Inflatable slider apparatus

Abstract

A slider apparatus that includes a floatable support tube that includes a main body tube, and an end tube segment extending from the main body tube, the end tube segment including a first end and a second end, the diameter of the first end of the end tube segment being greater than the diameter of the second end of the end tube segment, a stabilizer tube attached to the support tube, and a rail system attached to the support tube.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an inflatable slide rail apparatus suitable for water sports.

[0002] Recreational enthusiasts on skateboards and in-line skates have taken their sport to new levels by performing tricks and sliding along handrails, curb edges, and other structures found in their local area and in skateboard parks. This interest in sliding along rails and other structures has migrated to water sports enthusiasts. Riders of wakeboards and wakeskates, for example, have constructed a number of homemade “slider” devices.

[0003] Homemade slider devices are often made from wood, steel, plastic or a combination thereof, and tend to be rigid. Homemade slider devices are generally designed to rest on the bottom of a body of water and are often placed in shallow water. Such a setup creates a potentially dangerous situation to the rider, particularly if the rider happens to miss the device or fails to ride along the entire length of the device.

[0004] When rigid slider devices are located in navigable waterways, they pose a danger to other boaters, personal watercraft operators and water skiers. Many agencies that regulate bodies of water do not allow permanent structures to be placed in navigable waters without some form of permit.

[0005] Homemade slider devices are also often heavy, and cumbersome difficult to setup, take down and transport.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the invention features a method of using a slider apparatus in which a rider of a water sport implement (e.g., a wakeboard or wakeskate) that is being pulled by a vessel, e.g., a boat, directs the water sport implement onto the rail of the slider apparatus and attempts to travel along at least a portion of the length of the rail. Any suitable implement that can assist the rider in traveling along the rail is contemplated. However, for ease of description, as well as for purposes of illustration, the water sport implement will be referred to as a “wakeboard.”

[0007] The invention features a slider apparatus that includes an inflatable, floatable support tube that includes a main body tube and an end tube segment extending from the main body tube, the end tube segment including a first end and a second end, the diameter of the first end of the end tube segment being greater than the diameter of the second end of the end tube segment, a stabilizer tube attached to the support tube, and a rail system attached to the support tube. In one embodiment, the end tube segment has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In some embodiments, the main body tube has a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the main body tube has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0008] In another embodiment, the end tube segment extends from the main body tube at an angle to the main body tube. In one embodiment, the water contacting surface of the main tube is at an angle of from 90° to less than 180° relative to the water contacting surface of the end tube segment. In another embodiment, the end tube segment extends down into the water when the apparatus is placed on a body of water.

[0009] In some embodiments, the end tube segment includes a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and tapers from a greater diameter at the union of the end tube segment and the main body tube to a smaller diameter toward the terminal end of the end tube segment.

[0010] In another embodiment, the support tube includes a second end tube segment extending from the main body tube. In one embodiment, the second end tube segment has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In other embodiments, the first end tube segment extends at an angle to the main body tube and the second end tube segment extends at an angle to the main body tube. In another embodiment, the water contacting surface of the main tube is at an angle of from 90° to less than 180° relative to the water contacting surface of the second end tube segment. In some embodiments, the second end tube segment extends down into the water when the apparatus is placed on a body of water. In one embodiment, the main body tube has a cylindrical shape, the first end tube segment has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape, and the second end tube segment has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0011] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second stabilizer tube coupled to the support tube. In other embodiments, the first stabilizer tube and the second stabilizer tube are positioned on opposite sides of the support tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the apparatus is placed on a body of water, the rail system extends into the body of water.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rail system includes a first rail and a second rail in parallel relation to the first rail. In another embodiment, the rail system includes spacers disposed between the first rail and the second rail.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rail system includes a first rail section including two rails in parallel relation to each other, a second rail section including two rails in parallel relation to each other, and a coupler connecting the first rail section to the second rail section. In another embodiment, a first end of the coupler is disposed in an opening in the first rail section and a second end of the coupler is disposed in an opening in the second rail section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rail system includes a first rail portion, a second rail portion in parallel relation to the first rail portion, and a third portion disposed between the first rail portion and the second rail portion and contiguous with the first rail portion and the second rail portion along the longitudinal extent of the rail system. In other embodiments, the rail system includes openings in the third portion of the rail system. In one embodiment, the rail system includes attachment mechanisms attached to the support tube, the attachment mechanisms extend through the openings in the third portion to maintain the rail system on the support tube.

[0016] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes attachment mechanisms attached to the support tube, the attachment mechanisms maintain the rail system on the support tube. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes attachment mechanisms attached to the support tube, the attachment mechanisms extend around the spacers.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rail system includes metal. In other embodiments, the rail system includes polymer.

[0018] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to the first inflatable support tube. In other embodiments, the second support tube includes a main body tube having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In another embodiment, the second support tube has a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the second support tube includes an end tube segment having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0019] In some embodiments, the main body tube of the first support tube has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and the end tube segment of the first support tube has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0020] In another embodiment, the apparatus further includes a third inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to the second support tube. In some embodiments, the second support tube has a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the third support tube has a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the third support tube has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In some embodiments, the third support tube includes a main body tube having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0021] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a coupler ring disposed between the first support tube and the second support tube. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first coupler ring disposed between a first support tube and a second support tube, and a second coupler ring disposed between the second support tube and a third support tube. In one embodiment, the coupler ring is polymeric. In another embodiment, the coupler ring is foam. In some embodiments, the coupler system includes a first attachment mechanism attached to the first stabilizer tube and a second attachment mechanism attached to the support tube, the first stabilizer tube being attached to the support tube through the first and second attachment mechanisms.

[0022] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first clevis mount attached to the first stabilizer tube and a second clevis mount attached to the support tube, the first stabilizer tube being coupled to the support tube through the clevis mounts. In other embodiments, at least one of the first clevis mount and the second clevis mount is a double clevis mount.

[0023] In another aspect, the invention features a slider apparatus that includes an inflatable, floatable support tube, a stabilizer tube attached to the support tube, and a rail system attached to the support tube. In one embodiment, the support tube includes a main body tube and the average diameter of the stabilizer tube is less than the average diameter of the main body tube.

[0024] In other embodiment, the average diameter of the stabilizer tube is less than the average diameter of the support tube. In another embodiment, the stabilizer tube has a cylindrical shape.

[0025] In one embodiment, the rail system includes a first rail section, a second rail section, and a rail coupler connecting the first rail section to the second rail section. In other embodiments, the rail system includes a first rail, a second rail in parallel relation to the first rail, and a spacer disposed between the first rail and the second rail.

[0026] In another embodiment, the rail system includes a first rail portion, a second rail portion in parallel relation to the first rail portion, and a third portion disposed between the first rail portion and the second rail portion and contiguous with the first rail portion and the second rail portion along the longitudinal extent of the rail system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the stabilizer tube is attached to the support tube through a clevis mount.

[0028] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a second inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to the first support tube. In some embodiments, the second support tube includes a main body tube having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In another embodiment, the first support tube has a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the second support tube includes an end tube segment having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In one embodiment, the first inflatable support tube includes a main body tube having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment that has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0029] In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a third inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to the first support tube. In one embodiment, the first inflatable floatable support tube has a cylindrical shape. In another embodiment, the third inflatable floatable support tube has a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the third inflatable floatable support tube has a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape. In other embodiments, the third inflatable floatable support tube includes a main body tube having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second inflatable floatable support tube includes a main body tube having a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment including a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

[0031] In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a coupler ring disposed between the first support tube and the second support tube. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first coupler ring disposed between the first support tube and the second support tube, and a second coupler ring disposed between the second support tube and the third support tube.

[0032] In another embodiment, the stabilizer tube is in fluid communication with the support tube.

[0033] In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a second stabilizer tube attached to the support tube. In some embodiments, the first stabilizer tube is attached to a first side of the support tube and the second stabilizer tube is attached to a second side of the support tube opposite the first side of the support tube.

[0034] In other aspects, the invention features a slider apparatus that includes a) a support tube that includes a main body tube including a cylindrical shape and an end tube segment extending from the main body tube, the end tube segment including a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and terminating in an end having a diameter less than the diameter of the main body tube, and b) a rail system attached to the support tube.

[0035] In some aspects, the invention features a slider apparatus that includes a) a floatable support tube including a main body tube and an end tube segment extending from the main body tube, the end tube segment including a first end and a second end, the diameter of the first end of the end tube segment being greater than the diameter of the second end of the end tube segment, b) a stabilizer tube attached to the support tube, and c) a rail system attached to the support tube.

[0036] In other aspects, the invention features a method of using a slider apparatus described herein, the method including riding a water sport implement along at least a portion of the rail of the slider apparatus.

[0037] The invention features a portable slider apparatus that exhibits good stability when placed on a body of water. The slider apparatus can be constructed to provide a rigid sliding surface on a flexible, inflated structure.

[0038] It is possible to construct the slider apparatus to be capable of quick assembly and disassembly. It is possible to construct the rail system such that it is capable of quick attachment to and detachment from the support tube, and that the components of the rail system of the apparatus are easily connected and disconnected without the use of tools. The apparatus can include coupler rings, which can add rigidity to an apparatus that includes multiple support tubes.

[0039] The slider apparatus can be constructed to include stabilizer tubes that are removably attached to the main body tube.

[0040] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG. 1 is a side view of a slider apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a top view of the slider apparatus of FIG. 1 FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of one end of the slider apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of the slider apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a top view of an enlarged portion of the rail connection section of the slider apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of one embodiment of the rail connecting system shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of a second embodiment of a slider rail.

[0047] FIG. 8 is one embodiment of a rail attachment system.

[0048] FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of the embodiment of a rail attachment method shown in FIG. 8.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a top view of the slider apparatus of FIG. 1 with the rail removed to show a portion of the attachment system.

[0050] FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of one embodiment of an attachment system of the stabilizer tube of FIG. 4.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of a slider apparatus.

[0052] FIG. 13 is a top view of the slider apparatus of FIG. 12.

[0053] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a slider apparatus.

[0054] FIGS. 15-18 are side views of various embodiments of a slider apparatus.

[0055] FIG. 19 is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of a connection scheme for the various slider apparatus configurations of FIGS. 16-18.

[0056] FIG. 20 is a top view of the connection scheme of FIG. 19.

[0057] FIG. 21 is an enlarged isometric view of one embodiment of the attachment system of FIG. 11.

[0058] FIG. 22 is an enlarged isometric view of a second embodiment of an attachment system.

[0059] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a coupler ring.

[0060] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the coupler ring of FIG. 23.

[0061] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a coupler ring.

[0062] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the coupler ring of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a slider apparatus 10 floating on a body of water. The slider apparatus 10 includes an inflated, floatable support tube 8 that includes a main body tube 12 and end tube segments 18, which extend from the main body tube 12 into the body of water, stabilizer side tubes 14 attached to the support tube 8 on opposite sides of the support tube 8, and a rail system 16 attached to the support tube 8. The slider apparatus 10 is anchored in position on a body of water with anchor lines 20 attached to the end tube segments 18.

[0064] The support tube 8 including, e.g., the main body tube 12 and the end tube segments 18, can include a single air chamber or multiple air chambers separated by a wall or a portion of a wall. The air chambers can be in fluid communication with each other, sealed off from one another, and combinations thereof. The support tube can be inflated and deflated and can be made from any suitable material including, e.g., polyvinyl chloride, rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane, and combinations thereof, woven and nonwoven webs impregnated with polyvinyl chloride, rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

[0065] The main body tube 12 is cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the main body tube can be of a variety of shapes including, e.g., conical, frusto-conical, polygonal including, e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, and rhombohedral.

[0066] The end tube segments 18 are frusto-conical in shape and have a diameter that tapers along the axis 21 of the inflated tube 18 from the end of the end tube segment at the union between the main body tube 12 and the end tube segment 18, to the terminal end of the end tube segment 18. The axis 21 of the end tube segment 18 meets the axis 13 of the main tube segment 12 at an angle sufficient to cause the surface 19 of the end tube segment to extend at an angle to the surface 11 of the main body tube 12 and the water line 22. The angle can be sufficient to cause the apparatus to exert a force on the end tube segment 18 that forces the end tube segment 18 below the water line 22, which creates a preloaded buoyancy situation (i.e., the terminal end of the end segment is pushed into the water, which exerts a countering force on the main tube), and increases the apparatus' buoyancy and resistance to movement (i.e., increases the stability of the apparatus) when vertical and horizontal dynamic forces are applied to the apparatus while it floats on a body of water. For example, the water contacting surface of the main tube can extend at an angle of from 90° to less than 180° relative to the water contacting surface of an end tube segment. The frusto-conical shaped end tube segment 18 and relative tilt of the tube axis 13 and 21 provides a substantial transition angle for the rail system 16 towards the water line 22 and provides support to the rail 16 from the union of the end tube segment 18 and the main body tube 12 to the point the end tube segment 18 enters the water line 22. The terminal end 15 of the end tube segment 18 has a smaller diameter than the originating end 17 of the end tube segment 18 and is of a sufficient diameter to support the segment of the rail section 16 attached to the end tube segment 18.

[0067] The rail system 16 is positioned on the support tube 8 such that it extends beyond the turned down terminal end 15 of the end tube segment 18 and below the surface of the water 22. The slider apparatus can be constructed such that the rail system extends into the water to a depth sufficient to prevent a rider (i.e., a user of the slider apparatus) from hitting the end of the rail with the rider's wakeboard. The rail system 16 includes two tubular rails 34 maintained in parallel relation to one another and spaced apart from one another by spacers 26. The spacers 26 can be formed (e.g., molded) as a unitary member with the rails 34. Alternately, the spacers can be attached to the rails 34 through various mechanisms including, e.g., bolts, welds, adhesive compositions, and combinations thereof. The rail system 16 includes multiple rail sections 35 connected together by internal connectors 30 and locking buttons 32. A portion of the internal connector 30 passes into an opening in each of the tubular rails 34 and the locking buttons 32 spring through holes 33 in the rails 34 to maintain the rail sections 35 in locked relation with one another.

[0068] Other embodiments include rail systems of various configurations. FIG. 7, for example, illustrates an alternative embodiment of a rail system 36 in which a unitary structure includes two parallel rail portions 37 spaced apart from each other and partially defined by a recessed portion 39 in the unitary structure. The recessed portion 39 is contiguous with the two rail portions 37 and extends along the longitudinal extent of the rails in parallel with the rail portions 37. A portion of an internal connector 30 is locked in position in the rail portions 37 and another portion of the internal connector 30 extends from the rail portions 37 for connection with a second rail component. Openings (not shown) exist at intervals along the recessed portion 39 to enable the rail to be attached to the support tube 8. Alternatively, the mechanisms for attaching the rail system to the support tube can be placed on the exterior sides of the rail system.

[0069] In other embodiments, the rail system includes a single rail and can have a generally planar surface available for contact with a rider or the wakeboard.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a series of attachment mechanisms 28a and 28b for fastening the rail system 16 to the support tube 8 are located at spaced intervals along the length of the support tube 8. The apparatus can be constructed to include attachment mechanisms located at the top dead center (i.e., the position on the exterior surface of the tube that is 90° from the plane of a body of water on which the apparatus is floating) of the support tube. The attachment mechanism 28 includes a strap 27a that includes one end attached to the support tube 8 and one end attached to a buckle 38, and a strap 27b that includes one end attached to the support tube and one free end. The strap 27a wraps around a spacer 26 on the rail system. The strap 27b passes through the buckle 38 and is then tightened and locked in place by the buckle 38 to maintain the rail system 16 fixed in position against the support tube 8. The attachment mechanisms 28 can be positioned on either side of a union 42 between two sections of rail 35. The attachment mechanisms 28a and 28b can be positioned and configured on the main body tube 12 to apply a tensioning force towards the longitudinal center of the main body tube 12.

[0071] The straps 28 are attached to the support tube 8 by stitching 40. Alternatively, the straps can be attached to the tube using any suitable mechanism including, e.g., welds, adhesive compositions, and combinations thereof. The straps 28a and 28b can be constructed from any suitable material including, e.g., various woven and film constructions made from materials including, e.g., polypropylene, nylon, and combinations thereof.

[0072] Other embodiments can include any suitable mechanism for attaching the rail system 16 to the support tube 8 including, e.g., male and female connectors, ties, elastic cords, snaps, molded connecting devices, hook and loop, C-shaped connectors, and combinations thereof.

[0073] The side stabilizer tubes 14 of the slider apparatus 10 are positioned along the support tube 8 and on opposite sides of the support tube 8 to stabilize the slider apparatus 10. The stabilizer tubes 14 are attached to the main body tube 12 at positions that allow the water contacting surfaces of all three tubes 14 and 12 to reside in the same plane and to sit level on the surface of the body of water 22. The side stabilizer tubes 14 are cylindrical tubes that have air chambers that are separate from the support tube 8. The existence of separate air chambers enables the side stabilizer tubes 14 to function as an additional flotation device in the event that another tube becomes damaged (e.g., ruptures, becomes cut or punctured, or deflates), and provides ease of repair in the event that a stabilizer tube 14 is damaged. The diameter of the illustrated stabilizer tube is smaller than the diameter of the main body tube 12, however, the diameter of one or more of the stabilizer tubes 14 could be equal to or greater than the diameter of the main body tube 12. In other embodiments, an air chamber of a side stabilizer tube can be in fluid communication with an air chamber of the main body tube.

[0074] FIGS. 11 and 21 show a mechanism 45 for removably attaching a stabilizer tube 14 to the main body tube 12. The mechanism 45 includes two clevis mounts 44 located on opposite sides of the point of tangency 46 between the main body tube 12 and the side stabilizer tube 14. The clevis mounts 44 can be attached to the main body tube 12 and the stabilizer tube 14 using any mechanism that will provide a strong bond between the two substrates including, e.g., heat welding, radio frequency (RF) weld, adhesive composition, and combinations thereof. Multiple attachment mechanisms 45 are positioned along the length of the tubes 14 and 12. A fastener 48 (e.g., a pin or a bolt) is positioned through the openings of the components of the clevis mounts 44 to fix the position of the components of the clevis mounts 44 in relation to one another. The stabilizer tube 14 can be replaced by removing the fasteners 48 that hold the clevis mounts 44 together and then separating the stabilizer tube 14 from the main body tube 12.

[0075] In other embodiments, the coupling mechanism 49 includes a single clevis mount 44 attached to a first tube and a double clevis mount 50 attached to a second tube, as illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 22. The single clevis mount 44 sits inside the yoke formed by the two prongs of the double clevis mount 50. This construction further constrains the movement of the tubes in relation to one another. Other embodiments can include any suitable device capable of coupling the two tubes including, e.g., straps, rings (e.g., O-rings, D-rings, square rings, and rectangle rings), male-female connector pairs, and combinations thereof.

[0076] Other embodiments are within the claims. FIGS. 12, 13, and 15, for example, illustrate a slider apparatus 51 that includes an inflated support tube 53 that includes a main body tube 52, an end tube segment 54 extending at an angle to the main body tube 52 such that, if placed on a body of water, the end tube segment 54 would extend downward into a body of water, stabilizer side tubes 56, and a rail system 16. The apparatus 51 is anchored in position on the body of water using anchor lines 20 attached to the slider apparatus 51 at opposite ends 58 and 62 of the slider apparatus 51. The main body tube 52 is frusto-conical in shape and has a tube diameter that tapers along the axis 64 of the main body tube 52 from its exposed terminal end 58 to the union 60 of the main body tube 52 with the end tube segment 54. When the slider apparatus 51 floats on a body of water, the frusto-conical shape of the main body tube 52 forms a ramp, which elevates the rider of the apparatus. The end tube segment 54 of the support tube 52 is also frusto-conical in shape and has a tube diameter that tapers along the axis 66 of the tube 54 from the union 60 with the main body tube 52 to the terminal end 62 of the end tube segment 54. The end tube segment 54 extends at an angle from the main body tube 52. The angle can be selected to be sufficient to enable a portion of the end tube segment 54 to extend down into the body of water when the apparatus is positioned on a body of water.

[0077] FIG. 14 illustrates a slider apparatus 74 that includes a cylindrical support tube 76, stabilizer side tubes 78 (only one of which is shown) on opposite sides of the support tube 76, and a rail system 16. The diameter of the support tube 76 is relatively large, which provides a sliding surface that is elevated above the surface of the water 22 a relatively greater distance. Increasing the diameter of the main body tube 76 increases the elevation of the sliding surface relative to the surface of the body of water.

[0078] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate various embodiments of a slider apparatus. The illustrations do not include the coupling system and the rail system.

[0079] FIG. 16 illustrates a slider apparatus 80 that includes two support tubes 53 coupled together. The two support tubes 53 have frusto-conical shaped main body tubes that include arcuate ends 75 in facing relation with each other.

[0080] FIG. 17 illustrates a slider apparatus 82 that includes a support tube 53 that includes a frusto-conical shaped main body tube and a cylindrical support tube 76. The arcuate terminal ends 75 and 77 of the tubes 53 and 76 are in facing relation with each other.

[0081] FIG. 18 illustrates a slider apparatus 84 in which the arcuate ends 75a and 75b of support tubes 53a and 53b having frusto-conical shaped main body tubes are in facing relation with the arcuate ends 77 of a cylindrical support tube 76.

[0082] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a coupling system 90 for coupling two support tubes 92 of a slider apparatus together. The coupling system 90 includes a coupler ring 100, an attachment mechanism 103, and a rail coupler 106. The coupler ring 100 is positioned between the arcuate ends 112 of the two tubes 92 to provide a generally concave circular contact area between tube surface 112 and coupler surface 114 at a position along the arcuate tube surface 112 that is a distance from the central axis 116 of the tubes 92. The attachment straps 102, only one of which is shown, are located on opposite sides of the tubes 92 and are attached to the tubes with stitching 118. Alternatively, the straps can be attached to the tube using any suitable mechanism including, e.g., weld (e.g., RF weld and heat weld), adhesive compositions, and combinations thereof. The length of the strap 102 is adjusted by passing the strap through a buckle 104 mounted within the attachment strap 102 and pulling or easing the strap 102 as necessary to respectively tighten or loosen or release the straps. The length of the straps 102 on either side of the tubes 92 can be adjusted relative to one another to align the tubes 92 with each other. The coupling system 90, when tightened sufficiently can inhibit or prevent movement of the tubes 92 relative to one another.

[0083] The coupler ring 100 can be of a variety of shapes and dimensions but is preferably a continuous band. The arcuate surface of the end tube 112 and the surface of the coupler ring 114 can be constructed to maximize the area of contact between the arcuate surface of the tube end 112 and the coupler ring 114.

[0084] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a multifaceted coupler ring that is wedge shaped in its cross section. The wedge shape provides a maximum contact area between the coupler ring surface 114 and the spherical end surface 112 of a tube. The multifaceted coupler rings may include any number of facets to create sufficient contact area with the tubes being coupled thereby and may be of a variety of cross sectional shapes and surface area to maximize the tube contact area.

[0085] Other useful coupler ring configurations include, e.g., doughnut-shaped rings, polygonal-shaped articles and rings including, e.g., triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon and octagon, and rings having a cross section that defines a variety of shapes including, e.g., a circle, an ellipse, and an oval. FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate an embodiment of a coupler ring having a circular cross section.

[0086] The rail coupler 106 of the coupling system connects and maintains two sections of rail 16 together. The rail coupler 106 includes a section of a rail 120 and internal connectors 108 attached to and extending from opposite ends of the rail section 120. The internal connectors 108 have an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the rail 16 and are dimensioned to slide into the rail opening 122. As the internal connectors 108 of the rail coupler 106 are positioned within the rails 16 a locking button 110 positioned on the exterior of the internal connector 108 extends through an opening 124 in the rail 16 to lock the rail coupler 106 in position in the rail 16. The section of rail 120 includes a vector intersection (i.e., the joined ends are mitered) to transition the rail from one direction to another. In other embodiments, the section of rail 120 can be planar or exhibit varying degrees of curvature.

[0087] The slider apparatus can be held in position on a body of water through anchor lines, i.e., a line that is attached to an anchor (i.e., a weight). An anchor line can be attached to the slider apparatus through any suitable mechanism including, e.g., rings (e.g., O-rings, D-rings, square rings, and rectangle rings), loops, buckles, clips, snaps, and other mating devices.

[0088] In other embodiments, the end tube segments and the stabilizer tubes are of a variety of shapes including, e.g., conical, frusto-conical, polygonal including, e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, and rhombohedral.

Claims

1. A slider apparatus comprising:

an inflatable, floatable support tube comprising

a main body tube, and

an end tube segment extending from said main body tube, said end tube segment comprising a first end and a second end, the diameter of said first end of said end tube segment being greater than the diameter of said second end of said end tube segment;

a stabilizer tube attached to said support tube; and

a rail system attached to said support tube.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said end tube segment comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main body tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main body tube comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said end tube segment extends from said main body tube at an angle to said main body tube.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water contacting surface of said main tube is at an angle of from 90° to less than 180° relative to the water contacting surface of the end tube segment.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end tube segment extends down into the water when said apparatus is placed on a body of water.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said end tube segment comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and tapers from a greater diameter at the union of said end tube segment and said main body tube to a smaller diameter toward the terminal end of said end tube segment.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support tube comprises a second end tube segment extending from said main body tube.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said second end tube segment comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first end tube segment extends at an angle to said main body tube and said second end tube segment extends at an angle to said main body tube.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the water contacting surface of said main tube is at an angle of from 90° to less than 180° relative to the water contacting surface of the second end tube segment.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second end tube segment extends down into the water when said apparatus is placed on a body of water.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said main body tube comprises a cylindrical shape, said first end tube segment comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape, and said second end tube segment comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising a second stabilizer tube coupled to said support tube.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said first stabilizer tube and said second stabilizer tube are positioned on opposite sides of said support tube.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a second stabilizer tube coupled to said support tube.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said first stabilizer tube and said second stabilizer tube are positioned on opposite sides of said support tube.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when said apparatus is placed on a body of water, said rail system extends into the body of water.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rail system comprises a first rail and a second rail in parallel relation to said first rail.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, comprising spacers disposed between said first rail and said second rail.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rail system comprises a first rail section comprising two rails in parallel relation to each other, a second rail section comprising two rails in parallel relation to each other, and a coupler connecting said first rail section to said second rail section.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein a first end of said coupler is disposed in an opening in said first rail section and a second end of said coupler is disposed in an opening in said second rail section.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rail system comprises a first rail portion, a second rail portion in parallel relation to said first rail portion, and a third portion disposed between said first rail portion and said second rail portion and contiguous with said first rail portion and said second rail portion along the longitudinal extent of said rail system.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said rail system comprises openings in said third portion of said rail system.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, comprising attachment mechanisms attached to said support tube, wherein said attachment mechanisms extend through said openings in said third portion to maintain said rail system on said support tube.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising attachment mechanisms attached to said support tube, wherein said attachment mechanisms maintain said rail system on said support tube.

28. The apparatus of claim 22, comprising attachment mechanisms attached to said support tube, wherein said attachment mechanisms extend around said spacers.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rail system comprises metal.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rail system comprises polymer.

31. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a second inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to said first inflatable support tube

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said second support tube comprises a main body tube comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said second support tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said second support tube comprises an end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said main body tube of said first support tube comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and said end tube segment of said first support tube comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

36. The apparatus of claim 31, comprising a third inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to said second support tube.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said second support tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said third support tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said third support tube comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said third support tube comprises a main body tube comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

41. The apparatus of claim 31, comprising a,coupler ring disposed between said first support tube and said second support tube.

42. The apparatus of claim 36, comprising a first coupler ring disposed between said first support tube and said second support tube, and a second coupler ring disposed between said second support tube and said third support tube.

43. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said coupler ring comprises polymer.

44. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said coupler ring comprises foam.

45. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a first attachment mechanism attached to said first stabilizer tube and a second attachment mechanism attached to said support tube, said first stabilizer tube being attached to said support tube through said first and second attachment mechanisms.

46. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a first clevis mount attached to said first stabilizer tube and a second clevis mount attached to said support tube, said first stabilizer tube being coupled to said support tube through said clevis mounts.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein at least one of said first clevis mount and said second clevis mount is a double clevis mount.

48. A slider apparatus comprising:

an inflatable, floatable support tube;

a stabilizer tube attached to said support tube; and

a rail system attached to said support tube.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said support tube comprises a main body tube.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said main body tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said main body tube comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said support tube comprises a main body tube and an end tube segment extending from said main body tube at an angle to said main body tube.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein said end tube segment comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

54. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said support tube comprises a main body tube, and wherein the average diameter of said first stabilizer tube is less than the average diameter of said main body tube.

55. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the average diameter of said stabilizer tube is less than the average diameter of said main body tube.

56. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said stabilizer tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said stabilizer tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

58. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein said stabilizer tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

59. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said rail system comprises a first rail section, a second rail section, and a rail coupler connecting said first rail section to said second rail section.

60. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said rail system comprises a first rail, a second rail in parallel relation to said first rail, and a spacer disposed between said first rail and said second rail.

61. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said rail system comprises a first rail portion, a second rail portion in parallel relation to said first rail portion, and a third portion disposed between said first rail portion and said second rail portion and contiguous with said first rail portion and said second rail portion along the longitudinal extent of said rail system.

62. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said stabilizer tube is attached to said support tube through a clevis mount.

63. The apparatus of claim 48, comprising a second inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to said first support tube

64. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein said second support tube comprises a main body tube comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said first support tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said second support tube comprises an end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

67. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein said first inflatable support tube comprises a main body tube comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

68. The apparatus of claim 63, comprising a third inflatable, floatable support tube coupled to said first support tube.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said first inflatable floatable support tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said third inflatable floatable support tube comprises a cylindrical shape.

71. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said third inflatable floatable support tube comprises a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

72. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said third inflatable floatable support tube comprises a main body tube comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein said second inflatable floatable support tube comprises a main body tube comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and an end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape.

74. The apparatus of claim 63, comprising a coupler ring disposed between said first support tube and said second support tube.

75. The apparatus of claim 68, comprising a first coupler ring disposed between said first support tube and said second support tube, and a second coupler ring disposed between said second support tube and said third support tube.

76. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said stabilizer tube is in fluid communication with said support tube.

77. The apparatus of claim 48, comprising a second stabilizer tube attached to said support tube.

78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein said first stabilizer tube is attached to a first side of said support tube and said second stabilizer tube is attached to a second side of said support tube opposite said first side of said support tube.

79. A slider apparatus comprising:

a support tube comprising

a main body tube comprising a cylindrical shape, and

an end tube segment extending from said main body tube, said end tube segment comprising a conical shape or a frusto-conical shape and terminating in an end having a diameter less than the diameter of said main body tube; and

a rail system attached to said support tube.

80. A slider apparatus comprising:

a floatable support tube comprising

a main body tube, and

an end tube segment extending from said main body tube, said end tube segment comprising a first end and a second end, the diameter of said first end of said end tube segment being greater than the diameter of said second end of said end tube segment;

a stabilizer tube attached to said support tube; and

a rail system attached to said support tube.

81. A method of using the slider apparatus of claim 1, said method comprising riding a water sport implement along at least a portion of said rail of said slider apparatus.