easy movement of the jacket, and the unrestrained tearing of the ligature openings that could result in injury.

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: A water skiing float, jacket attachment structure consisting of a jacket externally sleeved around the water skiing float utilized for protection, towing, and grasping which has through-holes of identical size disposed in alignment with input/output air stems projecting from the water skiing float such that after being fitted over them, sealing retainers clip it onto water skiing float. After sleeving around the water skiing float, there are round, tooth-shaped ligature openings in an alternating arrangement along its interior edge, with each ligature opening having a perforation at its lateral margin through which a rope is threaded for binding and attachment around the inside of the water skiing float. As such, when utilized at rapid speed or in powerful currents, the practical invention herein prevents the dislodging of the water skiing float, the easy movement of the jacket, and the unrestrained tearing of the ligature openings that could result in injury.

Abstract: A modular marine vessel has a variable hull and a plurality of boat forming modules including a bow section module, a load section module having a bow end and an aft end, and a bulkhead forming module is detachably connected to each bow and aft end of the load section module. The bulkhead forming module that is connected at the bow end of the load section module is detachably connected to the bow section module. Each boat forming and bulkhead forming module includes a topside section and a hull bottom side section. The topside section of each boat forming module has a shell gunnel portion, and the hull bottom side section of each boat forming module has a pivotally mounted bottom shell hull portion. The gunnel and hull portions of the load and bow section modules are detachably connected end-to-end, and sealingly juxtaposed the detachably connected bulkhead forming module to prevent water from entering the boat when the boat engages water.