Abstract: An improved, planning pontoon boat has first and second spaced apart, elongated pontoons which exhibit a bow end and a stern end relative to the boat. A lower surface of each of the pontoons exhibits two intersecting planar members which terminate adjacent to respective elongated lift pads for the purpose of providing improved planing characteristics for the pontoons. The lift pads are each formed of intersecting concave surfaces. The lift pads extend radially from the pontoons and are located adjacent to the intersection of the planar surfaces and an upper curved surface of the pontoon. An elongated keel extends along the bottom of each of the pontoons, in the region where the planar elements intersect. The keel extends parallel to the lift pads.

Abstract: Drive unit for boats comprising an internal combustion engine (16) and an outboard drive (1) driven by the engine. The engine has an engine control unit (13) which holds the speed of the engine constant independently of the load on the engine. A flowmeter (15) continuously gives a signal, which represents the instantaneous fuel consumption to the engine control unit. A trim control unit (11) controls the trim angle of the drive so that the lowest fuel consumption for the set engine speed is achieved.

Abstract: A rudder operating apparatus is for swinging a rudder of a marine vessel through approximately one-half of a revolution about a rudder axis for braking and/or reversing the vessel. The apparatus comprises an initiating actuator, a main linear actuator and a controller responsive to position of the rudder. The initiating actuator cooperates with the rudder to initiate movement of the rudder through a switching angle when the rudder is in a straight position thereof for straight line travel. The main linear actuator cooperates with the rudder and is extensible and retractable. The controller cooperates with the actuators to actuate the initiating actuator and the main actuator in sequence.

Abstract: A steering control safety mechanism is provided for a bicycle having a cylindrical head tube, a hollow steerer tube rotatably positioned in the head tube, a fork, and a stem releasably attachable to an upper end of the steerer tube for rigidly fixing a handlebar to the steerer tube. The safety mechanism includes a cylindrical torque transfer member positioned in the steerer tube, a wedge member positioned in the steerer tube below the torque transfer member, and a bolt rotationally positioned in the passageway of torque transfer member, supported on the torque transfer member, and aligned to laterally offset the wedge member from the torque transfer member and cause the torque transfer member and the wedge member to form a jam fit. A first steering control path is defined in the steering mechanism by connections between the handlebar, stem, steerer tube and fork.

Abstract: An air flow management system for reducing wind resistance in an empty tractor trailer and a method for reducing aerodynamic drag in a tractor trailer.

Abstract: Motorized craft, for propelling a person lying in a horizontal position, comprising a hull (1), a water pipe extending through the craft longitudinally on which a propeller is located and two handles (4) designed to be grasped by the user. The craft of the invention is characterized in that said hull (1) includes on the rear part thereof a surface (2) for supporting the user lying on his stomach, so that at least one portion of his body is supported. The user guides the craft by simply applying pressure with his forearm on the side to which he wants to turn, his legs acting as the rudder. The craft of the invention is simple, light and compact and fits easily into the boot of the car, making it rapid and handy to use.

Abstract: A powered jack plate for use with a marine outboard motor in a marine environment; the inward side of the jack plate is attached to the transom of a boat; the outboard motor is attached to the outward side of the powered jack plate; hydraulic power is the preferred power source, hydraulic fluid being supplied by a separate hydraulic pump; the jack plate comprises a pair of opposing supports which are interconnected by support bars; the opposing supports incorporate linear bearings in which rides a slide which is capable of vertical movement; the linear bearings are provided with grease fittings for positive lubrication; the outward side of the opposing supports is higher than the inward side thereby permitting maximum upward travel of the slide and the linear bearings are locked into the opposing supports via an undercut groove which is integral with these supports.

Abstract: A sunfish boat boom is slidably secured to a pipe tee for aft and bow relative motion to the tee which is secured to the mast by a conventional gooseneck device. A bungee cord secured to the boom at a pulley medial the boom between the mast and the aft end of the boom and to an eyelet at the pipe tee resiliently biases the boom in the bow direction. A rope is secured at its opposite ends to the bow end of the boom passing through an eyelet at the tee and to a cleat at the pilot compartment. Rings on the boom establish maximum aft and bow displacement of the boom via abutment with the tee. The rope holds the boom at an extreme forward position with the tee abutting one of the rings. The rope is released to permit the bungee cord bias to pull the boom to the other extreme aft position established by the other ring abutting the tee. Pulling or releasing the rope moves the boom to any desired position between the extreme positions.

Abstract: A water jet ski or boat that prevents weeds or grass from entering or clogging the intake grate area, is simple in construction and installation, operates automatically without operator intervention, and allows the craft to be beached and refloated without damaging the anticlogging elements or the craft. The craft includes one or more, preferably two or four, flexible rods mounted at the forward end of the intake grating and depending downward and preferably rearward. Growing or floating weeds or grass encountered during forward movement of the craft will be forced by the rods downward, rearward, and, in one alternate embodiment, outward. The rods do not interfere with the laminar water flow from any direction into the intake and are flexible enabling the craft to be stored, trailered, beached and pulled back from the beach as desired and without damage.

Abstract: A rigid, arched disk (10) is placed convex side down in a cloth skirt (12). The cloth skirt includes an annular bottom portion (20) which covers the convex surface of the disk and a curved upper portion (22) which ends in an annular reinforced upper edge (24). The annular upper edge (24) is smaller in diameter than the outer periphery of the arched disk (10). A zipper (28) in the skirt enables the upper annular edge to be expanded to receive the arched disk. An inflatable tube (14) is inserted into the skirt resting on a concave surface of the disk adjacent its periphery. The inflatable tube is inflated with a sufficient pressure to lock the tube, the skirt, and the disk against moving relative to each other. When the assembly sits still in the water, water flows into the concave surface of the disk through an aperture (16). When pulled by a tow rope connected with a pull loop (30), the convex surface of the disk lifts the device up out of the water, allowing water to drain through the aperture.

Abstract: A small bouyant tube is concentrically joined to a larger bouyant tube. The circle of joinder may be at any point from the inner circumference of the outer, larger tube up to the top of the outer tube. Thus, the inner, smaller tube may fit entirely within the outer tube, or be relatively larger in size and positioned upwardly from, but still partially within, the outer tube. The inner and outer tubes are preferably inflatable, wherein the inner tube may have an irregular contour for a more comfortable fit around the neck of the user floating in water. By comfortably and safely supporting the neck region above the surface of the water, the present invention inhibits movement of the spinal cord and reduces pressure thereto for relaxation and/or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A device for quickly releasing a surfboard tether from a body strap. The tether and surfboard are normally connected by a plug and socket swivel connection. The device comprises a removable locking pin which, in its locked position, extends through openings in the socket and through a passage in the plug to secure the plug and socket connection. A resilient retainer acts against the socket body and the locking pin to normally retain the locking pin in its locked position. The locking pin is adapted to be pulled out of the passage and socket body against the urging of the resilient member to release the plug and socket, thereby disconnecting the leash from the body strap. In one embodiment of the invention the resilient member comprises an elastomeric band which is looped around the locking pin and the socket body and acts against a surface of the locking pin provided for that purpose to urge the locking pin into the locked position to hold the plug and socket in connection.

Abstract: A stabilized float drum is shown having interlocking side and end walls and an upper compartment filled with a flotation medium such as closed cell foam and a lower member with a selected number and size of holes in the surfaces thereof to admit water which then acts as a stabilizing force when the float is subjected to upsetting wave action or eccentric loads. The degree of stabilization or damping is controlled by the relative size of the lower member and the size, placement and number of holes.

Abstract: An arrangement for sweeping moored mines (8) with at least one cable cutter (4) that is arranged on a sweeping line (2) and is designed for cutting through the mooring line (9) for a respective mine (8). To achieve a relatively fast and safe destruction of the moored mines (8), in addition to the cable cutters (4), mine destruction devices (3) are also attached to the respective sweeping line (2), which devices are fastened respectively in front of the snap grippers (4) in towing direction. The mine destruction devices (3) each have on clamping device (12) that can attach itself to the mooring line (9), a buoyancy element (14) that is connected to the clamping device (12) with an unreelable line (16) and a mine destroying activator (15) that is attached to the buoyancy element (14). If the mooring line (9) hits the mine destruction device (3), the clamping device (12) detaches itself from the sweeping line and clamps down on the mooring line (9).

Abstract: A floatation toy device includes a cylindrical elongated member, a variable buoyancy collar and an attachment collar. The floatation toy device provides for an improved and variable buoyancy of the floatation toy device by the user.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of outboard motors having power head and drive configurations that permit the engine to be mounted so that its crankshaft is offset from the drive shaft so as to facilitate larger turning angles without interference.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system for propelling a water craft through a body of water. The system includes a housing having a conduit formed therein for the passage of water, an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port has a lower edge which extends at least to the vertical plane defined by the upper edge such that the inlet port faces away from the bottom of the river or lake. An impeller is positioned in the housing between the inlet and outlet ports, and a stator structure is positioned between the impeller and the outlet port. The impeller is rotated by a drive assembly to draw water inwardly through the inlet port, drive the water past the impeller in an axial/rotational flow, and move the water through the outlet port.

Abstract: A float tube canopy includes a back panel having a top and a bottom with straps for securing the canopy to the back of a float tube so the back panel extends upwardly therefrom. There is a top panel having a front and a back connected to the top of the back panel. The top panel is cantilevered from the back panel and spaced-apart from the float tube. Each of the panels may include a frame and a fabric cover stretched thereon. The panels may be collapsible so the canopy can be selectively folded or erected.

Abstract: A bowsprit is attached to a boat by fixing members. The bowsprit comprises two bowsprit rods which are hingedly interconnected by a hinge at the free end of the bowsprit. At a distance from this end, the rods are pivotable relative to the boat and slidably connected to the fixing members for permitting displacement of the bowsprit between a stowed-away position and a position of use.

Abstract: A towing system for a vehicle particularly suited for a vehicle having an energy absorbing feature. The towing system has a frame bracket mounted to a frame member and bumper bracket, e.g., mounted to a bumper or bumper strut. The frame bracket and bumper brackets are mounted strategic one to the other and in a paired relation. The brackets are mounted at determined positions so that the energy absorbing feature of the vehicle is not compromised. A draw tube is removably mountable in each bracket pair. The draw tube is installed for the mounting of a tow bar and is removed to restore the energy absorbing feature of the vehicle.