Abstract: Deflectors for inflatabe watercraft or other objects are disclosed. The deflectors themselves may be inflatable and distinct from the crafts to which they are attached. They thus may be used to increase the height of the crafts without changing the dimensions of the tubes from which the crafts are formed or diminishing the cockpit space available within the crafts.

Abstract: An inflatable boat adapted to serve as a training aid and enable a towable personal hydrofoil watersport device adapted to carry a seated rider having an elongate board and a vertical strut extending generally at a right angle to said board to float on the surface of the water comprising: (a) elongated spaced apart inflatable pontoon sections connected in proximity to their lower extremities by (b) a carrying surface, said pontoon sections and carrying surface forming a generally smooth leading surface for being towed through water with minimum drag, said carrying surface being provided with an opening in proximity to its trailing edge, said opening being adapted to retain said boat and the lateral distance between said pontoon sections being adapted to receive the elongated board of a water sport device adapted to carry a seated rider.

Abstract: said pontoon sections and said leading edge of said carrying surface forming a generally smooth leading fairing surface for being towed through water with minimum drag,

Abstract: A tow line connector including a base attached to a towable vehicle, a free end extending out from the base, an opening disposed between the base and the free end, and a pair of notches formed between the opening and the free end. A loop formed in a tow line is threaded through the opening, extended over the free end to engage the notches, and pulled taut to form a quick and easy connection of the tow line to the towable vehicle. In one embodiment, the base includes an attachment flange that is heat sealed to the towable vehicle, and in a second embodiment, the base includes a closed slot that receives a towing strap of a towable vehicle.

Abstract: An aquatic device for carrying a rider, includes a buoyant mat having handles and towing attachments. The mat has inflatable air channels which are formed to permit the mat to arch over the water, carrying the rider when towed at proper speed. One or more air channels extend transversely to the major axis along a forward portion of the mat. A rear portion has air channels which radiate out towards a peripheral air channel. The towing attachments are mounted to the forward edge of the mat.

Abstract: A steerable towable vehicle including a body member with a pair of fore-and-aft directed laterally spaced fins attached to the bottom surface. A towing line is attached to the bottom surface at a point centered between the fins adjacent the front of the fins. A passenger carried on the top surface of the body member can shift their weight to one side or the other of the towing line attachment point to selectively steer the vehicle to the right or left. Hand grips are provided to assist the passenger in effectively shifting their weight to steer the vehicle.

Abstract: A steerable towcraft is provided with a steering fin mounted on a lateral surface to allow the user to control the direction of travel of the towcraft while being pulled behind a watercraft.

Abstract: A collapsible surfboard for making it easy for a user to conveniently travel with a surfboard. The collapsible surfboard includes an elongate inflatable bladder adapted for holding a quantity of air in an interior of the bladder. The elongate inflatable bladder has a shape generally corresponding to a surfboard. The elongate inflatable bladder has a front end, a rear end, and a pair of side edges extending between the front and rear ends. The inflatable bladder has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the inflatable bladder has an elongate pocket extending along a longitudinal axis of the bladder between the front and rear ends. An elongate beam is provided for stiffening the inflatable bladder when inflated. The elongate beam is removably insertable in the elongate pocket of the inflatable bladder.

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.

Abstract: An innertube accessory that facilitates towing an innertube by a boat. The accessory includes a shell for receiving any size innertube and attaching it. The accessory is suitable for being towed by the boat, by a track and trolley mechanism that adapts to different towing angles away from the boat center line. The innertube rider can steer the accessory by operating a rudder. The rudder is a steering rope that controls pivoting of a rudder fin relative to the shell. Additional fins provide stability.

Abstract: An inflatable water craft including an inboard storage compartment. The storage compartment extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the body of the water craft and includes inflatable sidewalls and an inflatable cover that provide an insulated compartment for carrying items such as beverages and food.

Abstract: A protective cover for inflatable swimming pools having a plurality of inflated, wall forming rings fabricated from polyvinylchloride or similar materials. The protective covering, preferably a tough, durable synthetic fabric such as nylon, includes a top wall, a side wall, and a bottom wall, with at least two reinforcement straps connecting opposing sides of the bottom wall for added strength.

Abstract: An inflatable towable vehicle including an inflatable bladder having an open cockpit. A windshield is disposed at the front and along the lateral sides of the cockpit to provide passenger protection from the wind, water, or snow. The windshield is formed of an inflatable member and may be transparent or translucent to enhance passenger comfort and enjoyment. A flexible protective shell receives and protects the inflatable bladder, and serves as a stable base for attachment of towing straps, storage pockets, head rests, hand grips, and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable, seat-planar hydroplane apparatus of an inflatable, pneumatic inner tube with a central opening and a flexible cover encasing the tube and forming a smooth hydroplane bottom surface over the opening with an adjustable flexible strip detachably secured at the one, the other, or both ends, or in an intermediate overlap section which adjustably forms a top, taut plane surface, a draped seat in the opening, or may be removed and installed as desired.

Abstract: A storage pocket for an inflatable towable vehicle that includes an inflatable member and a protective outer shell. The storage pocket includes a flexible panel attached to the outer shell by sewing or other suitable methods. The flexible panel comprises a continuous solid lower portion and an open weave net upper portion that allows ventilation of the storage compartment to prevent mildew of items stored. Indicia on the lower portion may include warnings and water safety information. Attachment of the storage pocket to the outer shell conserves valuable interior space in the towable vehicle and does not interfere with passenger comfort.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectively steering/controlling a towable inflatable watercraft utilizing a pulley steer steering system. The present invention allows a person/persons the convenience of being able to effectively control the direction of an inflatable watercraft. Any inflatable watercraft which utilizes the pulley steer steering system will be able to travel back and forth across the wake of a towing watercraft in a manner comparable to that of a jet ski. The advantage of this invention being that those who can't afford a jet ski or who are no longer permitted to operate a jet ski (due to recent legal restrictions) can experience the same thrill of travelling/jumping across a wake as a jet ski provides. This effect can not be provided in existing inflatables without damage being inflicted on the craft. This invention incorporates the use of the pulley steer steering system, whereby; a rope is safely housed within a hose which protects the watercraft from damage from the rope.

Abstract: The present invention is a water sport device that is easy to use and may be steered. This device comprises a flotation assembly, a connecting member, and a connecting assembly, where the connecting member is attached to a front portion of the flotation assembly. The connecting assembly moves along the connecting member to change an effective attachment point of a towline to the flotation assembly. Sponsons are preferably arranged on the underside of the flotation assembly. These sponsons are preferably toed in to provide a rearwardly diverging channel between them. Outer surfaces of the sponsons are outwardly and upwardly canted to allow the entire device to move side to side in the water. A handle assembly is provided that allows the rider to move the position of the connecting assembly relative to the connecting member.

Abstract: Steerable towcraft having a buoyant body upon which a person can ride, a towline attached to body and adapted for connection to the pulling vessel, a fin on the under side of the body for guiding the body through water, and a steering line connected to the towline at a point spaced from the body. By pulling on the steering line, a person riding on the body can change the angle of the fin relative to the towline, and thereby control the direction in which the towcraft is moving. Water is taken in from beneath the body and sprayed in the form of a roostertail into the air behind the craft as it travels through the water. In some embodiments, a whistle or other noisemaker is actuated by the water forming the roostertail.

Abstract: A mountable, towable water craft has a single-chambered, inflatable body. The inflatable body includes a full and an upper surface attached to the hull. The hull has a bulge for increasing low speed planing. The upper surface has an aft portion that forms two longitudinal and substantially parallel wells. A cowling is attached to the upper of surface of the inflatable body. The cowling includes reinforceably attached handles, and the inflatable body includes reinforceably attached rope connectors. The vehicle also includes an optional tear-resistant fabric shell.

Abstract: A towable watercraft includes an inflatable triangular shaped watercraft body having top and bottom surfaces which are located on opposite sides of the body. The body also includes front and rear ends with a central axis extending from the front end to the rear end bisecting the body into first and second sections. A towing fixture is affixed to the front end of the body. A first steering fin is positioned on the bottom surface of the first section and a second steering fin is positioned on the bottom surface of the second section. A first handle unit is positioned on the top surface at the front end of the first section and a second handle unit is positioned on the top surface at the front end of the second section.

Abstract: An inflatable, towable water recreation device comprising a generally U-shaped rear passenger area with a forward tubular housing for additional passengers. The overall shape of the device is cylindrical with a centrally positioned towing strap, thus permitting the device to complete 360 degree rolls during towing. Handholds are provided both on the exterior and interior of the device for passenger securement and safety during maneuvering as well as for use while entering and exiting the device. A durable, rip resistant synthetic fabric encloses the entire structure to protect it from external damage and to facilitate towing.

Abstract: A ski tube includes a torus-shaped innertube, a generally torus-shaped cover member bearing a continuous zipper or other releasable fastener preferably along a circumference thereof, a base portion, and a generally V-shaped towing flap member adapted for releasable capture of a tow rope handle.

Abstract: A novel stable inflatable or inflated sail board is provided. The sailboard includes a plurality of discrete, gas-fillable or gas-filled, elongated chambers, each chamber having a top skin and a bottom skin, each chamber, when inflated being sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape without any additional support, and to provide a flat bottom surface for contact with water, the chambers being integrally united to provide an elongated float which is of greater length than width. The sailboard also includes a supporting and stiffening rigid frame comprising a plurality of frame sections which are interconnectable with each other in a longitudinal direction, the frame supporting the floatation member and providing additional stiffness and resistance to fore-and-aft bending and torsion.

Abstract: A riding apparatus has a cover and plural inflatable tubes for towing several riders at once. The tubes are toroidally shaped and can be of the type used in vehicle tires. The cover has elongated, flexible top and bottom members coupled together at the sides. Plural cavities are formed between the top and bottom members. Each cavity matingly receives a tube. Each cavity communicates with the adjacent cavities so that each tube contacts the adjacent tubes at tangent points. The tangential points of contact between the tubes and the flexible top and bottom members coupling the tubes together allow each tube to pitch up and down with respect to the adjacent tubes. A towing harness is attached to the cover.

Abstract: A body board for a water slide having an ergonometric design that conforms to the contours of a user's body having a generally frustoconical perimeter that circumscribes at least two chambers that are connected for pivoting movement with respect to one another.

Abstract: A towline system for water sports adjuncts, as inflatable devices such as air tubes and the like, wherein the air tube may not only be towed along with the usual tow handle, but may be readily released therefrom at the will of the rider without dangerous bending or stooping of the rider, so that other and different activities and exercises may be performed. To this end, the air tube or like device is secured to a lead from the towline by a foot-actuated releasable catch.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective cover for an inflatable water sled having a central elongated chamber and two elongated stabilizer chambers connected to and arranged on opposite sides of the central chamber. The cover includes a flexible enclosure with opposite sides shaped to be filled by the sled's inflated central chamber. A pair of elongated side openings on opposing sides of the enclosure accommodate extension of the sled stabilizer chambers therethrough. Attached to the front of the enclosure is a tow rope fastener whereby any towing force is distributed by the enclosure across the surface area of the sled.

Abstract: A stabilized and foldable safety inflatable boat formed of a synthetic rubber or a plastic material is provided. The housing of the boat being comprised of an upper air holding portion and a lower water holding portion. Both the air holding portion and the water holding portion each include six or more respective independent chambers, each having a respective access for filling the chambers with air or water in a predetermined volume to provide a desired stabilization and provide maximum buoyant force. A mattress portion encircled by the housing also includes independent chambers for selective filling with air and water to provide improved body support. The boat can be deflated and folded for ease of transport.

Abstract: A recreational device comprising an elastomeric body portion capable of holding compressed gas and having a surface temperature reducing coating integrally formed therewith on the outer surface thereof. The device is used in water sports where flotation is desired to reduce creature discomfort and physiological damage.

Abstract: An inflatable boat for high speed towing applications having a compartmentalized hull and an improved tow-ring mounted beneath the hull, the hull including first and second buoyancy chambers, the second chamber being vertically disposed beneath the first chamber. Inclined, flexible reinforcing partitions are substantially vertically disposed within the second buoyancy chamber to substantially divide the chamber into a plurality of sub-chambers, and restrain the bottom wall of the chamber upon inflation, to form outwardly projecting convex arcuate portions having longitudinal grooves defined therebetween. The tow-ring includes a reinforced hollow structure having interior reinforcing walls and a convexly curved top wall, portions of the walls together defining a peripherally disposed pair of longitudinal tie-line tunnels and a transverse tie-line tunnel, sized to receive a tie-line therethrough.

Abstract: Wave surfing simulation apparatus is disclosed comprising an elongated water slide adapted to rest on a supporting surface. The slide includes a plurality of water jet openings along the length thereof for spraying water on the upper surface of the slide and wetting the same when the slide is coupled to a source of fluid. A plurality of inflatable air chambers are associated with the slide at spaced locations along the slide and transverse thereto. These chambers give an undulating effect to the upper wetted surface of the slide. A belly board is provided adapted to slide or glide over the wetted undulated upper surface of the slide when the user lies on top of the board along the longitudinal length thereof from one end to the other. In this manner, a surfing effect is created by the gliding or sliding of the board over the wetted undulated surface.

Abstract: A flexible inflatable container is closed at one end and open at its other end. A closure strap is secured to the bag adjacent the open end and is arranged to be wrapped around and close this open end after inflating the bag. This closure strap is associated with another strip of material secured to the bag for forming a handle at this end of the bag. The other end of the bag has a base strip secured peripherally around the bag and has flexible strips secured thereto to form handles at this end of the bag. The bag is sufficiently elongated from end to end so as to carry a person lying crosswise thereon for riding a wave in the surf.

Abstract: An improved water sports apparatus comprising an inflatable tube to which a seat portion with a number of straps can be attached by utilizing pins which are vulcanized to the tube and which pass through openings formed in the straps. The straps are joined by buckles around the tube and rings pass through openings provided in the pins so as to lock the straps to the inner tube. A pair of towing portions pass around the front of the tube and are provided with rings through which a tow rope and handle can be passed. The inner tube is inflated to extend out over the straps and a pair of handles are provided on a pair of the front straps for the user.

Abstract: An automatically disconnecting connector apparatus for a floatable device, such as a fisherman's float tube, includes one coupling member having an aperture and another coupling member having another aperture. The other coupling member is bifurcated so that it can receive the first-mentioned coupling member therein. In this relationship, the apertures of the coupling members are aligned for receiving a shaft of a pin member which is retained in the apertures by gravity when the floatable device is in an upright position. The pin member is automatically extracted in response to gravity when the floatable device is overturned, thereby automatically disconnecting the connector apparatus.

Abstract: A water ski aid for supporting a water skier includes an inflatable seat member. A pair of inflatable arms is used to secure the skier to the inflatable seat member. The free ends of the arms overlap the body of the skier when in a secure position in the seat member. The arms separate when the skier gains sufficient speed to overcome the drag of the inflatable seat member.

Abstract: An inflatable hydroplane apparatus uses a pneumatic vehicle innertube with a flexible fabric cover including an annular flexible fabric positioned partly covering said innertube and forming a smooth bottom therefor. A handle strap is stitched to said cover for the rider to hold on to and a tow rope attaching strap is stitched to the bottom portion of the cover for attaching a tow rope from a boat for pulling the hydroplane. The innertube is inflated in the cover to form the hydroplane and deflated for storage.

Abstract: An inflatable hydroplane apparatus uses a pneumatic vehicle innertube with a flexible fabric cover including an annular flexible fabric positioned partly covering said innertube and forming a smooth bottom therefor. A handle strap is stitched to the cover for the rider to hold on to and a tow rope attaching strap is stitched to the bottom portion of the cover for attaching a tow rope from a boat for pulling the hydroplane. The innertube is inflated in the cover to form the hydroplane and deflated for storage.

Abstract: A water sport apparatus which can be attached to an inner tube and includes a flexible seat that can be strapped to the inner tube and a pair of extending portions that pass over the inner tube and are connected to a tow line.

Abstract: A self-collapsible, inflatable device consists of a sheet made of a thermoplastic material having a memory set such that it forms into a coil when unrestrained and at least one inflatable member, semi-rigid when inflated and capable of being coiled when deflated, the inflatable member being mounted on a surface of the sheet which assumes a concave shape when the sheet is allowed to form into a coil. In one preferred embodiment the sheet includes upper and lower sheet members joined at their respective leading edges and the inflatable member is attached to the lower surface of the upper sheet and the upper surface of the lower sheet. The inflatable member and the upper and lower sheets are arranged such that the self-collapsible device coils itself when the inflatable member is deflated.

Abstract: Wave surfing simulation apparatus is disclosed comprising an elongated water slide adapted to rest on a supporting surface. The slide includes a plurality of water jet openings along the length thereof for spraying water on the upper surface of the slide and wetting the same when the slide is coupled to a source of fluid. A plurality of inflatable air chambers are associated with the slide at spaced locations along the slide and transverse thereto. These chambers give an undulating effect to the upper wetted surface of the slide. A belly board is provided adapted to slide or glide over the wetted undulated upper surface of the slide when the user lies on top of the board along the longitudinal length thereof from one end to the other. In this manner, a surfing effect is created by the gliding or sliding of the board over the wetted undulated surface.