Patent ID: 6814020
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A composite-shell pneumatic craft convertible into a closed box for its storage and/or its transportation, comprising a rigid hull, the upper edge of which extends approximately in one plane, and an inflatable buoyancy body fixed to the edge of the rigid hullâ€”excluding the rear part thereofâ€”by joining means, a removable rigid panel being additionally provided and configured to match the contour of the said edge of the hull in order to form a closing element for the hull, inside which the deflated body has been folded flat, wherein said joining means comprise a profile fixed to the outside of the hull, along the edge or close to the edge thereof, said profile comprising:a supporting flank against the hull, a portion of said supporting flank being configured to cooperate with members for fixing said profile to the hull, a groove configured with a narrow opening which opens into an upper wall of the profile close to said supporting flank, said groove being suitable for holding a bead joined to a flexible skirt attached to the inflatable body, said upper wall of the profile being suitable, in its part adjacent to said groove opposite to said supporting flank of the profile, for supporting a lip of said removable panel, and a second flank opposite to said first supporting flank, said both flanks projecting above said upper wall and defining an upwardly open channel suitable for holding said removable panel transversely.