Abstract:
A flotation system for floating a vessel in the water is provided. The flotation system comprises a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. A first edge material extends substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder and a second edge material extends substantially along the length of the second flotation bladder. A plurality of aligned apertures are spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material. A spacing device is receivable between corresponding aligned apertures of the first edge material and the second edge material for maintaining a spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. An inflation mechanism inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.

Description:
[0001]     The present application is a continuation of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/477,144, filed on Jun. 10, 2003, entitled “Inflating Watercraft Flotation Device”. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to flotation devices for watercraft and, more particularly, it relates to an inflating flotation device that would improve the stability of the watercraft and inhibit the watercraft from sinking if the hull was breached or swamped. The flotation device is positionable and inflatable under the watercraft when water enters the hull of the watercraft thereby increasing stability and inhibiting sinking and to store the boat out of the water, as alternate dry dock method.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Boating is both a popular pastime and a vital commercial activity in much of the world today. A watercraft is often a substantial investment for the owner and/or operator. In the case of commercial boats, the boat is often the livelihood of the owner of the watercraft. As a general concept, watercrafts sink when the hull of the watercraft takes on water and the watercraft loses its buoyancy. This can happen if the hull is breached due to a collision with some object or in heavy waves if the watercraft is swamped. If the watercraft sinks, a serious condition exists in that loss of life and loss of property often occurs.  
         [0006]     The flotation device of the present invention solves these problems and others by being easy to maintain and install on a watercraft if the watercraft begins to sink. Once deployed, the present invention will keep the watercraft afloat even if a complete flooding of the hull has occurred.  
         [0007]     The primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an easily deployable flotation device to keep the watercraft floating after water has partially or completely filled the hull of the watercraft.  
         [0008]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flotation device that can be stored on the watercraft, on the shore, or on the dock and does not interfere with the looks or operation of the watercraft when not deployed.  
         [0009]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide for a flotation device that can be easily deployed under the watercraft, easily inflated, and easily deflated and removed from under the watercraft after the watercraft has been fixed.  
         [0010]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flotation device that is easy to manufacture and install.  
         [0011]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flotation device that can easily lift a boat above the water for towing or storage.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0012]     The present invention is a flotation system for floating a vessel in the water. The flotation system comprises a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. A first edge material extends substantially along the length of the first flotation bladder and a second edge material extends substantially along the length of the second flotation bladder. A plurality of aligned apertures are spaced along the first edge material and the second edge material. Spacing means are receivable between corresponding aligned apertures of the first edge material and the second edge material for maintaining spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. Inflation means inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.  
         [0013]     In addition, the present invention includes a method of floating a watercraft. The method comprises providing a flotation device having a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder, positioning the first flotation bladder along a first side of the watercraft beneath the watercraft, positioning the second flotation bladder along a second side of the watercraft beneath the watercraft, connecting an inflation means (either separate from or integrated to the flotation device) to the flotation device, activating the inflation means causing the first, flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder to inflate, and maintaining the spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder.  
         [0014]     The present invention further includes a flotation device for floating a vessel in the water. The flotation device comprises a first flotation bladder and a second flotation bladder. Spacing means between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder maintains spacing between the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. Inflation means inflates the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device in a deflated condition and storable within a container;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device in a deflated condition;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a strap for connecting a first flotation member to a second flotation member;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device undergoing inflation;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device being completely inflated;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device being deflated and positioned beneath a watercraft;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device undergoing inflation beneath a watercraft; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the inflating watercraft flotation device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the flotation device being completely inflated under a watercraft. 
     
    
       [0023]     Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1-8 , the present invention is an inflating watercraft flotation device, indicated generally at  10 , for floating a watercraft  12  in the water or supporting a watercraft  12  on land. The flotation device  10  is compact and storable, in an uninflated condition, in a container  14  or box positioned or mounted on or near the watercraft  12  to be deployed upon a breach occurring in the hull  16  of the watercraft  12 , when the watercraft  12  is swamped, or when above-water storage or in-water towing is desired. The container  14  can be any type of container and is not limited to the container  14  illustrated and described herein.  
         [0025]     The container  14  can be constructed from any type of material and can be provided with a lid  18  for covering and protecting the uninflated flotation device  10  therein. Furthermore, the container  14  provides an unobtrusive visual presence, so that the storing of the flotation device  10  within the container  14  does not significantly affect the aesthetics of the watercraft  12  when stored thereon. It should be noted, however, that storing the inflating watercraft flotation device  10  of the present invention in the container  14  is optional and can include embodiments without the container  14 .  
         [0026]     The flotation device  10  of the present invention is suited and designed for use on any type of watercraft  12 . The watercraft  12  can be any type of watercraft including, but not limited to, pleasure boats, commercial ships, military ships, cruise ships, power boats, row boats, canoes, life boats, rafts, pontoon boats, ski boats, jet skis, etc.  
         [0027]     The flotation device  10  of the present invention includes a first flotation bladder  20  and a second flotation bladder  22 . Preferably, the size and shape of the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  are identical to each other thereby maintaining the watercraft  12  in a substantially level position upon inflation of the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 . It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  in different sizes and shapes depending on the desires of the user. Furthermore, it should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the flotation device  10  from a single bladder or from more than two bladders, i.e., three bladders, four bladders, five bladders, six bladders, etc.  
         [0028]     The first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  are preferably constructed from a substantially puncture-resistant material which is tough and durable and have sufficient strength to support the watercraft  12  either on the water or on the land. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  from other materials.  
         [0029]     The flotation device  10  further includes a first edge material  24  extending along the length of the first flotation bladder  20  and a second edge material  26  extending along the length of the second flotation bladder  22 . The first edge material  24  and the second edge material  26  are secured to the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 , respectively, by stitching or other means.  
         [0030]     The first edge material  24  and the second edge material  26  have a plurality of aligned apertures of slots  28  spaced along its length for receiving an adjusting strap  30 . The adjustable strap  30  maintains the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  at a desired spacing from each other when the flotation device  10  is deployed and inflated. Deployment of the flotation device  10  will be described in further detail below.  
         [0031]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the adjustable strap  30  can be any type of strap which is capable of adjusting the spacing between the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 . For instance, as shown, the adjustable strap  30  can include a buckle mechanism  32  which lengthens or reduces the distance between the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 .  
         [0032]     Instead of the adjustable strap  30 , the flotation device  10  can have a full bed (not shown) or other means, adjustable or not, extending between the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  to maintain a predetermined and desired spacing between the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 . Additionally, the strap  30  and bed or other means can be fixed and not adjustable.  
         [0033]     The first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  of the flotation device  10  of the present invention can be inflated with a gas tank  34  and compressor  36 . Preferably, the gas tank  34  is filled with air although other gases and solids, such as use with a gas generator, within the gas tank  34  are within the scope of the present invention. A pressure chamber can be provided to change a solid into a gas to inflate the flotation bladders  20 , 22 .  
         [0034]     Furthermore, preferably, the gas tank  34  and compressor  36  are sized and shaped for being received within the container  14  and stored therein along with the flotation device  10 . It should be noted, however, that larger, permanent gas sources and/or compressors which are storable on the watercraft  12  or on the dock are within the scope of the present invention, or, the inflation source could be attached directly to the flotation device  10  or any other inflation source to inflate the flotation bladders  20 ,  22 .  
         [0035]     In addition, the flotation device  10  includes a first gas line  38  connecting the gas tank  34  and the compressor  36  to the first flotation bladder  20  to fill the first flotation bladder  20  with gas from the gas tank  34 . A second gas line  40  is connected between the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  for filling the second flotation bladder  22  with gas from the gas tank  34 .  
         [0036]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  of the flotation device  10  of the present invention are folded into a substantially spiral configuration to fit within the container  14 . The first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  can be configured in a round spiral wound or a flat spiral wound. Winding the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  in a flat spiral wound allows the flotation device  10  to have a lower profile and fit within a smaller container.  
         [0037]     It should be noted that the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  has been described and illustrated herein as being wound in a substantially spiral configuration. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to store the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  in any configuration including, but not limited to, a substantially overlaying, serpentine manner.  
         [0038]     The operation of the flotation device  10  of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the operation of the flotation device  10  described herein is only one manner of operation and other manners of operation are within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0039]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , as the watercraft  12  begins to take on water within the hull  16  of the watercraft  12 , the uninflated flotation device  10  and the gas tank  34  and compressor  36  are removed from the container  14  or other storage location. The first gas line  38  is then connected to the compressor  36 . Next, the uninflated flotation device  10  is placed in the water in a spiral down position and positioned and centered about the hull  16  at the front of the watercraft  12  and releasably secured to the bow of the watercraft  12 . The gas tank  34  and the compressor  36  or any other source of gas are activated thereby causing gas to flow simultaneously into the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  thereby inflating the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 . Gas lines may also be connected at a forking juncture (not shown) outside the flotation bladders  20 ,  22  and combined into one gas source.  
         [0040]     As the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  are inflated, the watercraft  12  will rise at least partially or completely from the water with the watercraft  12  being supported by the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22 . The adjustable straps  30  maintain the spacing between the first flotation bladder  20  and the second flotation bladder  22  and can assist in supporting the watercraft  12 . The watercraft  12  can then be safely towed to a dock or the like for repairs without further concern for the safety of the watercraft  12  and its occupants and the flotation device  10  can be stored on the watercraft  12 . To remove the inflation device  10 , the air or other propellant can be removed from the flotation bladders  20 ,  22 .  
         [0041]     It should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to leave the flotation device  10  releasably secured to the watercraft  12  when the watercraft  12  is not in use. Then, upon sensing of water entering the watercraft  12 , the flotation device automatically inflates to maintain the watercraft  12  above the surface of the water.  
         [0042]     In an embodiment of the present invention, the flotation device  10  includes weights spaced along the flotation bladders  20 ,  22  or in another location to sink the flotation device  10  when in the uninflated condition. The uninflated flotation device  10  can then be stored under the surface of the water and ready for use and inflated when the watercraft  12  is positioned once again over the flotation device  10 . The inflating of the flotation bladders  20 ,  22  will overcome the weight of the weights to bring the flotation device  10  back to the surface.  
         [0043]     Furthermore, the flotation device  10  of the present invention can include a spring (not shown) or other means to automatically cause the flotation bladders  20 ,  22  to roll up when the flotation bladders  20 ,  22  are deflated. The spring can be constructed from metal, plastic, etc. In addition, a motor can be provided to assist in causing the flotation bladders  20 ,  22  to roll up.  
         [0044]     The flotation device  10  of the present invention provides emergency flotation of a watercraft  12  when necessary to maintain the watercraft  12  in a floating condition. The flotation device  10  of the present invention is easy to maintain and install on a watercraft,  12  if the watercraft  12  begins to sink. Once deployed, the flotation device  10  of the present invention will keep the watercraft  12  afloat even if a complete flooding of the hull  16  has occurred.  
         [0045]     In addition, the flotation device  10  of the present invention provides a deployable flotation device to keep the watercraft  12  floating after water has partially or completely filled the hull  16  of the watercraft  12 . The flotation device  10  further provides an emergency flotation device that can be stored on the watercraft  12  and does not interfere with the looks or operation of the watercraft  12  when not deployed. The flotation device  10  can be easily deflated and removed from under the watercraft  12  after the watercraft  12  has been fixed.  
         [0046]     The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.