Inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person

Abstract

An inflatable carrying device of watercraft by a single human carrier comprising one or more inflatables having a shape to enable it to be secured to one or both shoulders of the carrier, and a shear and tensile strength to support at least in part the watercraft. Various embodiments of the inflatables include an incurvate side about 240-300 degrees to secure to the shoulders, a length extending at least transversely across the seating area of the watercraft, a length about the width of one shoulder of the carrier, and a height to provide forward visibility for the carrier to avoid obstacles. The device makes possible single human transport of watercraft which lack a design structure for solo transport such as a kayak having a cockpit and a sit-on-top kayak.

Claims

1. An inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person, comprising: (a) a one or more than one inflatable; (b) said one or more than one inflatable having a shape; (c) said shape having an open side having an opening and an opposite closed side; (d) said opening having a depth, a width, and a length sized to a human having a two shoulders; (e) said depth of at least a part of said opening, as considered from a top of said opening orthogonally straight down toward said opposite closed side, having a distance of at least a part of a depth of said two shoulders, as considered from a superior to inferior of said two shoulders; (f) said width of at least a part of said opening, as considered traversing said opening, is about a width of said two shoulders, as considered from an anterior to posterior of said two shoulders at a greatest distance of said two shoulders contained within said depth of said opening; (g) said length of said opening having a distance of at least a part of a length of said two shoulders, as considered laterally from side to side of said two shoulders; and (h) said one or more than one inflatable having a shear and tensile strength to support a watercraft by one or two of said one or more than one inflatable.

2. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said opening having an incurvate shape.

3. The device as defined in claim 2, wherein said incurvate shape having a curvature of about 240 to 300 degrees.

4. The device as defined in claim 1, further including a height of said one or more than one inflatable when secured to said two shoulders is about seven to twelve centimeters superior to said two shoulders.

5. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said open side further includes a width, wherein said closed side further includes a width, and said width of said open side is of lesser distance than said width of said closed side.

6. The device as defined in claim 1, further including a third means for releasably fastening said one or more than one inflatable to said watercraft which in combination with said one or more than one inflatable releasably fastened to said third means for releasably fastening secures said one or more than one inflatable to said watercraft, and said third means for releasably fastening having a strength to support said watercraft.

7. The device as defined in claim 1, further including a carriage strap, comprising: an end, of which there are two opposite, with one end releasably fastened to the other by a buckle; a length to at least encircle said watercraft at a greatest perimeter transversely; and a strength to support said watercraft.

8. The device as defined in claim 1, further including a one or more than one strap, comprising an end, of which there are two opposite, with both ends fastened to said one or more than one inflatable and one end is releasably fastened.

9. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said watercraft is a kayak having a cockpit and further including said one or more than one inflatable having a length to at least transverse said cockpit.

10. The device as defined in claim 9, further including a neck side of said one or more than one inflatable having at least in part an opening.

11. The device as defined in claim 10, further including a third means for releasably fastening said one or more than one inflatable to said kayak which in combination with said one or more than one inflatable releasably fastened to said third means for releasably fastening secures said one or more than one inflatable to said kayak, and said third means for releasably fastening having a strength to support said kayak.

12. The device as defined in claim 10, further including a carriage strap, comprising: an end, of which there are two opposite, with one end releasably fastened to the other by a buckle; a length to at least encircle said kayak at a greatest perimeter transversely; and a strength to support said kayak.

13. The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said watercraft is a sit-on-top kayak and further including said one or more than one inflatable having a length to at least transverse said sit-on-top kayak from side to side.

14. The device as defined in claim 13, further including a neck side of said one or more than one inflatable having at least in part an opening.

15. The device as defined in claim 14, further including a third means for releasably fastening said one or more than one inflatable to said sit-on-top kayak which in combination with said one or more than one inflatable releasably fastened to said third means for releasably fastening secures said one or more than one inflatable to said sit-on-top kayak, and said third means for releasably fastening having a strength to support said sit-on-top kayak.

16. The device as defined in claim 14, further including a carriage strap, comprising: an end, of which there are two opposite, with one end releasably fastened to the other by a buckle; a length to at least encircle said sit-on-top kayak at a greatest perimeter transversely; and a strength to support said sit-on-top kayak.

17. The device as defined in claim 1, further including two or more than two of said one or more than one inflatable each having a length of at least a part of said length of said two shoulders.

18. The device as defined in claim 17, further including a third means for releasably fastening said one or more than one inflatable to said watercraft which in combination with said one or more than one inflatable releasably fastened to said third means for releasably fastening secures said one or more than one inflatable to said watercraft, and said third means for releasably fastening having a strength to support said watercraft.

19. The device as defined in claim 17, further including a carriage strap, comprising: an end, of which there are two opposite, with one end releasably fastened to the other by a buckle; a length to at least encircle said watercraft at a greatest perimeter transversely; and a strength to support said watercraft.

20. The device as defined in claim 17, further including a one or more than one strap, comprising an end, of which there are two opposite, with both ends fastened to said one or more than one inflatable and one end is releasably fastened.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment depicting an inflatable having an incurvate shape open side which is sufficiently curved to secure to a lower extremity of a self-rescuer, or one or two shoulders of a human carrier.

(3) FIGS. 2A and 2B is a top view and bottom view respectively of one inflatable secured to each lower extremity of the self-rescuer when he/she is positioned to perform a standard self-rescue maneuver.

(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of an inflatable having a shape in which the incurvate open side is narrower than the opposite closed side, and depicting a first means for releasably fastening the inflatable to the lower extremity which in combination with the inflatable surrounds the lower extremity to secure the inflatable to the lower extremity, illustrating another embodiment.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective front view depicting a strap for releasably fastening the inflatable to the lower extremity which in combination with the inflatable surrounds the lower extremity to secure the inflatable to the lower extremity.

(6) FIG. 5 is a bottom view depicting a second means for releasable fastening two or more inflatables to one or two lower extremities which in combination with two or more inflatables surrounds one or two lower extremities to secure the inflatables to the lower extremities, illustrating another embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom view depicting an extremity strap releasably fastened to two inflatables.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view depicting an inflatable having a substantially streamlined shape as secured to the lower extremity, illustrating another embodiment.

(9) FIG. 8 is a side view depicting an inflatable having a substantial shape and size to encompass a segment of the lower extremity, illustrating another embodiment.

(10) FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an oral inflation valve shown in FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view depicting the size and shape of one inflatable for carrying a single cockpit kayak, illustrating one embodiment.

(12) FIGS. 11A and 11B is a top and side view respectively for carrying the kayak depicting two inflatables, and a third means for releasably fastening the inflatables to the kayak which in combination with the inflatables releasably fastened to the third means secures the inflatables to the kayak, illustrating another embodiment.

(13) FIGS. 12A and 12B is a front and top view respectively of another embodiment depicted for carrying the kayak, and FIG. 12A depicts a carriage strap having two opposite ends releasably fastened by a buckle.

(14) FIG. 13 is top view of a center release buckle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(15) Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Reference herein to an inflatable is in an inflated mode unless otherwise stated. Reference herein to a lower extremity of a self-rescuer includes a foot, an ankle, a lower leg, a knee, and an upper leg. The lower extremity is shown with phantom dash and dot lines in the drawings. Reference herein to a standard self-rescue maneuver is as described in Background of the Invention section contained within this Specification. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear discussion of a carrying embodiment, of which there are a plurality, discussion primary as depicted for use of carrying a watercraft such as a kayak is provided herein. The kayak is shown with phantom lines in the drawings. An inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person is also herein referred to in the shortened version of the title as a carrying device, though no preferred embodiment is intended.

(16) FIG. 1

(17) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the carrying device depicted for multiple embodiments including water self-rescuer and inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person as described herein. The water self-rescuer comprises: a one or more than one inflatable 20; the one or more than one inflatable 20 having a shape; the shape having an open side 21 having an opening 23 and an opposite closed side 25; the opening 23 having a depth 23a, a width 23b, and a length 23c sized to a human having a one or two lower extremities 42 (depicted at least in FIGS. 2A and 2b); the depth 23a of at least a part of the opening 23, as considered from a top 23d of the opening 23 orthogonally straight down toward the opposite closed side 25, is about a depth of the one or two lower extremities 42, as considered from an anterior to posterior of the one or two lower extremities 42 at a greatest distance (depicted at least in FIG. 7); the width 23b of at least a part of the opening 23, as considered traversing the opening 23, is about a width of the one or two lower extremities 42, as considered transversely from side to side of the one or two lower extremities 42 at a greatest distance (depicted at least in FIGS. 2A and 2B), and above the width 23b of at least a part of the opening 23 is about the width of the one or two lower extremities 42 the width 23b is of lesser distance than the width of said one or two lower extremities 42 (depicted at least in FIG. 2A); and the length 23c of the opening 23, as considered longitudinally, having a distance of a part of a length of the one or two lower extremities 42, as considered longitudinally along the one or two lower extremities 42 (depicted at least in FIGS. 2A and 2B).

(18) FIG. 1 depicts inflatable 20 open side 21 having an incurvate shape opening 23 which is sufficiently curved to secure to, when the incurvate surface is in contact with, one or two lower extremities of the self-rescuer for water self-rescue. I presently contemplate that the incurvate curvature is 240 to 300 degrees, however, this is not intended to limit the use of other curvatures. Furthermore, this is not intended to limit the shape of inflatable 20 for use of other shapes including substantially cuboid, rhomboid, cylindrical, triangular prism, and streamlined.

(19) Inflatable 20 has a substantial size to secure to one or two lower extremities of the self-rescuer without preventing the performance of the standard or a similar self-rescue maneuver.

(20) The size of inflatables 20 and 20a-d depicted in the attached drawings is for representative purposes and is not intended to limit the use of other sizes.

(21) Another embodiment, i.e., the inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person, comprises inflatable 20 having a substantial size to secure to a shoulder or two of the carrier (not shown) without preventing the carrier from maneuvering the kayak (not shown) with at least a hand (not shown) while carrying the kayak.

(22) Embodiment inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person, comprises: the one or more than one inflatable 20; the one or more than one inflatable 20 having the shape; the shape having the open side 21 having the opening 23 and the opposite closed side 25; the opening 23 having the depth 23a, the width 23b, and the length 23c sized to the human having a two shoulders (not shown); the depth 23a of at least a part of the opening 23, as considered from the top 23d of the opening 23 orthogonally straight down toward the opposite closed side 25, having the distance of at least a part of a depth of the two shoulders, as considered from a superior to inferior of the two shoulders; the width 23b of at least a part of the opening 23, as considered traversing the opening 23, is about a width of the two shoulders, as considered from an anterior to posterior of the two shoulders at a greatest distance of the two shoulders contained within the depth 23a of the opening 23; the length 23c of the opening 23 having the distance of at least a part of a length of the two shoulders, as considered laterally from side to side of the two shoulders; and the one or more than one inflatable 20 having a shear and tensile strength to support a watercraft (not shown) by one or two of the one or more than one inflatable 20.

(23) The one or more than one inflatable 20 having a width 20f is described at least regarding FIG. 3 below, and a height 20e is described at least regarding FIG. 11B below; and the opening 23 having a bottom 23e is described at least regarding FIG. 11B below.

(24) Inflatable 20 is buoyant and constructed of a non-rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride with sufficient tensile and shear strength to resist punctures and support at least in part the self-rescuer when immersed in water for one embodiment, and support the kayak by one or two inflatables 20 for another embodiment, i.e., the inflatable carrying device of watercraft by person. The carrying device includes one or more than one inflatable 20.

(25) Inflatable 20 is inflated and deflated by a conventional mechanism, for example, an oral inflation valve 22, and a canister containing compressed air 24 which can be activated manually or automatically when exposed to water.

(26) FIGS. 2A and 2B

(27) FIGS. 2A and 2B is a top view and bottom view respectively of one inflatable 20 secured to each lower extremity 42 of the self-rescuer when he/she is positioned to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver: substantially horizontal at the surface of the water and facing downward, whereby the posterior of the lower extremities are at the surface of the water as explained in Background of the Invention. The opening 23 created by the incurvate shape of open side 21 of inflatable 20, shown in FIG. 1, is depicted as at the posterior of lower extremity 42 in FIG. 2A. A The closed side 25 of inflatable 20 opposite to the incurvate open side 21, shown in FIG. 1, is depicted as at the anterior of lower extremity 42 in FIG. 2B, beneath the self-rescuer when positioned to perform the standard self-rescue maneuver.

(28) FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the width 23b of at least a part of the opening 23, as considered traversing the opening 23, shown in FIG. 1, is about the width of the one or two lower extremities 42, as considered transversely from side to side of the one or two lower extremities 42 at the greatest distance. FIGS. 2A and 2B also depict the length 23c of the opening 23, as considered longitudinally, shown in FIG. 1, having a distance of a part of the length of the one or two lower extremities 42, as considered longitudinally along the one or two lower extremities 42.

(29) FIG. 2A is a top view of inflatable 20 depicting the top 23d of the opening 23 of open side 21, shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 depicts the depth 23a of at least a part of the opening 23, shown in FIG. 1, is about the depth of the one or two lower extremities 42. FIG. 2A also depicts above the width 23b of at least a part of the opening 23, shown in FIG. 1, is about the width of the one or two lower extremities 42, such as at the top 23d of the opening 23, the width 23b is of lesser distance than the width of the one or two lower extremities 42.

(30) I contemplate that when the self-rescuer is immersed in water such as after capsizing his/her kayak, or a canoe, or falling out of a fishing, a hunting, a sailing, or an inflatable watercraft, he/she inflates inflatable 20 and positions the incurvate side against the anterior of his/her lower extremity 42, then, presses inflatable 20 against his/her lower extremity 42 to secure inflatable 20 onto his/her lower extremity 42, whereby the incurvate surface of inflatable 20 is in contact with and substantially conforms to the shape of lower extremity 42. Securing inflatable 20 to lower extremity 42 includes securing over items worn by the self-rescuer such as a pant, a shoe, and a sock.

(31) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device compared to prior art includes faster and easier installation even in extreme conditions. Pressing inflatable 20 onto lower extremity 42 is faster, easier, and requires use of a hand (not depicted), which frees the other hand to hold onto the watercraft (not depicted) to ensure the watercraft is not swept away by the wind or waves (not depicted).

(32) Self-rescuer then assumes the position to, and performs, the standard or similar self-rescue maneuver.

(33) Another advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is that the self-rescuer is not required to learn, practice, and remember new and/or difficult maneuvers since operation includes performing the already known standard or similar self-rescue maneuver.

(34) Furthermore, even for the self-rescuer who does not know the standard self-rescue maneuver, or is confused, or panicky when in danger at a crucial self-rescue time, the carrying device aids instinctual movements of the self-rescuer which is generally to hold onto the watercraft with his/her hands and kick his/her lower extremities 42 to attempt to basically climb onto the watercraft.

(35) When inflatable 20 is secured to lower extremity 42, water-area and buoyancy of lower extremity 42 is effectively increased, thus, the self-rescuer is able to provide greater lift out of the water, and faster and farther propulsion by more effectively engaging his/her lower extremities when performing the standard or similar self-rescue maneuver to propel the self-rescuer onto the watercraft or to swim to safety such as to land.

(36) I contemplate that the self-rescuer performs the standard self-rescue maneuver explained in Background of the Invention, and executes a dolphin kick, commonly known and used for a butterfly swimming stroke, instead of kicking his/her lower extremities 42 in any other manner. However, this should not be construed as limiting the device for use of other lower extremity movements such as used for a freestyle and a breaststroke swimming stroke. Increased water-area and buoyancy provided by inflatable 20 coupled with the dolphin kick provides the benefit of enabling the self-rescuer to more effectively engage the strong muscles of his/her lower extremities, abdomen, and back to provide greater lift and propel the self-rescuer onto the watercraft.

(37) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is enabling self-rescuers with insufficient upper body strength to more effectively utilize his/her lower body strength to increase the overall effectiveness of his/her total body movement to successfully perform the standard or similar self-rescue maneuver.

(38) Self-rescuers may have insufficient upper body strength to successfully perform the self-rescue maneuver even before the trip begins which is commonly known to be more likely for females than males, or during the trip his/her upper body strength may be weakened such as due to injury and illness, or weakened temporarily at the crucial self-rescue time such as due to fatigue and alcohol consumption. Thus, whether the insufficient upper body strength is known in advance of the aquatic activity, or suddenly realized during the attempted self-rescue, the carrying device provides assistance which can provide the difference between success or drowning.

(39) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is that the amount of water-area and buoyancy assistance provided to the self-rescuer is adjustable by the amount of inflation and number of inflatables 20 which is selected by the self-rescuer under known conditions.

(40) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is operability by the self-rescuer while participating in a variety of aquatic activities utilizing a variety of watercrafts such as kayaks, canoes, inflatables, fishing, hunting, and sailing boats.

(41) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is that operation does not require use of the kayak or a paddle. If the kayak, paddle, or both are swept away by the wind or waves, the carrying device is operable, unlike prior art.

(42) The self-rescuer who decides to swim to safety inflates inflatable 20 to provide sufficient buoyancy for his/her lower extremities to be congruent with the buoyancy of his/her upper body, taking into consideration factors at the self-rescue time such as whether he/she is wearing a personal floatation device, pushing the watercraft to shore, and environmental conditions. Advantages of one or more aspects of the carrying device is that the amount of buoyancy is adjustable, and as often as is necessary.

(43) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is the smaller size when not inflated, and lighter weight, thus, permitting removable attachment to the self-rescuer or to an item worn by the self-rescuer such as a belt while not hindering movement such as for paddling, fishing, hunting, and sailing. Therefore, the carrying device is at-hand for use by the self-rescuer even after capsizing or falling overboard. However, this is not intended to limit the storage of the device at other locations such as removable attachment to part of the watercraft which is easily accessible by the self-rescuer from the water.

(44) FIG. 3

(45) FIG. 3 is another embodiment depicting the front view of inflatable 20a having a shape, wherein the open side further includes a width, wherein the closed side further includes a width, shown in FIG. 1, and the width of the open side is of lesser distance than the width of the closed side, shown in FIG. 3, whereby the water-area beneath the self-rescuer is increased, and for the carrying device embodiment the surface-area in contact with the watercraft is increased.

(46) Additionally depicted in FIG. 3 is a first means for releasably fastening 26 inflatable 20a to the lower extremity of the self-rescuer which in combination with inflatable 20a surrounds the lower extremity to secure inflatable 20a to the lower extremity. However, this is not intended to limit use of first means 26 for other embodiments such as with inflatable 20 depicted in FIG. 1.

(47) FIG. 4

(48) FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of another embodiment depicting a strap 28, of which there are one or more than one, for releasably fastening inflatable 20 to the lower extremity (not shown) which in combination with inflatable 20 surrounds the lower extremity to secure inflatable 20 to the lower extremity.

(49) Strap 28 is comprised of non-rigid, water-resistant material generally used for outdoor applications in or around water such as nylon webbing; having an end, of which there are two opposite; a substantial length to at least extend transversely across one lower extremity of the self-rescuer; and a substantial width and a substantial strength to support at least in part the self-rescuer when immersed in water.

(50) I contemplate one embodiment in which both ends of strap 28 are fastened to inflatable 20 and at least one end is releasably fastened such as by a conventional hook and loop fastening system 27.

(51) Inflatable 20 is secured to the lower extremity with the incurvate surface of inflatable 20 in contact with the anterior and sides of the lower extremity, and strap 28 is positioned around the posterior of the lower extremity and releasably fastened to inflatable 20, whereby in combination strap 28 and inflatable 20 surrounds the lower extremity of the self-rescuer.

(52) Thus strap 28, inflatable 20, and the hook and loop fastening system 27 constitute the first means for releasably fastening 26, however, it is not intended to limit the use of equivalents thereof.

(53) I contemplate another embodiment in which strap 28 is comprised of an elastic, water-resistant material, and having two ends which are permanently or semi-permanently fastened to inflatable 20. Self-rescuer slides his/her lower extremity through an opening created between strap 28 and inflatable 20, and selectively positions inflatable 20 onto the lower extremity. The elastic material of strap 28 stretches to permit passage of the lower extremity with any item worn by the self-rescuer such as footwear, and then contracts to secure inflatable 20 to the selected position of the lower extremity.

(54) An additional embodiment I contemplate includes strap 28 comprised of elastic, water-resistant material, with both ends fastened to inflatable 20, and at least one end is releasably fastened such as by the conventional hook and loop fastening system.

(55) Examples of embodiments I contemplate as described herein are not intended to limit the use nor adaptation of the carrying device for other embodiments.

(56) FIG. 5

(57) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the carrying device depicting a second means for releasable fastening 30 two or more inflatables 20 to one or two lower extremities 42 of the self-rescuer which in combination with two or more inflatables 20 surrounds one or two lower extremities 42 to secure inflatables 20 to lower extremities 42, illustrating another embodiment.

(58) FIG. 6

(59) FIG. 6 is a bottom view of another embodiment depicting an extremity strap 32, of which there are one or more, comprised of non-rigid, water-resistant material generally used for outdoor applications in or around water such as nylon webbing, having a substantial length to extend at least transversely across one lower extremity 42, a substantial width and a substantial strength to support at least in part the self-rescuer when immersed in water. Extremity strap 32 is releasably fastened such as by the hook and loop fastening system 27 to two or more inflatables 20.

(60) Extremity strap 32 releasably fastens two or more inflatables 20 to one or two lower extremities 42 which in combination with inflatables 20 surrounds one or two lower extremities 42 to secure inflatables 20 to lower extremities 42.

(61) Thus extremity strap 32, inflatable 20, and the hook and loop fastening system 27 constitute the second means for releasably fastening 30, however, it is not intended to limit the use of equivalents thereof.

(62) Another embodiment is extremity strap 32 with inflatables 20 releasably fastened positioned beneath one or two lower extremities. These examples are not intended to limit extremity strap 32 positioning, adaptation, nor use.

(63) Extremity strap 32 with releasably fastened number of inflatables 20 selected by the self-rescuer increases water-area and buoyancy at and around the area of the self-rescuer's body in which the self-rescuer has selected at the self-rescue time, under known conditions: physical, mental, and environmental.

(64) I contemplate, for example, the self-rescuer with an injury to one lower extremity positions extremity strap 32 to avoid contact with the injured area, and the non-injured lower extremity aided by the increased water-area and buoyance provided by the carrying device is used to compensate for the injured lower extremity while performing the standard or similar self-rescue maneuver.

(65) Another example includes an injury to the hand, a wrist, an arm, and/or a shoulder of the self-rescuer which renders him/her incapable of successfully performing the standard or similar self-rescue maneuver selects extremity strap 32 with three inflatables 20 releasably fastened to use as a boosting or support structure for him/her to step on to reboard the watercraft. Not shown.

(66) Another example includes self-rescuers with a physical disability to one or two lower extremities selects the positioning of extremity strap 32, and selects the number of inflatables 20 to provide sufficient water-area and buoyancy to suit his/her requirements, depending on his/her disability.

(67) FIG. 7

(68) FIG. 7 is a side view of the carrying device depicting inflatable 20b having a substantially streamlined shape as secured to lower extremity 42 of the self-rescuer, which is another embodiment I contemplate. However, it is not intended to limit inflatable 20b for other substantially streamlined shapes, sizes, and positions to which inflatable 20b is secured to lower extremity 42.

(69) FIG. 7 depicts the depth 23a of at least a part of the opening 23, as considered from the top 23d of the opening 23 orthogonally straight down toward the opposite closed side 25, shown in FIG. 1, is about the depth of the one or two lower extremities 42, as considered from the anterior to posterior of the one or two lower extremities 42 at the greatest distance.

(70) The streamlined shape reduces water resistance when the self-rescuer propels him/herself forward using the standard or similar self-rescue maneuver, thus, allowing for increased speed of the maneuver and success of the self-rescuer to reboard the watercraft; and, reducing the amount of energy required when the self-rescuer selects to swim to safety, thus, allowing the self-rescuer to swim farther.

(71) I contemplate another embodiment of the carrying device comprising streamline shaped inflatable 20b and first means for releasable fastening 26 (not shown). An additional embodiment I contemplate comprises streamline shaped inflatable 20b and strap 28 (not shown).

(72) These embodiment examples are not intended to limit the use of the carrying device for other embodiments.

(73) FIG. 8

(74) FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment depicting inflatable 20c having a substantial shape and size to encompass a segment of lower extremity 42. FIG. 8 depicts inflatable 20c having a substantially triangular prism shape, however, it is not intended to limit the shape and size of inflatable 20c, the number of lower extremities encompassed, nor segment of the lower extremity encompassed including with or without any items worn such as shoes.

(75) I contemplate another embodiment, for example, in which inflatable 20c is substantially streamlined in shape as attached to lower extremity 42.

(76) FIG. 9

(77) FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of oral inflation valve 22 shown in FIG. 1.

(78) An advantage of one or more aspects of the carrying device is that the mode of operation is selectable by the self-rescuer at the crucial self-rescue time, under known conditions: physical, mental, and environmental. The carrying device is adaptable to the self-rescuer and self-rescue conditions; unlike prior art which requires the self-rescuer to adapt to it, under all conditions, or suffer the consequences, which could be death by drowning.

(79) The multitude of variables, of which many are uncontrollable and include varying levels of intensity and may change suddenly, which can affect the success or failure of the attempted self-rescue include: water current strength and direction, wave height, water temperature, wind speed and direction, amount of sunlight, dangerous living creatures, proximity to non-living hazards, injury during capsize or previously on land, illness, and fatigue as explained in Background of the Invention.

(80) Due to the enormous number of combinations of environmental variables and intensity of each, coupled with the plethora of self-rescuer physical shapes, sizes, strengths, skills, experiences, injuries, illnesses, disabilities if any, and further coupled with mental acuity and determination of the self-rescuer under dangerous conditions and/or impairment due to injury, it is not feasible to provide a comprehensive list of which mode of operating the carrying device is best for each self-rescuer under every possible condition. Under safe conditions, it is recommended that the self-rescuer tries the various modes with and without various simulated injuries.

(81) Another advantage of the carrying device is the availability of back-up modes. If the self-rescuer selects a mode of operation but is not successful, he/she can attempt another mode, and another. That is, selection of one mode does not eliminate the use of others.

(82) Advantages of one or more aspects of the carrying device include: faster and easier installation and operation; assistance is provided to the self-rescuer who at the self-rescue time lacks the upper body strength to reboard the watercraft; adjustable amount of assistance is provided which is selectable by the self-rescuer at the self-rescue time; operable for use while participating in a variety of activities utilizing kayaks, canoes, inflatables, fishing, hunting, and sail boats; operation without requiring attachment to the watercraft; operation without attachment to the paddle; at-hand for use when the self-rescuer is immersed in water after capsizing or falling overboard as the smaller size and lighter weight permits removable attachment to the self-rescuer or an article worn by the self-rescuer without impeding movement of the self-rescuer such as for paddling, fishing, hunting, and sailing; multiple modes of operation which is selectable under known physical and mental conditions of the self-rescuer, and environmental conditions at the crucial self-rescue time; and provides assistance for reboarding the watercraft and swimming to safety.

(83) Single human transport of watercrafts such as kayaks.

(84) FIG. 10

(85) FIG. 10 is a top view of the carrying device for the single human carrying the watercraft such as kayak 44 having a cockpit 46 and further including the one or more than one inflatable 20d having a length 20g to at least transverse the cockpit 46, and a neck side 21a of the one or more than one inflatable 20d having at least in part an opening 21b at about the area of and to secure to a neck of the carrier (not shown), illustrating another embodiment.

(86) I presently contemplate that the height 20e, shown in FIG. 1, of the one or more than one inflatable 20d when secured to the two shoulders is about seven to twelve centimeters superior to the two shoulders of the carrier, however, this is not intended to limit the use of other heights.

(87) Reference herein to a carrying position for transport of watercraft such as the kayak includes the kayak in an inverted, substantially horizontal position on the two shoulders of the carrier. Inverted refers to the kayak having a deck and a hull which are proximal and distal respectively to the two shoulders of the carrier. I contemplate that the kayak is carried in an inverted position; however, it should not be construed as limiting the adaptation and use of the carrying device.

(88) Operation of the carrying device as depicted in FIG. 10 includes inflating inflatable 20d, and positioning and securing inflatable 20d across the two shoulders and about the neck of the carrier, then, positioning inverted kayak 44 on inflatable 20d. An inflatable kayak (not shown) is another example of watercraft transported with this embodiment, however, it is not intended to limit the carriage of other watercrafts such as a sit-on-top kayak.

(89) The embodiment wherein the watercraft is the sit-on-top kayak (not shown), further including the one or more than one inflatable having a length to at least transverse the sit-on-top kayak from side to side.

(90) FIGS. 11A and 11B

(91) FIG. 11A is a top view of another embodiment depicted for carrying kayak 44 comprising two of the one or more than one inflatable 20, and a third means for releasably fastening 34 the one or more than one inflatable 20 to kayak 44 which in combination with the one or more than one inflatable 20 releasably fastened to the third means for releasably fastening 34 secures the one or more than one inflatable 20 to kayak 44, and the third means for releasably fastening 34 having a strength to support kayak 44.

(92) The one or more than one inflatable 20 is releasably fastened to third means 34 by conventional devices and systems, for example, the hook and loop fastening system 27.

(93) FIG. 11A depicts two of the one or more than one inflatable 20 each having a length 20h of at least a part of the length of the two shoulders (not shown).

(94) FIG. 11B is a side view of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B depicts the height 20e, width 20f, open side 21 and closed side 25 of one of the one or more than one inflatable 20 shown in FIG. 1, and depicts the top 23d, bottom 23e, depth 23a, and width 23b of the opening 23 shown in FIG. 1.

(95) FIGS. 12A and 12B

(96) FIGS. 12A and 12B is a front and top view respectively of another embodiment of the carrying device for carrying kayak 44, depicting a carriage strap 36 having an end, of which there are two opposite, with one end releasably fastened to the other such as by a buckle 38; a length to at least encircle the watercraft at a greatest perimeter transversely; and a strength to support the watercraft As depicted in FIG. 12B, one or more than one inflatable 20 is positioned on the deck of kayak 44, one on each side of cockpit 46, and releasably fastened to carriage strap 36.

(97) Carriage strap 36 is comprised of non-rigid, water-resistant material generally used for outdoor applications in or around water such as nylon webbing. Buckle 38 includes, for example, a center release buckle 40 depicted in FIG. 13, however, it is not intended to limit the use of other buckles, nor to limit the use to just buckles for releasably fastening the two ends of carriage strap 36.

(98) The one or more than one inflatable 20 is releasably fastened to carriage strap 36 by conventional devices and systems such as the hook and loop fastening system 27, but it is not intended to limit the use of other devices or systems.

(99) Thus carriage strap 36, buckle 38, inflatable 20, and the hook and loop fastening system 27 constitute the third means for releasably fastening 34, however, it is not intended to limit the use of equivalents thereof.

(100) After the carrying device is secured to kayak 44, kayak 44 is lifted, inverted, and the opening 23 of the one or more than one inflatable 20, shown in FIGS. 11B and 1, is positioned onto the two shoulders of the carrier such that one or more than one inflatable 20 is positioned one on each shoulder with the bottom 23e of the opening 23, shown in FIGS. 11B and 1, on the most superior part of the two shoulders and the depth 23a of at least a part of the opening 23, shown in FIGS. 11B and 1, having a distance of at least a part of the depth of the two shoulders as considered from the superior to inferior part of the two shoulders, and the width 23b of at least a part of the opening 23, shown in FIGS. 11B and 1, is about the width of the two shoulders, as considered from the anterior to posterior of the two shoulders at a greatest distance of the two shoulders contained within the depth 23a of the opening 23, with kayak 44 positioned on the one or more than one inflatable 20, and the hull of kayak 44 is facing upward.

(101) Another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 12B, includes the strap 28, shown in FIG. 4, comprising an end, of which there are two opposite, with both ends fastened to the one or more than one inflatable and one end is releasably fastened such as by the hook and loop fastening system 27, shown in FIG. 4, to releasably fasten the one or more than one inflatable 20 to the carriage strap 36.

(102) I contemplate another embodiment, not shown, such as for the sit-on-top kayak comprising two of the one or more than one inflatable 20 positioned one on each of the two shoulders of the carrier and releasably fastened to carriage strap 36 which securely encircles kayak 44, whereby carriage strap 36 supports the kayak on the one or more than one inflatable 20. I presently contemplate that the length of inflatable 20 as measure along the length of carriage strap 36 is at least the lateral length of one of the two shoulders of the carrier, however, this is not intended to limit the use of other sizes.

(103) FIG. 13 is top view of the center release buckle 40.

(104) From the description above, a number of advantages of one or more aspects of the carrying device for single human transport of watercraft such as the kayak become evident:

(105) (a) Distribution of the watercraft weight is substantially equal across the two shoulders of the carrier, thus, avoiding asymmetrical weight distribution problems.

(106) (b) Carrying the watercraft in the substantially horizontal position aids the carrier to avoid vertical impediments such as tree branches, and to reduce wind resistance which can be especially problematic on open terrain.

(107) (c) The carrier can simultaneously carry the watercraft and use his/her own backpack to transport food, clothing, and other equipment which eliminates the need for an extra roundtrip across portages, which can save substantial time and energy. For example, a one kilometer portage without the carrying device would require hiking three kilometers in total, thus, the device saves hiking two kilometers.
(d) The carrying device is operable for carrying a variety of watercrafts including kayaks with cockpits, kayaks without cockpits commonly referred to as sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and tandem kayaks for example each carrier uses his/her own carrying device.
(e) The non-rigid material reduces the risk of damaging the watercraft and carrier.
(f) The lighter weight is less onerous to carry.
(g) The smaller size requires less storage space within or on the watercraft.
(h) The inflatable is selectively, continuously, variably inflatable to allow the carrier to elevate the watercraft above his/her shoulders to provide sufficient forward visibility of the terrain to avoid obstacles.

(108) Moreover, two carriers using his/her own carrying device to carry the tandem kayak can individually adjust the angle of the kayak above the horizon to provide greater forward visibility. For example, carriers of the same physical height increases the elevation of the kayak above the shoulders of the carrier in front more than the carrier at the back, thus, angling the kayak upward to provide greater forward visibility.

(109) (i) Operability on generally all terrain which the carrier can walk such as flat, rocky, sandy, muddy, and steep.

(110) (j) Head and neck muscles of the carrier are not required to maneuver the kayak, thus, avoiding potential injury to the head and neck muscles.

(111) While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one of several embodiments thereof.

(112) Many other variations are possible. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.