Inflatable Watercraft Barrier

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an inflatable watercraft barrier in one example having an inflatable perimeter tube. Also disclosed is a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and the water in which the watercraft barrier and watercraft float. In one example, a portion of the perimeter tube forms a gate portion which is at least partially selectively deflated so as to be denser than water, and therefore rotates about a gate pivot such that the watercraft may enter the watercraft barrier through the gate portion. Also disclosed is a water pump in fluid communication with the watercraft barrier so as to evacuate water from between the watercraft barrier and the watercraft.

1 . An inflatable watercraft barrier comprising:
 a perimeter tube including a stern portion;   a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and a water surface in which the watercraft barrier and the watercraft float;   the stern portion forming a gate portion which is at least partially and selectively repositioned to an orientation below the water surface in an open position;   wherein the gate portion remains attached to the perimeter tube, and thus allows the watercraft to enter the watercraft barrier over the gate portion in the open position; and   at least one drive mechanism pocket extending from the diaphragm and configured to position vertically below a drive mechanism of the watercraft.   
     
     
         2 . The inflatable watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein the drive pocket mechanism conforms around the drive mechanism as water is evacuated from the inflatable watercraft barrier. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable watercraft as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a rigid air drain tube positioned within the perimeter tube, the air drain tube configured to facilitate air evacuation from the gate portion when the gate portion is being deflated; and 
 the air drain tube at least partially interior of the gate portion. 
 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein the air drain tube comprises surfaces defining openings along its length to facilitate air drainage from within the gate portion. 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable watercraft as recited in  claim 1  wherein the air drain tube extends substantially the entire length of the gate portion. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable watercraft as recited in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a one-way valve positioned between the perimeter tube, and the gate portion; and 
 the one-way valve configured to allow air to flow to the gate portion from the perimeter tube as the gate portion is pressurized. 
 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable watercraft as recited in  claim 5  wherein the one-way valve is configured to allow air to flow from the gate portion from the perimeter tube as the perimeter tube is pressurized above the pressure of the gate portion. 
     
     
         8 . An inflatable watercraft barrier comprising:
 a perimeter tube including a stern portion;   a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and a water surface in which the watercraft barrier and the watercraft float;   the watercraft comprising a water intake through the hull of the watercraft, the water intake fluidly connecting the water surface and to an engine of the watercraft;   the stern portion forming a gate portion which is at least partially and selectively repositioned to an orientation below the water surface in an open position;   wherein the gate portion remains attached to the perimeter tube, and thus allows the watercraft to enter the watercraft barrier over the gate portion in the open position; and   the gate portion is positioned aft of the water intake.