John C Horan

US Patent:

40902706, May 23, 1978

Filed:

Nov 29, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/745736

Inventors:

John J. Horan - Willow Grove PA

International Classification:

B63B 700

US Classification:

9 2A

Abstract:

A mini-boat having an inflatable, hollow configuration for safely supporting persons in water. Two similarly shaped sheets of inflatable material are sealed together near their peripheral edges thereby forming two mirror imaged sections about an axis of symmetry at the stern of the mini-boat, the maximum depth preferably being near the axis and the sections tapering downwardly toward their distal ends at the bow. The sheets are further seamed together along a plurality of lines so spaced within the sealed sections as to define an array of relatively narrow interconnecting inflation cells. The sections are then folded at the axis and the opposing lower and distal edges are sealed together to define the keel and bow of the hull. The cells are inflated orally or by gas and are shaped to provide a lounge chair contour and attitude under the weight of an occupant whose inclined back lies against the axis with the buttocks at the point of maximum depth so that the body thereby becomes the thwart structure for the compliant hull.