Abstract: A spacecraft coupling system includes a locking component that can be deformed and placed into a stable state that locks one component into a mating component, and can easily be released from the deformed state, decoupling the two components. The locking component may include a central ring, a plurality of leaf elements arranged at the perimeter of the locking component, and a plurality of fins that extend outward from the ring to the plurality of leaf elements. A rotation of the ring element while the component is held stationary causes the fins to urge the leaf elements toward the receiving surface areas and to subsequently tension the leaf elements against surfaces on the mating component. To reduce cost and complexity, the locking component comprises a metal, such as titanium, that can be formed using an additive manufacturing process, commonly termed a 3-D printing process.

Abstract: A system for automated rendezvous, docking, and capture of autonomous underwater vehicles at the conclusion of a mission comprising of comprised of a docking rod having lighted, pulsating (in both frequency and light intensity) series of LED light strips thereon, with the LEDs at a known spacing, and the autonomous underwater vehicle specially designed to detect and capture the docking rod and then be lifted structurally by a spherical end strop about which the vehicle can be pivoted and hoisted up (e.g., onto a ship). The method of recovery allows for very routine and reliable automated recovery of an unmanned underwater asset.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea structural connector (20) used in the offshore oil and gas industry for remotely joining elements of production and drilling vessel mooring systems and other subsea equipment. This invention relates to a connection mechanism that facilitates automatic latching of two components (1, 2) upon engagement, and then remotely controlled actuation of a device that secures the connection. Specifically, this invention relates to a securing mechanism that creates residual stress between the connected components (1, 2) such that the connector (20) can withstand high variable axial, shear, torsional and bending loads while minimizing the propensity for fatigue damage within the mechanism.

Abstract: Two watercraft are connected together using a hinge system. A knuckle in one watercraft is placed in a corresponding space therefore in a second watercraft. Similarly, a buttress in the second watercraft is placed in a corresponding space in the first watercraft. An axle is placed within the buttresses as well as within the knuckle to attach the hinge device to attach the two watercraft together. This axle is also attached to a rear transom and to a forward bow connector. A second axle adds further rigidity to the system as it attached through a first watercraft passageway to both the transom and to the bow connector.

Abstract: A modular construction system includes a first component having multiple faces arranged into a three dimensional structure, each face having receptacles. The system includes a second component having posts formed to fit within the receptacles. Electrical contacts on each post propagate electrical signals to analytical logic that determines if each post has made electrical contact with a corresponding receptacle. Each post also includes an expansive element to create mechanical engagement with the corresponding receptacle. The analytical logic generates a signal external to the second component indicative of the mechanical engagement.

Abstract: A remotely actuated fill and release device and deployment method can include a disc manifold having an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer circumferential surface. A fill passageway in the fill manifold can extend radially inward from the outer circumferential surface and can merge into a conical chamber, which can also be formed in disc manifold. The conical chamber can be formed with a maximum diameter proximate the upper surface and a minimum diameter proximate said lower surface. A release nose can be inserted into said conical chamber and fill bladder can be attached to the release nose. A FRANGIBOLT® can extend through the disc manifold and can be threaded into the release nose. A voltage can be selectively applied to the FRANGIBOLT®, which can fracture in response to the voltage, to selectively detach the release nose and fill bladder from the disc manifold without moving parts.

Abstract: An improved barge system comprises a barge with a connecting system built into the barge. The connecting system includes several recessed areas about the periphery of the barge with upper and lower rails about the peripheral edges of the barge. A vertical post having a lower connecting member and an upper connecting member is attached within the recessed area for rotation into position to connect the upper and lower connecting members to adjacent upper and lower rails on the adjacent barges. Wedge blocks attached outwardly on adjacent rails each receive a wedge in the gap between the respective wedge block and a connecting member. Spacer blocks improve parallel alignment of the connected barges.

Abstract: An engagement apparatus for use in the deployment and recovery of a marine craft from a mother ship comprises a receptacle provided on one of the marine craft and the mother ship and an engagement probe provided on the other of the marine craft and the mother ship. The receptacle has a number of spaced channels which receive the engagement probe, engagement between the probe and the channels facilitating alignment between the marine craft and the mother ship. A locking device is also provided to secure the probe to the receptacle to secure the marine craft to the mother ship for recovery. The locking device may be activated by full engagement between the probe and the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line in a towing station, remote from a parent ship. The towing station may be attached to the parent ship via a tow line. The line capturing device is an actuated catch that includes a hook assembly that is moveable between a release mode and a retrieval and holding mode. The actuated catch also includes a spring biased retaining catch that prevents a captured line from being inadvertently released.

Abstract: Marine or underwater vehicle designed to be secured to a recovery cable includes contactless elements (6) for detecting the recovery cable (2), the element being capable of guiding the vehicle (1) towards the cable (2) and elements (7) situated at one end (3b) of the vehicle (1) for coupling the cable (2).

Abstract: A tow body and associated method have an acoustic projector that can be rotated about a vertical plane while the tow body is being towed through the water. In some embodiments, the tow body and method allow the tow body to be coupled to a tow cable while the tow cable is being towed through the water and under tension.

Abstract: A connection system comprises a first latching (5) element mountable on or to a first body (3) and a second latching element (6) mountable on or to a second body (4), and means for drawing the first latching element and second latching element together to facilitate connection of the first body to the second body, said drawing means comprising a buoyant winching system (2). A connection method for connecting a first body carrying a first latching element to a second body carrying a second latching element, comprises the steps of connecting a winch line (11) from a buoyant winching system comprising a winch, through the first latching element to a tether line attached to the second latching element and operating the winch to draw the first and second latching element together to connect the first body to the second body wherein the connection of the winch line to the tether line is carried out without tension in the winch line.

Abstract: A method and vessel for shipping hazardous chemicals, includes an articulated tug barge having a plurality of holds substantially filled with containers or tanks of hazardous chemicals, each container, or tank, being associated with an ISO frame, and the holds include a plurality of cofferdam bulkheads.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a rope tender is rotatably affixed to the center pull on the tower to carry the rope over wakeboard racks. The rope tender is clamped to the center pull on the tower by a clamp. The rope is then pulled through an end loop on the rope tender and attached to the center pull on the tower. In one embodiment, the rope tender is looped one or more times in the middle to achieve a flexible, spring effect for the rope tender. The rope may also be pulled through the middle loop for support.

Abstract: A marine seismic system having a tow vessel; a first tow member connected to the tow vessel; a second tow member connected to the tow vessel; a first distance member having a first end connected to the first tow member and a second end connected to the second tow member; and a first attachment device connecting the first end to the first tow member, the first attachment member operational between an engaged position securing the first end of the distance member in a fixed position relative to the first tow member and a disengaged position permitting the first attachment device to move along a portion of the first tow member.

Abstract: An engagement apparatus for use in the deployment and recovery of a marine craft from a mother ship comprises a receptacle provided on one of the marine craft and the mother ship and an engagement probe provided on the other of the marine craft and the mother ship. The receptacle has a number of spaced channels which receive the engagement probe, engagement between the probe and the channels facilitating alignment between the marine craft and the mother ship. A locking device is also provided to secure the probe to the receptacle to secure the marine craft to the mother ship for recovery. The locking device may be activated by full engagement between the probe and the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a life vessel from water and drawing the life vessel onto a deck of a rescue vessels comprises a life vessel system comprising: i) a tow-line comprising a first end portion secured to the life vessel and an opposed second end portion; and ii) a deployment system configured to deploy the second end portion of the tow-line into the water. The system further comprises a rescue vessel system comprising i) a towing device on the rescue vessel, the towing device configured to receive the second end portion of the tow-line and retract the tow-line to draw the life vessel towards the rescue vessel; and ii) a retrieval assembly assembled to the deck of the rescue vessel, the retrieval assembly configured to receive the life vessel as the life vessel is drawn towards the rescue vessel and to lift the rescue vessel onto the deck.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a pushboat to a barge having a notch in its stern for receiving the bow of pushboat. The pushboat has three coupler units, two on the opposite sides and one at the bow end, each of which has an extensible and retractable connecting pin. The side connecting pin has hemi-spherical part at its outer end part which comes into tight contact with the similar hemi-spherical part of the holes in side socket on the side wall of the notch when it is extended out and inserted into the hole for connection. The bow connecting pin has wedge-shaped end which engages with the teeth of the center rack located in the barge's centerline at the deepest point of the notch when it is extended out for connection. The motions of connecting pins are remotely controlled from a control panel located in the navigation bridge.

Abstract: A vessel hull robot navigation subsystem and method for a robot including a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot outputs data combining robot and vessel motion. A memory onboard the robot includes data concerning the configuration of the hull and a desired path of travel for the robot. A fix subsystem communicates position fix data to the robot. A navigation processor onboard the robot is responsive to the memory data, the sensor subsystem, the position fix data, and the data concerning vessel motion. The navigation processor is configured to determine the position of the robot on the hull by canceling, form the sensor subsystem output data combining both robot and vessel motion, the determined vessel motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating station, attached to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe and the floating station includes an opening for receiving the probe therein. The floating station includes a fuel-delivering arrangement for feeding fuel from the parent ship to the water vessel.

Abstract: A method for transporting. Multiple vessels are provided, each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination. One or more of the vessels is disconnected from the ship.

Abstract: A sectional barge assembly and a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The hydraulic thruster apparatus includes a hydraulic power unit and a thruster unit. The hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unit includes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the hydraulic motor to provide a thrust force that acts to move the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assembly includes a plurality of barges interconnected by connector devices that are also used to interconnect the thruster unit to the sectional barge assembly. Further, a hydraulic connection panel is mounted on the thruster unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic connectors which allow a plurality of hydraulic lines to be removably connectable thereto, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tug-barge offshore cargo transport device and method, comprised of two separate elements which are removably attached: a barge and a tug boat. The barge includes a bow shaped to cut through and deflect waves, a rectangular cargo deck protected by a bulwark, compartments below the cargo deck, means for maneuvering the barge, and means at the stern of the barge for removably attaching the barge to a tug boat. The tug boat includes means at the bow to removably attach to the barge, and means to control the means for maneuvering the barge from the tug boat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a fueling block, connected to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be a manned or an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe for securing the water vessel to the fueling block and also for receiving fuel from the parent ship at the fueling block. The fueling block includes an opening for receiving the probe therein.

Abstract: An improved barge system comprises a barge with a connecting system built into the barge. The connecting system includes several recessed areas about the periphery of the barge with upper and lower tubes about the peripheral edges of the barge. A connecting system with a vertical post having a lower connecting member and an upper connecting member is attached within each recessed area. The vertical post and upper connecting member are separated hinged within the recess for rotation into position to connect an adjacent barge by connecting the upper and lower connecting members to adjacent upper and lower tubes on the adjacent barges. An adjustable hinge and wedged lower end of the connecting member is provided for alignment of the upper connecting member with the vertical post. A liner on the upper connecting member provides load absorption and noise abatement, and torsion bars on the barge provide structural control.

Abstract: A system for connecting an auxiliary craft and a mother ship includes a cable suspended from the mother ship, a cable tensioner, a mother-ship coupler that is slideably engaged to the cable, a fixture that depends from the auxiliary craft, and an auxiliary-craft coupler. The auxiliary craft is maneuvered to engage the cable. Once engaged, the cable tensioner tensions the cable, thereby maintaining the auxiliary craft in position next to the mother ship. As the cable is tensioned, the auxiliary-craft coupler axially aligns to the mother-ship coupler. After axial alignment, the mother-ship coupler is released to slide into mating engagement with the auxiliary-craft coupler. Mated couplers enable bi-directional electrical or optical communications as well as the transfer of power, fuel or other fluids from the mother ship to the auxiliary craft.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a watercraft to approach the sailing vessel and secures itself to one side of the sailing vessel's hull. Preferably, a second watercraft is secured to the other side of the vessel's hull. At least one of the watercrafts is then operated to direct propulsion thrust to yaw the vessel in a desired direction. Preferably still, the first and second watercrafts are each secured respectively to the right and left sides of the vessel's hull proximate to the stem or bow end. The first (right side) watercraft then operates a fluid propulsion which thrust is directed away from the vessel's right side while the second (left side) watercraft's propulsion is on standby. As a result, the vessel is turned rightward or clockwise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a surface water vessel to a floating station. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, and the floating station may be attached to a larger parent ship. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a forwardly projecting elongated probe and the floating station includes a receiver having a receiver opening for receiving the elongated probe therein. The elongated probe includes a spherical tip having a circumferential groove. The receiver includes movable spheres that are moved into engagement with the circumferential groove, thereby locking the probe within the receiver. This locking arrangement secures the surface water vessel to the floating station.

Abstract: A multiple unit surface effect vehicle movable through an aquatic environment is provided including connected units and lift fans. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle may further include a coupling system and/or a plurality of skirt portions connecting one of the connected units with another of the connected units. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle includes the connected units connected to form a continuous movable unit movable in an aquatic environment. Each connected unit includes a forced air containment chamber defined within each of the connected units. The forced air containment chambers of each of the connected units are connected to form a continuous pressurized air cushion. The lift fans force air into the forced air containment chamber to pressurize the continuous pressurized air cushion.

Abstract: An end effector operatively coupled to an extendable tensile element extended from a first vehicle engages a primary receptacle of a second vehicle. The first and second vehicles are drawn together by retracting the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle until contact therebetween, after which roll axes of the first and second vehicles become substantially aligned responsive to a further retraction of the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle and a resulting tension in the extendable tensile element. At least one alignment post of at least one of the first and second vehicles engages with at least one surface of at least one corresponding secondary receptacle so as to at least substantially align the first and second vehicles in roll responsive to the tension in the extendable tensile element.

Abstract: A connection system comprises a first latching (5) element mountable on or to a first body (3) and a second latching element (6) mountable on or to a second body (4), and means for drawing the first latching element and second latching element together to facilitate connection of the first body to the second body, said drawing means comprising a buoyant winching system (2). A connection method for connecting a first body carrying a first latching element to a second body carrying a second latching element, comprises the steps of connecting a winch line (11) from a buoyant winching system comprising a winch, through the first latching element to a tether line attached to the second latching element and operating the winch to draw the first and second latching elements together to connect the first body to the second body wherein the connection of the winch line to the tether line is carried out without tension in the winch line.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a pushboat to a barge having a notch in its stern for receiving the bow of pushboat. The pushboat has three coupler units, two on the opposite sides and one at the bow end, each of which h an extensible and retractable connecting pin. The side connecting pin has hemi-spherical part at its outer end part which comes into tight contact with the similar hemi-spherical part of the holes in side socket on the side wall of the notch when it is extended out and inserted into the hole for connection. The bow connecting pin has wedge-shaped end which engages with the teeth of the center rack located in the barge's centerline at the deepest point of the notch when it is extended out for connection. The motions of connecting pins are remotely controlled from a control panel located in the navigation bridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seismic cable is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of cable segments comprising at least a first cable segment and a second cable segment coupled by a connector. The connector comprises a cylindrical body having a first diameter, a portion of the body having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and centrally positioned between opposing ends of the body, a first coupling section having a terminating end of the first cable segment anchored therein, and a second coupling section having a terminating end of the second cable segment anchored therein, at least a portion of the first and second coupling sections being rotatably coupled to respective ends of the body, wherein the connector isolates the first cable segment from the second cable segment. A method of deployment and retrieval of the seismic cable is also described.

Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing maneuverability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be maneuvered through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: An automatically aligned docking system, comprises a multi-point kinematic rigidization system that provides precise, repeatable rotational alignment at the spacecraft-docking interface without over-constraining the interface.

Abstract: A ship and associated methods of formation with vessels having connectable hulls. In an example embodiment, a method of operating a ship includes providing a plurality of vessels over water, each comprising at least two spaced-apart hull sections defining a cavity when the vessel is afloat. Each hull section on each vessel is configurable as a portion of a coupling mechanism with fore and aft portions of each hull section reduced in width relative to intermediate hull section portions. Pairs of hull section fore portions may be lapped with and connected to pairs of hull section aft portions on different vessels to form complete coupling mechanisms which connect vessels to one another. Accordingly, the plurality of vessels can form a single assembly and power can be transferred between vessels to move the vessels through water in a tandem arrangement.

Abstract: A multiple unit surface effect vehicle movable through an aquatic environment is provided including connected units and lift fans. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle may further include a coupling system and/or a plurality of skirt portions connecting one of the connected units with another of the connected units. The multiple unit surface effect vehicle includes the connected units connected to form a continuous movable unit movable in an aquatic environment. Each connected unit includes a forced air containment chamber defined within each of the connected units. The forced air containment chambers of each of the connected units are connected to form a continuous pressurized air cushion. The lift fans force air into the forced air containment chamber to pressurize the continuous pressurized air cushion.

Abstract: A depressor for towed hydrophone arrays is contemplated having a remotely controllable tow point to allow array depth to be modified without requiring manual reconfiguration. The tow cable is attached to the depressor in an adjustable manner also providing improved depth control precision.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment and recovery of an underwater vehicle can be introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. The apparatus has a moveable tube provided with an insertion/extraction device at one of its ends. The device is in the form of a tube or of a ring in a retracted state and in the form of a funnel in an extended state. There is also disclosed a method for deployment and a method for recovery of an underwater vehicle by way of the above-mentioned apparatus that is introduced into a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle. Additionally, there is disclosed a method for docking an underwater vehicle at a recovery tube of an underwater recovery vehicle provided with the above-mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a universally adaptable, collapsible, adjustable boom designed for selective attachment and detachment to any configuration of a boat tower, and which provides multiple support points to counteract the downward force exerted by a water sport participant. Attachment and detachment of the boom is efficiently accomplished with the use of adjustable clamps and lynch pins, and the boom further secured by a cabling system.

Abstract: A marine seismic system having a tow vessel; a first tow member connected to the tow vessel; a second tow member connected to the tow vessel; a first distance member having a first end connected to the first tow member and a second end connected to the second tow member; and a first attachment device connecting the first end to the first tow member, the first attachment member operational between an engaged position securing the first end of the distance member in a fixed position relative to the first tow member and a disengaged position permitting the first attachment device to move along a portion of the first tow member.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a pair of watercraft to approach said sailing vessel, providing a tow rope to be secured at one end to first watercraft and the other end to second watercraft. The tow rope is brought to extend between the first and second watercrafts over the hull of said sailing vessel. The first watercraft is then secured to one side of said sailing vessel's hull, while second watercraft pulls the tow rope away from the direction of sailing on the other side of said vessel's hull. In an alternative embodiment, the tow rope end held by the first watercraft may be secured directly to the vessel's hull, thus freeing the first watercraft to evacuate crew from the vessel to a safer distance.

Abstract: Sub-ordinate and host maritime vessels are connected to each other by a tow loop trailed by the host vessel through a capture frame which engages the sub-ordinate vessel. The capture frame acts to engage the sub-ordinate vessel in the transitional coordinate space shared jointly between the sub-ordinate and host vessels, which vessels can be either or both surface-going, submersible, and/or non-surface vessels. The capture frame possess features which allow it to disengage from the host vessel while remaining semi-related and recoverable by a linkage of one or more tensioned lines to the host vessel during the time that its tow loop is connected to the sub-ordinate vessel.

Abstract: An improved barge system comprises a barge with a connecting system built into the barge. The connecting system includes several recessed areas about the periphery of the barge with upper and lower tubes about the peripheral edges of the barge. A connecting system with a vertical post having a lower connecting member and an upper connecting member is attached within each recessed area. The vertical post and upper connecting member are separated hinged within the recess for rotation into position to connect an adjacent barge by connecting the upper and lower connecting members to adjacent upper and lower tubes on the adjacent barges. An adjustable hinge and wedged lower end of the connecting member is provided for alignment of the upper connecting member with the vertical post. A liner on the upper connecting member provides load absorption and noise abatement, and torsion bars on the barge provide structural control.

Abstract: A ship and associated methods of formation and operation. In an example embodiment, a ship comprises a vessel for attachment to a second vessel. The vessel may comprise a catamaran hull including first and second parallel sides extending from a fore portion of the vessel to an aft portion of the vessel and defining a cavity when the vessel is afloat and a deck may be formed above the hull. A first connection component may be positioned along the fore portion and a second connection component may be positioned along the aft portion, the second component being of a connectable design, such that when a like second component is formed on another vessel, the like second component can be joined with the first component to effect a connection between the two vessels. A seal may be provided along the first component, positioned to sustain air pressure within the cavity when the like second component formed on the other vessel is joined to the first component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the handling, the attaching to a drag line and the putting to sea of a submersible craft, dragged by a surface vessel. The invention includes a system for automatically attaching and handling submersible craft towed by a tow line, comprising an automatic attaching device for carrying out the mechanical attaching of the submersible craft to the drag line and the linking of the submersible craft to the structure conveying the signals and the energy in this same line. The system according to the invention also includes an automatic device for handling the submersible craft, on which device the submersible craft is positioned when it is not attached to the drag line and from which it is separated after attachment, and which makes it possible to automatically position the submersible craft with respect to the drag line in such a way that the attaching and detaching can likewise be done automatically.

Abstract: A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.

Abstract: A hitching device permits towing a cargo transport device behind a kayak. The cargo transport device comprises a watertight container and a connection member extending along a longitudinal axis between the container and the watercraft. The connection member includes a swivel such that the container and watercraft on opposite sides of the swivel are freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to one another. This free pivoting allows relative rotation between the container and watercraft such that each can react to outside forces, for example those exerted by waves, independently. As a result, rolling of the container does not tend to induce rolling of the watercraft and so the ride quality of the watercraft is not significantly reduced by the hitching device.

Abstract: An aquatic recreational device is configured for towing with a towline and has a rider-support structure for supporting a rider during travel in water. The device has a hook for releasably retaining the towline, the hook being movable between a first position, in which the hook is oriented to be substantially within the rider-support structure, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the hook is located exterior of the rider-support structure for engaging the towline.

Abstract: An aquatic recreational device is configured for towing with a towline and has a rider-support structure for supporting a rider during travel in water. The device has a hook for releasably retaining the towline, the hook being movable between a first position, in which the hook is oriented to be substantially within the rider-support structure, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the hook is located exterior of the rider-support structure for engaging the towline.