Abstract: A towable stream gauge platform having an asymmetrical elastic harness comprises a buoyant flexible platform and a harness including a shock cord having first and second lengths interconnected at a loop, both lengths passing slidably through a plurality of retaining rings flexibly attached to pad eyes embedded in the top surface of the platform, a leading end of said first length extending forward of said retaining rings on one side of the platform and the loop extending forward of said retaining rings on the other side of the platform, a terminal end of the second length secured to the top surface of the platform, one end of a pull cord attached to the loop and the other end of the pull cord attached to the leading end, such that the pull cord encounters greater resistance from the loop than from the lead end when under tension.

Abstract: A towed water sled apparatus is disclosed. The towed water sled apparatus is designed to provide lift to an overturned water sled apparatus thereby preventing the overturned water sled apparatus from diving below the water surface. The towing line may be above the water surface while pulling the overturned water sled apparatus along the water surface. The nose radius may transition to the lift section to provide lift to the overturned water sled apparatus and prevent the overturned water sled apparatus from sinking into the water surface.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a work light including a housing and a plurality of light sources coupled to the housing. At least one of the light sources is movable relative to the housing to vary a lighting pattern emitted by the light sources relative to an outer periphery of the housing. The work light also includes an actuator coupled to the at least one movable light source for moving the light source relative to the housing.

Abstract: A water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Coupled to the control module is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright.

Abstract: By using the intelligent ski handle capable of communicating with a tow boat, a towed user can control functions such as raising a warning flag, changing the speed and direction of the boat, sounding a horn, etc. thus promoting safety of the rider. When the towed user is separated by a prespecified distance from the ski handle, the handle can sense a fallen rider and wirelessly transmit a control signal to a receiver on the towing boat.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system and method for an audio handle. The audio handle includes a rope, the rope including a first end operable to be attached to a vehicle for towing a user. The audio handle further includes a handle connected to the rope. The handle includes one or more speakers operable to communicate an audio signal to the user. The rope includes one or more wires for communicating an electronic audio signal from an audio source of the vehicle to the speakers to generate the audio signal. The first end includes an audio jack for connecting the one or more wires to the audio source to receive the electronic audio signal.

Abstract: A protective bridle for waterskiing includes a handle connected to a pair of ski lines, the lines being joined at a point. The handle and lines together define a generally triangular region. The bridle includes a barrier which fills out substantially all of the triangular region, and thus prevents a limb, or other body part, from passing through the bridle in the event of a fall. The bridle may also include a flat plate, connected to the lines, and located within the triangular region. The flat plate stabilizes the bridle, and tends to prevent the bridle from spinning if the bridle is dropped into the water. The invention also includes a waterski line having sections of differing elasticities, enabling a student waterskier to train using a line that does not stretch excessively.

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: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if the rope moves outside a designated range of angles relative to an intake of the winch.

Abstract: A protective bridle for waterskiing includes a handle connected to a pair of ski lines, the lines being joined at a point. The handle and lines together define a generally triangular region. The bridle includes a barrier which fills out substantially all of the triangular region, and thus prevents a limb, or other body part, from passing through the bridle in the event of a fall. The bridle may also include a flat plate, connected to the lines, and located within the triangular region. The flat plate stabilizes the bridle, and tends to prevent the bridle from spinning if the bridle is dropped into the water. The invention also includes a waterski line having sections of differing elasticities, enabling a student waterskier to train using a line that does not stretch excessively.

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: The present disclosure relates to a towing equipment for towing a person by a vehicle. The towing equipment comprises a proximal portion intended to be associated with said person, a distal portion intended to be connected to said vehicle, and a junction region interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a first flexible branch and a second flexible branch, which are connected to the distal portion at the junction region. A proximal end of said first flexible branch comprises a handle; a proximal end of said second flexible branch is configured to be associated with the waist of said person. The present disclosure further relates to an abdominal belt intended to be used in conjunction with a towing equipment. The present disclosure also relates to a method for towing a person by a vehicle or the like. In particular, the person is a water skier and the vehicle is a motor boat.

Abstract: A tow rope for a water ski which provides a manner to communicate a majority of the force from a tow rope engaged to a boat directly to the water ski during deep water starts by a skier. The force is transferred to a handle held by the skiers hands once the skier has reached a substantially standing position and is on top of the water. A quick release is provided which will disconnect the tow rope should the skier activate it or fall.

Abstract: A wireless water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module and a wireless transmitter. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Located in the watercraft is a wireless receiver that communicates with the transmitter. Coupled to the receiver is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tow rope handle for attaching to a tow line. A bridle has two ends and a central loop for attaching the bridle to the tow line. A forward handle portion has two opposing forward sides and extends rearwardly therefrom to terminate at a central rear side. Each forward side is adapted for fixing with one end of the bridle. A rearward handle portion is fixed at a central forward side thereof with the central rear side of the forward handle portion, preferably with a rotational bearing axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the forward handle portion. The rearward handle portion further includes two opposing handle grips extending laterally away therefrom. Each handle grip may terminate at a cap that includes a forward projecting stop. As such, a virtual stabilizing triangle is formed between each cap and the central attachment loop, but without bridle ropes that can interfere with or injure the user during use.

Abstract: A tow rope system for use with a water recreation device may include a first drawbar member positioned to overlie a second drawbar member and oriented to be inverted with respect to the second drawbar member. Each of the first and second drawbar members may include a grip connected to opposing lateral supports. A coupling member may be connected to a portion of each of the opposing lateral supports, resulting in the first and second drawbar members extending outwardly from the coupling member in an angled configuration. The grip of each drawbar member may present both a gripping surface for a water recreation device rider and a mechanical engagement surface for a tow hook on a water recreation device. The dual-drawbar configuration may facilitate both passive and active towing of a water recreation device rider, and also both traditional and ergonomic gripping by a rider.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a water ski load distribution system for anatomically distributing tow rope induced forces across a participant. The system includes an abdominal encircling member, a rigid rear support member, a pair of wrist encircling members, and an elongated flexible member. The abdominal encircling member extends around the user's abdomen and may be incorporated within a personal flotation device. The rigid support member extends vertically on the back region between the abdominal encircling member and the user's shoulder region. The elongated flexible member extends between the wrist encircling members and the rigid support member. The length of the elongated flexible member prevents the user from simultaneously extending both arms at the shoulder joint. The wrist encircling members may optionally include load distribution systems that distribute pulling forces directly from a grip induced object to the wrists.

Abstract: A safety device for a tow handle such as might be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, kite-boarding, etc. One embodiment of the safety device provides a thin, flat panel (30) made of semi-rigid material and having pressure relief holes (32) and attachment holes (31). In addition, a handle attachment link (34) attaches said panel to the cross bar (41) of the tow handle providing additional support. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.

Abstract: A device used when towing a user with a watercraft includes a tow-rope and a tow-rope retraction device receiving the tow-rope. The tow-rope retraction device is configured to selectively retract the tow-rope so as to accelerate a user being towed by the watercraft on the tow-rope. A method of towing a user with a watercraft includes selectively retracting a tow-rope while towing the user to accelerate the user.

Abstract: Release systems for tensioned lines, which release under a predetermined change in tension; particularly systems for use in towing airfoils for sports and recreational activities coupling the airfoil to a rider.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a water ski load distribution system for anatomically distributing tow rope induced forces across a participant. The system includes an abdominal encircling member, a rigid rear support member, a pair of wrist encircling members, and an elongated flexible member. The abdominal encircling member extends around the user's abdomen and may be incorporated within a personal flotation device. The rigid support member extends vertically on the back region between the abdominal encircling member and the user's shoulder region. The elongated flexible member extends between the wrist encircling members and the rigid support member. The length of the elongated flexible member prevents the user from simultaneously extending both arms at the shoulder joint. The wrist encircling members may optionally include load distribution systems that distribute pulling forces directly from a grip induced object to the wrists.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a belt configured to be worn around a person's waist, and a holder secured to the belt. The holder is configured to hold onto a water-tow sport handle used for water skiing and the like. The holder can hold the water-tow sport handle while the belt is being worn around the person's waist and as the handle is being pulled away from the belt, for example by a rope attached to the rear of a watercraft. The holder advantageously comprises a plate member slidably secured to the belt, and a holding element hingedly secured to the plate member. The holding element is preferably a rigid hook that is configured to hold onto the water-tow sport handle. The hook can be hingedly secured to the plate member by a break-away pin configured to break at a threshold shear stress. During use, the pin advantageously breaks to release the portion of the holder that holds onto the water-tow sport handle when the user falls during skiing, wakeboarding, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a towable watersports handle assembly such as might be used for waterskiing, wakeboarding, etc. The towable watersports handle assembly may include a grip adapted to provide the user with a grippable surface, a bridle, and a fastening device configured to reversibly secure the bridle to the grip such that a user can quickly and easily remove and replace the grip.

Abstract: A detachable handle system (10) includes a connector which in a first embodiment (33) pins (34) to a handle tube (21), and which in a second embodiment (433) attaches through a resilient tube (437) that is radially expanded. The detachable handle is in the preferred embodiment provided with a readily replaced handle grip (22). By detaching the handle (21) and replacing the handle grip (22), a multitude of grips may be fabricated in diverse colors and geometries for a single handle, thereby satisfying the desires of each individual user. A tow rope (35) is attached to the connector (33, 433) through a hole (36) in the connector (33) and then circumferentially about the connector (33), independent of the handle tube (21).

Abstract: A shock absorber for water-skiing 59 provides multiple adjustments to the adjacent cores 14 of the duplex core 15, and a weave assembly 29 securing a multipurpose assembly 48 in the cavity thereof, and provides attachment means 40,45 for use between the boat and the tow line assembly. In addition, the pneumatic duplex core 15 provides emergency floatation properties.

Abstract: A rigid water recreation board for towing behind a water vessel. There is an eyelet extending through the board. A rope is attached to the vessel and freely passes through the eyelet. A handle is attached to the rope and is dimensioned such that it may not pass through the eyelet. A rider may lie upon, kneel upon, or stand upon the board as it is being towed by the vessel. The rider has the option of holding onto the handle or letting the handle be pulled against the upper surface of the board while the board is in tow by the vessel. A towing harness is provided which ensures that force from the rope may be applied through the towing harness to each side of the rigid water recreation board in order to minimize the downward diving of the rigid water recreation board when it is towed with no rider thereon.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a personal watercraft at a desired distance behind a tow boat includes towing units having straight tubular walls, the towing units diverging from the personal watercraft toward the tow boat, each towing unit including a central tow line tensioned between the ends of the tubular wall, with each tubular wall in compression, enabling managed flexing of the wall of each towing unit for controlled lateral and altitudinal movements of the personal watercraft relative to the tow boat while maintaining the desired towing distance between the personal watercraft and the tow boat.

Abstract: A ski rope assembly is provided in which two separate handles are attached one to each end of a rope forming a bridle and being attached to the ski rope by way of an attachment member movable along at least the central region of the bridle rope connecting the two handles. The two handles may be releasably attachable to each other in collinear relationship to provide the facility of switching between a one and a two handle configuration.

Abstract: A rigid water recreation board for towing behind a water vessel. There is an eyelet extending through the board. A rope is attached to the vessel and freely passes through the eyelet. A handle is attached to the rope and is dimensioned such that it may not pass through the eyelet. A rider may lie upon, kneel upon, or stand upon the board as it is being towed by the vessel. The rider has the option of holding onto the handle or letting the handle be pulled against the upper surface of the board while the board is in tow by the vessel.

Abstract: A towable, flexible, unsinkable water sled for accommodating single or multiple riders. The water sled is designed to be towed behind a motor boat or other similar water craft. A typical embodiment consists of a foam base (14) of flexible, unsinkable, polymer foam upon which the riders ride while being towed. It is very durable, easy to store and to prepare for use. It is easy to board, can be pulled by a motor boat (not shown) of only moderate horsepower, and can be ridden by several riders at once with very different levels of skill.

Abstract: A streamlined towable diving board is provided for use on top of or beneath the surface of water. The board is equipped with ergonomically contoured handles featuring pistol grips and an approximate five degree radius of curvature equipped with a soft, pliable covering. The board is designed to be floatable and to automatically return to the surface upon being released by the user underwater.

Abstract: A convertible water ski tow apparatus for a ski boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main tube and a bracket which are attachable to the conventional fixed ski tow pylon found in virtually all ski boats. The bracket affixes the main tube to the tow pylon and permits the main tube to positioned in either of two positions. In an upright position, the main tube acts as a vertical extension of the pylon, so as to facilitate and enhance wakejumping on conventional wakeboards, water skis, or other devices. In a horizontally extending position, the main tube extends outwardly from the boat, where it can be used for instructional skiing, barefoot skiing, and other applications. The apparatus is readily convertible in the field from one position to another, and is stabilized with adjustable rigging extending to the bow of the boat.

Abstract: A water ski handle 10 is provided which exhibits a high level of rigidity and strength such that the water ski handle 10 does not deform significantly even when experiencing high loads during use. The water ski handle 10 includes a rigid frame 20 of generally triangular construction. The frame 20 includes an apex bend 22 to which a ski rope R is attached and a left bend 24 and right bend 26. A base section 30 extends between the left bend 24 and right bend 26 and provides a region for grasping by a hand H of a skier. A left section 34 and right section 37 extend rigidly forward from the base section 30 at opposite ends thereof to the apex bend 22. The frame 20 is constructed with a low density polymeric foam core 60 with longitudinal fibers 70 surrounding the foam core 60 and helical fibers 80 and perpendicular fibers 86 surrounding the longitudinal fibers 70 with all of the fibers 70, 80, 86 embedded within an epoxy resin matrix 90.

Abstract: Apparatus for augmenting the grip of a user when gripping an object subjected to a pulling force including an elongated flat rolling strap with a friction or gripping section adapted to be positioned along the palm of the user and having a novel wrist cinching strap system operative to transmit the pulling force on the object through the user's forearms to the upper arms and shoulders of the use.

Abstract: Ski rider controls to control throttle and steering of a ski rider. The ski rider controls are flexibly and adjustably secured to the ski rider. The operator may grip the ski rider controls in his two hands, squeezing with one hand to turn the ski rider in one direction and squeezing with the other hand to turn the ski rider in the opposite direction. A thumb-operative thumb throttle is provided on the ski rider controls in order to control acceleration of the ski rider.

Abstract: A Slalom water skiing handle positioning method and device. Target patches such as hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. are attached along the right and left front hips of a water skier and additionally on a tow rope handle. The locations of the target patches on the hip are selected to optimize where a water skier passing through wakes in a Slalom course usually uses when pulling a tow bar handle against their hip. The target patches can be attached to the hips by a waist belt having removable covers that expose the target patches or by directly attaching the target patches to the front of a wet suit worn by a water skier. The target patches can also be formed from reusable plastic and nylon tape, and plastic and metal snapable buttons.

Abstract: A water ski handle including a frame member. The frame member has a back bar and a pair of side bars integral the back bar. One of the side bars extends from one end of the back bar, while another of the side bars extends from another end of the back bar. Each side bar has an inwardly curved portion near a distal end. A handle bar is positioned through the distal ends of the left and right side bars of the frame. Lastly, a rope connector is tied to the handle bar. The rope connector is capable of coupling with a water ski tow line. The rope connector, when coupled with the tow line, allows the skier to be pulled through the water when holding the handle bar coupled to the frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for augmenting the grip of a user when gripping an object subjected to a pulling force including an elongated flat rolling strap with a friction or gripping section adapted to be positioned along the palm of the user and having a novel wrist cinching strap system operative to transmit the pulling force on the object through the user's forearms to the upper arms and shoulders of the use.

Abstract: A harness release device for towing a water skier by a harness worn by the skier. The device having a frame and a cylindrical handle with two ends both of which being rotatably attached to and supported by the frame. The handle is freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A harness line, having a first end and a second end, is fixedly attached to said frame at the first end. The second end of the harness line is releasably connected to the handle. The releasable connection is formed by winding the second end of the harness line around the handle by rotating the handle in a first direction. The harness engages the harness line whereby if the skier lets go of the handle, the handle spins thus releasing the harness line from the handle and the harness.

Abstract: A water ski handle system designed to partially absorb and evenly distribute forces generated on the handle component and tow line while skiing. The handle system includes a handle component with two L-shaped corner struts attached to its opposite, opened ends. Each corner strut includes a rigid bushing member which mechanically connects to an end on the handle component, and a perpendicularly aligned long leg member which projects in a forward direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main tow line. A continuous, L-shaped inner passageway is formed inside each corner strut through which the end of the tow line passes to connect to the handle component. The corner radius of the inner passageway is relatively large so that point loading on the tow line is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A biomechanically aligning water sport tow rope handle comprising tow bar angled at its midpoint forming a first and a second hand grip, support arms secured to each end of the bar and to the midpoint of the bar with each of the support arms secured to a tow rope.

Abstract: A support mechanism for holding a water skier to a water skiing tow bar utilizing a harness capable of being connected to the water skier. The harness includes an element which extends a certain distance relative to the water skier, preferably along the front portion of the water skier. A link connects to the element and may be slidable or movable along the certain dimension of the element. A line is fixed to the movable element and possesses pre-determined degree of flexibility to wrap about a tow bar and alleviate the effort expended by a skier holding on to the tow bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water skiing instructional device which includes a forward ski retaining member having a ski pivoting surface, a rearward handle member, and a rigid longitudinal support member connecting the forward ski retaining member and the rearward handle member which may be used to assist a beginning skier in progressing from an initial semi-submerged stationary starting position to a generally upright skiing position. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved downed water skier warning system for alerting the operator of a skier tow-boat and the operators of nearby boats when a skier falls into the water or releases the skier towrope. The system includes electronic water sensors for sensing when the rope-handle of the skier tow-rope lands in the water, and pressure sensors for sensing when the water skier releases the rope handle. The water and pressure sensors are in remote communication with audible and visual tow-boat operator alarms and visual "skier-down" warning indicators, for enabling said alarms and indicators when a "downed skier" situation occurs. The improved warning system is designed for use in conjunction with marine warning devices and indicators commonly available, such as the "skier-down" flag and bow or stem directional lights.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning boats in the proximity of a towing water craft that a water skier is down or the person being towed is in a vulnerable position via an electrically activated, high intensity signal visual to boats in the vicinity which is connected to the electrical system for energizing the craft and to a pressure sensitive speedometer including an inlet tube, the speedometer being responsive to fluid pressure in the tube created by movement of the craft through the water, and there being a pressure switch which is closed when the movement of the craft is below a predetermined value connected to energize the signal when the pressure switch is closed. The steps comprise measuring the speed of the craft through the water via the pressure conditions of the fluid in the inlet tube and visually warning boats in the vicinity by energizing the visual signal responsive to the speed of the craft being less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A surfing rope (20) for towing a surfer behind a boat or upon moving water is disclosed. The surfing rope is constructed from a length of braided rope (22) having a plurality of nodules (24) intermittently spaced along the rope's length for gripping by the surfer. The nodules are formed by a plurality of inserts (26) strung on to an inner cord (34) that is threaded through the braided rope.

Abstract: A pool for simulating water-skiing includes a pool body, a pumping plant which pumps water into the pool body as a stream just under the surface of the water in the pool body, a track supported above the periphery of the pool body, an automatic traveling member engaged with the track and capable of automatically traveling along the track, and a tow rope having one end attached to the traveling member. To practice standing up on water skis at the beginning of water-skiing, the traveling member is made to move along the track thereby pulling the skier from a remote position, for example, to a position in the stream of water injected into the pool. If kept at this position the skier can practice skiing with little difficulty. To simulate slaloming, the automatic traveling member can be controlled to travel back and forth along the track so that the skier's position relative to the stream of injected water is varied.

Abstract: As is well-known in the prior art, flexible elongate rope-like tethers have a leadward-end attached to a leadwardly-impelled aquamarine equipment (e.g. surfboard, towed water-ski, etc.) and having a trailward-end securely attached to the towed operator (e.g. a surfboarder, a water-skier, etc.). It is also well known in the prior art that the aquamarine's tethered operator might find himself/herself in a visually discernible perilous situation and wherein the elongate tether should be disengaged from the towing aquamarine device. Accordingly, the present invention provides a vertical-pin type releasably-lockable device that has the required secure attachment to the operator's body, but wherein the operator can manually vertically withdraw the vertical-pin portion of a releasable-lockable device to quickly withdraw himself/herself from the leadwardly tethered aquamarine equipment whenever the operator somehow discerns a perilous condition.

Abstract: A water ski tow line constructed to provide anti-rotation of the tow line handle. The water ski tow line has a handle with holes at each end traversing the handle. A tow line is attached to each end of the handle by passing the line around the handle and through the holes traversing the handle such that two lines are provided extending from tangent points on opposite sides of the handle. These two lines effectively provide opposing torques on either side of the handle, preventing rotation of the handle during use. The skier's hands are protected by end caps formed of a cup fitting over the end of the handle covering the rope, having a sheath extending away from the handle and covering the loop formed by the two lines. The two lines are then joined at a yoke forming a single tow line. A yoke protector is produced by a unique tool to cover and protect the yoke area of the water ski tow line.