Circular Patents (Class 114/346)
  • Patent number: 11407480
    Abstract: The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and an object thereof is to provide a float assembly that is configured to be rotatable and that defines a rotation axis without constructing the expensive pillar. The present invention provides a float assembly configured to float on water, comprising: a shaft wire extending from substantially a center of the float assembly toward underwater and configured to maintain tension, wherein the float assembly is moored by the shaft wire and configured to be rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Nagai, Yasunobu Ueda, Tsutomu Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 11014638
    Abstract: A wakeboat includes a hull; a thruster associated with the hull of the wakeboat, the thruster configured to selectively impart lateral force to the hull; an operator control in the wakeboat configured to control a parameter of the wakeboat other than the thruster; a thruster control associated with the operator control, the thruster control selectively receiving input from the operator to control the thruster, the thruster control positioned to be operable with at least the same hand and/or fingers already operating the operator control. Other systems and methods for controlling a wakeboat are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Skier's Choice, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Thomas Davis, Richard Lawrence Hartman
  • Patent number: 10412930
    Abstract: An interactive water container apparatus is disclosed and configured for encouraging an animal to drink therefrom. In at least one embodiment, an outer container is sized and configured for holding a volume of fluid, the outer container providing an at least one opening sized and configured for allowing the animal to access and drink the fluid therewithin. At least one inner container is positioned substantially within the outer container. At least one interactive object is positioned within the outer container such that the at least one inner container is positioned between the interactive object and the opening of the outer container, thereby allowing the animal to see said interactive object while being unable to physically contact said interactive object. A pump is configured for circulating the fluid within at least one of the outer container and the at least one inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Mindfull Products
    Inventors: Ronald Bianco, Veronica Armida-Raylene Rodriquez, Jose Barrios
  • Patent number: 9764245
    Abstract: An attraction capable of incorporating user interactivity. The attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat or slideboard with handles that allows the user to manipulate its position or other associated elements while on the attraction. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted. This signal may aid in determining whether a rider has successfully manipulated the element, for example, at an appropriate time. Sensors along the attraction may also be configured to track the user and/or ride vehicle via determining vicinity of the user and/or ride vehicle at a known location. Various rewards and/or features may be enabled based upon successful manipulation and/or user position. The attraction may include one or more illuminating features. Statistics or other information may be determined, stored, and/or provided (e.g., using mobile applications and/or scoreboards) relating to user performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Whitewater West Industries Ltd
    Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Aaron Mendelson, Daniel Brassard, Edwin Michael Gyde Heaven, Rick Briggs, Hyuma Frankowski, Richard A. Sebulsky
  • Patent number: 9700020
    Abstract: An animal flotation device is provided. The animal flotation device is a non-inflatable, semi-submersible flotation apparatus for a dog to stably sit, lay and move about while partially submerged in a body of water of any depth. The animal flotation device may have a peripheral portion defining an interior portion. The interior portion provides a generally rigid area adapted to become semi-submersed within the body of water when supporting the dog, whereby the peripheral portion provides buoyancy and stability to the semi-submersed interior portion so that the dog may move around and feel safe while floating atop the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Ginger Ackerman, Josette Fleszar, Julie Graves, William Graves
  • Patent number: 8789487
    Abstract: A personal watercraft comprising: a) a generally vertical outer hull; b) a bottom member affixed to the lower edge of said outer hull and closing the watercraft from the encroachment of surrounding water into the vessel; c) a generally concave inner hull rigidly attached at its upper edge to the upper edge of said outer hull and extending downwardly toward said bottom; and d) a generally horizontal deck fixedly attached at its edges to the lower edge of said inner hull to form an enclosed space with said outer hull, inner hull, and bottom member; said deck having a size sufficient for the support of at least one person in a standing or reclining position and of sufficient cient strength and support to avoid undue bending from the weight of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Lizzio
  • Patent number: 8523621
    Abstract: The cover for inflatable tube includes a hollow, toroidal member made from a durable, puncture-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric, the toroidal member being adapted for covering an inflatable float tube. The cover may also include a plurality of spaced, elongate, flexible eyelets are formed about a periphery of the cover portion on the outer surface and are arranged to extend radially about the periphery of the cover. The cover may further include a flat bottom member the extends across the annular opening defined by the toroidal member, providing a flat surface so that the tube may be used for sledding on snow-covered surfaces, or to prevent swimmers from extending their torsos through the tube, thereby permitting the swimmers to sit on the bottom sheet instead of dangling their feet below the tube, presenting the risk that the swimmer's foot may be entrapped by underwater obstructions in a river or other shallow water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Lucian D. Whitman
  • Patent number: 8414340
    Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used in emergency situations requiring floatation and rescue. An inflatable raft with a waterproof cover is connected to a telescopic shaft equipped with electric generators and a wind harnessing mechanism. The electricity, which is produced by the wind harnessing mechanism powers a motor and propeller underneath and outside the raft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thang Vu
  • Patent number: 8056494
    Abstract: The disclosure depicts and describes flotation device including a deck, and a chaira seat on the deck. A well extends downwardly from the deck, and a ledge extends upwardly from the deck. The deck has an aperture positioned adjacent the ledge; additionally, the invention includes a motor having a power head and tiller positioned above the deck, a shaft passing through the aperture, and a propeller adjacent the terminal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tube Scooter, LLC
    Inventor: Jack E Shalley
  • Patent number: 8047886
    Abstract: A round boat has a one-piece, open-topped hull having a substantially flat bottom and outwardly concave but substantially vertical sides surmounted by flared gunnels. The concave sides mate with the inner walls of a toroidal-shaped flotation device, such as an inflated bladder, or tube, which fills the concavity and supports the hull. The tube and the hull are substantially coplanar such that cargo and passengers are supported within the toroidal opening of the tube. The tube and hull may be provided with a covering, or sheath, to help protect the tube from unnecessary wear or damage, and to provide means for replaceable decoration or identification. At least one seat is mounted to and projects radially inward from the gunnels to center the weight of a passenger above the hull, thereby increasing stability of the boat with the added weight of each additional passenger. The seat may include a swivel for convenience of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Richard W. McLarty, Linda L. McLarty
  • Publication number: 20080308029
    Abstract: The present invention is a floating island (FI), which is a buoyant apparatus for a watery environment such as, for example a swimming pool. The FI may be designed as a playful apparatus enabling users to safely climb upon the FI. The FI may be designed especially, yet not exclusively, for users such as children, toddlers and the like. The FI may comprise a buoyant-section that may be separated and sealed from a weight-section. The weight-section may be a hollow cavity walled by a substantially solid material, where the weight section's walls may comprise upper and lower holes to allow water enter and exit the chamber like cavity in the weight-section and function as a dynamic weight. The buoyant-section may allow floating of the FI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Yael Debby
  • Patent number: 7404371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floating leisure platform with a heating device (A) for food and a seating facility (14) for one or several people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Sebastian Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6962124
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a boat having a circular hull. The circular hull has a topside, a forward portion and an aft portion. Further, the circular hull has a first slot located in the forward portion and a second slot located in the aft portion. A rudder is connected to the circular hull within the aft portion. A motor having a motor shaft is connected to the circular hull within the slot located in its forward portion. The boat also can have one or more interior compartments to house batteries and other storage. A pedestal seat is secured to the topside of the circular hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventors: Charles Dean North, Mark Douglas Childress, Rodney Irwin Howard
  • Patent number: 6896569
    Abstract: A float tube cover for covering the exterior of an inflated inner tube or the like with a fabric material which will prevent adhesive burns and abrasions and also prevent the inner tube from becoming excessively heated from exposure to the sun. The cover is desirably provided with a leash to allow the user to retrieve the tube should the fall off of the tube as well as one or more pockets for holding items such as suntan lotion, sunglasses, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Linda J. Wittenrich
  • Patent number: 6688251
    Abstract: A submersible vehicle of diverse use that eliminates the compartments of ballast, and at the same time, has a horizontal displacement system and new direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Americo Salas Peralta
  • Patent number: 6543378
    Abstract: A watercraft apparatus comprises a rigid platform supporting a seat on an upper surface and a rudder rearward and extending downwardly for providing stability to the apparatus when afloat. A strut extends forward of the platform and supports a propulsion unit mount. A frame is engaged with the strut and extends downwardly for supporting an electrical battery. A toroidal flotation structure is engaged with the strut and the undersurface of the platform for floating the apparatus on a body of water the frame is received within a central aperture of the flotation structure and a bottom cover, integral with the flotation means, closes the center aperture at a lower surface of the flotation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Toney R. Johnson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6234857
    Abstract: A non-inflatable flotation device that includes a substantially flat non-inflatable buoyant base portion, and a non-inflatable buoyant rim wall extending from the base portion. The rim wall extends at least partially around the periphery of the base portion. A tow line connection lug extends from an edge of the base portion, and in one embodiment a tow line is connected to the connection lug. The non-inflatable base portion and the non-inflatable rim wall are formed from a resilient foam having a density less than water. The resilient foam is formed from polyurethane resins or polystyrene beads. A protective layer covers all outer surfaces of the flotation device. The protective layer is formed from a protective coating applied to the outer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin M. Suellentrop
  • Patent number: 6220908
    Abstract: An inflatable towable vehicle including a tapered hull. The hull is formed of a plurality of concentrically disposed inflatable rings with chambers which have progressively increasing diameters from the outermost ring to the innermost ring. Interior connecting webs form shared walls for the adjacent chambers, and openings in the webs allow fluid communication between the chambers so that a single inflation valve can be used to simultaneously inflate all of the chambers. When inflated, the centers of the chambers are horizontally aligned to yield a hull profile that is tapered from both the top and the bottom. The passenger cockpit is defined by the open area in from the innermost ring, and a floor including an inflatable section and a drain opening. The tapered hull acts to minimize resistance to the water or snow over which the vehicle is being towed, and results in an aesthetically appealing vehicle profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sportsstuff, Inc.
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5605021
    Abstract: Earthquake-proof building, characterized in that it is composed of a circular horizontal base structure (1) obtained by joined-together elements juxtaposed along radii, a vertical storey structure (2) comprising pillars (9, 10) arranged bearing on this horizontal base structure, a circular roof structure (3) arranged bearing on the pillars, tensioned cables (6, 19) being arranged on the one hand in a horizontal plane in order to encircle the circular base structure, on the other hand in vertical planes pointing radially in order to surround the building from the periphery of the base structure, passing through the roof structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Bernard Thomann
  • Patent number: 5570480
    Abstract: An inflatable floating spa for use in water by a person to recline and rest therein that is formed from a resilient material and comprises an air chamber that provides support for suspended upper and lower water chambers which remain submerged and a sheet means that is interposed between the upper and lower water chambers forming a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Sunco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Man F. Yeung
  • Patent number: 5474481
    Abstract: A flotation system for supporting a person on a body of water for a variety of activities comprises an endless inflatable tube for supporting a person on a body of water, the tube having a circumference that defines an interior space extending from a stern end of the tube to a bow end of the tube. At least a portion of the interior space is open at the stern end. A seat platform is secured to the tube within the interior space at a location whereby a person sitting on the seat platform may face the stern end and extend his feet and legs through the open portion of the interior space into the body of water. The flotation system comprises a storage pack adapted to fit between the seat platform and the bow end. The storage pack is designed to hold the water vehicle in its uninflated condition for stowage and may be designed to be carried (much like a suitcase) or worn (much like a backpack) or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: James W. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5375551
    Abstract: A water jet propelled saucer shaped water craft having a smoothly curved, convex shaped outer surface comprised of a hull section being slightly radiused from a curved bottom surface up to a circular top, a water jet propulsion system for altering the vertical level and horizontal movement of the craft, an upper body section having a circular bottom edge for mating engagement with said hull section and a joystick control pivotally mounted on said deck for steering and a maneuvering the water craft, said hull section and the upper body section being mated and sealingly joined and secured together with a metal band. The water craft includes a second speed control for controlling the velocity of the water jet stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: Paul Lunter, Jerry W. Garrison
  • Patent number: 5331914
    Abstract: The boat has a circular hull which rotatably supports an overlying deck and its attached pedestal seat for rotation about an upright axis concentric with the center axis of the hull. For steering the boat, an electrically powered trolling motor secured to the deck is turned into a new selected direction of travel by the operator merely swiveling his seat, causing rotation of the deck relative to the hull and avoiding the need to turn the hull itself within the water. Preferably, the motor is built into the seat assembly in such a way that when the operator sits on the seat, the motor is depressed down out of a storage recess on the underside of the boat and into an operating position, and when the operator is off the seat, the motor is spring biased back up into its stored position within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Larry W. Salmons
  • Patent number: 5299964
    Abstract: A raft for an amusement ride is provided. The raft has at least one passenger support having accommodations sufficient to accommodate at least one passenger thereon. At least one link is provided on the raft, and is compatible with a link on another raft to allow the interconnection of a plurality of rafts to form the amusement ride. The passenger support is connected to a buoyant portion of the raft through a rotary connector to allow rotation of the passenger support relative to the buoyant portion of the raft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: O. D. Hopkins Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Ogden D. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5297978
    Abstract: A water vehicle comprising in combination an ovoid, inflatable tube with an open bottom, rigid seat platform suspended above the water line, a dry duffel compartment, a removable, dry, duffel day-pack and detachable wet and dry stowage compartments which allow the user easy access to stowage areas during operation and ease of portage of the entire water vehicle as a lightweight tote when stowed in a removable, dry, duffel day-pack or a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: James W. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5219307
    Abstract: A convertible recreational raft that can be used on a pool or lake, comprising a floating raft defining a relatively large central opening to surround the users. By itself the buoyant raft provides recreational opportunities. A mesh material may be stretched over and releasably fastened to the top of the raft to form a closed interior whereby the only entry is from the water by way of the opening in the raft, so that insects are precluded from reaching the users; the raft also provides privacy and protection from cool breezes for users in the closed interior. A rigid panel, the top of which provides a raised deck for sunbathing or diving may also be releasably fastened to the top of the raft. This configuration also results in a closed interior below the panel and within the raft inner perimeter that provides privacy and protection from cool breezes for users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: James F. Morrison
  • Patent number: 5183422
    Abstract: A pedal boat for recreational use includes an inflatable ring on top of which is mounted a platform structure carrying a seat, pedals and a steering mechanism. The pedals drive a shaft mounted diametrically of the ring and carrying paddles. The steering action is effected by clutching the left or right paddles on the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas Guiboche
  • Patent number: 5176546
    Abstract: A leisure boat is provided in a round form having a diameter of about 1 to 2 meters, and includes propeller means provided at a position closer to its bow from the center of the boat and the bow and having a mechanism for changing its driving direction and sensor means provided on the outside of the boat for sensing external force. The sensor means is so connected to the propeller means that when the boat comes in contact or collision with another boat, etc., the sensor means detects the resulting external force to transmit it to the propeller means, thereby changing its driving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Shiratori Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shiratori
  • Patent number: 5090930
    Abstract: A power-driven float device includes a combination and inflatable float tube, a support body for the power supply on which there is mounted a vertical shaft and an electric motor and impeller together with the battery for powering the electric motor and means for releasably attaching the support body to the float tube. The float tube, support body and vertical shaft are easily assembled and disassembled. The float tube is shown to the front or either side of the support body. Band-type and strap-type harness assemblies firmly embrace the float tube to releasably secure the float tube to the support body. A storage body of a size and shape and construction in one embodiment is mounted opposite the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Robert R. Walden
  • Patent number: 5052955
    Abstract: A leisure boat is provided in a round form having a diameter of about 1 to 2 meters, and includes propeller means provided at a position closer to its bow from the center of the boat and the bow and having a mechanism for changing its driving direction and sensor means provided on the outside of the boat for sensing external force. The sensor means is so connected to the propeller means that when the boat comes in contact or collision with another boat, etc., the sensor means detects the resulting external force to transmit it to the propeller means, thereby changing its driving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Shiratori Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shiratori
  • Patent number: 4911094
    Abstract: A float tube and a separate power unit floater combination wherein the power unit floater includes a toroidal shaped float tube and a power unit shaped to fit in a central cavity of the float tube. The power unit further includes a battery and electric motor for turning the propeller. A switchbox, used to control both the speed and direction of the propeller is placed forward on the fisherman's float tube at a location convenient for the fisherman to manipulate. The power unit being attached to the float tube behind the fisherman to allow the fisherman to have a clear area in front of him.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: William A. Akers
  • Patent number: 4775340
    Abstract: This invention concerns a wind power plant and/or wind motor-driven craft, consisting of a frame floating on a water surface and upon which has been mounted a tower with a wind-driven generator, and characterized in that the frame consists of a body which is round in the horizontal plane and stable on the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Inventor: Stig Sundman
  • Patent number: 4730572
    Abstract: A circular boat comprising a pair of generally dish-shaped members connected together in opposed relationship. A cockpit region is provided abeam of the boat and an outboard motor is operationally but fixedly mounted in a motor well behind the cockpit region and within the perimeter of the boat. A pair of flat skis is rigidly mounted to the bottom of the boat hull. The hull bottom is also provided with a planar section which defines a forward planing surface substantially coplanar with the skis. When sufficient forward speed is reached, the boat rises and planes on the skis. Steering is achieved by shifting of weight by the boat operator over one or the other of the skis, the boat being rudderless. The boat is also equipped with fins projecting laterally from the hull bottom whereby the operator may step onto the hull deck while the boat is underway to dip a fin into the water and thereby cause the boat to make a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Roundabout Boats, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 4696251
    Abstract: A circular floatation vehicle, particularly for rafting as an amusement ride, the vehicle having an annular tube with a circular platform inset, wherein the platform inset is constructed with a central contoured core to seat a plurality of occupants around the core, whereby the core provides a common back rest and seat, allowing the occupants to be seated around the core facing outward from the center of the floatation vehicle for improved visibility and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventors: Robert Spieldiener, Reinhold Spieldiener, Alfons Saiko
  • Patent number: 4641599
    Abstract: A highly maneuverable water craft for recreational enthusiasts with two hydraulically controlled and driven reversible propellers directionally fixed to a toroidal peripheral hull section which encircles a thinner interior platform section. The toroidal exterior hull provides stability for the platform in water, allowing the water craft to quickly spin, translate, stop and start. The directionally fixed propellers are not impacted by translation or spin and provide rugged and simplified construction. Placement of two fixed reversible propellers on the peripheral hull section provides maximum turning torque and allows elimination of a rudder or directional actuators. Control is provided by a novel pilot actuator and four-way valves assembly. Bumper strips, propeller guards, handholds and deadman switches can be provided for safety in handling this extremely maneuverable water craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventors: Charles E. Thomas, Richard Harvey
  • Patent number: 4635581
    Abstract: A tube cover has top and bottom flat portions stitched together along mutual peripheral edges, and a hitch which consists of a plurality of crossing straps that are interconnected by stitching, and a D-ring attached to one of the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Robert S. Scheurer
  • Patent number: 4587917
    Abstract: A watercraft having a buoyant hull provided with a centrally disposed, narrow keel and pontoons spaced at either side of the keel is surmounted by a circular deck portion on which various fittings can be disposed to allow for conversion of the hull to the specific form of a plurality of types of watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Donald W. Cantin
  • Patent number: 4543902
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hull of a vessel such as a tanker. The hull is basically composed of three hemispheres, at least of two of the hemispheres having an equal diameter, the three hemispheres being connected to one another such that the lines connecting the center of the hemisphere located at the bow side to the centers of the two hemispheres of the equal diameter constitute two sides of an equilateral triangle. With this hull construction, it is possible to obtain the maximum internal volume with minimized outer surface area, while attaining a superior steering and running performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Inventor: Osamu Mihara
  • Patent number: 4521200
    Abstract: A surfboard type boat convertible into a sailboat or buoy and comprising a circular floating board enclosed by a shell of polyethylene and containing foamed polystyrene. A cone-shaped keel likewise filled with foamed polystyrene is provided on the lower side of the floating board. A hollow cylinder extends upwardly from and perpendicularly to the floating board and a piston provided with a handlebar at its upper end is slidably mounted within the cylinder. A water ejection tube extends transversely of the lower end of the cylinder through the cone-shaped keel. A rudder operable by the heels of the user of the boat is mounted downstream of the outlet of the water ejection tube. By lifting the piston water is sucked into the cylinder and by vigorously pushing down the piston the water is expelled through the ejection tube and the boat is propelled. The piston can be replaced by a mast for a sail without boom operable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Ubaldo Fatello
  • Patent number: 4516943
    Abstract: A raft for a rapid flow water course amusement ride having a generally circular shaped hull fabricated in two sections with a surrounding floatation bumper and separate redundant floatation material in the bottom of the hull. A multiplicity of inwardly facing high-backed seats are disposed around the inner periphery of the hull with a circular hand-hold in the center. The circular construction and seat distribution and arrangement, coupled with the redundant floatation feature, provides a stable and safe floatation device which is especially adapted to endure abuse from collisions with the water course banks and obstructions disposed in the water course while carrying a plurality of raft riders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Inventors: Robert Spieldiener, Reinhold Spieldiener, Alfons Saiko
  • Patent number: 4367689
    Abstract: The water recreational vehicle of the present invention consists of a rigid housing mounted on a floatatable tube. The vehicle is powered by two hand operated battery powered motors with propellers. The vehicle is designed to have increased ballast and maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Inventors: Leonard J. Lukehart, Vernon H. Sietmann
  • Patent number: 4360396
    Abstract: This annular inflatable element comprises two ring-shaped elements interconnected by an inner closed belt and an outer closed belt. All these elements are welded together, and all the welds are of the sleeve coupling type without requiring any complementary or additional welding operation. The last sleeve-coupling weld is formed by placing the outer belt against the inner surface of the annular electrode, and the belt lips are folded firstly outwardly and then inwardly between the electrode and registering contra-electrodes. Paper welding barrier are interposed between the first and second folded portions of the belt lips, and the lips of the ring-shaped elements are placed against the contra-electrodes, respectively, so that the last two sleeve-coupling welds can be accomplished simultaneously. This invention is applicable notably to the manufacture of rubber dinghies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Sevylor
    Inventor: Gerard Marbach