Patents by Inventor Jason Christopher Kardas

Jason Christopher Kardas 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).

  • Patent number: 9475559
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Gregory Scott Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Graeme Stuart Wicks, Drew William Brackett
  • Publication number: 20160244136
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 9359052
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 9345762
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Philip James Dow, Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20160023726
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Drew William Brackett
  • Publication number: 20160001851
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory Scott Ketterman, Philip James Dow, James Taylor Czarnowski, Drew William Brackett
  • Publication number: 20150175243
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Philip James Dow, Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20150011134
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Gregory Scott Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow, Graeme Stuart Wicks, Drew William Brackett
  • Patent number: 8869731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Philip James Dow, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory Scott Ketterman
  • Patent number: 8753156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20140134901
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 8720354
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Co.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowksi, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Publication number: 20130239873
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: HOBIE CAT COMPANY
    Inventors: Philip James Dow, James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory Scott Ketterman
  • Patent number: 8453589
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory S. Ketterman
  • Publication number: 20120325135
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Hobie Cat Company, a Missouri corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czamowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Phillip James Dow
  • Patent number: 8082871
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: James T. Czarnowski, Gregory S. Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Publication number: 20100203778
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20090031941
    Abstract: An air inflatable watercraft, preferably having a bow and stern, and having a cockpit, a bottom area forming part of said 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. An air inflatable watercraft having an inflatable, airtight bow and stern, and having a bottom area between two side inflatable, airtight compartments which run essentially the length of the watercraft, upon inflation the two side compartments at least partially extend above the bottom to provide a cockpit therebetween, and the inflated bow and stern form a configuration which is adapted to be efficiently propelled, viz., adapted to cut through the water. This embodiment can be hand rowed or provided with a pedaled propulsion mechanism provided a through opening is built into the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: James T. Czarnowski, Gregory S. Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 7430976
    Abstract: A retraction system for rudders for small boats having a deck comprising a rudder means connecting said rudder to the rear of a boat enabling said rudder to pivot on an axis such that when the rudder is retracted, it rotates upwardly through about 270° from the normal operating position in the water while twisting about 90° so as to lay essentially flat on said deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Co.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20080029011
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: James Taylor Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas, Gregory S. Ketterman