Abstract: A ski pole accessory includes at least one pole connector, a supporting base, and a plurality of tapering strings forming a streamer. The supporting base has a securing element connected to the pole connector, and a length that extends along at least a majority of a pole length of a ski pole when the supporting base is attached to the ski pole. The strings are individually connected to and extending from the supporting base. The strings extend along at least a majority of the length of the supporting base with each string being offset from an adjacent string of the plurality of strings along the supporting base.

Abstract: A skateboard with sail assembly, comprising a skateboard having first and second ends and a through hole. The through hole is positioned in between the first and second ends. A removable post assembly projects from the through hole. A pedal clamp assembly is mounted onto the removable post assembly. A handle bar assembly is also mounted onto the removable post assembly. The skateboard with sail assembly may be utilized with its sail in a deployed configuration or a retracted configuration. In addition, the post assembly may be completely removed so that the skateboard may be utilized on its own.

Abstract: A wearable folding wing apparatus includes a top central support ring having a pair of connected shoulder straps and a pair of selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams connected to the top central support ring with slidable connections. A pair of collapsible and extendable wing members are connected to the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams. A user may employ provided arm connectors to lift and lower the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams in order to deploy and collapse the wing members.

Abstract: A wearable folding wing apparatus includes a top central support ring. A pair of shoulder straps are connected to the top central support ring. A pair of selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams are connected to the top central support ring. The wing support beams are connected to the top central support ring with slidable connections. A pair of collapsible and extendable wing members are connected to the selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams. A central wing support beam is interconnected between the top central support ring and the pair of collapsible and extendable wing members, and a pair of arm connectors are connected to the pair of selectively horizontally and vertically orientable wing support beams.

Abstract: A skateboard with sail assembly, comprising a skateboard having first and second ends and a through hole. The through hole is positioned in between the first and second ends. A removable post assembly projects from the through hole. A pedal clamp assembly is mounted onto the removable post assembly. A handle bar assembly is also mounted onto the removable post assembly. The skateboard with sail assembly may be utilized with its sail in a deployed configuration or a retracted configuration. In addition, the post assembly may be completely removed so that the skateboard may be utilized on its own.

Abstract: A user supported portable sail assembly and method uses the force of the wind to help propel a user on a mobile device such as skis, snowboards, skateboards, in-line or ice skates, for example, in a controlled and safe manner. A sail is attached to the ends of a pair of parallel, flexible poles which the user holds onto, usually one pole in each hand. The user orients the sail to optimize direction and speed. As the sail catches wind currents, the poles flex and form an optimal airfoil. Should the user wish to stop using the sail assembly, the user simply brings the poles together and brakes or glides to a gentle stop. The poles may be constructed of multiple interlocking segments for easy and quick disassembly and compact stowing.

Abstract: A land sail-propelled vehicle includes a one-piece molded body defining a seat in a top surface thereof. At least one tubular rear axle guide is bonded to, or molded into, a rear portion of the body. A rear axle assembly, including at least one rear axle, is removably insertable into the at least one rear axle guide. A tubular port is bonded to, or molded into, a front portion of the body. A steering assembly is removably insertable into the port. Tires, ice blades, or the like are attachable to the ends of the rear axle assembly and steering assembly so as to engage an underlying solid surface. A sail assembly is detachably connected to the steering assembly to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: The HALF-SHUTE is directed as an accessory to propel skateboards with the power of the wind. It can easily be carried around the waist of the user when not in use. It includes a one-dimensional diamond piece of fabric. It's diamond shape bellows out in the center to capture more wind. The Edges are reinforced with double layer, folded over, material. The outer perimeter is re-enforced with heavy duty stitching. At each of the lateral ends there are attachments for the user's wrists. The inferior point of the Shute attaches to a flexible cord, which in turn attaches to an eyebolt, which is secure on the skateboard.

Abstract: The present invention is directed as an accessory to propel skateboards with the power of the wind. It can easily be carried around the waist of the user when not in use. This device includes a one-dimensional oblong piece of fabric.

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: A human body sail assembly including a rotatable mast with upper and lower horizontal sail braces or booms that swing with the mast. The sail is tensioned by the braces and can be locked in a desired angular position by user-operated frusto-conical mating gearing coaxial with the mast. The braces can separate from the mast for safety if the user falls, and the sail can be collapsed in a compact envelope by swinging the braces toward one another adjacent the skater's back. The braces are identical and removably mounted in pivot assemblies carried by the mast so different length braces can be used with the same pivot assemblies. The pivot assemblies are defined by a large disc member carried by the mast and a brace socket with spaced circular plates indexably engaging the sides of the disc.

Abstract: A human body sail assembly including a rotatable mast with upper and lower horizontal sail braces or booms that swing with the mast. The sail is tensioned by the braces and can be locked in a desired angular position by user-operated frusto-conical mating gearing coaxial with the mast. The braces can separate from the mast for safety if the user falls, and the sail can be collapsed in a compact envelope by swinging the braces toward one another adjacent the skater's back.

Abstract: An improved wind-propelled ski apparatus which comprises a ski, risers and deck. The risers comprise upper and lower platforms and connecting positioned members between the platforms. The risers are attached to the ski and provide an elevated surface for the installation of a deck, where the rider's feet are positioned. The elevation of the rider's feet provides greater control of the ski and protection for the rider's feet. The ski is an elongated, planar member having a series of openings along its length for the attachment of a sail mount and the risers. The openings can accommodate the risers and the sail mount in various positions on the ski to adapt to the needs of the rider.

Abstract: A device particularly suitable for propelling an in-line skater by harnessing the energy of air currents. More particularly, the invention concerns a device which is particularly effective in harnessing and transmitting air current energy to an in-line skater in a controllable, simple, and intuitive manner. The device is simple to construct, rugged and durable, and safer to use than conventional sail devices. The device is easily disassembled and in the disassembled state assists the skater to return to an upwind starting position.

Abstract: Rigging for a land or water vehicle comprises a symmetrical sail and a support therefore which is fitted with a tension member, the frame supporting the sail comprises two vertical uprights assembled together by hinged transverse bars, the rigging becoming asymmetrical when the middle tension member is actuated.

Abstract: A human body sail assembly including a rotatable mast with upper and lower horizontal sail braces that swing with the mast, the sail is tensioned by the braces and can be locked in the desired angular position by an easy to operate pawl and ratchet mechanism on the base of the mast, and the sail can be collapsed using quick release pivots at the inner ends of the sail braces.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for resiliently securing a pair of skis together in generally parallel relationship, and for receiving a sail rig as commonly used on a conventional sailboard, to permit conventional snow skis to be used in a manner similar to a sailboard. The apparatus comprises a cross piece to extend transversely between the skis, with a central portion of the cross piece connected to the sail assembly. Ski connectors connect each ski to respective opposite end portions of the cross piece. Each ski connector has at least one resilient flexible link, and at least one pair of anchors for anchoring the flexible link to respective end portions of the cross piece, and for preventing gross movement of the flexible link as a whole. The link extends between the anchors and is engageable with a projection on the ski. The link passes around the projection to draw the projection resiliently against the respective end portion of the cross piece.

Abstract: A skier's drag chute and system for deploying the chute. The apparatus comprises a chute portion that has leg straps in connection with the user's legs and wrist straps for attachment to the user's wrists. A shoulder attachment may be secured around the neck or shoulder of the user in order to secure the top edge of the chute to the user and prevent air from forming under the chute. The chute portion has curvilinear edges along the top and bottom edges of the chute. The chute remains in resting position on the back of the skier until the skier decides on slowing down. The skier extends his arms allowing the chute to deploy and thus slow the speed of the skier.

Abstract: A wind powered system utilizes a free-flying airfoil tethered to a conveyance device such as a water ski, a skegged hull slab or a wheeled land vehicle which either defines or inherently has tracking means defining a preferred traverse vector across an underlying surface. The tractive force of the airfoil is applied at the center of lateral resistance of the conveyance device such that there is no destabilizing moment caused by the airfoil, thereby removing an artificial limit on the sail area that is imposed upon fixed mast sailing craft. A control bar provides a mount for a tether reel which enables the conveyance device, when same is a kite, to be launched from the water without requiring the assistance of a boat.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with in line blade type skates ("Rollerblade" or ice skates) may be temporarily applied to the sides of the blade below the arch of the skate, with the control box temporarily secured within the opening in the arch. The control box may contain the battery power supply, an on/off switch, and optionally may include a circuit providing for the intermittent flashing of the light(s). The lights are included in one or more small tubes which are applied to one or both sides of the skate. Each tube preferably contains a series of lights (preferably light emitting diodes) wired up to the switch, power supply and (optional) flasher circuit. When the switch is turned on, the light display provides an attractive addition to a skating performance and may substantially increase safety when a skater is skating outdoors at night.

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: Parachute for providing an impedance to a or other rapidly moving person, animal or vehicle comprising a sheet having an edge or edges, peripheral cords tied to the edge or edges and distributed uniformly about the center of the sheet, such sheet being formed with a hole at its center, and a disk near the proximal ends of the cords, the peripheral cords being attached to and passing beyond the disk, the proximal ends of the cords being gathered together and fastened to the torso of a person.

Abstract: The adjustable windmobile allows the mobilist to maintain a stable center of gravity by manually adjusting both the seat and mast to their respective opposite sides when the direction of motion of the windmobile is reversed. Both the seat and mast base are encased in crosspieces, that are part of the frame, that allow the seat and mast to be slid to the opposite sides. There are four mast halyards, a fore halyard, a stern halyard, and two midships halyards. Under sail only three halyards are taut while the fourth, a midships halyard hangs loose. When readjusting the mast to the other side, the halyards do not have to be readjusted.

Abstract: A parachute assembly is utilized in combination with a skate pair, wherein the skate pair is mounted by an individual and the individual supports the parachute assembly. The parachute assembly includes a flexible canopy, including a peripheral substantially annular edge, with a plurality of flexible cords mounted to the canopy. The cords are spaced from the canopy and terminate in a handle. A sleeve member is slidably mounted between the handle to encompass the cords, whereupon the sleeve member is slidably adjustable between the handle and the canopy to adjust effective length of the cords and thereby adjust effective opening available to the canopy.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system of the disclosure is provided with a cylinder device between a vehicle body member and a vehicle wheel member for the vehicle body member by which suspension characteristics are changed. The suspension characteristics are changed by controlling hydraulic fluid supply for the cylinder device, a vehicle height detecting device for detecting a vehicle height displacement, a vehicle height change rate detecting device for detecting a change rate of the vehicle height displacement, and a control device for receiving signals from both the vehicle height displacement detecting device and the vehicle height change rate detecting device to control the hydraulic fluid supply for the cylinder device.

Abstract: An off weight lift wing for a skier and the like is provided and consists of a pair of airfoils each supported on an opposite end of a crossbar which extends across the top of a frame with a harness that secures the frame to the back of the skier. The lift wing will create a balanced lift to the upper body of the skier and allow more agile body movement when skiing, as well as extending the length of a ski jump.

Abstract: A coaster having a passenger-receiving footplate (1) which is mounted on at least two wheels (7). According to the invention, the wheels (7) are connected to the footplate (1) by arms (3) which pivot horizontally about pivot pins (2) connected to the footplate and pivot rods (4) connected to the wheels, with the distance between the rods (4) being less than the distance between the pins (2).

Abstract: A skate sail, to be held by hand, for propelling an individual on a mobile supportive device, such as skates or a skate board, has a central vertical brace, and a horizontal cross brace whose center is attached to the upper portion of the central vertical brace. Identical spars extend from the base of the central vertical brace past the ends of the horizontal cross brace to which they are secured. The edges of the cloth of the skate sail are secured to, and held tightly by the identical spars. The central, vertical brace may be secured to the central axis of the sail, and the ends of the horizontal cross brace can push the spars apart to keep the sail taut. The individual holds the rig at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal braces, which should be near the center of effort of the sail, in a suitable direction to cause any available wind to propel him on his skates or skate board in any of the possible desired direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating aerodynamic lift to a downhill skier is shown as having a harness adapted to be worn by the skier, a left wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, a right wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, the left wing structure has a first longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the right wing structure has a second longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the left wing structure is selectively rotatable about the first longitudinal axis, the right wing structure is selectively rotatable about the second longitudinal axis, and the left and right wing structures are respectively rotatable about the first and second axes independently of each other by the skier to respective selected positions, and batten-like members are provided to enhance the airfoil configuration of the wing structures.

Abstract: A jumpsuit for controlled freefalling in which the suit is provided with enlarged expansible wing portions between the sleeve portions and the body portion of the jumpsuit and a wing extender line which extends from each hand of the wearer through each corresponding sleeve portion and inside the wing portion to the waist area of the jumpsuit, where both extender lines pass through a control member. The control member is provided with means for pulling both extender lines away from the suit in order to expand the wing portions when the arms are extended, and are also provided with latch means for latching the extender lines in the expanded positions. Moreover, the control member is further provided with means for rapidly unlatching the latch means to permit free passage of the extender lines back into the suit in order to allow the expansible wing portions to retract toward the wearer's armpits.

Abstract: A sail propelled vehicle for land or sea in which a triangular yoke is pivotally attached at two of the corners thereof on two pontoons, skis, or skateboards at the forward ends thereof. The mast for carrying the sail is mounted vertically on the yoke at the third corner thereof. The operator is carried on the two pontoons, skis, or skateboards and by exerting force thereon through his feet and legs, the operator can pivot the yoke to position the sail on either side of the pontoons, skis, or skateboards to achieve improved stability, maneuverability and control.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating aerodynamic lift to a downhill skier is shown as having a harness adapted to be worn by the skier, a left wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, a right wing structure is operatively carried by the harness, the left wing structure has a first longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the right wing structure has a second longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of the skier, the left wing structure is selectively rotatable about the first longitudinal axis, the right wing structure is selectively rotatable about the second longitudinal axis, and the left and right wing structures are respectively rotatable about the first and second axes independently of each other by the skier to respective selected positions.

Abstract: A wind-driven land vehicle with a board (10, 212) serving as a stand and a sail (14, 214) mounted on the board, is connected with front and rear running gears (20, 22, 216, 218) carrying wheels (68) or skids (90) in a manner such that the entire board or a steering member section (238) thereof is rotatable around its longitudinal center axis. The running gears each have a steering linkage coupled with the board (10) or the steering member section (238) which effects a simultaneous and opposite steering of the front and rear wheels or skids corresponding to a tilting movement of the board (10) or the steering member section (238) formed in the board.

Abstract: A parachute device primarily for propulsion of a work load, specifically a snow skier who wants to go across flat terrain or uphill, has a canopy with a leading annulus and a normally open apex vent having a plurality of wedge shaped panels secured on one side to the annulus, each panel has a tip with an apex ring, a plurality of suspension lines lead from the annulus to a control center, a vent control line extends from the control center to each panel apex ring and the control line has a vent control ring which causes the control line to pull the panel apex rings together in an apex of the canopy, the control center has a motor driven reel for taking in the control line and a one-way brake on the reel enables letting out of the control line when a manual brake release is manipulated, a safety release in one side of the control center has structure for release of a fraction of the suspension lines for instant deflation of the canopy and a complete release system on a load harness has structure for instant co

Abstract: There is provided a steering mechanism for a wind propelled land vehicle wherein steering is made possible by the footboard being connected with the front axle by means of a steering head in the manner of a hinge connection inclined at an angle to the direction of travel. This connection features two bushes spaced a distance apart from each other, between which is positioned a sleeve affixed to the footboard. A steering pivot pin, whose longitudinal axis inclines at an angle to the direction of travel, is fitted through the bushes and the sleeve. This connection of the footboard with the front axle enables steering by a transfer of the weight of a person standing on the footboard causing the latter to be tilted out of its horizontal position into an inclined position. This action generates a torque which is transmitted to the front axle, causing this to deflect, so that the direction of travel is changed.

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: A wind powered propulsion device has a sail mount and harness means for retaining the sail mount on the back of a person. A sail is mounted on the sail mount. Preferably the harness means includes a backpack-like device having a back rest and strap for fitting over the shoulders and around the waist of a person. The mount may include a mast for holding the sail in a generally vertical position and a swinging arm. The sail is mounted at a first end of the swinging arm which is pivotal at a second end about an axis through the sail mount.

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: Wind propulsion apparatus for a skier or skater comprises a sail secured to its upper end to a mast and having a pair of sheets at its lower end trained about guide pulleys secured to the user's boots. The sheets may be adjustably secured to retainers carried by the user. The mast has a mount at its lower end which may be supported on either of the user's feet.

Abstract: An aerodynamic braking device comprises a sail having halves of equal area which are symmetrical about a central vertical axis and are balanced when held in the wind created during a skier's downhill run. The sail has straight outer edges remote from the axis and hems along the edges forming sheaths to receive ski poles or the like. The sheaths leave central areas in which the ski poles can be gripped, and the position of the grips is such that the areas above and below the line of the grips are equal so that the skier can effect counterbalancing of the wind forces above and below the line. Indented pockets or balloon areas enhance the braking effect and provide more effective balance and speed control. In use, the sail is held taut between the skier's outstretched hands and, with the counterbalancing of the forces and ease of manipulation of the sail, easy and effective control of the skier's descent can be accomplished.

Abstract: A training device, especially useful for a runner utilizing a flexible frame member which is attached to the runner and may be deformed by the runner while in motion.

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: A hand maneuverable sailing rig includes a sail construction having a mast, a sail attached thereto and a bowed, wishbone boom encircling the mast and sail. The wishbone boom is attached to the mast and sail by stays and tie lines. The mast is pivotably supported on mast support means and the resulting sail construction is a highly maneuverable, wind-propelled device suitable for use with roller or ice skates, skateboards or sailboards.

Abstract: An improved lateen rigged sailing board is disclosed that basically combines a sailing board with a mast mounted thereon which is swivelly mounted to the upper surface of the sailing board, and which is provided with means to prevent the mast from completely falling forward. The mast is particularly configured with a wishbone or hoop-like section therein, through which the lateen sail is passed. The boom of the sail is secured within the lower portion of the hoop-like section, while the gaff of the sail is hoisted toward the upper portion of the hoop-like section by a halyard that may conveniently pass through the upper end of the hoop-like section and be secured by a simple expedient of a cam cleat. The arrangement is such that the mast will allow the center-of-effort of the sail to be adjusted relative to the sailing board and allow the entire unit to be tacked through the wind and move upward.

Abstract: A sail device for use in propelling a roller skater, ice skater or the like employs a balancing pole from which the sail material is suspended. The sail may be formed in two sections which come together near the center of the pole or may be formed in a single section with cut-outs near the center thereof to accommodate the hands of the user. The sails are generally triangular in shape, the lower corners of the sail sections, where dual sails are used, being removably attached to the shoes of the user as at the shoelaces thereof, and in the case of a single sail section, attachment being made to the user's shoe or a skateboard at or near the bottom apex portion of the triangle. In use, the user grasps the balance pole near the center thereof and suspends the sails in a desired position for propulsion by the wind.

Abstract: In a skate sail assembly of the type having a T-configured frame including a boom and a resiliently flexible mast detachably mounted thereon, and a generally sector-shaped sail supported in a taut condition by the frame, the boom has a U-shaped resilient portion intermediate its ends, which portion imparts flexibility to the boom in the longitudinal direction and additionally serves as a handle for the user. The flexibility imparted by the U-shaped resilient portion of the boom and the mast enables the device to be more easily assembled and dismantled, and is essential in order that the sail may function satisfactorily as an airfoil.

Abstract: A sail apparatus to be utilized by an individual wearing skis comprising sail means with means for affixing said sail means to said skis and control means for the control of said sail means.

Abstract: A pair of pocketed, triangular shaped wings are stored in two zipper closed longitudinal pockets in the one piece body of a polyester ski suit. The wings are permanently connected to the sides of the suit and are attached by zippers to the lower edges of the arms of the suit. The outer edges of the wings are elastic. The suit has an optional head covering.

Abstract: Two sail structures are disclosed for use in propelling a movable body, such as a ski, skate, iceboat or the like, over a solid surface. One sail structure uses the lateen configuration and includes a triangular shaped sail with an upper spar and lower boom for holding the sail in an open, triangular form; as well as a mast, connectable to the spar and boom, for supporting the sail in a lateen configuration. The other sail structure includes a vertical mast and a horizontal boom connected in a "cross. " A first right-triangular sail is connected at its three corners to the forward end of the boom, the top of the mast and the coupling point of the mast and boom. A second right-triangular sail has its edges connected along the mast and boom, between the coupling point and the top of the mast and between the coupling point and the rearwad end of the boom.