WO2018210968A1

WO2018210968A1 - Inflatable retainer and water-based platform

Info

Publication number: WO2018210968A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/062810
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clay Livingston BUILDER
Original assignee: Nautibuoy Marine Ltd
Current assignee: Nautibuoy Marine Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-16
Filing date: 2018-05-16
Publication date: 2018-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-16
Also published as: GB2562491A; GB201707798D0

Abstract

An inflatable retainer for a water-based platform (210) having an inflatable tube (110) is described to eliminate the risk of the platform going under an object it may be adjacent to. The inflatable tube (110) comprises: an inflation valve (125) for inflating the inflatable tube (110); a first inflatable retainer portion (105) in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the water-based platform; and a second inflatable bumper portion (115) located at, or proximate to an end of said first inflatable portion, in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the water-based platform and an object, such as a transom.

Description

Title: INFLATABLE RETAINER AND WATER-BASED PLATFORM

Description

Field of the Invention

[001] The field of this invention relates to an inflatable retainer and a water-based platform. In particular, the field relates to a water-based platform with an attachable inflatable retainer in a form of an inflatable elbow-joint tube to prevent platforms from being swept under transoms of boats, yachts or other water-based structures.

Background of the Invention

[002] Inflatable platforms have become popular as water-based solutions for many work and leisure activities and day-to-day tasks whilst on water. For example, such inflatable work platforms enable easy boat or yacht maintenance. Other example applications include leisure activities, such as sunbathing, or diving platforms. They also provide a readily extendable deck space or additional work space for boats or yachts. They also act as a fender/bumper to protect the yacht from damage from 'toys', such as seabobs™ and jet-skis as well as providing a suitable perfect landing and launch pad.

[003] In naval architecture, a transom is a surface that forms the stern (or rear) of a water-based vessel. Transoms may be flat or curved or indeed hydraulically movable, and they may be vertical, angling forward (toward the bow) from the waterline to the deck, or angled to the stern. The bottom tip of the transom can be approximately on the waterline, in which case the stern of the vessel is referred to as a "transom stern", or the hull can continue so that the centre line is above or well above the waterline before terminating in a transom.

[004] One known problem with the use of floatable or inflatable platforms when used with boats or yachts is the risk of the floatable or inflatable platform being swept under the transom of the boat or yacht. A mechanism to prevent this is needed. One known solution for preventing this is to attach transom bumpers to the top of the platforms using Velcro™ strips. They provide, in effect, an inflatable, pseudo-attachable wall to the platform to prevent the platform to be swept under the transom of the boat or yacht. The Applicant of the present invention provides known inflatable transom bumpers that attach to the top of platforms on Velcro™ strips, with the bumpers being oblong in shape with dimensions of 50cm wide, lm long and 35cm high. Thus, combined with a 20cm platform height, they provide a maximum height of 55cm from the water level and have been found to work on transoms up to 45cm in height off the water line. The Applicant's competitors also provide such oblong walls in different dimensions, which are glued onto the surface of the platform.

[005] The inventor of the present invention has recognised and appreciated that these blocks are large in that they take up a lot of room on the platform and thereby restrict the amount of useable platform space. Also, the use of Velcro™ attachment strips is not ideal, as they can be prised apart in swells. These problems may be particularly exacerbated with smaller platforms, say of the size of 1.5m x 2.5m or the 1.5m x 3.5m. Also, at present, the dimensions of the 'wall' are constrained by suitable and sourceable fabric such that the present maximum height of the wall is currently limited to 35cm. This limitation fails to accommodate the substantially varying shapes and sizes of transoms. A better solution is therefore desirable.

Summary of the Invention

[006] Accordingly, the invention seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages, either singly or in any combination. Aspects of the invention provide for an inflatable retainer and a water-based platform, for example to avoid the water-based platform, such as a floatable or inflatable platform, to be swept under a transom of a boat or yacht.

[007] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[008] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like or functionally similar elements. Elements in the FIGs are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

[009] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an inflatable retainer, for use with a floatable and/or inflatable platform, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates various views of a pair of inflatable retainers when in use with a floatable and/or inflatable platform, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0011] As the illustrated examples of the present invention may for the most part, be implemented using components known to those skilled in the art, details will not be explained in any greater extent than that considered necessary as illustrated below, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to confuse or distract from the teachings of the present invention.

[0012] In a first aspect of the invention, examples describe an inflatable retainer for a water-based platform having an inflatable tube comprising: an inflation valve for inflating the inflatable tube; a first inflatable retainer portion in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the water-based platform; and a second inflatable bumper portion in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the water-based platform and an object. In this manner, the (or a pair of) inflatable retainer(s) are connectable to a water-based platform and, once connected, form a buffer against an object, such as a transom of a boat or yacht. The retainers will then perform as a bumper to prevent the platform from going under the transom of the boat or yacht.

[0013] In some examples, the second inflatable portion of the inflatable tube forms an upright such that the second plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane to form a substantially L-shaped inflatable tube. Preferably, the cross-section of the retainer is substantially constant along the length of the retainer. In a preferred example, the cross- section is substantially circular. In some examples, the second inflatable portion may include a reinforced protective layer, or in some examples pre moulded PVC™ rubbing strake that are typically used on the edge of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), in order to protect from wear and tear when rubbing against the object, such as a transom of a boat or yacht. [0014] In a second aspect of the invention, examples describe a water-based platform that includes a floatable or inflatable platform; at least two attachable inflatable retainers having an inflatable tube comprising: an inflation valve for inflating the inflatable tube; a first inflatable retainer portion in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the floatable or inflatable platform; and a second inflatable bumper portion in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the floatable or inflatable platform and an object.

[0015] In a third aspect of the invention, examples describe a modular inflatable system as a kit of parts that include a floatable or inflatable platform and an inflatable retainer having an inflatable tube comprising: an inflation valve for inflating the inflatable tube; a first inflatable retainer portion in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the water-based platform; and a second inflatable bumper portion in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the water-based platform and an object.

[0016] Although examples of the invention are described with reference to various sizes and shapes of floatable or inflatable platforms it is envisaged that other sizes and shapes of floatable or inflatable platforms may benefit from the concepts described herein. Preferable, the first retainer portion is longer than the second inflatable bumper portion. More preferably, the first retainer portion is at least 1.5 times as long as the second inflatable bumper portion, still further preferably, the first retainer portion is at least twice as long as the second inflatable bumper portion. Examples of the invention provide for both (i) an individual inflatable platform with attachable elbow-joint retainer, and (ii) inflatable elbow-joint tubes for retrospectively attaching to floatable or inflatable platforms. In some examples of the invention, the inflatable elbow-joint tubes may be of a form of inflatable, substantially L- shaped tubes. Although examples of the invention are described with respect to inflatable elbow-joint tubes that are in a substantially L-shaped design, it is envisaged that the upright portion of the substantially L-shaped design may not be perpendicular to a second portion that traverses along the platform at substantially a water-level. In this context, the inflatable elbow-joint tubes may encompass any (non-perpendicular) angle that assists the platform to be buffered against an object, such as a transom of a boat or yacht. In this regard, it is envisaged that a range from, say, 70deg. to an obtuse angle of, say, 135deg. may work equally well. Thus, the concepts of inflatable elbow-joint tubes in the context of this invention encompass at least these angles, and may be described as (substantially) L-shaped in a particular preferred example. [0017] Examples of the invention are described with respect to using the inflatable elbow-joint tubes to buffer a transom of boats or yachts. However, it is envisaged that in other examples the concepts herein described may be used with any floating structures that are, say, above 20cm off the water line, e.g. walkways and pontoons in harbours or other floating structures. Alternatively, it is envisaged that in other examples the concepts herein described may be used with any floating structures that are a different height off the water line, e.g. platforms/docks of say a 35cm high platform off the water line, which may employ a different dimension tube.

[0018] Advantageously, examples of the invention enable use of all the platform space. Examples of the invention also remove the current restriction in barrier height, as the height of the upright part of the elbow-joint retainer can be designed or manufactured or sourced according to the boat or yacht's needs.

[0019] The inflatable concept enables the modular inflatable elbow-joint tubes and/or inflatable platforms to be easily deflated and stowed during, say, a yacht's sailing. It also means that the modular inflatable elbow-joint tubes and floatable or inflatable platforms can be inflated and readily deployed at water-level for use. In this manner, users will be better able to use a platform, without hurting themselves or damaging the platform when being drawn under the boat or yacht, or indeed potentially damaging the vessel.

[0020] The inflatable elbow-joint tubes may be used in conjunction with NautiBuoy™ Platforms. The modular inflatable elbow-joint tubes can also be secured to any other structure, for example fixed pontoon/ rigid floating platform used for water sports stations, etc. In this example, the air toggle loops (e.g. 135 in FIG. 1) may be retro fit to the structure in order to attach the inflatable elbow-joint tubes to the fixed pontoon/ rigid floating platform. The inflatable elbow-joint tubes also have the option to connect to one of the NautiBuoy™ platforms using a NautiBuoy™ Air Toggle system.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, an inflatable elbow-joint tube retainer 100 is illustrated, according to example embodiments of the present invention. In this example illustration, a single retainer, which may be considered as an example of an inflatable L-shaped tube 110, has a range of, say, 15cm to 25cm (and in a preferred embodiment 20cm) in diameter, and is configured in a substantially L-shaped (side view) design. Preferably, the cross-section of the tube 110 is circular. A pair of inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 may be used as attachable bumpers for a floatable and/or inflatable platform, to be secured to a boat or yacht, as per the drawings in FIG. 2.

[0022] The single inflatable elbow-joint retainer (or inflatable L-shaped tube 110) includes an inflatable upright 115 configured to buffer against a transom of a yacht or boat. Thus, when two single inflatable retainers are coupled in a substantially parallel manner to a floatable and/or inflatable platform, the inflatable uprights 115 are able to prevent the floatable and/or inflatable platform from traversing under the boat or yacht. As show, the tube retainer 100 has an elbow configuration, with the upright 115 located at an end of length 105. Preferably the upright 115 is at the end of the length 110, but may be located slightly away from the absolute end, but still proximate to the end of length 105

[0023] Thus, in this manner and advantageously, the inflatable elbow-joint tube retainer 100 may be inflated, deflated and transported and/or stored easily. In some examples, it is envisaged that the tube length 105 and tube height 115 of the inflatable tube 110 may vary to fit different size platforms and different designs of boat or yacht transoms. Typically, the length 105 will be greater than the height 115 of the tube 110, preferably, the length 105 will be at leastl.5 times the height 115 of tube 110 but may be longer than this.

[0024] In some examples, air toggle loops 135 are configured such that, in use, the Velcro™ flap is released. The air toggle loops 135 are released on the side of the platform where the elbow joint is used. The deflated long part of tube 105 of the elbow joint, will be fed through the released air toggle loops 135 on the platform and inflated to form the L - shape to hold them together. It is envisaged that in other designs, more or fewer air toggle loops 135 may be positioned at locations around the structure and/or platform. In some examples, in order to prevent the elbow joint from retaining within the platform's air toggle loops 135, the tube may include a slightly wider diameter dimension.

[0025] In some examples, the retainer or inflatable L-shaped tube 110 may be coupled to the platform with an air toggle connection pin. In this example (not shown) the air toggle loops may be located along the inside of tube. In this example, air toggle loops 135 may be released on the side of inflatable L-shaped tube 110 and also release the air toggle loops on the side of the platform and thereafter feed a deflated air toggle between the two and inflate. As a comparable example, consider how a pin is used to secure a metal pipe in a door hinge.

[0026] In some examples, air toggle loops 135 may be positioned at various locations around the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110. For example, in the illustration in FIG. 1, two air toggle loops 135 are positioned to provide increased flexibility of linking with a floatable or an inflatable platform.

[0027] One such air toggle system is described in Applicant's co-pending application (GB2531066), the contents of which are incorporated herewith in full. This co-pending application describes an arrangement whereby an air toggle system can be manufactured and sold on its own, thereby allowing it to be retro-fit by, say, glue to existing inflatable structures, and thus may be purchased individually to protect and attach each inflatable reshaped tube 110 purchased.

[0028] In some examples, air toggle loops 135 may be configured of a loop of fabric (for example, say, 25mm wide and approximately 57cm long). When not in use they may be held in place with a Velcro™ flap strap, for example about 8cm in length. It is envisaged that in other designs, different securing mechanisms may be employed for the air toggle loops of the inflatable L- shaped tubes 110 (or variations thereof).

[0029] In some examples, an inflation valve 125 and a pressure release valve 130 may be employed, as shown in each inflatable L-shaped tube 110. In some examples, the pressure release valve 130 may provide increased safety, such that as pressure increases in high temperatures, the pressure release valve may regulate the pressure to ensure that the inflatable L-shaped tube 110 does not explode in high heat or put undue pressure on the seams. The inflation valve 125 and pressure release valve 130 are shown in the locations in FIG. 1 for explanatory purposes only, and in other examples the inflation valve 125 and pressure release valve 130 could be located at other positions on the inflatable elbow-joint tube retainer 100. In some examples, it is envisaged that each inflatable L-shaped tube 110 may include multiple, separate chambers, each chamber with their own inflation valve and pressure release valve, in order to more readily locate rips and make installation quicker, e.g. a chamber of the inflatable L-shaped tube 110 running along a length of the platform may be the chamber that needs to be deflated and inflated to quickly attach the tube to a platform.

[0030] In some examples, an anchor point (not shown) may also be positioned to an underside of the inflatable L-shaped tube 110, so that the inflatable L-shaped tube 110 can be substantially or fully anchored. In some examples, further anchor points may be added around the inflatable elbow-joint tube retainer 100, as well as underneath the platform. [0031] Referring now to FIG. 2 various views of a pair of inflatable retainers, when in use with and connected to a floatable and/or inflatable platform, are illustrated according to example embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] A first rear view 220 illustrates a substantially U-shaped design of the pair of inflatable retainers with a floatable and/or inflatable platform 210, with inflation valve on the opposite end of the longer tube, to facilitate easier inflation, and pressure release valve 130 located at the top of the upright tube that sits next to the boat. In some examples, the floatable and/or inflatable platform 210 may include one or multiple ballast bags 235 with a manual dump system.

[0033] Advantageously, in some example embodiments, the ballast bag 235 may be configured to hold a substantial amount of water, e.g. 20-40+ litres, and configured to fill automatically when located in a vertically down position. In some examples, the size of the ballast bag may be less than this and may be dependent upon the size of the inflatable structure. In some examples, such a ballast bag 235 may be locatable in (a vertical down-fill) position via a ballast bag strap, such that it may be kept in place in the vertical down-fill position with a suitable material, e.g. Velcro™ or glued with a pull-up strap to dump the ballasted water. In some examples, a dump system is provided to facilitate water being removed in one movement from the ballast bag 235 with manual dump system. In some examples, the dump system may be configured by releasing the ballast bag strap from the Velcro™ tether, pulled up and then re-applied with a lower piece of Velcro™ on both the strap and the inflatable platform. The L-shaped tubes will be removed from the sides of the platform first then the ballast will be pulled up and dumped to remove the platform from the water. In some examples, a ballast bag 235 without a dumping arrangement may be used.

[0034] To support the platform and provide a buffer to a transom, paired inflatable L- shaped tubes 110 are provided. One example of the dimensions of the paired inflatable uprights is: height of 50cm, diameter of 20cm, length of 2m and the gap distance between the paired inflatable L-shaped tubes 110, i.e. the width of the floatable and/or inflatable platform, of 4.5m or 1.5m, although these dimensions may vary with other designs and in order to support different platform, or boat/yacht types, or transom shapes and sizes. It is envisaged that the elbow joints will mainly be used on the short sides of the platforms, although a number of platform users may well prefer to attach them to the long sides of the platforms (as shown in the drawings). [0035] In this view, anchor points 245 are shown on the underside of the inflatable platform 210. For example, in some applications, the floatable and/or inflatable platform(s) 210 may be anchored in a lake, or shallow part of a sea, etc. at waist height, to allow people to access the platform for use from the water. In some examples, it is also envisaged that it could also be anchored in deeper water, say as a swim platform. As indicated previously, in some examples, further anchor points may be added around the inflatable structure.

[0036] In some examples, an additional inflatable tube 260 traversing between the two inflatable L- shaped tubes 110 at the very end where the uprights 115 are used, may be incorporated into the design, so that the tubes result in a substantially 'U' shape. One purpose for this exemplary feature is so that it keeps the uprights 115 of the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 in an upright position with less chance of the tubes moving about.

[0037] A second pictorial view 250 illustrates a pair of inflatable retainers with a floatable and/or inflatable platform 210. This second view highlights that the second portion of the inflatable elbow-joint retainer, located adjacent the platform 210 and water, need not run the full length of the platform 210. In this example, the floatable and/or inflatable platform 210 includes four ballast bags 235 with a manual dump system.

[0038] In one example, the width of the floatable and/or inflatable platform is 1.5m, resulting in a total width of the elbow frame being 1.9m. In some examples, the size of the platforms may change, for example the length of the platform may be, say, 2.5m, 3.5m, 4m, 4.5m and the width of the platform may be say 1.5m to 2m. The length of the platform may be longer to accommodate more usable standing area.

[0039] In some examples, the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 may also be used for other retaining or bracing purposes, e.g. for unusual shaped transoms as transom shapes vary significantly. In some examples, the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 may also be longer and extend beyond the length of the platform, say 50cm longer and in some examples may only have a very small height of the L part. In this context, the extended part goes beyond the length of the platform and could go under the transom and brace the platform off the stern of a yacht transom in that manner.

[0040] A third side view 270 illustrates one side of a pair of inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 that is attached to floatable and/or inflatable platform 210.

[0041] In some examples, the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 should have enough of the L protruding upright above the yacht transom to act as a bumper, especially to cope with the movement of sea swell and therefore ensure that the platform and uprights of the elbow does not disappear under the transom. Hence, it is envisaged that in most instances the upright of the L-shape will be anywhere from 40cm to lm in height, and typically the length of the tube will be longer than the height of the upright, for example, if the height is 50cm, then the length will be 2m, but may be shorter or longer than this.

[0042] It is envisaged that the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 may mainly be used on the short sides of the platforms, and in pairs to better facilitate leisure use and/or jet- ski dock use. However, it is envisaged that the inflatable L-shaped tubes 110 may also be used on the long side of the platforms too if the user wishes to put the longer side of the platform against the yacht and create a walkway to the water.

[0043] In some examples, the upright part of the L-shape may be reinforced (e.g. using a hard plastic moulded rubbing strake on them, commonly used on Rigid inflatable boats RIBs) on the side touching the transom, or wholly reinforced, in order to prevent rub wear and deflation as it is next to the yacht or boat.

[0044] Thus, examples of the invention provide a stable, simple to manoeuvre and easy to install inflatable L-shaped tube 110, as described in FIG's 1 and 2. Furthermore, the examples herein described ensure that the L-shaped tubes 110 are easy to attach to and/or remove from a platform.

[0045] In some examples, it is envisaged that the components herein before described with respect to inflatable L-shaped tube 110 and the floatable and/or inflatable platform 210 may be sold as a kit of parts, e.g. one or more inflatable L-shaped tube(s) 110, attachable air toggle loops 135, which in some examples may be affixed, e.g. glued, to the inflatable L- shaped tube 110 or to another structure or an inflatable platform. Similarly, it is envisaged that floatable and/or inflatable platforms 210, etc. and one or more of the aforementioned features of the floatable and/or inflatable platform 210 may be sold within the kit of parts. In some examples, it is also envisaged that floatable and/or inflatable platforms 210 may be manufactured and sold distinct from inflatable L-shaped tubes 110.

[0046] In some examples, the platform 210 may include various finish options as a surface design, for example: a) PVC™ layer with Teak foam finish as per known Nautibuoy™ platforms; b) PVC™ layer with a Diamond finish as per Nautibuoy™ Platform; c) PVC™ with multiple surfaces and colours; or d) EVA or PE foam in multiple surfaces and colours.

[0047] In the forgoing specification, an invention has been described with reference to specific illustrated examples. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0048] The connections as discussed herein may be any type of mechanical connections. The sizes and locations of particular components need not be exactly as shown, as the drawings and description enable a skilled person to replicate the concepts described herein.

[0049] Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively 'associated such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be 'associated with' each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediary components. Likewise, two components so associated can also be viewed as being 'operably connected', or 'operably coupled' to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0051] Thus, an improved solution is described for a water-based platform, such as a floatable or inflatable platform, to avoid being swept under a transom of a boat or yacht. The inventor of the present invention has recognised and appreciated a number of problems with existing designs, which have been substantially alleviated with the concepts described herein.

Claims

1. A water-based platform comprising:

a floatable or inflatable platform (210);

at least two attachable inflatable bumpers having an inflatable tube (110) comprising: an inflation valve (125) for inflating the inflatable tube (110);

a first inflatable retainer portion (105) in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the floatable or inflatable platform (210); and

a second inflatable bumper portion (115) located at, or proximate to an end of said first inflatable portion, in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the floatable or inflatable platform (210) and an object.

2. The water-based platform of Claim 2 wherein the second inflatable portion forms an upright such that the second plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane to form an L- shaped inflatable tube (110).

3. The water-based platform of any preceding claim wherein the cross-section of said retainer is substantially constant along the length of the retainer.

4. The water-based platform of any preceding Claim wherein the second inflatable portion (115) comprises a reinforced protective layer or rubbing strake.

5. The water-based platform of any of preceding Claim wherein at least one of the floatable or inflatable platform (210) comprises a ballast and dump arrangement.

6. The water-based platform of Claim 4 wherein the ballast and dump arrangement comprises a ballast water-fillable bag configured to fill automatically when located in a vertically down position and coupled to a manual dump system.

7. The water-based platform of Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein the ballast and dump arrangement comprises a ballast located at, at least one of: a plurality of corners of the floatable or inflatable platform (210).

8. The water-based platform of any of preceding Claims 1 to 6 wherein the floatable or inflatable platform (210) comprises air-toggle loops (135) and the first portion of the inflatable tube (110) when deflated is routed through the air- toggle loops and secured to floatable or inflatable platform (210) when the inflatable tube (110) is inflated.

9. The water-based platform of any of preceding Claims 9 to 15 wherein at least one of the floatable or inflatable platform (210) or at least one of the at least two attachable inflatable retainers comprises at least one anchor point configured such that the floatable or inflatable platform (210) or at least one of the two inflatable retainer is anchorable.

10. The water-based platform of any preceding claim wherein the at least two attachable inflatable retainers are attached to opposing sides of the floatable or inflatable platform.

11. An inflatable bumper for a water-based platform (210) having an inflatable tube (110) comprising:

an inflation valve (125) for inflating the inflatable tube (110);

a first inflatable retainer portion (105) in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the water-based platform; and

a second inflatable bumper portion (115) located at, or proximate to an end of said first inflatable portion, in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the water-based platform and an object.

12. The inflatable retainer of Claim 13 wherein the second inflatable portion forms an upright such that the second plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane to form an L- shaped inflatable tube (110).

13. The inflatable retainer of any of claims 12-14 wherein the cross-section of said retainer is substantially constant along the length of the retainer.

14. The inflatable retainer of Claim 2 wherein the second inflatable portion (115) comprises a reinforced protective layer or rubbing strake.

15. The inflatable retainer of any preceding Claim wherein the inflatable retainer further comprises a pressure release valve.

16. The inflatable retainer of any preceding Claim wherein the first portion of the inflatable tube (110) is configured when deflated to be routed through air-toggle loops attached to a floatable or inflatable platform and secured thereto when the inflatable tube (110) is inflated.

17. The inflatable retainer of any preceding Claim wherein the retainer or inflatable reshaped tube (110) is coupled to a floatable or inflatable platform using an air toggle connection pin.

18. The inflatable retainer of any preceding Claim wherein the inflatable tube, when inflated, is in a range of 15-25cm in diameter and the height of the second portion of the inflatable tube is in a range of 40cm to lm.

19. The inflatable retainer of any preceding Claim further comprising at least one anchor point configured such that the inflatable retainer is anchorable.

20. A modular inflatable system as a kit of parts comprising a floatable or inflatable platform (210) and an inflatable bumper having an inflatable tube (110) comprising: an inflation valve (125) for inflating the inflatable tube (110); a first inflatable retainer portion (105) in a first plane for traversing along and connecting to the water-based platform; and a second inflatable bumper portion (115) in a second plane different to the first plane and configured to provide a bumper between the water-based platform and an object.