초록 ▼

This invention is of a float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further

This invention is of a float tube or watercraft comprised of a generally U-shaped inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion. The leg portions are preferably formed integrally with the rearward portion. The invention further includes a seating device bridging the two leg portions of the flotation chamber. The invention also has a novel U-shaped stabilizing frame and means for connecting the stabilizing frame to the U-shaped flotation chamber. The U-shaped frame provides support to the opposing legs of the flotation chamber and prevents them from pinching in on the occupant. For additional support, a rigid rod, or tube, extends between the opposing legs of the frame. The means for connecting the stabilizing frame comprises preferably a plurality of channel segments, which are fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of the flotation chamber. Alternatively, a continuous channel may be used. In either case, the channel conforms to the U-shape of the flotation chamber and cooperatively and removably receives the U-shaped frame. Typically, the U-shaped stabilizing frame is retained in the channel segments, or continuous channel, generally inside the interior space of U-shaped flotation chamber and substantially in the same plane as the chamber's central axis though alternative placements are possible.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A float tube for use by fisherman, hunters, sportsmen and the like which comprises: a generally U-shaped, inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion; a seating device connected to and bridging the leg portions of said

1. A float tube for use by fisherman, hunters, sportsmen and the like which comprises: a generally U-shaped, inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion; a seating device connected to and bridging the leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber; a U-shaped stabilizing frame; and a system for connecting said stabilizing frame to said two leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber; wherein said system for connecting said stabilizing frame comprises a continuous channel fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of said flotation chamber, said channel further cooperatively and removably receiving said U-shaped stabilizing frame. 2. A float tube according to claim 1, wherein the continuous channel is fixedly secured to said flotation chamber by a method selected from the group consisting of adhesives, thermal bonding, molding, and sealed stitching.3. A float tube according to claim 1, wherein the U-shaped stabilizing frame is rigid.4. A float tube according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed in one continuous and unbroken piece.5. A float tube according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed from a plurality of rod sections, each rod section being removably and adjustably connected to another rod section.6. A U-shaped stabilizing frame according to claim 5, wherein said frame includes a support member, which extends between the opposed legs of said frame.7. A float tube according to claim 1, wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of metals, reinforced fiberglass and laminate wood.8. A float tube according to claim 1, wherein said flotation chamber has a central plane and wherein said stabilizing frame is located on the flotation chamber within about 45 degrees of said central plane.9. A float tube for use by fisherman, hunters, sportsmen and the like which comprises: a generally U-shaped, inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion; a seating device connected to and bridging the leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber; a U-shaped stabilizing frame; and a system for connecting said stabilizing frame to said two leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber, wherein said system for connecting said stabilizing frame comprises a plurality of channel segments fixedly secured to the leg and rearward portions of said flotation chamber, said channel segments further cooperatively and removable receiving said U-shaped stabilizing frame wherein the channel segments are fixedly secured to said flotation chamber by a method selected from the group consisting of adhesives, thermal bonding, molding, and sealed stitching. 10. A float tube according to claim 9, wherein the U-shaped stabilizing frame is rigid.11. A float tube according to claim 9, wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed in one continuous and unbroken piece.12. A float tube according to claim 9, wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed from a plurality of rod sections, each rod section being removably and adjustably connected to another rod section.13. A U-shaped stabilizing frame according to claim 12, wherein said frame includes a support member, which extends between the opposed legs of said frame.14. A float tube according to claim 9, wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of metals, reinforced fiberglass and laminate wood.15. A float tube according to claim 9, wherein said flotation chamber has a central plane and wherein said stabilizing frame is located on the flotation chamber within about 45 degrees of said central plane.16. A float tube for use by fisherman, hunters, sportsmen and the like which comprises: a generally U-shaped, inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel a nd laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion; a seating device connected to and bridging the leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber; a U-shaped stabilizing frame; and a system for connecting said stabilizing frame to said two leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber: wherein said U-shaped stabilizing frame is formed from a plurality of rod sections, each rod section being removably and adjustably connected to another rod section, wherein said frame includes a support member that extends between the opposed legs of said frame wherein the position of said support member is adjustable. 17. A float tube for use by fisherman, hunters, sportsmen and the like which comprises: a generally U-shaped, inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion; a seating device connected to and bridging the leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber; a U-shaped stabilizing frame; and a system for connecting said stabilizing frame to said two leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber wherein, said U-shaped flotation chamber has a bottom region to which said system for connecting said stabilizing frame is fixedly secured. 18. A float tube for use by fisherman, hunters, sportsmen and the like which comprises: a generally U-shaped, inflatable flotation chamber having two generally parallel and laterally disposed leg portions and a rearward portion; a seating device connected to and bridging the leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber; a U-shaped stabilizing frame, and a system for connecting said stabilizing frame to said two leg portions of said U-shaped flotation chamber wherein, said U-shaped flotation chamber has an inside region to which said system for connecting said stabilizing frame is fixedly secured.