Abstract: A device for traversing water is disclosed that has a left and a right-foot hull and a pair of propulsion poles with attached propulsion pontoons. The propulsion poles are shaped and sized so that a person standing upright can use them to propel themselves across water. The underside of each hull has kick-forward plates that allow the hull to move unimpeded in one direction but not the other. A rail is connected near the inner edge of one hull, and a the rail follower fixed to the other hull, and slidably connected to the rail allow the hulls to more relative to each other in a direction parallel to their long axis.

Abstract: A snow gliding board, including front and rear lines of maximum width, and having sidecuts including a central area having a curvature directed towards the outside of the board, wherein said central area extends towards the front and/or the back in an adjacent area having a curvature oriented toward the inside, which extends at least all the way to the respective front and/or rear line of maximum width.

Abstract: A platform board is shown which allows a small child or infant to learn the art of water skiing. The platform is wide enough to accommodate at least the width of two foot grips located on an upper surface of the platform. A handle bar extending upwardly from the upper surface of the platform from a location in front of the foot grips. The handle bar includes a grip portion which can be adjusted to lie in a horizontal plane at a height which allows the grip portion to be conveniently gripped by a small child or infant. The platform board is manufactured similarly to a surf board that will support the weight of a child prior to acceleration of an associated towing craft.

Abstract: The present invention provides the maximum convenient portability with a 3 foldable method of the water ski hull, one half dividable shaft method of ski pole and a separable propulsion plate method from the ski pole, a push-pull method of rudder, and a separable method of the lateral balancing board from the hull, and also provides the maximum lateral balance effect of a skier by means of the lateral balancing board at the mid section, two side wings at the stern section, and a foot skid pad on each side of the mid section and a Velcro belt on each side holding each side instep of a skier over each side foot skid pad of the mid section of the ski hull.

Abstract: A surfboard suitable for wave riding. The surfboard includes a buoyant blank chaving opposed top and bottom blank faces, a pair of rails extending between the opposed top and bottom blank faces at blank face edges. A midline axis extends between a nose region and a tail region and divides the buoyant blank into port and starboard regions, each of which extend between the midline axis and the rail on port and starboard sides. A first reinforcing element associates with at least one of the faces of the buoyant blank wherein the first reinforcing element is disposed substantially within an intermediate part of the port region and extends generally along that region between the nose region and the tail region. A second reinforcing element can also be used.

Abstract: A platform board is shown which allows a small child or infant to learn the art of water skiing. The platform is wide enough to accommodate at least the width of two foot grips located on an upper surface of the platform. A handle bar extending upwardly from the upper surface of the platform from a location in front of the foot grips. The handle bar includes a grip portion which can be adjusted to lie in a horizontal plane at a height which allows the grip portion to be conveniently gripped by a small child or infant. The platform board is manufactured similarly to a surfboard that will support the weight of a child prior to acceleration of an associated towing craft.

Abstract: Snow ski attachments to toe of ski consisting of boat haul/navicular design bottom component J-tip 10 along with top support brace 30 and top cover 42. This will allow the ski to cut through the snow instead of bouncing over it and therefore reducing vibration and improving the control of the ski. These attachments will also strengthen the toe to body connection.

Abstract: A rotatable footstrap plate (2,4,7) for a gliding board, said rotatable footstrap plate comprising: a centre disc (2) which is arranged to be mounted on the deck of the gliding board in a fixed angular position, a non-slip surface (3) mounted on the centre disc, said non-slip surface being arranged to be in contact with the user's foot during use, an outer ring element (4) which is arranged to be rotatable around the centre disc during use of the rotatable footstrap plate and footstrap mounting elements (6) fastened to the outer ring element. In addition, a footstrap assembly comprising the rotatable footstrap plate of the current invention is also provided as is a gliding board comprising said footstrap assembly.

Abstract: A water-ski or water board locating device comprised of a buoyant body detachably secured to the top of the ski or board, behind the boot, by means of a base plate and the boot's binding screws. In this position, the device effectively uprights the water-ski or water board when floating unattended. By uprighting the water-ski or water board, the device increases its visibility, aiding in the recovery of the ski or board and increasing its safety as a floating obstacle.

Abstract: an apparatus comprising a sensor system and a controller. The sensor system may be configured to provide information about an angle of a ski rope relative to a ski pylon. The controller may be configured to provide (i) a first indication if the sensor indicates the ski rope reaches a target angle within a target time and (ii) a second indication if the sensor does not indicate the ski rope reaches the target angle be within the target time.

Abstract: A recreation device, used for sliding downhill on a surface, on which the rider is suspended above the surface, either in a generally horizontal position—face up or face down—or in a reclined position, thereby providing the rider with a unique experience or sensation. The winter recreation device comprises a slide member having a top and a low friction bottom adapted for sliding on the surface, a support connected to the top of the slide member and extending upward away from the slide member, and a harness suspended from the support, wherein the support and harness are adapted to suspend a user of the apparatus above the surface.

Abstract: The athletic board which may serve as ski, water ski or floating board is disclosed. The athletic board includes a protection layer, a fiber layer connected to the protection layer, a sponge layer connected to the fiber layer and a rigid substrate layer connected to the sponge layer.

Abstract: A water-ski or water board locating device comprised of a buoyant body detachably secured to the top of the ski or board, behind the boot, by means of a base plate and the boot's binding screws. In this position, the device effectively uprights the water-ski or water board when floating unattended. By uprighting the water-ski or water board, the device increases its visibility, aiding in the recovery of the ski or board and increasing its safety as a floating obstacle.

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

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a substrate which defines the shape of the article and which comprises a sliding surface adapted for sliding over the surface of snow or over ice or over water, which sliding surface is coated with an oxidation-resistant hydrocarbon wax coating which is long lasting and renders the sliding surface near super-hydrophobic and thus lowers the sliding drag of the sliding surface on snow, ice or water over which the substrate is adapted to be slid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for surf skiing. The apparatus includes a pair of surf skis for attaching to each foot of a surf skier and using the force and momentum of a wave to propel the surf skier.

Abstract: A wake ski has a deck, a foot binding, and at least one fin. The deck of the wake ski includes a top side, a bottom side, a bulbous front end, and a bulbous rear end. The front and rear ends have transverse widths that are larger than a transverse width at the midsection of the deck.

Abstract: A sports board comprising a core member and a mounting structure interposed between the core member and an upper layer. The mounting structure defines a region on which the binding can be mounted, wherein the mounting structure comprises a flexible structure with holes that permits the core to flex during use.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a board-type runner device (1), consisting of at least a top layer (2) with a top surface (4) and a running layer (3) with a running surface (5) lying opposite it and optionally having edging elements (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the runner device (1), and the top surface (4) of the top layer (2) and/or the running surface (5) of the running layer (3) has at least one recess (13, 14). The at least one recess (13; 14) is provided with a device (21) for increasing slipping and friction resistance at the running surface (5) and/or top surface (4) if necessary, at least in the region of the recess (13; 14).

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 method for forming a sheet material suitable for use in manufacturing gliding board bases includes placing a first group of materials including plastic particles on a continuously moving surface in a first pattern, and placing a second group of materials including plastic particles on the continuously moving surface in a second pattern. Heat and pressure are applied to sinter the plastic particles together to form the sheet material having a first area with a first set of characteristics formed mainly of particles from the first group adjacent a second area with a second set of characteristics different from the first set of characteristics formed mainly from particles from the second group. The first and second sets of characteristics may include only one characteristic, such as color, hardness, wear-resistance, etc., or a plurality of different characteristics.

Abstract: A water ski having an elongated body member having a fore-zone, a mid-zone, an aft-zone and a longitudinally extending X-axis. A major longitudinally extending groove is formed in the bottom surface of the water ski and it extends substantially the length of the mid-zone and the aft-zone. A plurality of longitudinally spaced left side minor grooves and right side minor grooves extend outwardly from the boundary edges of the major groove toward the respective left and right side edges of the water ski. Water traveling along the length of the major groove will also travel laterally outwardly through the respective left side and right side minor groove to give improved performance to the water ski.

Abstract: A wakeboard having a substantially planar plastic base with a top surface and a bottom surface and a lightweight tubular alloy frame fastened at the top surface perimeter. The base is angled slightly proximate each of its ends. The frame is filled with a porous thermoplastic resin. The wakeboard further includes a novel binding system having a foot plate, a footpad, and a strap system. The bindings are secured to the base with mounting bolts having handles or knobs. The foot plate includes arcuate slots at each side of the footpad, each arcuate slot having a several transverse slots. Simple manual loosening of the mounting bolts permits multidirectional adjustment of the binding without the need to remove any part of the binding system from the board.

Abstract: The proposed crawler-mounted board (1) is specifically for the purpose of riding over grass or lawn slopes. It features a crawler unit which consists of two slightly concave-curved undercarriage tracks (12), the tracks being connected to one another by four cross-struts (13). The crawler unit can be mounted to a frame (2) made of tubing or rods. Each of the undercarriage tracks (12) consists of a long elongated body, a flexible crawler track chain, and large number of crawler track segments. A block can be mounted to the outside of each crawler track segment. While the crawler-mounted board is in motion, frictional forces act between the turf and the crawler track chains and the blocks of the crawler unit. These frictional forces cause the crawler track chains along with the crawler track segments to move around the body of the undercarriage tracks (12) in a closed circuit.

Abstract: A device for holding lubricating compounds on a sportsboard for use by a sportsperson includes a flexible support for receiving a reservoir for lubricant. The support can be anchored to the board, and the reservoir can be removed from the support as required. When removed, it can be used by the sportsperson. The support includes a flexible netting material which is anchored directly or indirectly to an aperture on a board such as a wakeboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual slalom course and display which allows a water skier to develop the skill and timing to maneuver through a slalom course without the need for an official course. The apparatus is operable to display to the skier where the virtual slalom buoys are (or where they would be), where the skier is in relation to the buoy, and/or where the skier should be at any moment in time if the skier is to optimally traverse the virtual slalom course. The apparatus includes inputs for the speed of the boat, the dimensions of the desired virtual slalom course (preferably the dimensions of an official slalom course) and the length of the rope in order to calculate the skier's ideal position. Feedback through a rope angle sensor preferably facilitates the display of the skier's actual position.

Abstract: A wakeboard having a substantially planar plastic base with a top surface and a bottom surface and a lightweight tubular alloy frame fastened at the top surface perimeter. The base is angled slightly proximate each of its ends. The frame is filled with a porous thermoplastic resin. The wakeboard further includes a novel binding system having a foot plate, a footpad, and a strap system. The bindings are secured to the base with mounting bolts having handles or knobs. The foot plate includes arcuate slots at each side of the footpad, each arcuate slot having a several transverse slots. Simple manual loosening of the mounting bolts permits multidirectional adjustment of the binding without the need to remove any part of the binding system from the board.

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard is enhanced by a towing apparatus which includes vertical supports rigidly attached starboard and port side gunwales of the vessel at a location generally outboard an operator station. A frame including rigid U-shaped bridging supports transversely extends across the beam of the vessel. The frame is pivotally fitted to a forward portion of the vertical supports for rotation from an operating position to a stored position on the deck of the vessel. The U-shaped bridging supports extend substantially above the level of the operator station. One of the U-shaped bridging supports is readily removably attached to the vertical support. A ball assembly is carried by detachable ends of the frame, while a socket assembly is carried by the vertical support. A shaft extends through the socket and has one end threaded for engaging a threaded bore of the ball.

Abstract: A divers transportation assistance device includes a support platform pivotally mounted within a rigid linking frame. An included tow rope attachment assembly allows the device to be linked to a tow rope and pulled behind a tow boat. A rider positioning construction maintains a rider in a preferred location on the support platform without relying on the arm or hand strength of the rider. Movable articulation posts provide leverage and allow a rider to cause the device to controllably ascend or submerge. The device includes guide fins that help the device maintain a course selected by a rider, and a biasing means urges the device to adopt a surface-skimming orientation, thereby preventing unintentional submerging of the device.

Abstract: A sliding apparatus includes one or more stiffening plates mounted to the top surface of the sliding apparatus. The plates serve to stiffen localized areas on the snowboard in order to change the flexion and torsion characteristics of the snowboard in that localized area. The location of the stiffening plates can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of riding stances and orientations. The stiffening plates can be utilized on a symmetrical sliding apparatus to provide asymmetrical flexion and torsion characteristics in order to accommodate the asymmetrical stance of the rider. The stiffening plates can also be adjusted to enable a ski or snowboard to perform well in both soft snow conditions and hard packed snow conditions. The stiffening plates can be positioned within a recessed channel in the top surface of the sliding apparatus in order to prevent snow from being forced under the stiffening plates during use.

Abstract: A guidance pad, made from flexible plastic material and configured with an array of parallel guidance ridges on the bottom side, can be retrofitted onto the bottom side of an aquatic sports device such as a surfboard so that the ridges, running fore-and-aft, enhance lateral stability by guiding water flow through the channels formed between the ridges. In a preferred embodiment, five equally-spaced ridges having a V-shaped cross-section are molded integrally on the bottom side of a generally rectangular thin flexible pad whose flat top surface is provided with a layer of self-adhesive material retained by a peel-off backing. To install the guidance pad, the backing is peeled off to expose the adhesive material and the top surface of the pad is attached onto the bottom of the surfboard just forward of the fin, for which a cutaway region is provided at the aft edge of the pad. The hydro-dynamic effects, e.g.

Abstract: A water sports device adapted for carrying a rider airborne completely above the surface of the water upon being towed by a tow device. The water sports device comprises an elongated airfoil having a top portion and a bottom portion substantially opposite the top portion, the top portion being adapted for supporting the rider thereon. At least one tow connector is attached to the elongated airfoil, and the elongated airfoil is of a shape which causes it to receive an upward lift reaction from an airstream moving relative thereto upon being towed by the tow device. An elongated spar is provided within the airfoil to which the tow connector is attached. The interior support of the airfoil is, in one embodiment, polystyrene, such as Styrofoam.RTM. and the exterior surface is fiberglass. Alternate embodiments include the provision of pontoons under the elongated airfoil, and the attaching of at least one operable aileron, rudder, and/or at least one downwardly extending fin to the elongated airfoil.

Abstract: An elongate board which produces increased lift when moved through a fluid such as air or water. The elongate board includes a main body with an opening in its central region. A plurality of transverse wing sections are mounted in tandem in the central opening along the longitudinal axis of the main body. Between each wing section is an open slot allowing the fluid to flow over the wing sections, creating a lifting force on the elongate board. The elongate board may be utilized in many different sports requiring the use of a ski or board, such as water skiing, snow skiing, surfboarding, snow boarding, and sky surfboarding.

Abstract: The proposed crawler-mounted board (1) is specifically for the purpose of riding over grass or lawn slopes. It features a crawler unit which consists of two slightly concave-curved undercarriage tracks (12), the tracks being connected to one another by four cross-struts (13). The crawler unit can be mounted to a frame (2) made of tubing or rods. Each of the undercarriage tracks (12) consists of a long elongated body, a flexible crawler track chain, and large number of crawler track segments. A block can be mounted to the outside of each crawler track segment. While the crawler-mounted board is in motion, frictional forces act between the turf and the crawler track chains and the blocks of the crawler unit. These frictional forces cause the crawler track chains along with the crawler track segments to move around the body of the undercarriage tracks (12) in a closed circuit.

Abstract: A snowboard includes one or more stiffening plates mounted to the top surface of the snowboard. The plates serve to stiffen localized areas on the snowboard in order to change the flexion and torsion characteristics of the snowboard in that localized area. The location of the stiffening plates can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of riding stances and orientations. The stiffening plates can be utilized on a symmetrical snowboard to provide asymmetrical flexion and torsion characteristics in order to accommodate the asymmetrical stance of the rider. The stiffening plates can also be adjusted to enable a ski or snowboard to perform well in both soft snow conditions and hard packed snow conditions.

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard, and being towed by a vessel while maintaining stability of the vessel includes a first relatively rigid vertical support fitted to one side of the, a second relatively rigid vertical support fitted structure to an opposing side, and a horizontal bridging portion extending between upper extremities of the first and second vertically extending supports, at a height substantially above a level of the operator station for the vessel. A tow rope is attached to the horizontally extending bridging portion for towing the performer from the horizontally extending bridging portion while operating the vessel in a body of water. By pivotally attaching the first and second supports to the respective sides of the vessel, they can be rotated downwardly so that the vessel may pass underneath a bridge or into a boat house.

Abstract: A wakeboard binding which includes a single piece, adjustable, binding overlay elastomeric sheet material, with a pair of spaced apart extended arms, the binding adapted to be secured over the top surface of a heel and toe receptacle which form a boot-like enclosure.

Abstract: A snowboard is disclosed having two cambers centered, respectively, below each of the two boot mounting zones.

Abstract: A monoski (1) having an open-ended longitudinal slot (5) through the thickness of the ski which extends rearwardly along the ski from the toe (6). In use, the tow line in (2) the starting position is located in the slot (5), thereby restricting movement of the ski from side and making it easier for a skier to maintain balance whilst being pulled from a partially submerged starting position to the skiing position.

Abstract: A wakeboard traction pad for a wakeboard providing greater traction and a variable traction-surface geometry for more technical wakeboard riding and increased fun. The wakeboard traction pad is provided to give a high-friction, high-surface area surface upon which a wakeboard rider's feet may constructively engage and control the attached wakeboard. Often used in pairs at opposite sides of the wakeboard, the wakeboard traction pad of the present invention may also be used alone in conjunction with a single binding oppositely opposed to it on the wakeboard. The wakeboard traction pad has a gently tapering foot bed area, a more significantly sloped kicktail, and a center arch support that helps to define two concave depressions between the sides of the wakeboard traction pad for engagement by the heel and/or ball of the foot. By providing a variable geometry, the wakeboard traction pad provides more contact surface area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring the performance of a maneuvering water skier. A series of angular measurements are made on the ski rope relative to a predetermined direction. This information, together with timing information is provided to a computer processing unit which calculates a score after predetermined maneuvers are completed. An apparatus for making both angle and force measurements is described.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention offers a new sports activity, somewhere between roller-blading and waverunning, by incorporating a pair of boots on a pair of boards, and powering the combination by a pair of centrifugal clutch motors of rating not exceeding 5.0 horsepower, with a pair of throttled controls respectively coupled forwardly from the motors to extend to a position and height where they can be held and adjusted by a user in varying the horsepower delivered to the boards. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is intended for use in a water environment, although by adding wheels to the underside of the boards, the apparatus can be modified for land use.

Abstract: A water ski having an elongated body of generally uniform thickness from its nose to its aft end, and including a body having a nose portion which inclines gradually upwardly, a forward body portion, and a rear body portion. The forward body portion has a width which is generally uniform and which is like that of a conventional water ski. The rear body portion extends rearwardly from the forward body portion and has side edges which diverge outwardly and rearwardly toward the rear end of the ski, with the width of the ski at its rear end being at least 150% of the width of the forward body portion. The longitudinal length of the rear body portion is from 25 to 75% of the length of the ski.

Abstract: A towable water sports apparatus such as a water ski is provided with a narrowed waist portion in the forward half of the ski, a concave tunnel in the bottom surface of the ski which terminates in a Y-shaped end adjacent the tail end of the ski, a flex-adjusting plate which is secured to the top surface of the ski, and a vibration dampening cell which is positioned in a recess in the core of the ski and which is covered by the cover of the ski.

Abstract: A water sport safety device for use with generally planar water sport devices which float at or beneath the surface of a body of water when floating unattended. The water sport safety device consists of a buoyant marker assembly which is attached to the water sport device so as to extend upward above the surface of the water when the water sport device is floating unattended in the water. The extension of the buoyant marker assembly above the surface of the water provides a highly noticeable and visible mark for water skiers, boaters and other water sportsman to identify the unattended water sport device, increasing the safety accorded the aforementioned individuals and increasing the ability to find and recover unattended floating water sport devices.

Abstract: A water ski adjustable fin block and fin are disclosed. The fin block employs a slidable wedge for clamping the fin in place within the fin block during use and allowing the fin to be unclamped just enough to allow adjustment of the fin. A screw arrangement is used to move the wedge. The adjusters allow the leading edge and trailing edge of the fin to be adjusted as to vertical relationship with the water ski. A third adjuster allows the fin to be move longitudinally toward the front or back of the ski. The adjusters provide captive treatment of the fin preventing the fin from excessive movement, or even falling out, while adjustment is performed. The present invention allows a water skier to easily adjust the fin using an allen key or the like.

Abstract: A thin top shell of aerodynamic contour is secured over a jump ski base smooth flow of air over the top of the ski during a jump, without interfering with the on-water performance of the base. The shell has a bulbous tip portion, a first portion of airfoil cross section aligned transversely of the ski in front of the central binding area of the ski, a second portion of airfoil cross section aligned transversely of the ski behind the binding area and a tail portion of airfoil cross section aligned longitudinally of the ski. The first and second airfoil cross sections have their thicker, more sharply curved sections disposed toward the inside edge of the ski, and the tail portion has its thicker, more sharply curved section disposed toward the front of the ski.

Abstract: A skiboard system comprising a skiboard having a channel extending along a portion of the length thereof and two bindings secured, via the channel, to the skiboard. The bindings are design to be rotated between a locked starting position, where the long axes of the bindings extend parallel to the long axis of the skiboard, and a locked skiing position, where the long axes of the bindings extend transversely to the long axis of the skiboard. After the bindings have been rotated to a selected position, the bindings are secured in place via a locking mechanism that is operated by movement of a pivotally mounted handle. In addition, the bindings include a resilient front strap assembly and a resilient heel support for securing the user's feet to the binding while at the same time permitting a user to quickly and easily remove his or her feet from the bindings in the event of a fall.

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard, and being towed by a vessel while maintaining stability of the vessel includes a first relatively rigid vertical support fitted to one side of the, a second relatively rigid vertical support fitted structure to an opposing side, and a horizontal bridging portion extending between upper extremities of the first and second vertically extending supports, at a height substantially above a level of the operator station for the vessel. A tow rope is attached to the horizontally extending bridging portion for towing the performer from the horizontally extending bridging portion while operating the vessel in a body of water. By pivotally attaching the first and second supports to the respective sides of the vessel, they can be rotated downwardly so that the vessel may pass underneath a bridge or into a boat house.