Abstract: A pad, system and method of collecting and containing liquid leaks and spills, comprising a flexible, liquid-impervious pad having a bottom and inflatable sides, a pair of tethers connected at one end to one end of the pad, and a pair of poles detachably connectable at one end thereof to the tethers. The poles are used to position the uninflated pad under a source of leakage or spillage, after which the poles are disconnected from the tethers and the sides of the pad are inflated.

Abstract: A water safety and survival system that provides a multi-chambered personal flotation device that operates on minimal volume to create a single heads up righting moment that reliably stabilizes an unconscious victim with his airway out of the water. This is accomplished with a minimal amount of lift, less deflated bulk, improved cosmetic appeal and reduced cost. These combined advances result in a safety vest conducive to actually being worn, a key feature for a safety vest. The system also provides for incorporation of a separating second inflatable life ring, rescue board, artificial respiration assist platform and ultimately a raft for removal of the victim from the water to protect him from hypothermia. This sequentially inflated, multi-chambered, multi-faceted inflatable rescue product is incorporated within the body of the safety vest.

Abstract: A flotation system for supporting a person on a body of water for a variety of activities comprises an endless inflatable tube for supporting a person on a body of water, the tube having a circumference that defines an interior space extending from a stern end of the tube to a bow end of the tube. At least a portion of the interior space is open at the stern end. A seat platform is secured to the tube within the interior space at a location whereby a person sitting on the seat platform may face the stern end and extend his feet and legs through the open portion of the interior space into the body of water. The flotation system comprises a storage pack adapted to fit between the seat platform and the bow end. The storage pack is designed to hold the water vehicle in its uninflated condition for stowage and may be designed to be carried (much like a suitcase) or worn (much like a backpack) or both.

Abstract: A utility tether for a life raft, includes a tether having a plurality of links for securing a person to the tether. The tether is stored outside the canister of the inflatable raft to be accessible before deployment of the life raft. The tether includes means for linking persons on board a vessel in distress to the tether before the life raft is deployed and subsequently inflated. The links comprise adjustable loops that are cinched about a wrist or chest. Persons entering the water are thus tied to the life raft, which aids the secured persons in reaching the life raft to board even in rough water or winds. The tether alternatively includes flotation devices and lighting devices attached in conjunction with the links. The tether also includes a control line for manipulating a raft stabilizing bag to control for the effects of current and wind on the raft.

Abstract: A float with sun shade including an inflatable raftlike flotation device comprising a series of communicating compartments wherein an outermost compartment pair is extendedly formed into a sun shade support. A sun shade comprising a fixed portion and an adjustable portion is affixed to the sun shade support. In use, a human lying upon the raftlike flotation device is shielded in part from direct solar radiation by the fixed portion of the sun shade and furthermore additional shading may be achieved by an appropriate disposition of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: A raft apparatus having inflation flotation structures which are capable of heat sealing for assembly thereof wherein one or more flexible buffer members of not heat sealable material are adapted to shield portions of the panel members of the flotation raft from heat sealing to surrounding areas to thereby form an effect seal particularly by allowing heat sealing operations to be formed upon already assembled sections. At least one of the two panel members will be inflatable and will include a buffer member positioned therein to shield the heat sealing point thereof from the remaining portion of the inflatable structure member to prevent undesired heat sealing thereof during heat sealing of the interconnection between the two main panel members.

Abstract: An elongated flexive cradle is provided including longitudinally spaced and variably inflatable head, lower back and thigh cushions. At least the lower back and thigh cushions are adjustably shiftable longitudinally of the cradle and remote operable hand acutatable inflation/deflation structure is operatively associated with the cushions for individual adjustable inflation and deflation thereof by a person disposed on the cradle in a reclining position thereon when the cradle is disposed generally parallel and closely beneath the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A inflatable raft having multiple inflation members formed into a polygonal shape wherein the panel segments include inner and outer flaps which form an overlap or closing seam wherein the outer flap includes an extended outer flap segment to form a modular member for interconnection with respect to a raft floor or cover apparatus. The extended outer flap segment also facilitates heat sealing for securement of a cover, canopy or floor with respect to an inflatable polygonal construction. The configuration of the polygonal inflatable raft with the extended outer flap segment can be used singly to form a flotation raft or can be used doubly to form an invertible inflation raft apparatus or a canopy covered inflatable raft apparatus.

Abstract: MULTIPLE USE WATER VEHICLE characterized in that it comprises an elongated floating assembly e) which, provided with propelling means m), steering means c) and gripping means 4) is formed by a principal float 1) which includes a stabilizer 5) and two lateral pontoons 2), all of them connected with each other by a least one rigid structure (3-4), the principal float 1) having an access opening which, having a section that may permit a person to go in, is tightly closed by a lid 7).

Abstract: Apparatus selectively positionable in a boat for holding at least one scuba tank. The apparatus includes a receptacle, a cover covering the receptacle interior and having holes for receiving scuba tanks, and lock plates adjustably slidably mounted on side walls of the receptacle for engagement with the boat.

Abstract: A water vehicle comprising in combination an ovoid, inflatable tube with an open bottom, rigid seat platform suspended above the water line, a dry duffel compartment, a removable, dry, duffel day-pack and detachable wet and dry stowage compartments which allow the user easy access to stowage areas during operation and ease of portage of the entire water vehicle as a lightweight tote when stowed in a removable, dry, duffel day-pack or a backpack.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new concept for the transportation of injured or stranded people and a new rescue capsule suitable for this purpose. The process involves the following stages. A capsule which can be closed on all sides, and which has an inflatable floor designed to form at least one bearing surface or litter for an injured person, and a roof and walls is first erected. One or more injured persons are placed in the capsule and installed in the litters. The injured person is secured in the capsule and then the capsule is carried away, together with the injured person, using a suspension fixture attached to the capsule.

Abstract: A normally deflated and folded life raft in combination with a canister of pressurized materials connected to the life raft in fluid flow relation so that the contents may be released to inflate the life raft at an emergency scene at which a normally closed inflation inlet structure on the raft is opened and a normally closed valve of the canister is opened by an exteriorly accessible operator. As seen from above, the life raft is oval in shape to support a person in a prone attitude; and a net is provided spanning the oval-shaped life raft to support the person. Exterior handles at the forward and aft portions of the life raft are provided for towing the life raft.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus utilities a pair of boat fenders to rapidly make a general purpose flotation raft. A pair of boat fenders is utilized with a pair of rigid members each wrapped with flotation material and which are removably attachable to the boat fenders with cords extending from the boat fenders to hold the boat fenders in a spaced relationship to each other. A flexible cloth has a pair of side sleeves attached over the rigid members and is removably attached around each boat fender to form a platform for the flotation device. Each of the pair of rigid members has an aperture in each end thereof for receiving the flexible cord extending from the boat fender therethrough for removably attaching the rigid member at each end to one of the boat fenders and the flexible cloth may have a pair of end portions having a plurality of apertures therethrough so that a flexible cord can attach each end portion around one boat fender.

Abstract: A ridged inflatable boat is provided with cavities formed on the out-board side of the hull, between the hull and the surrounding pneumatic tube, whereby fastening hardware intended to either retain the pneumatic tube or above deck hardware, may pass through the hull, deck or gunwhale without puncturing the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress is arranged to include a recess within a pneumatic chamber of a plurality of pneumatic chambers to permit positioning of an anchor to provide for storage and transport of the anchor during periods of non-use. The anchor is arranged with annular upper and lower anchor ribs to enhance engagement for securement and tethering of the mattress.

Abstract: A floating hammock for a user to rest thereupon on the water of a swimming pool. The floating hammock comprises a sling for the user to lie his/her body thereupon; a headrest for the user to rest his/her head thereupon; a footrest for the user to rest his/her feet thereupon; and a pair of armrests for the user to rest his/her arms and hands thereupon. The headrest, the footrest, and the armrest are either inflatable or made of foam such that the floating hammock is capable of floating above the water. The user resting upon the floating hammock can immerse himself/herself further into the water by adjusting either the length of the armrests or that of the sling.

Abstract: The inflatable bladder (50) contained hull (30) of an aquatic vessel (20) that can be used on a floating swimming pool or spa, a raft or boat, a containment boom or the like. Connectors (33) and retaining lines (34) interconnect the free ends of hull components (31) and accessories (40). The system may be disassembled, turned inside out, and/or upside down and reassembled if desired.

Abstract: This invention is a lightweight, potentially expendable, temporary canopy sembly for small open type watercraft. The thin resilient battens are interconnected in the form of a bowed longitudinal ridge member having a plurality of shorter length, transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced, bowed rib members connected therewith, with the free ends of the battens, inserted through D-ring type attachment means provided on the inner periphery of the watercraft, while exerting frictional tension against the craft's gunwales areas. A flexible Nylon type cover comprised of selectively joinable half sections is used as the protective canopy. It uses preferably complementally mateable hooks and loops type manual fastener means, such as Velcro.RTM. complemental fastener strips, to provide the selective attachment and detachment of the two halves over the bowed center ridge member, and also to detachably secure the canopy perimeter portions to the gunwale areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for self-righting a rigid inflatable boat in which the boat includes an elongated hull having a determinable center of gravity and beam width. The boat hull has an elongated rigid bottom and inflatable sidewalls which have top, bottom and inner edges. An inflatable arch member having first and second leg portions extending upwardly and inboard from opposite sidewalls of the hull converges at a central point spaced outwardly a first predetermined vertical distance above the top edges. The first predetermined distance is at least equal to the sum of one-half of the beam of the hull, plus a distance equal to the vertical distance, if any, at which the center of gravity may be located above the sidewalls' bottom edges. Each leg portion has an axial centerline which extends upwardly and inwardly substantially between its respective sidewall and the central point.

Abstract: The craft incorporates a keel (3) essentially constituted by an elongated capacity (4) formed out of a flexible or resilient material which is distortable and watertight. A water inlet opening (6) is provided in the wall of this elongated capacity (4) oriented towards the bow of the craft and maintained in the open condition, in order to have the water back pressure prevailing in this elongated capacity (4) as soon as the craft is moving in the forward direction, said elongated capacity (4) being then at least partially filled with water.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for mounting accessories on inflatable structures. The system according to the invention is characterized by having a profiled molding (2) forming a strip adapted to be secured to the inflatable structure (1), and selectively removable and position-adjustable mounting devices (4) for mounting of accessories or accessory-fittings on said profiled molding (2). The invention is suitable for use on inflatable boats.

Abstract: A stabilized and foldable safety inflatable boat formed of a synthetic rubber or a plastic material is provided. The housing of the boat being comprised of an upper air holding portion and a lower water holding portion. Both the air holding portion and the water holding portion each include six or more respective independent chambers, each having a respective access for filling the chambers with air or water in a predetermined volume to provide a desired stabilization and provide maximum buoyant force. A mattress portion encircled by the housing also includes independent chambers for selective filling with air and water to provide improved body support. The boat can be deflated and folded for ease of transport.

Abstract: To secure a tube (6) to the hull (4) of a rigid inflatable boat (2) a rigid plate (10) is retained at the outside of the tube by means of a pocket (14) and there offers an anchorage for securing means (e.g. nut and bolt 22,24) penetrating a flange (12) of the hull.

Abstract: An underwater diving system including a raft configured to support and carry a compressed air tank in such a manner that the raft is extremely stable and is self-bailing and self-righting because of its configuration, a diving harness communicating with the on-board compressed air source so that the diver is tethered and tows the raft while diving underwater at nominal depths up to 20 feet, for example. The diving system described herein bridges the gap that exists between snorkeling and scuba diving.

Abstract: A storage pocket formed to enclose a portable flexible anchor bag. The storage pocket is of a vinyl material with brass eyelets mounted at its top corners for connecting to a flotation device with a closure flap for holding bag inside. The anchor bag is formed of a flexible vinyl with a draw string rope sewn in at the top folded over portion of the open end of the bag. With brass eyelets mounted adjacent and parallel at the top edge at the open end of the outside portion of the flap. The draw string tether sewn into the top folded over flap will be knotted at one end to prevent the slipping of the draw string.

Abstract: A float tube and a separate power unit floater combination wherein the power unit floater includes a toroidal shaped float tube and a power unit shaped to fit in a central cavity of the float tube. The power unit further includes a battery and electric motor for turning the propeller. A switchbox, used to control both the speed and direction of the propeller is placed forward on the fisherman's float tube at a location convenient for the fisherman to manipulate. The power unit being attached to the float tube behind the fisherman to allow the fisherman to have a clear area in front of him.

Abstract: A single person survival craft having a bottom panel, and two side panels, formed of a plurality of hollow tubular structures progressively reducing in number towards each end, a releasable closure extending along edges of each of the side panels by which they may be opened up and closed, and a liquid tight air permeable membrane in at least one of the side panels.

Abstract: A multipurpose and inflatable raft mainly composed of an inflatable circular raft unit, an inflatable shperical raft unit and an inflatable back seat, wherein said circular raft unit comprising several retainer plates for the connection with the retaining rings of the spherical raft unit so as to form a raft of high buoyance, and by means of fixtures attached to the circular raft unit for the fixation of pedalling device to form a pedalling raft, and by means of locating plates arranged bilaterally to the circular raft unit for the fixation of either oar for use in water or braking rod for use in snow-skiing as a braking device.

Abstract: An inflatable toy construction having a substantially flat or substantially non-bulbous center section that is flanked by bulbous end sections. The center section is formed by a plurality of equidistantly and closely spaced, truncate side-to-side weld lines that define a plurality of small bulbous compartments.

Abstract: A hard shell shaped to intimately cover the bottom of an inflatable raft. The shell is made of various contoured staves or segments joined together. Straps are used to attach the shell to the raft, bow and transom. A combination transom and mounting frame is used in the raft which do not include a built-in transom. The shell not only protects the raft against abrasion and puncture, but also reduces its drag coefficient, contributes to it stability and enhances its directional control.

Abstract: A container for sealingly containing a fluid is made from first and second thermoplastic container films bonded together around a rectangular periphery except where an inlet port is formed. A first bonded together portion extends the inlet port along one side, with a plurality of non-bonded together segments spaced therealong. A check valve is provided in each non-bonded together segment. The check valve is made from two rectangular thermoplastic valve films bonded together to form a fluid pipe. The fluid pipe has a tip opening and a valve body to allow flow through the fluid pipe from the tip opening but which prevents a reverse flow. A respective valve film is bonded at the tip opening to an adjacent container film so that the guide tube is fluid tight except for the inlet port and the tip openings. Second bonded together portions are also provided between adjacent check valves in order to form a plurality of container members whose only egress is a respective check valve.

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 rigidifier for an inflatable boat of the type having a flexible floor and an inflatable tubular portion around the periphery of the floor forming a cockpit. The rigidifier comprises a floorboard member removable from and receivable in the cockpit to overlay the floor. The member is rigid in one direction to provide rigidity to the floor and collapsible in another direction so that it may be rolled up after being removed from the cockpit. The rigidifier further comprises a framework adapted for detachable connection to the floorboard member to provide rigidity to the floorboard member in another direction so that rigidity is provided to the floor of the boat in substantially all directions.

Abstract: A self-bailing stabilized life raft includes a bailing chamber located between a stabilization chamber and a flotation platform. Water received from a flexible floor of the flotation platform is exhaused from the bailing chamber in response to wave and/or occupant interaction with the life raft. A raft inflation apparatus includes a pump chamber actuated by raft motion.

Abstract: An inflatable boat assembly comprises a hull including a recess disposed at the front outside portion thereof and longitudinal grooves disposed at the outer side walls thereof, and an inflatable U-shaped floating tube containing longitudinal projecting rails disposed at the inner side walls thereof for tightly engaging the tube to the hull whereby the boat assembly provides an improved floating force which produces improved safety against sinking.

Abstract: A floatable water craft which includes a first relatively large doughnut-shaped inner tube and a pair of second and third doughnut-shaped inner tubes. The inner tubes are preferably inflated with air although they may be filled with a foam material for adding additional buoyancy thereto. A frame is carried by the large inner tube and the frame includes an elongated longitudinal support member resting on diametrically opposite sides of the inner tube and a lateral cross support having opposite end portions resting on opposite sides of the first inner tube adjacent the longitudinal axis defined by the longitudinal support member. The ends of the lateral cross member hold the outrigger arms and include apparatus for mounting the second and third inner tube thereto for stabilizing the craft as per conventional outrigger devices. The apparatus may include an electric motor driven power drive unit and a steering device therefore.

Abstract: A hull is provided with two pneumatic side stabilizers jointed pointwise at the front and housed in longitudinal concavities formed on the side of the hull. Each stabilizer is received at its front end in a tapering cover formed at the prow of the boat and is removable in order to be stored in the inflated state inside the boat, thereby reducing the width of the boat for road transport.

Abstract: A liferaft having a seat chamber which serves as a cushion between occupants of the raft and a deck in a "dry evacuation" situation, to avoid occupants, in a partially filled raft, from totally compressing the seat chamber and suffering injury due to impacting the deck. The seat chamber is internally divided by dividers into a plurality of sub-compartments each divider being in the form of a wall which allows gas to pass for inflation but resists rapid expulsion of gas from any one subcompartment upon impact.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft which forms a passenger receptacle, has a removable canopy for covering the passenger receptacle and is formed from a flexible walled housing which includes inner and outer walls, with a plurality of chambers being formed between the walls. A bleeder mechanism, in the form of a plurality of cords disposed in the chambers keep substantially all of the areas of the chambers in communication with each other so that inflation and more especially deflation, can be readily accomplished without forming air pockets caused by the inner and outer chamber walls sticking together precluding the free flow of air.

Abstract: An inflatable sailboat which may be constructed principally of plastic sheet stock and plastic tubing and be easily assembled for use and disassembled for storage and shipping. A sailboat with an inflatable hull having a plurality of tubing anchors mounted thereon for slidingly receiving anchor rods to locate and support a mast fitting on the upper side, a keel at the bow and a rudder at the stern. A mast and sail which are readily assembled and mounted on the hull and which are readily disassembled for storage and shipping.

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.

Abstract: Apertures in the floor of an inflatable boat are provided to render it self-bailing. They are formed by grommets penetrating the permanently-attached, continuous and integral floor which extends from one lateral buoyancy tube to the other, preferably in a thickened region thereof comprising a flange attachment to the tubes. They are overhung by the buoyancy tubes, when the floor is generally horizontal. An area in the central region of the floor is raised above the waterline of the boat.

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: Disclosed herein is a rubber boat including a boat body composed of a ring-shaped air barrel and a bottom cloth which is provided to be spread on the lower surface of the air barrel and has a mounting opening for receiving an air mat; and a boat bottom composed of the air mat. The air mat is fitted into the mounting opening, and the peripheral portion of the air mat and the marginal portion around the mounting opening are connected together by a connecting cord in such a manner as to define a drain space therebetween.

Abstract: The self-inflating convertible life raft may be launched from a distressed ship or a downed aircraft. Suspended from the sides of the hull are uniquely positioned anti-capsize water ballast bags which are fully retractable to allow for life raft maneuverability. In order to convert the life raft into an effective sailing boat; the mast, sails, lee board, and tiller-rudder assembly are stowed inside a standard-sized lift raft cannister or valise. This easily assembled gear allows the user to effect self-rescue by sailing the life raft to a chosen destination.

Abstract: A sea rescue kit deployable from a helicopter includes a first self-inflating life raft, a second self-inflating life raft, a line connecting the first and second life rafts, and a device associated with the line to retard the line in the water relative to the life rafts to cause the life rafts and line to assume a substantially horseshoe-shaped configuration around a predetermined position in the sea after deployment from a helicopter upwind of the predetermined position.

Abstract: An inflatable liferaft comprises an inflatable buoyancy tube side wall structure and a floor so secured at its periphery to the side wall structure that the inflated liferaft can be used when deployed on water either way up. An inflatable protective tube structure inflates with the side wall structure and takes up a protective location in which it extends round the outside of the side wall structure. The protective tube structure is, however, displaceable either way from its protective location to a canopy support location above the floor of the liferaft and a canopy assembly is so secured to the protective tube structure and to the side wall structure that when the protective tube structure moves to its canopy support location the canopy assembly deploys with the protective tube structure and is supported thereby.

Abstract: A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) has a rigid hull portion and a flexible hull portion with a connection between them. The connection is provided by a boltrope, or the like, received in a grooved anchor. The flexible hull portion includes an enclosure, preferably of a conforming fabric, with a number of inflatable bladders enclosed by the fabric. The boltrope is preferably attached to the fabric of the enclosure by textile tape and stitching. The enclosure fabric is impregnated with a finishing material, such as a resin, while in the position it will be in when containing inflated bladders, and is cured in that configuration. A transom is pivotally mounted to the rigid hull portion, and braces hold the transom in an upright position during use. The sides of the transom are scalloped to receive and position the flexible hull portion, and a significant amount of the flexible hull portion extends aft of the transom.

Abstract: A stabilized life raft utilizing a fluid filled depending buoy chamber for overall stabilization and including as improved features thereon a peripheral skirt chamber which fills with the raft supporting fluid upon deployment of the raft and serves as a temporary stabilizer while the buoy chamber becomes filled. The buoy chamber includes baffles to impede the flow of the stabilizing fluid from one portion of the chamber to another in the event of a sudden weight shift within the raft. An improved valve permits a more rapid inward flow of fluid upon deployment of the raft and yet prevents outward flow in instances where the buoyant raft is suddenly thrust upwardly by elements such as waves. The raft, because of the particular placement of the various structural elements in conjunction with the placement of the survival gear and inflation system, is automatically self-righting.