Abstract: A collapsible, inexpensive and lightweight vehicle powered by an engine for movement over frozen bodies of water. In one embodiment, an internal combustion engine, a kayak and a drive system assembly comprising detachable studded wheels is detachably connected to a collapsible chassis. The vehicle provides transport across frozen bodies of water and the kayak provides buoyancy sufficient to support the vehicle and a passenger should the ice collapse underneath the vehicle. The vehicle thus provides fast, convenient and safe transport across frozen bodies of water.

Abstract: A watercraft has a fan propeller, a motor coupled to the fan propeller, an inflatable hull including a first inflatable member and a second inflatable member, and a platform, which is positioned between the first and second inflatable members and coupled to a base of the fan propeller. The motor powers the fan propeller and thereby propels the inflatable hull in a forward direction. The watercraft is suitable for use in varying water environments including white water, open sea water, ice, snow, and shallow water.

Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: The forced air cavity and control system for watercraft provides a source of compressed air against the hull, the compressed air being distributed via a pivotally adjustable air scoop mounted proximate the front of the boat, to which is connected a series of conduits (air passageways) leading downwardly from the housing. The conduits exit at openings in a V-shaped step in the hull of the watercraft to emit high pressure air against the hull to thereby reduce friction caused by hull contact with the water. A hydraulic ram operably connected to the air scoop provides a means of pivotal adjustment. A plurality of ice runners is provided on the bottom of the watercraft to increase stability of control under reduced water friction conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in arctic environments, the vehicle comprising a hull for accommodating people, and a pair of rotatable propulsion screws connected to the hull for propelling the vehicle on water, ice, snow and land. Each propulsion screw comprises a shaft having at least one blade helically disposed therearound.

Abstract: For reducing drag, the velocity of a tacking sailing vessel is increased by isolating the supporting member of the ballast bulb from the sea stream by a jacketing hollow rotatable fin.

Abstract: A ski is disclosed for efficiently sailing on snow or ice. The ski has greater thickness than a conventional downhill ski. The substantially triangular shape of the cross-section of the ski is longitudinally constant so as to generate simultaneously both lift and lateral forces with minimum drag. The surface of the ski in contact with the snow or ice is made from or treated with a low friction material. The ski has a longitudinally upward concave curvature to facilitate turning. The ski tip is formed with deadrise like the bow of a boat or, in the alternative, may be a thin shovel like the tip of a conventional ski. The ski incorporates an edge or blade extending downwardly below the central part of the ski to enhance the lateral to drag force ratio on ice.

Abstract: An amphibious craft having a plurality of independent surface engaging elements each one of which provides a load bearing function when in contact with a support surface.

Abstract: A sled apparatus for transportation and storage of equipment has a lower housing. There is an equipment chamber in the lower housing. A first runner and a second runner are connected to the lower housing. These runners are preferably an integral part of the lower housing and may be molded as one part. The runners could have small chambers of their own to store equipment. There is also a storage platform connected to the lower housing. A first outrigger runner and a second outrigger runner are connected to the storage platform. There is at least one bucket retaining pod and at least one long item retaining port in the storage platform. There is also at least one short item retaining port in the storage platform. An auger retaining platform is connected to the lower housing. There is an auger retaining member removably connected to the auger retaining platform. There is at least one towing port on the auger retaining platform and a towing member is attached to the towing ports.

Abstract: A vehicle designed as a dual function ice and water craft having an improved aerodynamic floatable hull supportable on a tripod of ice skate-like blades which also function as stabilizers when the craft is used in water. Aerodynamically designed side pylons serve both as flotation devices and as energy absorbing crush pads for improved safety in case of a crash. A pittman type steering mechanism is provided for improved control of the front steering/rudder blade. A front and rear stabilizer is used to provide a unique control for an ice craft and bow control for a water craft.

Abstract: An iceboat includes a hull and a perpendicular extending plank attached to the rear end of the hull. Side struts extend from outer ends of the plank to the forward portion of the hull. A mast is mounted on each side strut at a position rearward of the occupant cockpit in the hull and supports a sail. Skates are attached to the front end of the hull and to the outer ends of the plank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sheeting a sail of a sailing vessel having the sail rotatably attached to a mast mounted on a vessel body. The apparatus includes a main sheet line wherein opposite ends of the main sheet line are attached to the rotating portion of the sail. The main sheet line is received around pulleys mounted on opposite sides of the vessel or on a lateral beam extending outwardly from the vessel body. One end of a secondary sheet line is attached to the main sheet line at the center of the vessel when the sail is fully sheeted in. The secondary sheet line is laterally constrained by the centering pulleys yet may freely run between the pulleys. The secondary sheet line extends from the centering pulleys and around a forward pulley to the vessel skipper. By pulling the single secondary sheet line, the skipper can operate the main sheet line and sheet the sail.

Abstract: A wind powered vehicle including an operator platform having tilting and stationary sections coupled together via a plurality of hanger bearings and a longitudinal pivot axle. The platform section tilts with foot pressure applied at a stirrup to direct a forward steering assembly. The stationary platform section includes a resilient suspension and supports an opposite foot of the operator. The forward steering assembly provides a tilting, center biased steering turntable and axle. Adjustable axle bearing collar support and shock absorbers support forward and aft pairs of skis, wheels or runners which are tilted at opposite caster angles. The steering assembly, hanger bearings, cable truss supports and a sail coupler are each longitudinally adjustable along the length of the platform. In alternative configurations, wheels are mounted to the fore and aft axles; the platform includes spray guards; or the vehicle is constructed with water skis and the platform is constructed to provide flotation.

Abstract: A sailboard for sailing on snow or ice with a conventional articulated hand held sail mounted on the sailboard. Two runners underneath the sailboard are located to provide balanced gliding and to permit the sailboard to be rolled laterally on the outermost portion of the runners. Each runner glides longitudinally and has low resistance to lateral slippage. However, the rear of each runner is shaped to resist lateral slippage. A blade is provided on the runner for sailing on ice. As the sailboard pitches fore and aft, the blade pivots to remain flat on the ice.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vehicle, for use on water and on ice, and having a hull with a generally flat floor, and flotation chambers around the floor, a low friction panel of protective material attachable to the underside of the hull, a frame adapted to be attached to the hull located above the rearward end of the hull and defining an open space forwardly of the frame, a motor supported by the frame and an air propulsion device connected to the motor to create forward thrust, a seat in the open space, and, a guide device mounted on the frame and being moveable from side to side to guide movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: Foam is sandwiched between baffles and two sheets of low friction enameled aluminum. The aluminum is bent to form waterproof seams between the sheets along the top edge and small runners along the bottom sheet. The body of the sled is shoulder width and narrow in depth to permit easy and rapid manual propulsion over ice and in water. All seams are riveted together, a top edge seam is a waterproof standing seam and the others are silicone treated for waterproofing. Side handles are secured to the body for carrying the sled. A hand-held combination ice grab and water paddle is secured to each side rail for propelling the sled. A front grasping rail is secured by protrusions from the front of the sled for the rescue. A harness cord with a snap hook at both ends is secured to the protrusions for harnessing the victim to the sled if necessary. A long tow line is attached to a rear hook.

Abstract: A sailboat, adaptable to use in water, on land and on ice or snow, having a longitudinal beam support extending outwardly in front of the bow and engageable with the bow of the hull structure. The hull structure also having a mounted airfoil support member extending transversely across the aft portion of the sailboat. The longitudinal beam support and the airfoil support member being adaptable to a skate element mounted on the outer reaches of the support members and/or to the mounting thereon of wheel elements that provides the vessel with a means of locomotion. The support members being braced or tensioned at the outer reaches thereof by guy wires extending therebetween to orient and align the support members and brace same in relation to the hull structure of the sailboat. The hull structure also has a keel housing member integral therewith, a centerboard keel member being slidably disposed within the keel housing member.

Abstract: An amphibious boat hull is disclosed having at least three co-extensive, longitudinally disposed hull sections in which at least two sections, in a projected condition, have sufficient buoyancy to support the overall boat independently of the third hull section when the boat is moored or underway.

Abstract: An ice fishing transport for transporting ice fishing equipment and supplies to and from an ice fishing site, in which the ice fishing equipment and supplies are stored within one or more containers, includes a substantially flat bottom surface for supporting the containers during transportation, and a top surface spaced from and connected to the bottom surface. The top surface is provided with retainer means, such as openings, adapted to receive the containers for maintaining the containers in position on the bottom surface during transportation. A compartment is provided in one end of a transport for housing additional ice fishing supplies.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable amphibious craft useful for transportation over rotten ice, slush, snow, swamps, mud, short spans of lowland, rough seas, ships wakes, growlers and the like.

Abstract: A kit for use alone as an iceboat or for easy mounting on a canoe to convert the canoe to a sailboat, includes a light-weight, rectangular frame with a front crossbar for receiving a mast, a rear crossbar for supporting a seat and a rear ice runner, and a pair of arms which can be folded against the frame or extended outwardly from the front crossbar for receiving front ice runners or portions of their outer ends.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a steerable wind-powered vehicle, which comprises a base supported on at least two wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils, at least one of the wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils being arranged to be steerable, a mast carrying a sail and being pivotally and rotatably mounted with respect to the base, and a mechanism responsive to pivotal movement of the mast for controlling directional movement of the or each of the steerable wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils.

Abstract: A sailing ski for use on snow and ice comprising an elongated body having substantially flat upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface having an upwardly extending camber, a universal mast mount for mounting a sail positioned toward the forward end of the elongated body, longitudinally spaced foot straps positioned rearwardly of the universal mast mount and overlying the camber area, and longitudinally spaced runners along the edges of the ski rearwardly of the foot straps and having a portion thereof projecting at least partly below the lower surface of the ski with the runners being in transversely spaced parallel relation.

Abstract: A windsurfing mechanism that comprises a plurality of gliding parts to permit travel at the surface of a medium and adapted to prevent the windsurfing mechanism from sinking into the body of the medium, said plurality of gliding parts being mechanically secured to one another to form an elongate but flexible structure having a surface to support a surfer. To provide propulsion of the mechanism along the surface of the medium a sail is secured to the ski like gliding parts. To the flexible structure is also secured a fin extending rearwardly from the flexible structure to engage said medium. The fin is vertically flexible and laterally bendable.

Abstract: A steerable carriage for supporting a sailboat such that the sailboat can be operated on land, snow or ice and thereby permitting sailboat owners to use their sailboats throughout the year regardless of the weather conditions.

Abstract: A tool for sailing with skates, skis, roller-skates, skate-board or corresponding gears. The invention consists of a carrier bar (1), fastening points (24,25) movable in the longitudinal direction of the carrier bar for connection at the sailor's feet or a corresponding point, centering means (16,18,22) for controlling the position of the fastening points along the carrier bar so that the center of the latter is always substantially half-way between the fastening points, and a holder (10) articulately mounted at the center of the carrier bar for fastening a sail carrying mast (13).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sailing vehicle with a collapsible frame comprising two longitudinal supports, a plurality of identically constructed transverse struts detachably connected to the longitudinal supports, at least one sail mast, at least one seat, two rear moving elements, and one forward moving element, the latter being steerable via a steering suspension, and a cross arm which is detachably connected to the rear end of the longitudinal supports. The mast, the seat, the forward moving element, and the steering suspension are supported by separate ones of the transverse struts and at least the transverse strut supporting the seat is connected to the longitudinal supports for adjustment lengthwise thereof.

Abstract: A multi-hull craft steering system having a plurality of hulls made from flexible envelopes inflated to maintain buoyancy. One of the hulls is located between the remaining hulls and is pivotally mounted for controlling the angular variation in azimuth. The hull is located ahead of the remaining hulls to permit rotation without interference. The hulls have a variable track wherein the distance between the outer hulls may be selected and locked. The craft is provided with a means for angularly rotating the outer hulls with respect to the longitudinal axis of the craft to permit first working position and a second stowed position.

Abstract: A lifesaving device having a pair of inflatable floatation bags which may be inflated by means of compressed gas and attached to a folding platform to form a device suitable for use over water or on ice or in a combination of water and ice to retrieve a party who has ventured out onto the water or the ice. The lifesaving device being easily transportable by storing the inflatable floatation bags in a non-inflated state within the hinged platform which serves as the deck for rescuers. Having further, a pivoted ladder mounted at one end of the platform so that as the rescued person is approached the ladder may be rotated so that one end of it drops beneath the surface of the water or falls upon the ice and provides apparatus for the rescued party to ascend out of the water onto the platform.

Abstract: An icecraft has a base provided with a plurality of ice-engaging runners. A sail-surfing rig including an articulated mast carrying a triangular sail held in place by means of a bow-type boom is fitted to this support plate so that a user can stand on the support plate and ice sail in much the same manner as in surf sailing. A standard surfboard can constitute the base plate for such an icecraft, and the runners can be replaced by wheels or the like if desired for summer use of the arrangement on land.

Abstract: There is disclosed a kit for converting a sailboat to a vehicle that is capable of traversing a hard surface such as ice, or the like. The kit includes an elongated spar assembly that is adapted to be transversely mounted on the hull of the sailboat intermediate the ends thereof. The outboard ends of the spar assembly are laterally spaced from the port and starboard sides of the sailboat. The spar assembly is removably secured to the hull of the sailboat and includes first and second surface engaging structures, which may be in the form of blades, mounted on the outboard ends thereof. There is a third surface engaging structure, which may also be in the form of a blade, that is coupled to the tiller of the sailboat beneath the stern end thereof.

Abstract: A wind-propelled sail vehicle comprises a perimeter frame, a mast and a chassis with three support members such as wheels, pads or skis. Two support members of fixed orientation are situated forward, the third support member, for steering, is situated aft and the mast is placed substantially vertically over the forward support members. The mast is positively mounted in the head of a rigid tripod and fixed with respect to the middle of the front cross-beam of the chassis. One foot of the tripod is mounted to the frame and the other feet to the lateral portions of the frame. The laterally mounted feet at their juncture with the frame form the axles upon which the wheels, pads or skis are mounted. This construction greatly increases manoeuvrability while reducing the overall weight of the apparatus for a given sail surface.

Abstract: Wind-Propelled craft including a transport carrying a sail and including a support vehicle pulled by the transport. The support vehicle is pivotally secured to the transport. The transport and sail turn as one unit relative to the support vehicle about an axis so that the transport can assume any number of angles relative to the support vehicle. The transport and support vehicle operate with high capsize resistance for all headings of the wind.

Abstract: A frame equipped with a fork on the front thereof carries either wheels or runners to engage the surface, and has a transversely extending seat mounted thereon that projects from both sides of the frame. A mast is mounted on the frame forwardly of the fork, and has a rearwardly-extending boom pivotally connected thereto, the mast and the boom carrying a sail. A hand-hold is formed on the boom, whereby a rider seated on the transversely extending seat can manipulate the sail to operate the bicycle, the seat facilitating side-to-side shifting of the rider's weight during operation. A closed loop handle on the fork makes one-hand steering of the bicycle easy to obtain.