Foam and inflatable collar assemblies for watercraft
OwnerTimothy Fleminginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Alternative collar assemblies for use with watercraft including rigid-hulled boats are described. The collars may include both foam materials and one or more inflatable compartments, thereby offering multiple advantages over existing foam or inflatable collars. Optionally included in or on the collars are reinforcing material (such as but not limited to Kevlar) and an abrasion-resistant coating surrounding the foam and inflatable compartments. Similarly, compartments comprising the collar optionally may be nested.
Claims21
A structure for enhancing the buoyancy of a watercraft, comprising:
- a. a cover;
- b. an inflatable bladder positioned within the cover;
- and
- c. foam material positioned within the cover adjacent at least a portion of the inflatable bladder.
A structure for enhancing the buoyancy of a watercraft, comprising:
- a. a cover;
- b. foam material positioned within the cover;
- and
- c. means, comprising an inflatable bladder positioned within the cover, for varying the width of the structure through inflation or deflation.
A watercraft comprising:
- a. a hull defining an exterior surface;
- and
- b. a buoyancy-enhancing structure mounted to the exterior surface of the hull and comprising:
- i. a cover;
- ii. an inflatable bladder positioned within the cover;
- and
- iii. foam material positioned within the cover adjacent at least a portion of the inflatable bladder.
A structure for enhancing the buoyancy of a watercraft, comprising:
- a. a first compartment;
- and
- b. a second compartment (i) having a generally-elliptical cross-sectional portion in use, (ii) having an inflatable portion, and (iii) at least partially enclosing the first compartment.
A structure for enhancing the buoyancy of a watercraft, comprising:
- a. a first compartment;
- b. a second compartment nested within the first compartment;
- and
- c. a third compartment nested within the second compartment.
A watercraft comprising:
- a. a hull defining an exterior surface;
- and
- b. a buoyancy-enhancing structure mounted to the exterior surface of the hull and comprising:
- i. a first compartment having a generally-elliptical cross-section in use;
- and
- ii. a second compartment having a generally-elliptical cross-section in use and at least partially enclosing the first compartment.
A watercraft comprising:
- a. a hull defining an exterior surface;
- and
- b. a buoyancy-enhancing structure mounted to the exterior surface of the hull and comprising:
- i. a first compartment;
- ii. a second compartment nested within the first compartment;
- and
- iii. a third compartment nested within the second compartment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.