Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflatable and floatable modular platform system. The inflatable platform system of the present disclosure includes floating elements of differing nesting shapes and sizes configured to be interconnected in order to allow users to stand, sit, and walk between floating elements. Embodiments include inflatable platforms having circular, arc-shaped, rectangular, and L-shaped inflatable platforms.

Abstract: A double-chambers inflatable kayak, including an upper chamber and a lower chamber which are fixedly connected to each other by a connecting portion and between which a cavity is formed, wherein the upper chamber includes a cockpit hole and a first air valve provided on the surface, the cockpit hole being in communication with the cavity, and the first air valve being used to inflate and deflate the upper chamber, and wherein the lower chamber includes a second air valve which is used to inflate and deflate the lower chamber.

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle includes bladders located interior of the vehicle hull walls. One or more of the bladders can be filled with fluids of varying densities to manage the buoyancy, mass properties, and thermal heat dissipation of the vehicle.

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. A method of manufacturing a life raft arrangement includes folding the canopy, inserting the canopy into a storage pouch, and coupling the storage pouch to a life raft.

Abstract: A life raft may comprise a border tube and a canopy support tube coupled to an outer portion of the border tube. A first orifice defined by the canopy support tube is aligned with a second orifice defined by the border tube. A diameter of the first orifice is less than a diameter of the second orifice.

Abstract: Package having a flexible inner sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The package has an article reservoir for accepting an article to be shipped. The expansion chambers can be inflated or otherwise expanded to provide structure to the package and to protect the article in the article reservoir. The inner sheet of the package includes a shrinkable material that can be activated to immobilize articles disposed in the article reservoir.

Abstract: This invention relates to a survival craft comprising a hull (10) formed from inflatable members, an optional canopy support structure carried by the hull and formed from inflatable members, and an inflatable wall structure (11). The invention also relates to rigid pod (19) configured to carry a survival craft in a deflated state and be coupled to the hull when the craft is in an inflated state. The inflatable parts may be formed from drop thread material.

Abstract: An inflatable platform that is utilized on the ocean or other bodies of water for relaxation, entertainment, or other recreational purposes includes two floating bodies. The larger floating body has a recess with a mesh panel so the user may access water filtered by the mesh panel while relaxing on the larger floating body. The user may place the smaller floating body next to the larger floating body to create more space for another user or may put the smaller floating body into the recess and use the present invention as a swim platform, tanning deck, or other recreational purpose.

Abstract: A flexible package having first, second, and third flexible material layers, with the second flexible material layer being disposed between the first and third flexible material layers; a product receiving chamber having a product receiving chamber outer circumference defined by the first flexible material layer; a plurality of spaced first seals disposed around a package circumference, the first seals sealing the first, second and third flexible material layers together; a plurality of spaced second seals disposed around the product receiving chamber outer circumference, the second seals sealing the second and third flexible material layers together; a plurality of inner expansion chambers, each one of the plurality of chambers being defined between adjacent ones of the first seals; and a plurality of outer expansion chambers, each one of the plurality of chambers being defined between a second seal and an immediately adjacent first seal.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a seam between at least first and possibly second pieces of material used to form an inflatable product utilizes at least a first and potentially a second seam forming members that are attached to an inside wall of a piece of product material that comprises the inflatable product proximate each end. The inflatable product is comprised of one or more pieces of product material and one or more seam forming members located at any location where a seam is necessary. A first portion of the seam forming member attaches to a first edge of a first piece of product material and a second portion of the seam forming member attaches proximate a second edge of the first piece of product material. The seal forming can be accomplished by radio frequency, ultrasonic, heat or other types of welding, and adhesive or chemical based bonding.

Abstract: A soft, flexible, solar pool heater for floating on water generally comprises independently inflatable outer ring and central portion. When chamber and cavity are inflated, the cavity is with the top and bottom planes of the ring. The ring can be inflated with water for holding the heater in a pool in winds. Holes through the central portion permit egress of air from under the central portion when the heater is placed on water. Valves for chamber and cavity are located near one edge such that the heater may be deflated by rolling from an edge opposite the valves. Magnets on the ring condition water and attach to similar floating heaters to form rafts.

Abstract: Recreational flotation devices are generally described. The flotation device may comprise inflatable portions of different size that aid a user in achieving a sitting position.

Abstract: A visual locator target easy to be seen from the air during the day or night to quickly locate and rescue the user in an emergency or distressed situation. The circular single-layer of bright, neon material used for this target may preferably have a diameter of 25? and be a strong, lightweight material the edge will glow-in-the-dark and inflate for water use making it easy to be seen at night for a quicker rescue. It can be used on land by laying it on the ground and securing it by using the eight anchor hook connectors. It can also be used to float in the water with the inflatable, luminescent circumference, center and cross-sections of the target which includes an inflatable chamber therein. The manual back-up air valve system requires the user to blow their breath into the air valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable floatable liferaft (1) for marine rescue which in its deflated state is capable of being stored in a container on board a ship, vessel or sea installation, and which is inflatable when deployed into the water, the fully inflatable floatable liferaft (1) extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a non-rigid bottom element (2) having a water side (2a) and an air side (2b). The inflatable floatable liferaft (1) further comprises a plurality of non-rigid floatation tubes (3) arranged beneath the non-rigid bottom element (2), the non-rigid bottom element (2) extending in the longitudinal direction and being arranged with an intermediate distance (ID1) between neighboring non-rigid floatation tubes (3). The present invention further more relates to improved propulsion through the water of such an inflatable liferaft (1).

Abstract: A non-self-propelled, floatable structure for supporting people, animals, machinery or other loads is disclosed, having a floatable body designed to float on water, and a retention skirt that protrudes downwardly from a peripheral edge of the floatable body. The retention skirt is designed to extend underwater, delimiting an internal space between the retention skirt, the floatable body, and the water. The retention skirt is airtight, preventing air passing through the skirt and towards said internal space. Thus, when a downward force is applied on an edge of the floatable body causing the opposite edge to start rising from the water, skirt airtightness beneath the rising edge creates a vacuum effect that stops the edge from rising and prevents the floating structure from swaying excessively and eventually turning over or capsizing. The retention skirt also limits or prevents lateral and transverse motion across the water surface.

Abstract: An expandable platform for measuring plantar pressures includes a multiplicity of modules (1) for measuring plantar pressures, each having mutually orthogonal sides and including its own array of sensors able to measure plantar pressure, and a control computer provided with a software for the treatment of the information coming from the sensors, able to display the static, postural and dynamic examination of the plantar pressures. The array of plantar sensors of each module (1) is connected with the control computer through an interface (2) positioned inferiorly to the measuring module (1) in such a way that each measuring module (1) is individually connectable for the transmission of data with the control computer, and is electronically and mechanically joined to other measuring modules (1) positioned adjacent to its own mutually orthogonal sides.

Abstract: An emergency pod configured for use with a rotary wing aircraft is provided including a rigid, generally hollow shell. An inflatable raft is arranged within an interior portion of the hollow shell. The life raft is coupled to an inflation mechanism. A first activation device and a second activation device are operably coupled to the inflation mechanism, the second activation device being disposed within the shell and fastened to a movable portion of the shell, wherein the first activation device and the second activation device operable independently of one another. Inflation of the inflatable raft is initiated when a force is applied to one of the first activation device and the second activation device.

Abstract: A non-toxic mattress and method of constructing the mattress having a reduced toxicity has an outer layer of a material selected from the group comprising polyethylene and polylactic acid film. Also, a mattress cover for covering the outer layer of the mattress can also be constructed from a material selected from the same group of materials. The polyethylene and polylactic acid films are non-toxic materials which reduce adverse human allergenic reactions or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals used in the mattress construction.

Abstract: The flapper reinforcement plate is a metal C-shaped stiffening plate for attachment to rubber flapper style centrifugal pump check valves. The C-shaped plate assists in sealing by adding weight to the rubber flapper and preventing torsional flexing of the rubber flapper. The improved sealing lengthens the service life of the check valve.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing access-control groups. The method may include (1) tracking users' access patterns to one or more shared resources, (2) analyzing the users' access patterns to identify a cluster of users who exhibit similar access patterns to the one or more shared resources, (3) identifying a preexisting access-control group to which one or more of the users is assigned, (4) comparing the preexisting access-control group to the cluster of users, and (5) organizing, based on the comparison, one or more of the users into one or more access-control groups. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a volume element (10) comprising at least one inner chamber (12), which is bordered by an at least substantially flexible material and which can be inflated with a gas, and comprising at least one outer chamber (14), which is bordered by an at least substantially flexible material, which is fluidically separated from the at least one inner chamber (12), and which surrounds at least some regions of the outer circumference of the inner chamber (12). Granular material is received in the outer chamber (14) for absorbing pressure forces acting on the volume element (10) from the direction of the outer chamber (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing back support for a user seated on an inflated tube of an inflatable boat. A support element, which supports the user's back, is coupled to one or more anchor points within the boat via circum-tubular coupling elements that prevent the support element from rotating about the tube.

Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein provides a waterproof, barrier between the hull of the watercraft while the watercraft is still in the water and at a dock. In addition, the apparatus provides a resilient inflated perimeter to which further protects the hull of the vessel from accidental contact with and damage from the dock and other rigid elements which it may contact.

Abstract: A floatable workstation including an inflatable base assembly including optional partitions disposed internally within an air receiving cavity of the tube to form one or more inflatable chambers, each chamber including a valve for inflating the chambers. The series of deck boards assemblies are provided having a non-skid upper surface and a dense hook and loop tape interface material on a bottom surface. A deck attachment textured surface is provided upon an upper surface of the inflatable base assembly for removably securing the series of deck boards. The deck boards can cover the upper surface of the inflatable base assembly and/or span between adjacently positioned inflatable base assemblies to provide an enlarged work surface. Adjacent inflatable base assemblies can be tethered to one-another using a carabineer or similar to fasten corner fastening members of each of the adjacently positioned inflatable base assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable floatable unit (1) for life-saving equipment comprising at least a first inflatable flotation tube layer (2) having an upper (3) and a lower (4) side with a distance between the upper side and the lower side (3, 4), a second inflatable flotation tube layer (5) having an upper (6) and a lower side (7) with a distance between the upper and lower sides (6, 7), the first and second flotation tube layers (2, 5) being adapted to be arranged substantially above each other so that the upper side of the first tube layer is opposite the lower side of the second tube layer, the inflatable tube layers extending circumferentially for providing a substantially ring-shaped area, and a bottom element (8) adapted to provide a bottom to the substantially ring-shaped area.

Abstract: An insulating cover for floating on liquid, such as in a spa, has an area for covering an area of the surface of the liquid. The cover generally comprises a first rectangle for covering a first area and a plurality of successive rectangular tubes connected to either the first rectangle or to a larger rectangle formed by the addition of a prior successive tube so as to form another rectangle for covering additional area. The amount of coverage area can be adjusted by selectively detaching tubes, such as by cutting them off, and by changing the amount of inflation of tubes such that the cover is adaptable to spas of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, tubes adjust both the width and length of the cover, and the cover is adapted for folding substantially in half when inflated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a salvage or safety suit worn by a person escaping a shipwreck. The suit includes a receptacle structured to receive and enclose a person's body and a head opening for entering the receptacle. The receptacle is layered to provide flotation and thermo-insulation properties to the suit.

Abstract: An inflatable device is disclosed. The inflatable device includes an airtight inflatable mat. The airtight inflatable mat has a first surface member, a second surface member and at least one side member. A plurality of support structures is substantially evenly disposed internally within the airtight inflatable mat. Each support structure is generally parallel to each other and is coupled to the first surface member and the second surface member of the airtight inflatable mat. Furthermore, a plurality of fastening mechanisms is disposed on the at least one side member of the airtight inflatable mat. The fastening mechanisms are positioned on a plane substantially centrally located between the first surface member and the second surface member, and each fastening mechanism is configured for removably connecting with another fastening mechanism disposed on a side member of another airtight inflatable mat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floatable unit for evacuation purposes, which in a storage situation comprises at least two shells made of rigid or semi-rigid material, said shells being adapted to accommodate a deflated structure. Said deflated structure of the unit, during an evacuation situation, is inflated and the shells are attached to the inflated structure whereby the shells operate as hull parts for the floatable unit.

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 pull belt is adapted for use in an inflatable device, and includes a main belt body having opposite first and second lengthwise end portions and formed with at least one first pleat at the first lengthwise end portion to bend the main belt body at the at least one first pleat toward the first lengthwise end portion.

Abstract: Flotation device for rescue apparatus includes a support portion onto which an injured person is placed, and a buoyant structure connected to the support portion to provide buoyancy for the support portion. The buoyant structure includes one or more fluid containers each attached to the support portion by, for example, straps.

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 inflatable boat including at least one inflatable tube forming first and second pontoons, the first and second pontoons meeting at a front of the boat to form a stem; a floor constructed of a flexible non-inflated fabric material spanning the area between the first and second pontoons and attached to the bottom of the first and second pontoons; and an inflatable keel formed of an inflatable high-pressure drop stitch material and secured to the bottom of the floor.

Abstract: A child's canvas floatation device for use in an ocean, lake, or pool environment comprising a seat system for the child as well as a tether line for connection to a parent's or care provider's wrist is herein disclosed. The flotation device is toroidal being approximately two (2) to three (3) feet in diameter and provided with an inflation port and a series of grasping handles. The device is also provided with a textile covering over most of the entire tube area. The cover is wrapped back upon itself and covers the interior of the inner tube. The center is then provided with a pair of leg holes in which a child can insert his or her legs and be provided with a seat. As such, the child is not in danger of falling through the inner tube as is the case with conventional inner tubes. Additionally, the device is provided with an attached tether line approximately six (6) feet long that attaches to the parent's or care provider's wrist.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft has a platform or platform portion formed by two flexible panels joined together by each of a plurality of threads to limit the distance apart that the panels can be moved, the panels being sealed to each other at their edges to form a chamber. A sensor can detect when the life raft is in the water, and an inflation system is operable in response to such detection to inflate the chamber with a gas. Preferably, the threads have similar lengths so that, when the chamber is inflated, the panels are substantially parallel. Accordingly, it is possible to fabricate an inflatable life raft which does not balloon out and which can provide a substantially flat platform.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft having one or more air channels forming a generally rectangular shaped body when the raft is unfolded and inflated. Valves in fluid communication with the air channels for inflating and deflating the life raft. The inflatable raft includes a waterproof pouch releasably attached to the raft for storing items such as a rope, flare launcher, strobe light, glow sticks, and whistle. An ankle tether couples the life raft to a user, and a plurality of reflectors are attached to the surface of the inflatable life raft. For added convenience, a storage means is integrally constructed with the life raft for storing the folded normally deflated life raft so that the raft can be easily carried and transported. A replaceable gas cylinder, and manual hand pump are operatively coupled to the valves for automatically or manually inflating the life raft.

Abstract: A TPU composition comprising two or more TPU polymers is disclosed. The TPU composition gives a broad process window for melt coating applications. The blend of TPUs give better processing than either of the individual TPU polymers used in the blend alone. This results in melt coating which gives less matt and glossy streaks and allows faster coating speeds along with lower coating weight. The two or more TPU polymers used in the blend have a different soft segment. The different soft segment is created by using different molecular weight polyol for the TPU polymers or by using chemically different polyols.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable liferaft comprising at least one inflatable flotation tube, said inflatable tube 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, at least two seating arrangements are arranged in the ring-shaped area.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable unit for evacuation purposes, said inflatable unit comprising at least a first inflatable chamber (1) and a second inflatable chamber (2), said chambers abutting each other, an opening, which is arranged between the two inflatable chambers (1, 2), a pressure source with an inflating gas, which pressure source is connected to the first inflatable chamber (1), a one-way valve (3), which is arranged in connection with the opening between the inflatable chambers, so that the inflating gas only can pass from the first chamber (1) to the second chamber (2). The one-way valve (3) comprises at least a first sheet (4), which is made of a flexible material, said first sheet (4) being adapted to be a sleeve (5) or be part of a sleeve (5). Furthermore, the sleeve (5) has a first end (7) and a second end (8), and at least openings (9, 10) at both ends (7, 8), said sleeve (5) being substantially closed between the ends (7, 8).

Abstract: Actuators, principally for inflating emergency-usage objects such as floats and rafts, are detailed. Two opposite positive actions may be required to effect complete inflation of the objects, inhibiting inadvertent deployment of, particularly, the rafts while readily permitting deployment when intended.

Abstract: A floatable workstation including an inflatable tube including a floor, partitions disposed internally within an air receiving cavity of the tube to form one or more inflatable chambers, each chamber including a valve for inflating the chambers. A plurality of handles are disposed on the corners of the inflatable tube or on a deck assembly. The deck assembly includes a plurality of deckboards assembled together to form a floorboard. The deckboards are either inserted within a recess above the floor of the tube or alternatively attached to the top of the tube. One or more deckboards may include a receptacle for removeably holding a bucket. A tether arrangement is attached to the floatable workstation for securely positioning the floatable workstation alongside a vessel allowing one or more persons to stand on the workstation to perform maintenance on the outer surfaces of a vessel. The tether arrangement includes tethers, a means for fastening the tethers to the handles, and suction mechanisms.

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: The present invention relates to an inflatable liferaft comprising at least a first inflatable flotation tube layer, a second inflatable flotation tube layer, said first and second flotation tube layers being adapted to be arranged substantially above each other, said inflatable tube layers 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, each tube layer comprises at least two inflatable tubes, said inflatable tubes being connected to each other at their ends so that each tube layer extends continuously around the ring-shaped area. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling an inflatable liferaft as well as a method for manufacturing an inflatable tube for use in an inflatable liferaft.

Abstract: A floatable workstation including an inflatable tube including optional partitions disposed internally within an air receiving cavity of the tube to form one or more inflatable chambers, each chamber including a valve for inflating the chambers. A plurality of corner fasteners is disposed on the corners of the inflatable tube or on a deck assembly. The deck assembly includes a plurality of deckboards assembled together to form a floorboard. The deckboards are assembled via an interlocking assembly feature. The deckboards are secured via a series of straps and D-rings. At least one deckboard may include a receptacle for holding tools or a bucket. A tether arrangement is attached to the floatable workstation for securely positioning the floatable workstation alongside a vessel allowing one or more persons to stand on the workstation to perform maintenance on the outer surfaces of a vessel. The tether arrangement includes tethers, a means for fastening the tethers to the handles, and suction mechanisms.

Abstract: A foldable mattress having an integral carrying pouch into which the mattress may be folded when not in use. Preferably, the mattress is at least partly inflatable so as to be floatable, and may have a mesh central portion surrounded by an inflatable portion. An inflatable pillow or headrest that is either fixed in place or detachable may be included. The pouch itself is preferably made, at least in part, of nylon mesh material.

Abstract: A deployable signaling device and method of use thereof which includes material with detectable properties such that it can be distinguished from a background when deployed in various environments. Such detectable properties may include visible detection, detection by hyperspectral imaging sensors, radio wave detection, and/or detection other electromagnetic differentiation from the background in which the material is associated or adjacent to. In one preferred form, the selectively detectable material has an deployable shape having a plurality of directional biasing elements associated with said material.