A method of assembling a floatation device and a floatation device is disclosed. The method can include providing a casing having an upper fabric layer and a lower porous layer. A plurality of dividers can be connected at a first end to the upper fabric layer and at a second end to the lower porous layer. Edges of the upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer can be connected by a zipper. The upper fabric layer and the lower fabric layer can define a chamber therebetween, and the plurality of dividers dividing the chamber into a plurality of sleeves. A plurality of foam floatation members can be installed in a respective sleeve of the plurality of sleeves, and the zipper can be closed to form a floatatable platform.

A portable expandable device with a contracting mechanism which allows for many forms of recreational products and structures to be expanded, reinforced in the expanded shape, and then contracted easily to regain its portable form. The expansion means is exercised by the use of at least one of the following, resiliently extending, unfolding, inflating, as to become an expanding form which can then be easily retracted to the redeployed form. The retraction mechanism reverses the expansion process utilizing a mechanism which sequentially exerts the forces needed in the proper locations in order to ensure proper contraction. Disclosed embodiments utilized supplemental structural reinforcement of the expanded form through the use of joints, releasable interlocks, latching mechanisms, air bladders, to ensure the form is stable and usable. The objective being a stable structure with a rapid and easy deployment and a supplemental retraction means as to be easily transportable.

A buoyant pool lounge chair frame and buoyant pool lounge chair using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the buoyant pool lounge chair for supporting a person while the buoyant pool chair is floating in water, frame members collectively form an open chair frame including a back frame and leg frame pivotally coupled thereto. Buoyant cushions are attached to the frame members to form a chair seat, a backrest, and a leg rest. A pair of rear pivotal coupling and clutch assemblies are coupled to the seat frame and to the back frame to adjust and fix the angle of recline of the back frame relative to the seat frame. Similarly, a pair of front pivotal coupling and clutch assemblies coupled to the leg frame and to the back frame to adjust and fix the angle of extension of the leg frame relative to the seat frame.

A buoyant pool lounge chair frame and buoyant pool lounge chair using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the buoyant pool lounge chair for supporting a person while the buoyant pool chair is floating in water, frame members collectively form an open chair frame including a back frame and leg frame pivotally coupled thereto. Buoyant cushions are attached to the frame members to form a chair seat, a backrest, and a leg rest. A pair of rear pivotal coupling and clutch assemblies are coupled to the seat frame and to the back frame to adjust and fix the angle of recline of the back frame relative to the seat frame. Similarly, a pair of front pivotal coupling and clutch assemblies coupled to the leg frame and to the back frame to adjust and fix the angle of extension of the leg frame relative to the seat frame.

A collapsible flotation device is provided and includes an inflatable member forming a closed loop and defining at least in part a first opening within the closed loop. The inflatable member has a first portion positioned to be a back support and a second portion configured to be disposed beneath a leg of the user, a floor of the first opening being disposed between the first and second portions. The inflatable member defines a second opening providing access of a foot of the user to water. The second opening has a smaller axial length than the first opening such that a third, forwardmost portion of the closed loop is positioned to be a foot support member.

Cell based assays for botulinum neurotoxin are provided. Specific neurotoxin uptake or proteolytic activity directed to reporting constructs sensitive to botulinum neurotoxin in cells capable of being intoxicated by botulinum neurotoxin is enhanced by increasing expression of SV2 or heat shock proteins in such cells, respectively.

A buoyant pool lounge chair frame and buoyant pool lounge chair using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the buoyant pool lounge chair for supporting a person while the buoyant pool chair is floating in water, frame members collectively form an open chair frame including a back frame and leg frame pivotally coupled thereto. Buoyant cushions are attached to the frame members to form a chair seat, a backrest, and a leg rest. A pair of rear pivotal coupling and clutch assemblies are coupled to the seat frame and to the back frame to adjust and fix the angle of recline of the back frame relative to the seat frame. Similarly, a pair of front pivotal coupling and clutch assemblies coupled to the leg frame and to the back frame to adjust and fix the angle of extension of the leg frame relative to the seat frame.

The invention is directed to a chair (e.g., beanbag chair) that can be easily and securely used in a home and an aquatic environment. The chair comprises a top panel that interacts directly with the user. Specifically, the top surface of the chair provides support for the user's back, rear end, and legs when in use. The chair also includes a pair of side panels, a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel. The chair includes an interior filled with one or more materials (e.g., polystyrene). Advantageously, the chair is constructed from one or more resilient materials, providing increased durability and comfort for the user. In addition, the chair is configured to float on a body of water, such as the ocean, a lake, a swimming pool, or a river.

A personal flotation system provides a horseshoe shaped float that is buoyant and can be used in a number or positions to float a person on the water and retain a beverage. The horseshoe shaped flotation device has a left and right armrest that extend out from an arced shaped closed end and dual cup holder, on the extended end of the armrest, has an cup cylinder to retain a beverage in the vertical orientation and an end cup holder to retain a beverage in an orthogonal orientation to the cup cylinder. The flotation device may have an extending strap that couples the left and right armrests together to secure the horseshoe shaped float around a person's torso.

The present invention surrounds a seating apparatus having an arm-rest assembly configured to traverse behind a seat-back, and arm-rests which extend forward of the seat back. Embodiments discussed herein include an inflatable chamber for providing positive buoyancy and structure. Certain embodiments of the present invention are configured primarily for use in a body of water, while other embodiments are configured for use in water or upon a surface.