Water Skimming Or Walking Device Patents (Class 441/65)
  • Patent number: 7654877
    Abstract: A slider includes a foam core, a first foam skin, a second foam skin, a plurality of third foam skins, a patterned laminate and a plastic board. The foam core is encased by the first, second and third foam skins. Specifically, the first foam skin is laminated to a top, a front edge and a rear edge of the foam core. The second foam skin is laminated to a bottom of the foam core. The third foam skins are laminated to side edges of the foam core respectively. The patterned laminate includes an outer plastic film, an inner plastic film and a pattern. The inner plastic film is laminated to a top of the first foam skin. The pattern is laminated between the inner and outer plastic films and is visible from outside of the outer plastic film. In addition, the plastic board is laminated to a bottom of the second foam skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7631883
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slider and a method of making the same. The slider comprises a bottom plate, an inner core, and a skin plate. The inner core has a bottom surface and a top surface, and is made of a foamed plastic. The bottom plate and the skin plate are bonded to the bottom surface and the top surface of the inner core, respectively, to form a laminate, and thus the inner core is sandwiched between the bottom plate and the skin plate. The bottom plate is a multi-layer structure, comprising a foamed plastic layer, an adhesive layer, a fabric layer, an ink layer, and a composite casting layer, which are laminated downward in order from the bottom surface of the inner core. The skin plate is also a multi-layer structure, comprising a foamed plastic layer, an adhesive layer, a film layer, a corona treatment layer and an ink layer, which are laminated upward in order from the top surface of the inner core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: WHAM-O, Inc.
    Inventors: Aifu Shen, Scott Burke
  • Patent number: 7628664
    Abstract: A slider includes a foam board, a top layer and a bottom layer. The foam board is a polystyrene foam board that is easily formed and molded. Furthermore, a bottom of the foam board has a rail portion protruded with a plurality of foam rails therefrom and the foam rails are parallel with each other. In addition, the top layer and the bottom layer are made of polyethylene materials and comprise interface coatings respectively, so that the top layer and the bottom layer made of polyethylene could heat bonded to the polystyrene foam board without adhesives by the first and second interface coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Publication number: 20090286434
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method and a novel inflatable flotation device for the method which are used in association with water sports boards such as kite boards, surfboards and the like, for the purpose of uprighting the water sports boards when inverted and encouraging the water sports boards to be moved by the wind in the direction of a water sports board rider when the rider becomes separated from the water sports board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: OCEAN RODEO SPORTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard K. Myerscough, Ross Harrington
  • Patent number: 7597601
    Abstract: A resistance kickboard. The resistance kickboard includes plural resistance indicia that provide varying levels of resistance when the resistance kickboard is moved through water. The varying levels resistance allow swimmers, exercisers and rehabilitation patients to spend less time in a pool while obtaining additional training, exercising or rehabilitation effects. The resistance kickboard may also include a reservoir to hold a liquid. The liquid allows a user to stay hydrated while using the resistance kickboard for longer periods without stopping the activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David J. Mravca
  • Patent number: 7588474
    Abstract: This apparatus provides an automatic release of a resilient buoyant tether from a water-skimming board device. In use, a tether (100) is attached to a waterboard (50) at one end and secured to an anchor (30) at the other. By maneuvering the board, a rider (20) first stretches the tether and then releases the force stored in the stretched tether to propel the board (50) with rider over the water at high speed. As the board approaches the anchor point (30), the tether (100) automatically releases to reduce drag for an unencumbered ride. When used on a river, the described hook (140) and loop (120) apparatus is easily retrieved by the rider and reconnected to the board (50) in preparation for the next ride. Safety features ensure protection of the rider and of observers. The coupling mechanism may be built in to new water boards or retrofitted to others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: William Taggart
  • Publication number: 20090221198
    Abstract: This invention relates to water sports equipment (10) for supporting a standing rider whilst the rider and the equipment are towed through the water, the equipment comprising: an elongate board (14) having an upper surface (16) carrying first (31, 33) and second (32, 34) foot securing means, said foot securing means being configured to be engaged by a respective foot of the rider so that the rider can stand on the board (14) with their body facing in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction in which the rider and equipment are towed through the water in use; a hydrofoil (11) having a longitudinal axis, said hydrofoil (11) being configured to impart lift to the board (14) when the rider and board are towed through the water; and means (12, 13) for affixing said hydrofoil (11) to said board (14) so that the hydrofoil is spaced from a lower surface (15) of the board and orientated such that said hydrofoil longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the direction in which the rider and equipment ar
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISES LIMITED
    Inventor: Barnaby Alain Roger Townsend
  • Patent number: 7578715
    Abstract: A recreational water board for towing a person behind a water craft on or below the surface of the water. The board includes a substantially planar structure with a pair of wings on either side of a central axis of symmetry. Each wing has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being swept-back to give the board a hydro-dynamically contoured profile. The board also includes handgrips to enable the board to be firmly gripped while being towed, and pairs of apertures arranged symmetrically on either side respectively of a central board axis for attaching a tow bridle to the board. The pairs of apertures define a pivot axis, perpendicular to the central axis, about which the board may be tilted to enable the user to dive or resurface in the water, depending on the direction of tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Polyline Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: David Wilkie
  • Patent number: 7575493
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a molded foam sports board made by steps: molding a foam core having a molded contour surface; laminating an extruded adhesive resin layer to a polyolefin foam sheet layer forming a film foam laminate; and thermoforming and heat laminating the film foam laminate to the molded foam core by pressing the molded foam core towards the film side of the film foam laminate and mating against the profile of a thermoforming bottom die surface. The board has a thermoformed polyolefin foam skin having an outer surface and an inner surface, a molded foam core having a molded contour surface, an extruded adhesive resin layer bonding the inner surface of polyolefin foam skin layer to the molded contour surface of the molded foam core. The molded foam core may comprise homopolymer or copolymer of expanded polystyrene foam, expanded polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene foam and polyurethane foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung
  • Publication number: 20090165690
    Abstract: A sports apparatus configured to support a rider upon the water surface is disclosed and may comprise either a compartment in the top surface configured to accept personal articles and a watertight cover to prevent damage and loss of personal articles or a propulsion source. The sports apparatus can have a V-shaped hull to add stability when used in the waves. The propulsion source is powered by either a combustion or electric motor that is controlled by a user interface on the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher J. Walworth, Cari M. Walworth
  • Publication number: 20090156072
    Abstract: A buoyant device that enhances water activities and surfing by providing increased thrust from incident waves through utilization of a surface or volume to propel the buoyant device. A buoyant enclosure with an internal hand grip has surfaces that promote hydroplaning, flotation and the reduction of friction through the shape, materials and laminations used to manufacture the device. At least one of the surfaces can engage moving water allowing a user to benefit from the thrust of a wave to increase propulsion. A shape that combines a planar bottom surface with planar area to at least one side surface forms a wave wall to enhance propulsion from the force of a wave. Hydroplaning is enhanced using material with increased buoyancy to improve the body surfing experience. The devices are hand held by the user and can be used independently or combined to function as a single device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Sick
  • Publication number: 20090149094
    Abstract: A slider resists erosion due to moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and protects a pattern or the bonded surface from wear and tear. The slider contains a foam core, a top layer, a pattern, and a bottom layer. The foam core has a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The top layer is a composite layer heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The pattern is formed within the top layer and visible from outside of the top layer. The bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7537502
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Keith Parten
  • Publication number: 20090120348
    Abstract: An improved bodyboard and bodyboard shape are presented. The bodyboard includes both a hull section and a planar section formed in the bottom surface of the bodyboard. The bodyboard presented herein provides a hydrodynamically-shaped object that allows a rider to ride waves, typically in a prone or kneeling position on top of at least a portion of the bodyboard. The bodyboard provides the rider more control, speed and maneuverability, without adding substantially to costs to manufacture and maintain the bodyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Bianchi
  • Patent number: 7530872
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Keith Parten
  • Patent number: 7507132
    Abstract: A transparent and shark-repelling surfboard or flotation board made of transparent super microcellular polymer foam with transparent coating. The surfboard or the flotation board has a locater device for locating large aquatic animals, and an alarm device for alerting a rider of large aquatic animals, such as sharks, located by the locater device. The surfboard or the flotation board also comprises a repellent or deterrent signal generator that is configured for transmitting interference signals to disrupt the electro-sensory perception system of the aquatic animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Guerry L. Grune, Marsea Segal
  • Patent number: 7507133
    Abstract: A polyethylene foam composite surfboard comprises a longitudinally extending foam core having a top surface, a bottom surface and rail surfaces. A top laminate is bonded to the top surface and rail surfaces. A bottom laminate bonded to the bottom surface. The top laminate or the bottom laminate comprises (a) a polyolefin foam layer having an inner surface and outer surface;(b) a non-woven fabric layer having a first hot melt resin coated surface and a second uncoated surface opposed to the resin coated surface, of which the hot melt resin coated surface is bonded to the inner surface of the polyolefin foam; and (c) a reinforcement layer comprising fiberglass laminate impregnated with polymer resin and having an inner surface and outer surface. The outer surface is bonded to the uncoated surface of the non-woven fabric and the inner surface is bonded to the foamed surface of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung
  • Patent number: 7503820
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a sports board (15). In the preferred embodiment, the sports board comprises a polymer film layer (16) having an outer surface (18) and an inner surface (19), a polyethylene foam layer (23) having first (24) and second (25) outer surfaces, and an extruded adhesive resin layer (20) bonded to the inner surface of the film layer and the first surface of the foam layer. The adhesive resin may be selected from a group consisting of an ethylene and methyl acrylic copolymer and an anhydride-modified polyolefin, and the hydride-modified polyolefin maybe selected from a group consisting of anhydride-modified ethylene vinyl acetate, adhydride-modified low-density polyethylene and anhydride-modified linear low-density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung
  • Publication number: 20090061706
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method and a novel inflatable device for the method which are used in association with kite boards, surfboards and the like, for the purpose of uprighting the kite board or surfboard and encouraging a kite board or surfboard to be moved by the wind in the direction of the kite boarder or surfer when the kite boarder or surfer becomes separated from the kite board or surfboard. A method of uprighting and identifying an overturned kite board or surfboard which comprises detachably securing to the kite board or surfboard a mechanism that has sufficient buoyancy to upright an overturned kite board or surfboard and sufficient profile that it extends above the water surface and encourages entrapment by the wind to induce the uprighted kite board or surfboard downwind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: OCEAN RODEO SPORTS INC.
    Inventors: Richard K. Myerscough, Ross Harrington
  • Patent number: 7497784
    Abstract: An amusement ride system and method are described. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may be generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be more involved in a water attraction. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may include a rollable carrier. The rollable carrier may include an exterior rollable surface and an inner area. The inner area may include a participant container. In some embodiments, an amusement ride system may include a water path system. The water path system may function to substantially contain the rollable carrier such that the rollable carrier will remain in the water path system while rolling. In some embodiments, a rollable carrier may function to roll in a water path system while containing a participant in the participant container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Water Ride Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Wayne Henry
  • Patent number: 7491105
    Abstract: A slider resists erosion due to moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and protects a pattern or the bonded surface from wear and tear. The slider contains a foam core, a top layer, a pattern, and a bottom layer. The foam core has a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The top layer is a composite layer heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The pattern is formed within the top layer and visible from outside of the top layer. The bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7485022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for surf skiing. The method includes attaching a surf ski to each foot of a surf skier and using the force and momentum of a wave alone to propel the surf skier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Michael Starr
  • Publication number: 20080305697
    Abstract: An adjustably flexible stringer and a sports board employing the stringer are disclosed. The sports board includes a foam core in which the stringer is embedded. The stringer includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal strips overlapped with one another and is arranged from one end to the other end in order of increasing flexibility. Specifically, the strips vary in length from each other. Alternatively, the strips may vary in height, width or materials. By varying the arrangement of the strips, an almost unlimited number of configurations may be attained. As such, the sports board employing that stringer may be constructed in a variety of maulers with desired flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080293315
    Abstract: A sports board includes an elongated foam core, a top layer, a bottom layer and at least one flexible flat reinforcement strip. The top layer is laminated to an upper surface of the foam core and has a riding surface, a thickness less than that of the foam core and a density greater than the foam core. The bottom layer is laminated to a lower surface of the foam core and has a running sole, a thickness less than that of the foam core and a density greater than the foam core. In particular, the flexible flat reinforcement strip is embedded in a lower half of the foam core and extends substantially the whole length of the foam core and parallel to the foam core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080248701
    Abstract: A sports board includes a foam core, a top skin, a bottom skin, at least one stringer and at least one flexible foam tube. The top skin is connected to a top of the foam core. The bottom skin is connected to a bottom of the foam core. The stringer enclosed by the foam tube is secured in the foam core for strengthening the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080248702
    Abstract: A recreational water board for towing a person behind a water craft on or below the surface of the water. The board includes a substantially planar structure with a pair of wings on either side of a central axis of symmetry. Each wing has a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being swept-back to give the board a hydrodynamically contoured profile. The board also includes handgrips to enable the board to be firmly gripped while being towed, and pairs of apertures arranged symmetrically on either side respectively of a central board axis for attaching a tow bridle to the board. The pairs of apertures define a pivot axis, perpendicular to the central axis, about which the board may be tilted to enable the user to dive or resurface in the water, depending on the direction of tilt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: POLYLINE INDUSTRIES PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: David Wilkie
  • Patent number: 7430795
    Abstract: A method of making a slider includes the steps of laminating the bottom-facing surface of a third layer to the upper-facing surface of a fourth layer, laminating the bottom-facing surface of a second layer to the upper-facing surface of the third layer in a heat-compression mold, heat-pressing the combined second, third and fourth layers in the mold to form a desired shape, and heat pressing a first layer on top of the second layer inside the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sport Dimension, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lin, Ai-Fu Shen
  • Publication number: 20080242169
    Abstract: A slider resists erosion due to moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and protects a pattern or the bonded surface from wear and tear. The slider contains a foam core, a top layer, a pattern, and a bottom layer. The foam core has a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The top layer is a composite layer heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The pattern is formed within the top layer and visible from outside of the top layer. The bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In YEH
  • Patent number: 7416461
    Abstract: A foam product and method of making the same is disclosed in this invention. The foam product includes a foam core, at least one skin and a first covering. The foam core is composed of a plurality of foam beads bonded with one another, and comprises a first surface, a second surface, edges and at least one recess defined in the first surface. The skin is disposed in the recess and bonded with the foam core. The first covering is fully bonded to the first surface and edges of the foam core and the skin. Moreover, the method of making the foam product generally comprises the following steps. Firstly, a mold defining a cavity is provided. A first covering is placed in the cavity. At least one skin is provided in a predetermined position on an internal side of the first covering. Then, a suitable quantity of foam beads is introduced in the cavity and steam is injected into the cavity in order to have the foam beads, the first covering and the skin bonded together as a foam product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080194161
    Abstract: A bodyboard has a body and a coat assembly. The coat assembly is completely mounted around the body and has a base, an elastic coat, a zipper and a cavity. The elastic coat is mounted outside the base and has an opening. The zipper is mounted on the opening in the elastic coat. The cavity is formed between the base and the elastic coat for receiving the body. Because the coat assembly has the zipper, the coat assembly could be detached from the body and changed or cleaned easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Patent number: 7410399
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shaped panel of material that is buoyant in water having a top with a width, a bottom with a total width, a front, a rear, and two sides, wherein the bottom of the shaped panel contains a shallow groove, the groove being spaced equidistant from the sides of the panel. The groove has a bottom with a width, 2 sides, and a depth. The bottom of the groove is flat and the width of the groove comprises at least ? of the total width of the bottom of the body board. The width of the bottom is smaller than the width of the top and the width of the groove at the front and rear of the bottom are equal. The width of the groove at a point equidistant from the front and the rear of the bottom is smaller that said width at the front and rear of the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Blumenfeld
  • Patent number: 7404749
    Abstract: A sports board comprises a foam core with a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. A top layer is heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The top layer has a first plastic film having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first adhesive resin film has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the first plastic film and the bottom surface heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. A bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung
  • Publication number: 20080176466
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Keith Parten
  • Patent number: 7393255
    Abstract: The present invention is a to board riding craft having split tail sections. A central core element may have a tail end, a nose and two sides. A tail portion of the central core element may have one or more slits formed therein that may extend from the tail end approximately parallel to a centerline of the central core element approximately one eighth to one third the distance between the tail end and the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Gene Wilhelmi
  • Publication number: 20080146101
    Abstract: A foam product includes a foam core, a foam buffer and a foam skin. The foam core includes a top surface and a bottom surface and defines at least one recess in an area of the top surface wherein the area is to be imparted during use with respect to other areas of the top surface. The foam buffer has butter elasticity than does the foam core and is securely received in the recess of the foam core. In addition, the foam skin is bonded to and entirely covers a top surface of the foam buffer and the other areas of the foam core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080146100
    Abstract: A surf ski system to enable a user to surf waves. This system includes a pair of surf skis, each surf ski being in the form of a floatation device including a floating hull, fore and aft ends, longitudinal axis connecting the fore and aft ends and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A pair of flexible connecting straps are provided connecting the pair of surf skis, each surf ski having a foot well and toe straps for receiving and partially restraining the feet of a user. One of the flexible connecting straps is located fore of the foot wells and one of the flexible connecting straps being aft of the foot wells. Each of the floatation devices has an upper surface and a lower surface and side walls for facilitating a user's ability to plane on water and a skeg extending from each lower surface, the side walls and lower surface meeting at an edge forming a hard chine there between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: James Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20080102719
    Abstract: There is disclosed an aquatic sports assembly comprised of a body board member of torsodial dimension and paralleledly-disposed ski-like runner members paced-apart and mounted to the body board member in paralleled relationship to the longitudinal axis of the body board member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Barry Moffeit
  • Patent number: 7347754
    Abstract: A variable flexible bodyboard comprises a lightweight, generally elongated, foam core material having a top skin layer and a bottom skin layer with a front nose end and a rear tail end. The bodyboard has also an elongated stringer element having a one end and an other end, and composed of at least one stiffener material, of a defined length, to impart stiffness to the bodyboard, and at least one flexible material, of a defined length, to impart flexibility to the bodyboard. The stringer element is positioned and secured within the foam core material of the bodyboard; and a helical spring is disposed within the stringer element imparting additional resiliency to the stringer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Bamba International (Canada) Ltd
    Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung
  • Patent number: 7344425
    Abstract: A sliding board includes a board body made of a light material, and at least one reinforcing unit mounted in the board body to reinforce a structural strength of the board body and including a plurality of reinforcing bars which are connected serially to form the reinforcing unit. Thus, the reinforcing bars are connected with each other to assemble the reinforcing unit so that the length of the reinforcing unit is adjustable so as to fit the board body of different length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7338067
    Abstract: A sports board binding and foot traction apparatus for use in sports boards such as surfboard, skateboard, wakeboards, and the like. The apparatus includes a sports board having an upper surface and at least one magnet holding receptable disposed in the upper surface; A a ferromagnetic bar is disposed under the bottom of the magnet holding receptacles, and permanent magnets are placed in the receptacles to form a magnetic region on the surface of the board. An article of sports footwear having a sole is provided, and a ferromagnetic plate is disposed in at lest a portion of the footwear soles. When the footwear is brought into proximity with the magnetic field, a binding force is applied to the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Theodore J. Flaig
  • Patent number: 7331835
    Abstract: An aquatic gliding board which incorporates a subassembly that includes a hollow inner shell which is covered with a casing made of foam capable of being machined. The invention also relates to a hollow gliding board, such as a surfboard, that includes at least one longitudinal partition, such partition(s) connecting upper and lower portions of the subassembly. The partition(s) is (are) made of a foam, such as an elastic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Renard, Eric Metrot
  • Patent number: 7326094
    Abstract: A slider comprises a polyethylene foam board, a first polyethylene foam skin, a first plastic film, a second polyethylene foam skin and a second plastic film. The polyethylene foam board comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and lateral surfaces. The first polyethylene foam skin is bonded with the top and lateral surfaces of the polyethylene foam board; and the first polyethylene foam skin comprises a density greater than that of the polyethylene foam board. Additionally, the first plastic film is bonded with the first polyethylene foam skin, and comprises two layers and a pattern defined between the two layers. The second polyethylene foam skin is bonded with the bottom surface of the polyethylene foam board, and the second polyethylene foam skin comprises a density greater than that of the polyethylene foam board. Furthermore, the second plastic film is bonded with the second polyethylene foam skin, and comprises a thickness greater than the first plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7322867
    Abstract: A surfboard deck grip with a storage compartment for safely storing small articles. The storage compartment is optionally waterproof, and does not interfere with the act of surfing. The storage compartment may further include a vessel that is optionally removable from the surfboard deck grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: John Ford Blakely
  • Publication number: 20080020660
    Abstract: A body surfing article, which is attachable to, and can be worn about, a person's upper torso, includes a chest plate and, extending from either side of the chest plate, is preferably a pair of fins. Flexible shoulder straps may be attached to an upper edge of the chest plate for securing the chest plate to the user's torso and flexible side portions may extend from sides of the chest plate for fastening with the flexible shoulder straps behind the user's back. The fins separation, or spacing between the fins, defines a planing surface, so that the user can move both forwards and laterally across the face of a wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Barney
  • Patent number: 7316597
    Abstract: A traction surface for a water board has been developed comprising: a traction pad formed of a molded clear thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) material, and an upper surface of the pad having a roughened texture. The upper surface of the pad may include a center ridge extending a length of the pad and substantially parallel to a centerline of the board. Further, the upper surface may include a back step at a rear of the pad and a plurality of interlaced ribs and grooves extending substantially parallel to a centerline of the board. The grooves may be spaced apart at substantially the spacing of the toes of a foot of an adult male. In addition, the pad may include a bottom surface having a lip extending around a perimeter of the bottom surface. Moreover, injection molding may form the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Surfco Hawaii
    Inventor: David Skedeleski
  • Patent number: 7275490
    Abstract: A catamaran-like one piece molded stable watercraft with sloping sides and a graduated sloping channel for supporting an individual and up to 600 pounds of gear without flipping and wherein the watercraft has a draft of no more than 6 inches fully loaded and less than 3 inches with 170 pounds of weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Roy F. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7264522
    Abstract: A water board for use by a child or young person for play in the water includes a board-mounted spray mechanism manually-operable for enabling the rider to selectively spray metered amounts of water outwardly from a barrel mounted on the spray mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Wham-O, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Henry Lee, Boguslaw Orlowski
  • Patent number: 7264523
    Abstract: This invention relates to a slider, which comprises a polyethylene foam skin, a laminated plastic film and a plastic sheet. The polyethylene foam skin has a density in a range of 1.5 to 12 PCF and a thickness in a range of 1 to 6 mm. The laminated plastic film is heat bonded to a top surface of the polyethylene foam skin entirely and the laminated plastic film has a thickness in range of 0.03 to 0.3 mm. The plastic sheet is heat bonded to a bottom of the polyethylene foam skin entirely and the plastic sheet has a thickness in range of 0.3 to 2 mm. In addition, the laminated plastic film is formed with depressions on both surfaces and the depressions are distributed over the both surfaces of the laminated plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7261611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquatic toy device that is particularly adapted for skipping upon and across the irregular surface of a body of water. The aquatic surface skipping toy device may be used for recreation, sports, or exercise either by an individual or a group of individuals. The toy device includes a buoyant body having a generally planar bottom surface and a pair of outwardly and forward mounted sponsons constructed and arranged to convert forward motion into hydrodynamic lift to raise the bottom surface of the toy device into a position above the surface of the water. As the bottom surface is extended above the surface of the water the air is channeled between the lower surface of the toy device and the upper surface of the water. Allowing the toy device to glide predominately on a thin layer of air with the sponsons alternatingly skipping across the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: George I Smith, Doug Smith
  • Patent number: 7261607
    Abstract: An inflatable towable device capable of both being towed across a surface and to hover over the surface is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable frame and a wing surface that extends across the bottom surface of the inflatable frame. The inflatable frame is aerodynamically shaped to includes an elongated central section with seating surfaces for a rider that extends into wing sections that curve around to extend alongside the central section. The wing surface extends between the central section and the side wing sections to provide a lightweight wing structure that provides sufficient lift for the device when being towed to enable the device to hover above the surface for long distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Sevylor, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Klimenko