US 2004/0003766 A1 · Inflating watercraft flotation device

Abstract

A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot. An inflation mechanism inflates the first collapsible tubing and the directional bladder and flotation bladder such that upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing and the directional bladder, the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel allowing the directional bladder and the flotation bladder to substantially inflate.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition, the flotation device comprising:

a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft, the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot;
a first collapsible tubing receivable within the first cover channel;
an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge receivable in the second cover channel, the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge;
a space defined between the mounting plate and the cover;
a directional bladder receivable within the space, at least a portion of the directional bladder receivable within the first bladder retaining slot;
a flotation bladder receivable within the space, at least a portion of the flotation bladder receivable within the second bladder retaining slot;
and
inflation means connected to the first collapsible tubing, the directional bladder and the flotation bladder for inflating the first collapsible tubing, the directional bladder, and the flotation bladder;
wherein upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing and the directional bladder, the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the mounting plate and is moved in a direction generally away from the watercraft allowing the directional bladder and the flotation bladder to substantially inflate.

6 more elements

An emergency buoyant support for a watercraft, the emergency buoyant support comprising:

a cover releasably secured to the watercraft;
a first collapsible tubing between the cover and the watercraft for removing at least a portion of the cover;
at least one directing bladder positioned between the cover and the watercraft;
and
at least one inflatable flotation bladder positioned between the cover and the watercraft;
wherein upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing, the first collapsible tubing releases at least a portion of the cover from the watercraft;
wherein upon inflation of the directing bladder, the directing bladder moves the cover and the flotation bladder in a general direction away from the watercraft prior to inflation of the flotation bladder thereby allowing the flotation bladder to inflate.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Inflating watercraft flotation device

Life of this patent

Inflating watercraft flotation device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32