Inflatable Watercraft Barrier
OwnerDean Richard Howardinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an inflatable watercraft barrier in one example having an inflatable perimeter tube. Also disclosed is a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and the water in which the watercraft barrier and watercraft float. In one example, a portion of the perimeter tube forms a gate portion which is at least partially selectively deflated so as to be denser than water, and therefore rotates about a gate pivot such that the watercraft may enter the watercraft barrier through the gate portion. Also disclosed is a water pump in fluid communication with the watercraft barrier so as to evacuate water from between the watercraft barrier and the watercraft.
Claims8
An inflatable watercraft barrier comprising:
- a perimeter tube including a stern portion;
- a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and a water surface in which the watercraft barrier and the watercraft float;
- the stern portion forming a gate portion which is at least partially and selectively repositioned to an orientation below the water surface in an open position;
- wherein the gate portion remains attached to the perimeter tube, and thus allows the watercraft to enter the watercraft barrier over the gate portion in the open position;
- and
- at least one drive mechanism pocket extending from the diaphragm and configured to position vertically below a drive mechanism of the watercraft.
An inflatable watercraft barrier comprising:
- a perimeter tube including a stern portion;
- a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and a water surface in which the watercraft barrier and the watercraft float;
- the watercraft comprising a water intake through the hull of the watercraft, the water intake fluidly connecting the water surface and to an engine of the watercraft;
- the stern portion forming a gate portion which is at least partially and selectively repositioned to an orientation below the water surface in an open position;
- wherein the gate portion remains attached to the perimeter tube, and thus allows the watercraft to enter the watercraft barrier over the gate portion in the open position;
- and
- the gate portion is positioned aft of the water intake.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.