Patents by Inventor Jess E. Walls

Jess E. Walls 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).

  • Watercraft flotation device using drawstring attachment
    Patent number: 8230800
    Abstract: A sponson comprises a floatable tubular section (110) with longitudinal, attached guideways or channels (105, 115) that house drawstrings (106, 116). The sponson is secured to the gunwale (130) of a personal watercraft by positioning a first guideway or channel above the gunwale and a second guideway or channel below the gunwale then pulling the drawstrings tight and securing them with knots (107, 117) or other means. The sponson has been filled with air, a foam material, or a combination in order to provide flotation. It also acts as a bumper to prevent damage to the craft in case of a collision with another object. The sponson is positioned above the water line and so does not cause drag when the craft is in normal use. The design is usable without modification for a variety of craft. An alternative embodiment includes an extra guideway or channel (120) for attachment to a fixture (125) previously installed on a craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wing Inflatables, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Wing, Jess E. Walls, Michael Kroemer