Abstract: A sport board for snow sledding or surf body boarding comprises a multi-layered laminated composite foam core coupled with stiffening elements for mechanical strengthening of the board. The composite foam core comprises laminates of polyolefin foam base and stiffening elements composed of substantially polymer foam and has substantial higher compressive strength and flexural strength than the foam base. A front section may be made of the same blank material as the low density polyolefin foam base and is bonded to the front end of the foam core complex to give a full frontal flexibility for a higher directional control by the rider and improved shock absorbing property. Upper and lower polyethylene foam sheets wrap the foam core complex subassembly and head section for sled integrity and graphic film finishes the sled top, the bottom is also finished with a polyethylene sheet for slickness.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft with the rider in a seated position. The flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski also accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability ski characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks.

Abstract: A high maneuverability towcraft has a hull, a primary water-engaging device, and a towline attachment above a waterline of the hull. A towline line-of-tension extends through an effective centerline of the primary water-engaging device. The towcraft also has a castering device for providing directional stability to the towcraft which allows the towcraft to follow the lead of the primary water-engaging means. The stability of the towcraft is not negatively impacted either by any lateral force of the towline or by an instantaneous position of the towline with respect to a front of the towcraft.

Abstract: A method for producing a foam product having an outer skin is provided. The outer skin is firstly placed in a mold and then a plurality of polystyrene foam beads are introduced into the mold in order to fill a cavity of the mold with the foam beads, which are heat-bonded with one another under steam pressure subsequently. Accordingly, a surface of the outer skin, which contacts with the foam beads, is entirely heat-bonded with the foam beads. Thus, the foam product with the outer skin is produced and the foam product comprises the outer skin and a polystyrene foam core composed of the foam beads, which are heat-bonded with one another without any spaces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an apparatus, such as a board, is provided where a shell is formed in a forming mold cavity and the shell is substantially filled with a core in a filling mold cavity that substantially prevents distortion of the shell during filling.

Abstract: A maneuverable towcraft consisting of a partial hull structure to which is removably attached at least three downward-projecting fins. A first ventral fin of sufficient size and draft is located along the craft's centerline, toward the front of the craft. A second and third fin, smaller in size and draft relative to the ventral fin, are laterally spaced-apart at a station aft of the ventral fin. The towline attachment to the towcraft is at a point above the craft's operative waterline and situated such that the towline line-of-force intersects, or very nearly intersects, the ventral fin's effective vertical zero-moment line for normal towline attitudes. Maneuvering of the towcraft by its one or more riders is accomplished by differential drag means.

Abstract: A sports board comprises a foam core, a top layer bonded to a top surface of the foam core and a bottom layer bonded to a bottom surface of the foam core. The top layer comprises a top foam layer and a top film. The top foam layer is provided for bonding to the top surface of the foam core and has patterns imprinted thereon. Additionally, the top film is bonded to the top foam layer so as to cover the patterns, which are visible through the top film. Furthermore, the bottom layer comprises a bottom foam layer and a bottom plate. The bottom foam layer is provided for bonding to the bottom surface of the foam core, and the bottom plate is bonded to the bottom foam layer.

Abstract: A body board, or sports board, for recreational activities on snow or on water is disclosed. The board has a foam core, a binding layer laminated on top of one surface of the foam core, a printed graphics layer laminated on top of the binding layer and a clear protection layer laminated on top of the printed graphics layer. On the bottom surface of the board, the foam core can have a bottom foam layer applied thereto and a slick skin applied onto the outside of the bottom foam layer. The bottom surface can also have the graphics layer and binding layer applied between the bottom foam layer and the slick skin to provide an additional graphics side.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft by a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The elongate strut is preferably formed with a V-shape wherein the length from the front edge to the back edge of the strut is greater along an upper portion for enhanced structural integrity.

Abstract: A slider having a direction locating structure includes a foam board, a surface layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of direction locating strips. Thus, the direction locating strips protruded outwardly from the bottom face of the bottom layer are inserted into the snowy, sandy or muddy ground during movement of the slider to provide a direction locating effect, so that the slider is moved forward linearly and stably by guidance of the direction locating strips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a towable aquatic airborne vehicle having an inflated base ring with a top sheet and a bottom sheet attached to the top and bottom sides of the ring to form a non-inflated closed chamber. A cockpit section extends in from te interior side of the back end of the base ring and includes a pair of spaced foot troughs that receive the rider's feet, and a number of handgrips are attached adjacent the cockpit. Transparent window sections are located in the top and bottom sheets adjacent the front end of the base ring. When towed at high speeds, the front end of the vehicle rises up and the entire vehicle becomes airborne with the rider gripping the handgrips and looking ahead through the window sections.

Abstract: An individual propelled catamaran watercraft with sloping sides and sloping channel adapted for supporting an individual without flipping and having a draft of no more than 3 inches.

Abstract: This invention relates to a layered composite material, which comprises a foam skin, a plastic plate and a plastic film. The 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 plastic plate is laminated to a top surface of the foam skin without adhesives and the plastic plate has a thickness in a range of 0.1 to 2 mm. The plastic film has a surface laminated to a bottom surface of the foam skin without adhesives and the plastic film has a thickness in a range of 0.01 to 0.15 mm. In addition, layered composite material further comprises a fabric layer laminated to other surface of said plastic film without adhesives.

Abstract: An aquatic body board with enhanced maneuverability, speed and comfort having a tapered upturned nose for maneuvering over rough seas and avoiding deadheading which does not impede paddling, a concave valley extending along the length of the top surface of the board to comfortably and securingly accommodate the body of the user, at least one concave channel on the bottom surface to reduce friction with the water and at least one fin to aid stability and maneuverability.

Abstract: A gilding board for sliding on water, snow and land, is constructed from polyethylene foam material, in three-ply or more layers of constant density or different densities as a multi-layer board core. The three-ply board core enhances the crash-worthiness from water surfing, snow or land gliding, with a provision of better comfort and a function of high security for users by having smooth surfaces of the board on both sides.

Abstract: A body board including a leash and leash connector assembly for attaching the leash to the board. A handle assembly is connected with the board utilizing solely the leash connector assembly. The handle assembly includes a base and a pair of arms extending outward therefrom in substantially opposite directions. An opening is provided through the base that is arranged to engage the leash connector assembly for connecting the handle assembly with the body board.

Abstract: A body board, or sports board, for recreational activities on snow or on water is disclosed. The board has a foam core, a binding layer laminated on top of one surface of the foam core, a printed graphics layer laminated on top of the binding layer and a clear protection layer laminated on top of the printed graphics layer. On the bottom surface of the board, the foam core can have a bottom foam layer applied thereto and a slick skin applied onto the outside of the bottom foam layer. The bottom surface can also have the graphics layer and binding layer applied between the bottom foam layer and the slick skin to provide an additional graphics side.

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.

Abstract: A sport board control device and footwear combination, comprising a plurality of foot pads with a plurality of hook and loop grip elements disposed on an upper surface. The foot pads are segmented and positioned on a top surface of a sport board. A plurality of segmented foot pads are spaced on the top surface of the sport board, and have a plurality of hook and loop grip elements disposed on an upper surface. A footpiece formed and configured to fit onto a person's foot and including a substantially planar reinforced sole portion and a plurality of hook and loop fastening elements on a bottom surface, so that the plurality of hook and loop fastening elements may grip to the plurality of foot pads with a plurality of grip elements.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a drag-inducing kickboard. The kickboard has an undersurface. A funnel member projects from the undersurface and comprises at least one inner surface that is spaced apart from the undersurface to form a channel between the at least one inner surface of the funnel member and the undersurface of the kickboard. The funnel member is shaped to provide the channel with a front opening for allowing water into the channel and a rear opening for allowing water to escape from the channel. The front opening has a cross-sectional area that is greater than that of the rear opening.

Abstract: A slider that can resist corrosion of moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and prevent the pattern therein from wear and tear. The slider also provides a smooth touching feeling to users. The slider mainly containing: a polyethylene foaming board, a first polyethylene foaming skin, a first plastic film, a second polyethylene foaming skin and a second plastic film. The polyethylene foaming board having a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The first polyethylene foaming skin contains an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the first polyethylene foaming skin is bonded with the top surface and the edge surfaces of the polyethylene foaming board. The first polyethylene foaming skin has a foaming rate less than a foaming rate of the polyethylene foaming board. The first plastic film is bonded with the outer surface of the first polyethylene foaming skin. The second polyethylene foaming skin contains an inner surface and an outer surface.

Abstract: A curved lower surface of a gliding board, such as a wakeboard or a surfboard, is provided with an anticlastic shape to resemble the shape of a saddle. The lower surface of the board is concave in a transverse cross section and convex in a longitudinal cross section along the entire length of the board.

Abstract: A sports board that includes an expanded-polystyrene sports board core. A composite top skin is heat bonded to the top surface of the expanded polystyrene sports board core. Composite side rail skins are heat bonded to side rails of the expanded polystyrene sports board core. A composite slick bottom skin is heat bonded to a bottom surface of the expanded polystyrene sports board core.

Abstract: A kickboard comprising a relatively thin, buoyant board no longer than twenty six inches. The board has a back edge and a front edge joined by side edges. The board also has top and bottom surfaces joined by the front, back and side edges. Two, spaced-apart, forearm receiving depressions are provided in the top surface of the board, the depressions extending forwardly from the back edge of the board over a major portion of the length of the board to near the front edge. The depressions help to retain the forearms of a swimmer using the board on the board. The kickboard has hand grips located in front of the forearm receiving depressions. Preferably, at least the front portions of the side edges are bent toward each other, and the hand grips are located on the bent front portions, preferably just in front of, and aligned with, the forearm receiving depressions. Gripping the bent front portions allows the wrists to remain in a normal position relative to the forearms thus reducing stress.

Abstract: A kickboard having a rigid base of generally thin, rectangular, shape. At least one shallow cutout or depression is formed in the top surface of the base, the depression extending rearwardly from near the front edge of the base and being at least wide enough and long enough to receive a swimmer's arm when the swimmer grips the front edge of the base with his hand. A layer of cushioning material can be provided in the depression to cushion the arm of the swimmer while gripping the board by the front edge. The front edge of the board is rounded and at least partly cushioned as well. A groove is provided in the bottom surface of the base positioned to receive the finger-tips of the swimmer while gripping the front edge. A second groove can be provided in the top surface of the base, just behind the finger-tip groove, for receiving a portion of the palm of the swimmer's hand while gripping the front edge.

Abstract: A buoyant boom having: an elongate band extending across a water surface; floats rotatably mounted to the band with rotary bearings between each float and the band; and anchors securing the band at its ends or middle portion to a support, such as a river bed or a river bank structure for example.

Abstract: A sports board that includes an expanded-polystyrene sports board core. A composite top skin is heat bonded to the top surface of the expanded polystyrene sports board core. Composite side rail skins are heat bonded to side rails of the expanded polystyrene sports board core. A composite slick bottom skin is heat bonded to a bottom surface of the expanded polystyrene sports board core.

Abstract: A water floatation board includes a pair of curved side fins for an increase in holding power of the board when in the matter, and without increasing drag during board use. Each curved side fin has a concave surface that faces a centerline of the board, and a convex surface that is opposite of the concave surface. The inner and outer surfaces merge to form leading and trailing edges, and a fin tip. The use of the concave surface allows the fin area to increase without an increase in fin depth, thus providing greater holding power without increasing drag.

Abstract: A personal water craft is a device having a unitary hull body that includes a substantially horizontal planar deck for supporting an occupant in a pronate position and a shell integral with the deck, wherein the shell is submersible into water. A cushioned pad is affixed adjacent to the deck, thereby providing a comfortable resting position for the occupant. A transparent viewing panel is affixed to the bow end of the hull, thereby forming a window for the occupant to look through. A joystick for controlling the direction of said personal water craft is also included, wherein the joystick is electrically coupled with a battery, a motor and a propeller.

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.

Abstract: Boom or barrier systems adapted to prevent unwanted material located in a fluid body from passing from one side of the barrier to the other side of the barrier are disclosed. Methods of operating the boom system are also disclosed. The boom system may float in a body of fluid, such as a river, to protect one portion of the fluid body from unwanted material, such as debris, while at the same time allowing fluid to flow underneath the boom to the protected portion of the fluid body. In a preferred embodiment, the boom system may include a control side having a lower air supply and an upper water supply. The lower air supply may provide a rising curtain of air along the control side of the boom. The upper water supply may provide jets of water directed tangentially to the control side near the fluid body surface.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.

Abstract: A device for recreational water sports is disclosed. The inventive device includes two identical controlling, stabilizing and holding handles. The handles are mounted to the boogie board, body board or sport board with standard flat top anchors or body board anchors.

Abstract: A hollow gliding board having an outer shell that demarcates at least one inner cavity, and having at least one inertial mass.

Abstract: A recreational device for supporting a person being pulled along over the surface of a body of water, including an elongated platform body having a central front-to-rear axis and terminated by a slightly upturned, rounded front end, a rounded rear end, and a pair of spaced-apart side edges extending therebetween to form a smooth transitional periphery having rounded corners at the front and rear, the platform body further including a top surface for contact with the feet of the person and a bottom surface for contacting and moving over the surface of the water, two widely spaced-apart upwardly concave channels formed in the platform bottom surface adjacent the side edges and extending parallel to the central front-to-rear axis and terminating respectively in front of the rear end and in back of the upwardly turned front end, and a concave area located on the platform top surface, between the channels, to provide different elevations in the platform top surface for the person to place his or her feet and regul

Abstract: A foot traction pad is provided for a sport board having a built-in arch. The arch is constructed of a bladder containing a fluid that will move and conform to a user's foot and continue conformance whenever there is foot movement. The bladder underlies and attaches to a pad covering. Extending upwardly from the plane of the pad is a foot abutment structure. The structure is spaced-apart from the rear end of the bladder and may include one or more small bladders. The abutment structure is aligned laterally in relation to the longitudinal axis of the bladder. The pad covering overlies the abutment structure. The pad may be an integrated unitary body or it may have peripheral segments for accommodating different sport board sizes and shapes.

Abstract: In order to provide a containment boom capable of functioning as a barrier for certainly preventing the containment of oil spill in no concern to momentary violent movements of waves and currents, the containment boom comprises a plurality of float units and a coupling portion by which adjacent float units are coupled to one another. Each of the float units comprises a housing having an oil shielding surface perpendicular to sea level, a float portion having a buoyant force, and a plummet portion positioned under the float portion. In addition, the float portion and the plummet portion are adjusted so as to locate a water line to approximate middle position of vertical length of the oil shielding surface. Furthermore, the coupling portion is a flexible coupling portion for varying a relative position between the adjacent float units.

Abstract: A shoreline riding toy, for use in hydroplaning along a thin layer of water at a shoreline, having a rigid lower board having a hard and slick bottom surface, and a soft, inflatable upper portion. The upper portion is adhered to the lower board. The upper portion overhangs the lower board in all horizontal directions. The upper portion supports the user such that when the user runs and dives while holding the toy to initiate hydroplaning of the lower board on the thin layer of water, the upper portion suspends the user above the lower board for the comfort and safety of the user.

Abstract: A structural subassembly provided to produce an aquatic gliding board. The subassembly includes a hollow inner shell which is covered with a casing made of foam capable of being machined. The invention also relates to a method of making such a subassembly and to a board made by covering the preceding subassembly with a layer of resin-coated fibers.

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

Abstract: A board-like sportscraft comprises a core and a metallic skin covering at least a portion of said core.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural sub-assembly for a gliding board, such as a surfboard, as well as a method for manufacturing such gliding board, the method including at least: forming at least two shell elements, and assembling shell elements with a resin foam. The invention is also directed to the sub-assembly and to the gliding board formed by such methods.

Abstract: A slider that can resist corrosion of moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and prevent the pattern therein from wear and tear. The slider also provides a smooth touching feeling to users. The slider mainly containing: a polyethylene foaming board, a first polyethylene foaming skin, a first plastic film, a second polyethylene foaming skin and a second plastic film. The polyethylene foaming board having a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The first polyethylene foaming skin contains an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the first polyethylene foaming skin is bonded with the top surface and the edge surfaces of the polyethylene foaming board. The first polyethylene foaming skin has a foaming rate less than a foaming rate of the polyethylene foaming board. The first plastic film is bonded with the outer surface of the first polyethylene foaming skin. The second polyethylene foaming skin contains an inner surface and an outer surface.

Abstract: A water sports board includes at least a main body panel, and two rail panels, one each removably connected either side of a rear portion of the main body panel, the two rail panels changeable to alter the shape of the board.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel non-motorized water sports devices which facilitate and improve the usage of “tow-behind” water sports devices. Said devices of the present invention comprise a hull having an aft deck surface sized for accommodating at least one rider; at least one tow attachment point; a handle column; a handle bar attached to said handle column; and at least one rudder fin attached to said hull. Said devices are usually towed by a watercraft having a propulsion mechanism, by means of a tow rope or similar device(s).

Abstract: A kickboard having a rigid base of generally thin, rectangular, shape. At least one shallow cutout or depression is formed in the top surface of the base, the depression extending rearwardly from near the front edge of the base and being at least wide enough and long enough to receive a swimmer's arm when the swimmer grips the front edge of the base with his hand. A layer of cushioning material can be provided in the depression to cushion the arm of the swimmer while gripping the board by the front edge. The front edge of the board is rounded and at least partly cushioned as well. A groove is provided in the bottom surface of the base positioned to receive the finger-tips of the swimmer while gripping the front edge. A second groove can be provided in the top surface of the base, just behind the finger-tip groove, for receiving a portion of the palm of the swimmer's hand while gripping the front edge.

Abstract: A wakeboard 10 having rear, rear quarter, front quarter, and front vane pairs that channel water towards the longitudinal axis of the wakeboard 10 to provide directional stabilization for the wakeboard. The longitudinally symmetric location of the vane pairs enhances rider control and performance of the wakeboard during maneuvers without the use of fins or hydrofoils.

Abstract: A hollow gliding board having an outer shell that demarcates at least one inner cavity, and having at least one inertial mass.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structural sub-assembly for a gliding board, such as a surfboard, as well as a method for manufacturing such gliding board, the method including at least: forming at least two shell elements, and assembling shell elements with a resin foam. The invention is also directed to the sub-assembly and to the gliding board formed by such methods.

Abstract: A water sport device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft, including an elongate board to which a seat and foot holder are secured, an elongate hydrofoil extending downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the hydrofoil generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal. The improvements comprise an adjustable rear blade to permit the rear blade to be manually adjusted to increase or decrease the space between the blades; and the rear blade is shaped to have an angle which slopes downward from the top surface to its leading edge and a thin rear trailing edge.