U.S. patent application number 10/863794 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for inflating watercraft flotation device.
Invention is credited to Mears, Tony W..
Application Number | 20050268837 10/863794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35446290 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050268837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mears, Tony W. |
December 8, 2005 |
Inflating watercraft flotation device
Abstract
A flotation system for floating a vessel in the water is
provided. The flotation system comprises a first flotation bladder
and a second flotation bladder. A first edge material extends
substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder and a
second edge material extends substantially along the length of the
second flotation bladder. A plurality of aligned apertures are
spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material.
A spacing device is receivable between corresponding aligned
apertures of the first edge material and the second edge material
for maintaining a spacing between the first flotation bladder and
the second flotation bladder. An inflation mechanism inflates the
first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
Inventors: |
Mears, Tony W.; (Longmont,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Emery L. Tracy
P.O. Box 1518
Boulder
CO
80306-1518
US
|
Family ID: |
35446290 |
Appl. No.: |
10/863794 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60477144 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 35/34 20130101;
B63B 43/14 20130101; B63B 43/04 20130101; B63B 7/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/263 |
International
Class: |
E02B 003/00 |
Claims
1. A flotation system for floating a vessel in the water, the
flotation system comprising: a first flotation bladder; a second
flotation bladder; a first edge material extending substantially
along the length of the first flotation bladder; a second edge
material extending substantially along the length of the second
flotation bladder; a plurality of aligned apertures spaced along
the first edge material and the second edge material; spacing means
receivable between corresponding aligned apertures of the first
edge material and the second edge material for maintaining a
spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second
flotation bladder; and inflation means for inflating the first
flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
2. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the size and shape of
the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder are
substantially identical to each other.
3. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: more
than two flotation bladders.
4. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the first flotation
bladder and the second flotation bladder are constructed from a
substantially puncture-resistant material.
5. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the first edge material
and the second edge material are secured to the first flotation
bladder and the second flotation bladder, respectively, by
stitching.
6. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the spacing means is a
strap.
7. The flotation system of claim 6 wherein the strap is adjustable
and further comprising: a mechanism for lengthening and reducing
the distance between the first flotation bladder and the second
flotation bladder.
8. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the spacing means is a
sheet of material extending between the first flotation bladder and
the second flotation bladder.
9. The flotation system of claim 1 wherein the inflation means is a
gas tank and compressor, with the gas tank being filled with a
propellant.
10. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a first
gas line fluidly connecting the inflation means to the first
flotation bladder; and a second gas line fluidly connecting the
first flotation bladder to the second flotation bladder.
11. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: a
container, the first flotation bladder, the second flotation
bladder, and the inflation means being receivable within the
container.
12. The flotation system of claim 12 wherein the first flotation
bladder and the second flotation bladder are foldable into a
substantially spiral configuration.
13. The flotation system of claim 1 and further comprising: weight
means for submerging the flotation bladders when in an uninflated
condition.
14-20. (canceled)
21. A flotation device for floating a vessel in the water, the
flotation device comprising: a first flotation bladder; a second
flotation bladder; spacing means between the first flotation
bladder and the second flotation bladder for maintaining a spacing
between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation
bladder; and inflation means for inflating the first flotation
bladder and the second flotation bladder.
22. The flotation device of claim 21 wherein the spacing means
includes a first edge material extending substantially along the
length of the first flotation bladder, a second edge material
extending substantially along the length of the second flotation
bladder, a plurality of aligned apertures spaced along the first
edge material and the second edge material, and at least one strap
receivable within the apertures connecting the first flotation
bladder to the second flotation bladder.
23. The flotation device of claim 22 wherein the strap is
adjustable and further comprising: a mechanism for lengthening and
reducing the distance between the first flotation bladder and the
second flotation bladder.
24. The flotation device of claim 21 wherein the spacing means is a
sheet of material extending between the first flotation bladder and
the second flotation bladder.
25. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: more
than two flotation bladders.
26. The flotation device of claim 21 wherein the inflation means is
a gas tank and compressor, with the gas tank being filled with a
gas.
27. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: a
first gas line fluidly connecting the inflation means to the first
flotation bladder; and a second gas line fluidly connecting the
first flotation bladder to the second flotation bladder.
28. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: a
container, the first flotation bladder, the second flotation
bladder, and the inflation means being receivable within the
container.
29. The flotation device of claim 21 and further comprising: weight
means for submerging the flotation bladders when in an uninflated
condition.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of pending
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/477,144, filed on Jun.
10, 2003, entitled "Inflating Watercraft Flotation Device".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to flotation devices for
watercraft and, more particularly, it relates to an inflating
flotation device that would improve the stability of the watercraft
and inhibit the watercraft from sinking if the hull was breached or
swamped. The flotation device is positionable and inflatable under
the watercraft when water enters the hull of the watercraft thereby
increasing stability and inhibiting sinking and to store the boat
out of the water, as alternate dry dock method.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Boating is both a popular pastime and a vital commercial
activity in much of the world today. A watercraft is often a
substantial investment for the owner and/or operator. In the case
of commercial boats, the boat is often the livelihood of the owner
of the watercraft. As a general concept, watercrafts sink when the
hull of the watercraft takes on water and the watercraft loses its
buoyancy. This can happen if the hull is breached due to a
collision with some object or in heavy waves if the watercraft is
swamped. If the watercraft sinks, a serious condition exists in
that loss of life and loss of property often occurs.
[0006] The flotation device of the present invention solves these
problems and others by being easy to maintain and install on a
watercraft if the watercraft begins to sink. Once deployed, the
present invention will keep the watercraft afloat even if a
complete flooding of the hull has occurred.
[0007] The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an
easily deployable flotation device to keep the watercraft floating
after water has partially or completely filled the hull of the
watercraft.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
flotation device that can be stored on the watercraft, on the
shore, or on the dock and does not interfere with the looks or
operation of the watercraft when not deployed.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for a
flotation device that can be easily deployed under the watercraft,
easily inflated, and easily deflated and removed from under the
watercraft after the watercraft has been fixed.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
flotation device that is easy to manufacture and install.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
flotation device that can easily lift a boat above the water for
towing or storage.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention is a flotation system for floating a
vessel in the water. The flotation system comprises a first
flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. A first edge
material extends substantially along the length of the first
flotation bladder and a second edge material extends substantially
along the length of the second flotation bladder. A plurality of
aligned apertures are spaced along the first edge material and the
second edge material. Spacing means are receivable between
corresponding aligned apertures of the first edge material and the
second edge material for maintaining spacing between the first
flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. Inflation means
inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation
bladder.
[0013] In addition, the present invention includes a method of
floating a watercraft. The method comprises providing a flotation
device having a first flotation bladder and a second flotation
bladder, positioning the first flotation bladder along a first side
of the watercraft beneath the watercraft, positioning the second
flotation bladder along a second side of the watercraft beneath the
watercraft, connecting an inflation means (either separate from or
integrated to the flotation device) to the flotation device,
activating the inflation means causing the first, flotation bladder
and the second flotation bladder to inflate, and maintaining the
spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second
flotation bladder.
[0014] The present invention further includes a flotation device
for floating a vessel in the water. The flotation device comprises
a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. Spacing
means between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation
bladder maintains spacing between the first flotation bladder and
the second flotation bladder. Inflation means inflates the first
flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device in a deflated
condition and storable within a container;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device in a deflated
condition;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with a strap for connecting a first flotation
member to a second flotation member;
[0018] FIG. 4 is perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device undergoing
inflation;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device being completely
inflated;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device being deflated and
positioned beneath a watercraft;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device undergoing inflation
beneath a watercraft; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation device being completely
inflated under a watercraft.
[0023] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1-8, the present invention is an
inflating watercraft flotation device, indicated generally at 10,
for floating a watercraft 12 in the water or supporting a
watercraft 12 on land. The flotation device 10 is compact and
storable, in an uninflated condition, in a container 14 or box
positioned or mounted on or near the watercraft 12 to be deployed
upon a breach occurring in the hull 16 of the watercraft 12, when
the watercraft 12 is swamped, or when above-water storage or
in-water towing is desired. The container 14 can be any type of
container and is not limited to the container 14 illustrated and
described herein.
[0025] The container 14 can be constructed from any type of
material and can be provided with a lid 18 for covering and
protecting the uninflated flotation device 10 therein. Furthermore,
the container 14 provides an unobtrusive visual presence, so that
the storing of the flotation device 10 within the container 14 does
not significantly affect the aesthetics of the watercraft 12 when
stored thereon. It should be noted, however, that storing the
inflating watercraft flotation device 10 of the present invention
in the container 14 is optional and can include embodiments without
the container 14.
[0026] The flotation device 10 of the present invention is suited
and designed for use on any type of watercraft 12. The watercraft
12 can be any type of watercraft including, but not limited to,
pleasure boats, commercial ships, military ships, cruise ships,
power boats, row boats, canoes, life boats, rafts, pontoon boats,
ski boats, jet skis, etc.
[0027] The flotation device 10 of the present invention includes a
first flotation bladder 20 and a second flotation bladder 22.
Preferably, the size and shape of the first flotation bladder 20
and the second flotation bladder 22 are identical to each other
thereby maintaining the watercraft 12 in a substantially level
position upon inflation of the first flotation bladder 20 and the
second flotation bladder 22. It is within the scope of the present
invention, however, to construct the first flotation bladder 20 and
the second flotation bladder 22 in different sizes and shapes
depending on the desires of the user. Furthermore, it should be
noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to
construct the flotation device 10 from a single bladder or from
more than two bladders, i.e., three bladders, four bladders, five
bladders, six bladders, etc.
[0028] The first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation
bladder 22 are preferably constructed from a substantially
puncture-resistant material which is tough and durable and have
sufficient strength to support the watercraft 12 either on the
water or on the land. It is within the scope of the present
invention, however, to construct the first flotation bladder 20 and
the second flotation bladder 22 from other materials.
[0029] The flotation device 10 further includes a first edge
material 24 extending along the length of the first flotation
bladder 20 and a second edge material 26 extending along the length
of the second flotation bladder 22. The first edge material 24 and
the second edge material 26 are secured to the first flotation
bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22, respectively, by
stitching or other means.
[0030] The first edge material 24 and the second edge material 26
have a plurality of aligned apertures of slots 28 spaced along its
length for receiving an adjusting strap 30. The adjustable strap 30
maintains the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation
bladder 22 at a desired spacing from each other when the flotation
device 10 is deployed and inflated. Deployment of the flotation
device 10 will be described in further detail below.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the adjustable strap 30 can be any
type of strap which is capable of adjusting the spacing between the
first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22. For
instance, as shown, the adjustable strap 30 can include a buckle
mechanism 32 which lengthens or reduces the distance between the
first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22.
[0032] Instead of the adjustable strap 30, the flotation device 10
can have a full bed (not shown) or other means, adjustable or not,
extending between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second
flotation bladder 22 to maintain a predetermined and desired
spacing between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second
flotation bladder 22. Additionally, the strap 30 and bed or other
means can be fixed and not adjustable.
[0033] The first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation
bladder 22 of the flotation device 10 of the present invention can
be inflated with a gas tank 34 and compressor 36. Preferably, the
gas tank 34 is filled with air although other gases and solids,
such as use with a gas generator, within the gas tank 34 are within
the scope of the present invention. A pressure chamber can be
provided to change a solid into a gas to inflate the flotation
bladders 20,22.
[0034] Furthermore, preferably, the gas tank 34 and compressor 36
are sized and shaped for being received within the container 14 and
stored therein along with the flotation device 10. It should be
noted, however, that larger, permanent gas sources and/or
compressors which are storable on the watercraft 12 or on the dock
are within the scope of the present invention, or, the inflation
source could be attached directly to the flotation device 10 or any
other inflation source to inflate the flotation bladders 20,
22.
[0035] In addition, the flotation device 10 includes a first gas
line 38 connecting the gas tank 34 and the compressor 36 to the
first flotation bladder 20 to fill the first flotation bladder 20
with gas from the gas tank 34. A second gas line 40 is connected
between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation
bladder 22 for filling the second flotation bladder 22 with gas
from the gas tank 34.
[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first flotation bladder
20 and the second flotation bladder 22 of the flotation device 10
of the present invention are folded into a substantially spiral
configuration to fit within the container 14. The first flotation
bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 can be configured in
a round spiral wound or a flat spiral wound. Winding the first
flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 in a flat
spiral wound allows the flotation device 10 to have a lower profile
and fit within a smaller container.
[0037] It should be noted that the first flotation bladder 20 and
the second flotation bladder 22 has been described and illustrated
herein as being wound in a substantially spiral configuration. It
is within the scope of the present invention, however, to store the
first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation bladder 22 in
any configuration including, but not limited to, a substantially
overlaying, serpentine manner.
[0038] The operation of the flotation device 10 of the present
invention will now be described. It will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the operation of the flotation device 10
described herein is only one manner of operation and other manners
of operation are within the scope of the present invention.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, as the watercraft 12 begins
to take on water within the hull 16 of the watercraft 12, the
uninflated flotation device 10 and the gas tank 34 and compressor
36 are removed from the container 14 or other storage location. The
first gas line 38 is then connected to the compressor 36. Next, the
uninflated flotation device 10 is placed in the water in a spiral
down position and positioned and centered about the hull 16 at the
front of the watercraft 12 and releasably secured to the bow of the
watercraft 12. The gas tank 34 and the compressor 36 or any other
source of gas are activated thereby causing gas to flow
simultaneously into the first flotation bladder 20 and the second
flotation bladder 22 thereby inflating the first flotation bladder
20 and the second flotation bladder 22. Gas lines may also be
connected at a forking juncture (not shown) outside the flotation
bladders 20, 22 and combined into one gas source.
[0040] As the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation
bladder 22 are inflated, the watercraft 12 will rise at least
partially or completely from the water with the watercraft 12 being
supported by the first flotation bladder 20 and the second
flotation bladder 22. The adjustable straps 30 maintain the spacing
between the first flotation bladder 20 and the second flotation
bladder 22 and can assist in supporting the watercraft 12. The
watercraft 12 can then be safely towed to a dock or the like for
repairs without further concern for the safety of the watercraft 12
and its occupants and the flotation device 10 can be stored on the
watercraft 12. To remove the inflation device 10, the air or other
propellant can be removed from the flotation bladders 20, 22.
[0041] It should be noted that it is within the scope of the
present invention to leave the flotation device 10 releasably
secured to the watercraft 12 when the watercraft 12 is not in use.
Then, upon sensing of water entering the watercraft 12, the
flotation device automatically inflates to maintain the watercraft
12 above the surface of the water.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the flotation
device 10 includes weights spaced along the flotation bladders 20,
22 or in another location to sink the flotation device 10 when in
the uninflated condition. The uninflated flotation device 10 can
then be stored under the surface of the water and ready for use and
inflated when the watercraft 12 is positioned once again over the
flotation device 10. The inflating of the flotation bladders 20, 22
will overcome the weight of the weights to bring the flotation
device 10 back to the surface.
[0043] Furthermore, the flotation device 10 of the present
invention can include a spring (not shown) or other means to
automatically cause the flotation bladders 20, 22 to roll up when
the flotation bladders 20, 22 are deflated. The spring can be
constructed from metal, plastic, etc. In addition, a motor can be
provided to assist in causing the flotation bladders 20, 22 to roll
up.
[0044] The flotation device 10 of the present invention provides
emergency flotation of a watercraft 12 when necessary to maintain
the watercraft 12 in a floating condition. The flotation device 10
of the present invention is easy to maintain and install on a
watercraft, 12 if the watercraft 12 begins to sink. Once deployed,
the flotation device 10 of the present invention will keep the
watercraft 12 afloat even if a complete flooding of the hull 16 has
occurred.
[0045] In addition, the flotation device 10 of the present
invention provides a deployable flotation device to keep the
watercraft 12 floating after water has partially or completely
filled the hull 16 of the watercraft 12. The flotation device 10
further provides an emergency flotation device that can be stored
on the watercraft 12 and does not interfere with the looks or
operation of the watercraft 12 when not deployed. The flotation
device 10 can be easily deflated and removed from under the
watercraft 12 after the watercraft 12 has been fixed.
[0046] The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained
in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications
and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has
been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood
by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present
invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded
by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may
be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which
are disclosed herein.
* * * * *