Abstract: A skirt for a personal watercraft is disclosed, wherein the skirt includes a body having an edge portion configured to be removably attached to the watercraft, and a release extending from an outer portion of the skirt and extending toward and terminating at an inner portion of the skirt. Ventilation systems for a skirt for a watercraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a personal watercraft, wherein the personal watercraft includes a cockpit configured to accommodate a user, a first item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at least partially within the cockpit, wherein the first item of outfitting includes a first fluid-holding bladder inflatable by the user to increase the snugness of fit of the first item of outfitting on the user, a second item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at least partially within the cockpit, wherein the second item of outfitting includes a second fluid-holding bladder inflatable by the user to increase the snugness of fit of the second item of outfitting on the user, a pump for inflating the first bladder and the second bladder, a fluid supply line connecting the first bladder and the second bladder to the pump, and a valve disposed along the fluid supply line, wherein the valve is configured to allow fluid flow from the pump to be selectively directed into at least one of the first bladder and the second bladder

Abstract: The invention provides improvements for an enclosed carrier configured for mounting on top of a car.

Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.

Abstract: A bike mount for securing a bicycle to a vehicle rack. The bike mount includes arms that pivot apart to receive a bicycle wheel and pivot together to cooperatively hold the bicycle wheel. The bike mount may be configured to include a lever that pivots the arms together as the bicycle is positioned on the vehicle rack.

Abstract: A child carrier includes a centrally located front wheel and two rear wheels joined by a frame assembly. The frame assembly has a hinge mechanism that permits adjustment of a handle between multiple operating positions, and easy opening and collapsing of the carrier.

Abstract: A self-propelled personal watercraft is disclosed, wherein the personal watercraft includes a body including a hull and a deck substantially covering the hull, wherein the body includes a bow portion and a stern portion. The personal watercraft also includes a deck modification module removably attached to the deck, wherein the deck modification module is configured to be selectively removable to change a performance characteristic of the deck when the deck is submerged in water.

Abstract: A sports equipment carrier for a vehicle including a rack structure adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and an equipment securing portion. The equipment securing portion includes a clamping mechanism and an adjustment member, where the clamping mechanism includes a housing and is operable between open and closed configurations. Operation of the clamping mechanism shifts the adjustment member into and at least partially out of the housing so that the adjustment member is accessible to a user in the open configuration and inaccessible to a user in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle adjacent the rear of a vehicle. The bicycle rack includes an adjustable frame assembly having a first frame member attached to a housing and a second frame member attached to a connecting member. The connecting member is rotationally coupled to the housing to allow relative pivotal movement between the first and second frame members. A locking member is disposed within the housing and selectively movable between a first position, in which the locking member engages the connecting member to impede relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing, and a second position, in which the locking member is disengaged from the connecting member to allow relative rotational movement between the connecting member and the housing. At least one support arm is coupled to the housing and configured for sliding and pivotal movement between a stowed position and an extended position in which the arm engages the housing to support a bicycle adjacent the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting device for a backpack includes a first mounting element adapted to be connected to a load supported on a user's back, and a second mounting element adapted to be connected to a user's waist belt. The first mounting element is pivotable relative to the second mounting element to vary the vertical position of the waist belt during use relative to a load supported by the pack. A mechanism is configured to fix selectively the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a rack component, such as a crossbar, to a vehicle rack, and apparatus that include the coupling device. The coupling device includes a first portion for attachment to the rack component and a second portion for coupling to the vehicle rack. A fastener member moves along an axis to couple the second portion to the vehicle rack. The coupling device also includes a security mechanism. The security mechanism may be implemented volitionally and/or irreversibly. The security mechanism prohibits movement of the fastener member that would uncouple the second portion from the vehicle rack but allows limited movement of the fastener member along the axis. The limited movement adjusts the second portion between fixed and movable conditions on the vehicle rack, allowing the rack component to be re-positioned on the vehicle rack but not removed.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for attaching a trailer to a bicycle includes a hitch unit mounted on a wheelstay assembly above the rear axle of a bicycle. The wheelstay assembly is pivotally connected at its lower ends to a skewer extending through the rear axle hub and a strut member is pivotally connected to the seat post of the bicycle and to the hitch unit. The hitch unit is rotatable about a substantially vertical first pivot axis and includes a mounting for attachment by a tongue of a trailer, such as a trailer cycle. The tongue is attached to the hitch unit so that it can swing about a substantially vertical first axis and pivot about a substantially horizontal second axis. When the hitch assembly is mounted on a suspension bicycle, it is able to move up and down, substantially vertically, as the rear wheel moves up and down relative to the frame and seat of the bicycle.

Abstract: A recreational equipment rack system, which includes an equipment rack configured for exterior engagement on a vehicle. The equipment rack including a rack tongue configured to be inserted into and secured within a hitch receiver provided on the vehicle. A fastening mechanism configured to tightly secure the rack tongue to the hitch receiver. The fastening mechanism includes a bolt having a bolt head and a bolt post extending from the head for extending through transverse holes in the hitch receiver. The bolt post includes a threaded length and an unthreaded length. A nut assembly including a nut configured to engage the threaded length of the bolt enables selective clamping and releasing of the rack tongue with the hitch receiver. The bolt post has a removable post lock on its distal end to prevent removal of the rack from the vehicle without a security key or combination code.

Abstract: A tower device for securing a crossbar on a vehicle includes a base portion, a tower portion, and a pivotal cover member.

Abstract: An adjustable foot brace and optional shock absorbing system for decked kayaks that employs a heel and arch of the foot contact, and in which the adjustment arms are selectively securely affixed to a base plate located in the center of the kayak from the forward most portion of the seat or central structural support member forward. This base plate is then securely affixed to the forward most portion of the seat of the kayak, or to the forward most portion of a central structural support member in boats utilizing this device. The bulkhead configuration for this foot brace system employs a full or near full foot contact and the adjustment arm is attached directly to a guide located in the forward most portion of the seat or central structural support member for boats using this device. Either of these foot brace systems may also be attached in a “floating” configuration to an optional shock absorbing mechanism.

Abstract: A personal watercraft and an outfitting system for a personal watercraft are disclosed. The personal watercraft includes a cockpit configured to be occupied by a user when using the watercraft; and an item of outfitting coupled to the watercraft at a location at least partially inside of the cockpit, the item of outfitting being configured to help secure the user in the cockpit. The item of outfitting includes a shaped portion configured to contact the user, and a fluid-holding bladder disposed adjacent the shaped portion, wherein the fluid-holding bladder may be selectively filled with a fluid to push the shaped portion against the user to secure the user in the cockpit more tightly.

Abstract: A mounting device for a backpack includes a first mounting element adapted to be connected to a load supported on a user's back, and a second mounting element adapted to be connected to a user's waist belt. The first mounting element is pivotable relative to the second mounting element to vary the vertical position of the waist belt during use relative to a load supported by the pack. A mechanism is configured to fix selectively the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A convertible control system for a kayak having a first and second unit. The first unit comprises a guide mounted with each side of the hull forward of the seat. A mounting bar is carried by each guide with each mounting bar carrying a plate and a shaft adjacent one end and in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. A locking member is associated with each guide for releasably locking each mounting bar in a selected position along the longitudinal axis of to the guide. The second unit comprises a rudder connected with the stern, a rudder pedal pivotally mounted with each guide by way of the shaft in a position normally spaced from the associated plate. A cable extends between each rudder pedal and the rudder, whereby movement of the rudder pedals results in a corresponding movement of the rudder.