Patents by Inventor Darren S. Sheedy

Darren S. Sheedy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180370601
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 10150540
    Abstract: An apparatus for towing a water sports performer including a first leg, a second leg, a header, and a tow-line-attachment structure. Each of the first leg and second leg is adapted for attachment to one of the port side of a centerline of a boat or the starboard side of a centerline of a boat. The header is capable of assuming a plurality of different header lengths, and includes a first header portion, a second header portion, a housing, and a locking mechanism. The housing connects the first header portion and the second header portion. The housing includes a first receiver configured to receive a second end of the first header portion at a plurality of different positions. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the second end of the first header portion to the housing in one of the plurality of different positions to set the header length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignees: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC, Gere Marie Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan D. Lake, Darren S. Sheedy, James G. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20180317004
    Abstract: A boat includes a dash positioned proximate a windshield at a first non-zero angle. A speaker is mounted under a top surface of the dash at a second non-zero angle. The speaker is positioned to direct sound emanating from the speaker through an opening in the dash and the windshield is configured to reflect the sound emanating from the speaker as reflected sound in an aft direction. The boat may also include an enclosure having a reflective surface positioned within a cavity formed between the deck and hull of the boat. A speaker, mounted within the enclosure, and the reflective surface are configured to reflect sound emanating from the speaker off of the reflective surface and through an opening of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20180201342
    Abstract: A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Darren S. Sheedy, David F. Ekern
  • Patent number: 9914503
    Abstract: A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Darren S. Sheedy, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20180037305
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20170369128
    Abstract: A bimini top for a boat. The bimini top includes a cover and a frame supporting the cover. The frame may include a first support pivotally connected to an inboard side of a first leg of a tower. The first support has a profile in a stowed position that, when viewed from the port side in the stowed position, is hidden behind the portion of the first leg with the first profile. The frame may also include a second support pivotally connected to an inboard side of a second leg of the tower. The second support has a profile in the stowed position that, when viewed from the starboard side in the stowed position, is hidden behind the portion of the second leg with the second profile. The bimini top may also include a line including a plurality of hangers is integrally formed in the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Ryan D. Lake, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20170369134
    Abstract: An apparatus for towing a water sports performer including a first leg, a second leg, a header, and a tow-line-attachment structure. Each of the first leg and second leg is adapted for attachment to one of the port side of a centerline of a boat or the starboard side of a centerline of a boat. The header is capable of assuming a plurality of different header lengths, and includes a first header portion, a second header portion, a housing, and a locking mechanism. The housing connects the first header portion and the second header portion. The housing includes a first receiver configured to receive a second end of the first header portion at a plurality of different positions. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the second end of the first header portion to the housing in one of the plurality of different positions to set the header length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ryan D. Lake, Darren S. Sheedy, James G. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9802684
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20170217544
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 9643697
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 9446823
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20160214681
    Abstract: A boat includes at least three trim devices positioned aft of the boat's transom. To improve the boat's ability to get on place, each trim device is initially positioned to a deployed position. The speed of the boat is then determined as the boat gains speed. When the speed of the boat exceeds a first predetermined threshold, the first trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a second predetermined threshold, the second trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. When the speed of the boat exceeds a third predetermined threshold, the third trim device is moved from the deployed position to a non-deployed position. At least one of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds is different from the other two of the first, second, and third predetermined thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Darren S. Sheedy, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20160075416
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20160039501
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 9174703
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: MASTERCRAFT BOAT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 9067644
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20150175242
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20150158554
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20150101523
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk