Patents by Inventor Zane E. Schwenk

Zane E. Schwenk 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).

  • Publication number: 20250360994
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, MIchael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 12403991
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 12312043
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20250162688
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20240367757
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20240308621
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 12005995
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 11999446
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20230322338
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, MIchael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 11708136
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20220081078
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Patent number: 11214335
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Publication number: 20210300506
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 11046393
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface. The wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20210139106
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, MIchael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20210024173
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 10899416
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Patent number: 10822055
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35° from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk
  • Publication number: 20200115010
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern
  • Patent number: 10501156
    Abstract: A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: MasterCraft Boat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darren S. Sheedy, Matthew J. Huyge, Michael D. Myers, Zane E. Schwenk, David F. Ekern