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All Aboard: Development of Portable Watercraft Transfer Technology to Increase…

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Agriculture 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
72600 		Program Year/Program:
2005 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
2005-00349 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Blue Sky Designs
2637 27TH AVE S SUITE 209 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55406-
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Woman-Owned: Yes
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: Yes
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2005
Title: All Aboard: Development of Portable Watercraft Transfer Technology to Increase Access to Boating for People with Disabilities
Agency: USDA
Contract: 2005-33610-15480
Award Amount: $79,980.00
 

Abstract:

Portable, accessible and affordable watercraft transfer technology will be developed so individuals with mobility impairments can more safely and easily go boating and fishing. Without transfer technology, it takes a minimum of two people to transfer someone into a boat, at considerable risk to both the person being transferred and the people lifting them. The transfer mechanism's universal design will not only improve access to boating for people with disabilities, but also for aging boaters and those with lifting restrictions. It will also make it easier to place children or heavy objects such as gas tanks, motors or coolers onto boats. A portable device will provide people with increased choices and flexibility as to where they boat. People with disabilities and their families will benefit from equipment making it easier boat, and the rural economy will benefit from increased boating revenue. The technology may be used by recreation programs to increase their accessibilty and may also be used in employment situations. The primary commercial application is a portable watercraft transfer mechanism. Variations may include a shore-based transfer mechanism and permanent mounting options for docks or boats. There may be other applications such as transferring onto rides at an amusement park or into larger vehicles.

Principal Investigator:

Dianne M. Goodwin
President/Director of R&D
6516030828
dianne@blueskydesigns.us

Business Contact:

Dianne M. Goodwin
President/Director of R&D
6516030828
dianne@blueskydesigns.us
Small Business Information at Submission:

Blue Sky Designs, Inc.
540 Fairview Ave. N., Ste. 207 St. Paul, MN 55104

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No