◆ SpookStack

): SHOPWALK New Inflatable toys and equipment wilt provide fun on the water this commer [Uttam Nowy Parker ofa scientist comes up with proof to the contrary, air is still lighter than water—and a whole industry continues to thrive on this bit of elementary Physics. It all started with the inner tube, and the end is not yet in sight. Inflatable ob- Jocts range from water toys that resemble a 200ful of colorful animals to station wagon Mattresses 10 small boats for hunters and fishermen. Because they can be deflated when not in use, tiiay take up very little ‘Morage spece, whether in an automobile or acloset. They are lightweight, and if proper- ty cared for will wear better and last longer than foam-composition equipment or toys. Most good inflatables now stress safety features such as dual air chambers that are completely independent of each other and which inflate and seal separately. If a stop- er should pop off accidentally or a punc- ture occur in one air chamber, the other air chamber will support the float until safety ia reached or repairs can be made. Many scams are double laminated. Valves on some of the better equipment are designed so that they allow air to enter freely but keep it from escaping. Cape are generally added to ‘each valve as an extra precaution. The composition of most inflatables, whether boats, mattresses or toys, is cither vinyl plastic or rubberized fabric. Inexpen- sive vinyl inflatables are sometimes made of reused viny! which docs not hold up welll under wear. A good virgin vinyl generally runs from 12 to 14 gauge (weight and thick ness). Manufacturers, however, are not re- quired to mark the gauge of vinyl. The best way to tell the difference between vinyls ia to feel and compare the thickness and weight; an inexpensive, reused viny? ia gen- ‘erally much thinner and lighter. Rubberized fabric is durable and more difficult to puncture then vinyl It is made of heavy-duty cotton duck or nylon that has been impregnated with liquid rubber. This seals the fabric, making it watertight. Mat- tresses and tubes made of rubberized fabric ‘do not stick together from the inside when deflated as old rubber inner tubes do when they are stored away for the winter. The fabric is treated and powdered on the inskée to prevent sticking, Parents and nonswimmers should keep la mind that many inflatables, as well as other floating devices, are not life preservers, un- lem they are specifically labeled as such. Most floating objects are primarity for fan and comfort, A wide amorteiint of pumps and infie- tors to take the work out of blowing up ia- flatable equipment is available this season, ‘There are hand pumps, foot pumps, bull-in Pumps, replaceable CO; cartridges and even comteet