Patent ID: 6484656
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B63B,F17C,H01H

Abstract:
A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition, the flotation device comprising:an elongated housing mountable to the watercraft; a carrier slidably receivable within the elongated housing, the carrier having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, and a bladder retaining slot; a first collapsible tubing receivable within the first cover channel; an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge releasably receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge releasably receivable in the second cover channel; a space defined between the carrier and the cover; a flotation bladder receivable within the space, the flotation bladder having a bladder edge receivable in the bladder retaining slot; and inflation means connected to the first collapsible tubing and the flotation bladder for inflating the first collapsible tubing and for inflating the flotation bladder upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing; wherein upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing, the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the carrier; and wherein upon inflation of the flotation bladder, the flotation bladder moves the first edge of the cover in a direction generally away from the watercraft allowing the flotation bladder to substantially inflate.