Patents Assigned to Hobie Cat Company
-
Patent number: 10259553Abstract: A watercraft having a propulsion mechanism extending through an opening in the bottom of the watercraft having a propulsion mechanism adapted to be inserted in an opening in the bottom of a watercraft comprising a pair of pedals each coupled to a flexible fin extending below the water line, the pair of fins oscillate through an arcuate path on a horizontal axis to propel the watercraft. The horizontal axis is preferably continuously rotatable in either direction through 360° on a vertical axis disposed at a substantially right angle to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft to propel the watercraft in any direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Philip James Dow, Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Drew William Brackett, Shane Yellin, John Thomas Myers, III
-
Patent number: 10005531Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water. The invention allows the user to easily adjust the propulsion device to match the user's leg length. The invention consists of a push button mechanism that converts a vertical motion into a horizontal motion allowing a locking pin to retract and the propulsion device to be adjusted. Once an adjustment position is selected, the user releases the button and a spring reverses the motion of the pin, locking the mechanism into position.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: William John Broadway, Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Drew William Brackett, Shane Yellin, Elizabeth Catherine Sexton
-
Patent number: 9981726Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. The user can pull a lever and cause the fins to rotate 180° and produce thrust in the reverse direction. The fins are able to pivot and swing aft to avoid damage if there is a collision with a submerged object. The fins are more efficient, durable, and adjustable. Simple plastic roller bearings have been adapted to reduce mechanical friction without the need for oil seals.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
-
Patent number: 9738362Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins supported by a mast extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. Each of the fins preferably is composed of a layer of stiff and durable material that is wrapped around the mast. The two layers of material touch at the trailing edge and they are free to slide relative to each other. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with adjustable tensioning at the tip of the mast.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Drew William Brackett, Shane Yellin, John Thomas Myers, III
-
Patent number: 9731802Abstract: A watercraft having propulsion means extending below the water line comprising a pair of flexible fins each adapted to oscillate through an arcurate path in a generally transverse direction across the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the fins twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fins have a generally squared off top and preferably an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Each of the fins can be adjusted at the trailing edge to provide adjustable tensioning of the trailing edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski
-
Patent number: 9604703Abstract: The invention relates to a watercraft mounting system that embodies a multi-faceted tube and a mating clamp system adapted to carry an accessory. The designs of the railing and clamp have geometry to prevent rotation while allowing flexibility of adjustment in multiple positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory Scott Ketterman, Philip James Dow, James Taylor Czarnowski, Drew William Brackett
-
Patent number: 9540086Abstract: A watercraft having propulsion means extending below the water line comprising a pair of flexible fins each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction across the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the fins twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fine have a generally squared off top and preferably an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Each of the fins can be adjusted at the trailing edge to provide adjustable tensioning of the trailing edge.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski
-
Patent number: 9527555Abstract: A watercraft having a seat securely carried on the watercraft, the seat having a plastic seat frame and a plastic seat back frame. The seat frame and the seat back frame are joined via a hinged connection. The bottom of the seat frame has receptacles that easily engage with engagement elements mounted on the deck of the watercraft. The seat has mechanism to easily adjust the height of the front of the seat, the height of the rear of the seat, the recline angle, and the amount of lumbar support. The seat has four legs stored under the seat frame which can be plugged into the seat frame to turn the seat into a lawnchair.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Drew William Brackett
-
Patent number: 9475559Abstract: A device for insertion in watercraft including propulsion means comprising a pair of flappers which oscillate through an arcuate path in a transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the flappers twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust. The means for applying propulsive force includes a pair of pedals, and further includes pedal cranks operatively associated with the propulsion means, the fore ends of the pedals being pivotally attached to a fixed point.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Gregory Scott Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Graeme Stuart Wicks, Drew William Brackett
-
Patent number: 9359052Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. The user can pull a lever and cause the fins to rotate 180° and produce thrust in the reverse direction. The fins are able to pivot and swing aft to avoid damage if there is a collision with a submerged object. The fins are more efficient, durable, and adjustable. Simple plastic roller bearings have been adapted to reduce mechanical friction without the need for oil seals.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
-
Patent number: 9345762Abstract: A wind powered craft carrying a generally vertical mast which is rotatable about its vertical axis, having a sail carried by the mast with its bottom edge attached in proximity to the bottom of the mast and extending to an attachment point in proximity to the top of the mast. A generally horseshoe-shaped member having an open end is and extending around said mast. The mast being rotatable within the horseshoe-shaped member. A bearing supported stationary member at the top of the mast is carried by the mast while allowing the mast to rotate. A support stay runs from the horseshoe-shaped member to the bearing supported member to support the horseshoe-shaped member. Additional stays are attached to the horseshoe-shaped member and splayed to attach to opposed sides of the hull of the watercraft. The sail is reefed around the mast through the open end of the horseshoe-shaped member.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Philip James Dow, Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
-
Patent number: 8869731Abstract: A watercraft having a chair with seat securely carried on the watercraft, the chair having a tubular frame comprising a seat frame, a back frame, and arms above and at each side of the seat frame. The seat and back frames are joined via a hinged connection. The front support legs extend downwardly from the front of each of the arms and terminate in a foot-like projection. A U-shaped rear chair support having downwardly extending portions at the rear of each of the arms, which are joined at their lower extremity by a horizontal portion. The surface of the watercraft has adhered thereto two spaced apart shoes for receiving the feet.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Philip James Dow, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory Scott Ketterman
-
Patent number: 8753156Abstract: A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
-
Publication number: 20140134901Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcuate path. The user can pull a lever and cause the fins to rotate 180° and produce thrust in the reverse direction. The fins are able to pivot and swing aft to avoid damage if there is a collision with a submerged object. The fins are more efficient, durable, and adjustable. Simple plastic roller bearings have been adapted to reduce mechanical friction without the need for oil seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
-
Publication number: 20130239873Abstract: A watercraft having a chair with seat securely carried on the watercraft, the chair having a tubular frame comprising a seat frame, a back frame, and arms above and at each side of the seat frame. The seat and back frames are joined via a hinged connection. The front support legs extend downwardly from the front of each of the arms and terminate in a foot-like projection. A U-shaped rear chair support having downwardly extending portions at the rear of each of the arms, which are joined at their lower extremity by a horizontal portion. The surface of the watercraft has adhered thereto two spaced apart shoes for receiving the feet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: HOBIE CAT COMPANYInventors: Philip James Dow, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory Scott Ketterman
-
Patent number: 8453589Abstract: A novel hatch and with cover for boats comprising: a hatch, a hatch cover with handle hinged to said hatch, and cooperating means on the hatch and cover including cam surfaces whereby the said handle can be rotated to secure the cover to the hatch.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory S. Ketterman
-
Publication number: 20120325135Abstract: A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Hobie Cat Company, a Missouri corporationInventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czamowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Phillip James Dow
-
Patent number: 8082871Abstract: An air inflatable watercraft, having a cockpit with a bottom area forming part of the cockpit having a through opening therein adapted to receive a human operated propulsion mechanism which can be operated from the cockpit to propel the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: James T. Czarnowski, Gregory S. Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
-
Patent number: 7637791Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcurate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fins preferably have a generally squared off top and an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with adjustable tensioning at the trailing edge.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski
-
Patent number: 6892660Abstract: A sail that is fully battened by a plurality of essentially thin, spaced apart battens positioned at a steep angle on the sail. The sail is adapted to be furled around the mast. The battens are stiff enough to support a large roach of a square top sail and yet flexible enough to wrap around the mast. The mast is supported on bearings that allow the mast to turn about the mast's long axis with little friction to permit rapid furling and unfurling of the fully battened sail.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Hobie Cat CompanyInventor: Greg Ketterman