Patent ID: 6470818
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B63B,F17C,H01H

Abstract:
A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition, the flotation device comprising:a carrier mounted to the watercraft, the carrier having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot; an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge receivable in the second cover channel; a space defined between the carrier and the cover; a cover-removing bladder receivable within the space, at least a portion of the cover-removing bladder receivable within the first bladder retaining slot; a flotation bladder receivable within the space, at least a portion of the flotation bladder receivable within the second bladder retaining slot; and inflation means connected to the cover-removing bladder and the flotation bladder for inflating the cover-removing bladder and for inflating the flotation bladder; wherein upon inflation of the cover-removing bladder, the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the carrier and is moved in a direction generally away from the watercraft allowing the flotation bladder to substantially inflate.