Abstract:
A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.
Abstract:
The invention includes a floatation device. The floatation device includes a body fabricated from a buoyant foam, and the body comprises an outer side wall, a top side comprising a downwardly sloped portion and a level portion, an inner opening at the center of the level portion, and a division extending from the outer side wall to the inner opening. The floatation device may also include one or more front, rear, and/or side extensions as well as one or more inserts, in some embodiments.
Abstract:
A self-inflating beach toy that expands when a valve is opened and deflates when a second valve is opened is disclosed. The toy is filled with extremely light, compressible foam that rapidly expands when a valve is opened. Two one-way air valves are provided: an inflation valve and a deflation valve. These valves enable the rapid and reliable inflation and deflation of the toy. The toy is provided in a broad variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, including wading pools, floating mattresses, and flotation rings.
Abstract:
A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user.
Abstract:
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a seat construction for a float, the seat construction comprising an upper layer made of a first plastic material, a lower layer made of a second plastic material, and a middle layer made of a reinforced plastic material, wherein the middle layer is interposed between the upper layer and the lower layer, and wherein the upper layer and the lower layer are bonded together around an outer edge of the seat construction.
Abstract:
An amusement water ride is provided including a water course for carrying one or more circular water rafts. The water course is provided with at least one downhill section for accelerating the water rafts into a splash point. A spin mechanism is provided near the top of the downhill section for imparting a spin to the water rafts as they move past the spin mechanism. The spin mechanism includes a movement retarding surface along one wall of the water course and a movement expediting surface along an opposite wall of the water course. The movement retarding surface is provided with a high friction coating which retards sliding movement in a downstream direction of the surface of the raft which contacts the movement retarding surface, and induces rotation of the raft and movement towards the opposite wall. As the raft rotates into contact with the movement expediting surface it encounters no frictional resistance, and the spin is accelerated by the force of gravity acting on the mass of the raft as it moves downhill. The spinning raft increases thrill and introduces uncertainty among the passengers regarding who will be in a position to be splashed when the raft hits the splash zone.
Abstract:
The floatation device is a combination of an adult water exerciser and a child float. The floatation device allows a child to float safely and securely on the water while an adult uses the device as a kickboard to push it or as a leg buoy to pull it. The floatation device includes a buoyant board and in the middle of the board is a generally circular opening through which an adult places a child onto a holding seat which hangs down directly underneath the opening. Attached to the rear of the board and directed over the opening is a canopy which is designed to shield the child from the sun and from splashes. The canopy includes a canopy window through which an adult pushing the board from behind may monitor the child. The floatation device also includes a handlebar attached to the rear of the board. An adult may grip the handlebar and use the floatation device like a kickboard. Alternatively, an adult can exercise using the backstroke while pulling the floatation device by using a leg grip which is attached to the underside of the board. An adult may use the floatation device by pressing the knees against the sides of the grip and leaning back to swim by using the backstroke.
Abstract:
The invention disclosed here is an improvement to a fisherman's float ring whose flotation is normally provided by a donut-shaped inflatable rubber tube. The invention provides the float ring with redundant flotation. This is accomplished by placing a normally deflated secondary tube underneath a seat-supporting fabric which covers the tube. A pressurized gas bottle provides inflating gas for the secondary tube in the event the primary tube is accidentally punctured or deflates. In such case, the secondary tube prevents the float ring from losing its buoyant capability.
Abstract:
A recreational floatation device. The floatation device includes an inflatable main body having an elongated horizontal axis and a flattened configuration. When inflated, the device has a buoyancy in water sufficient to support a plurality of users. The main body preferably has at least two openings positioned along the elongated horizontal axis. A main body valve is secured on the main body. The device also preferably includes at least two inflatable bladders, which are encompassed by the main body, positioned along the elongated horizontal axis and adjacent to the main body openings. Each of the bladders has a bladder valve which is secured on the main body. The main body and bladders are inflatable through the main body and bladder valves, respectively.