Patent · US Expired

Inflating watercraft flotation device

US6830004B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
26References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 19, 2002
Grant dateDec 14, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 19, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H35/18
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

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 su…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.