Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a plurality of discs coupleable to a first watercraft. Wherein, when the plurality of discs is coupled to the first watercraft, each of the plurality of discs deflects a flow of water along the first watercraft such that a partial hydrodynamic lift results as the first watercraft moves across a water surface compared to a second watercraft, the second watercraft not coupled to discs.

Abstract: A hydrofoil for a user on a body of water includes a fuselage with a V-shaped front wing and a rear stabilizer. A mast has a lower end projecting upwardly from the fuselage and an upper end fixed with an elongated deck such that the deck is parallel to the fuselage. In use, the user is pulled forward in the body of water by either a towing device, an impeller device, wave swells, or the like, such that the front wing, through hydrofoil action, raises the deck above a surface of the water. As the deck raises higher above the water, the distal tips of the front wing surface and lose lift, stabilizing the elevation of the deck above the water.

Abstract: A platform for food service and preparation is provided. The platform includes a base member that is supportable on a cooking vessel and a stabilizing member that supports the base member in a fixed orientation relative to the cooking vessel when the base member is supported on the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A snow ski has a longitudinal body defining a sole for gliding on the snow. The ski includes: (a) a platform slidably coupled to the body for sliding longitudinally relative to the body; and (b) a gripping element slidably and rotatably coupled to the body and rotatably coupled to the platform. The gripping element extends downward to penetrate the snow in response to the platform being slid rearward relative to the body. The gripping element retracts upward above the sole when the platform is slid forward relative to the body. First and second gripping elements may be disposed on opposing sides of the body. A locking mechanism selectively locks the platform at a forward position, in which the gripping element is retracted, one or more intermediate positions, or a rearward position in which the gripping element extends to penetrate the snow. A ski-traction kit for retrofitting a ski is provided.

Abstract: Described herein include various embodiments of a binding assembly that assist with coupling a user's foot to a sport board. A foothold or binding upper that captures a user's foot can be coupled to a part of the binding assembly thereby enabling the binding assembly to secure the user's foot to the sport board. The binding assembly can include a chassis that has at least two connector receptacle that each allow an attachment feature (e.g., mounting screw) to extend therethrough and secure the binding assembly to the sport board. Each of the connector receptacles can be angled such that a longitudinal of the connector receptacle is positioned at an angle relative to a top surface of the sport board.

Abstract: In one example, a watercraft includes a buoyant body in the form of a single piece structure sized and configured to support the weight of one or more users. The watercraft also includes a retractable fin connected to a pin that resides in a fixed location relative to the body, the pin including a side surface that is in contact with the body. The retractable fin is rotatable about the pin between an extended position and a retracted position, and the retractable fin includes an engagement portion that is engageable with a first portion of the body and with a second portion of the body. The retractable fin assumes the extended position when the engagement portion is releasably retained by the first portion of the body, and the retractable fin assumes the retracted position when the engagement portion is releasably retained by the second portion of the body.

Abstract: A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory to a watersport board has at least one mounting plate. The mounting plate has a bottom surface adapted to be mounted to the watersport board, and a top surface. A first track and a second track are integrated with the mounting plate. At least one slider fastener is adapted to cooperate with each of the first and second tracks. The slider fasteners are further adapted to secure the accessory to the mounting plate in a predetermined position.

Abstract: Described herein include various embodiments of a binding assembly that assist with coupling a user's foot to a sport board. A foothold or binding upper that captures a user's foot can be coupled to a part of the binding assembly thereby enabling the binding assembly to secure the user's foot to the sport board. The binding assembly can include a chassis that has at least two connector receptacle that each allow an attachment feature (e.g., mounting screw) to extend therethrough and secure the binding assembly to the sport board. Each of the connector receptacles can be angled such that a longitudinal of the connector receptacle is positioned at an angle relative to a top surface of the sport board.

Abstract: A releasable water ski binding system includes a trigger mechanism that causes releasable bindings to release a boot from a ski. The trigger mechanism senses a displacement of a portion of a body of a skier past a point of criticality and causes the releasable bindings to release the boot from the ski.

Abstract: Wakeboard bindings may comprise a first member configured for connection to a wakeboard. A selective retaining device comprising at least one retaining member may be connected to and disposed at a periphery of the first member. A second member may be rotatable with respect to the first member and may comprise at least one engagement member. The at least one retaining member may be engaged with the at least one engagement member to preclude rotation of the second member in a rotation-precluding position and may be disengaged from the at least one engagement member to permit rotation of the second member in a rotation-permitting position. A releasable step-in connection device comprising a first connection member and a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position may be connected to the second member and configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint.

Abstract: A wakeboard binding assembly in which the upper may be directly connected to the base plate without additional adhesives, stitching, or fasteners thus facilitating the assembly, removal, modification or interchange of one or more components of the binding during manufacturing, by a consumer or dealer to customize the fit, function and/or aesthetics of the binding.

Abstract: A releasable water ski binding system includes a trigger mechanism that causes releasable bindings to release a boot from a ski. The trigger mechanism senses a displacement of a portion of a body of a skier past a point of criticality and causes the releasable bindings to release the boot from the ski.

Abstract: Dynamic foot repositioning systems for a gliding board including a platform, having a top surface and a bottom surface, the platform including a foot receptacle disposed on the top surface of the platform, and a tether coupled to the platform with a distal end protruding from the bottom surface of the platform. The systems further include a guide track configured to slidably receive the distal end of the tether, the guide track defining a motion path over which the platform slides freely in response to forces applied by a user's foot while the gliding board is traversing a supporting surface. Related gliding board assemblies and methods for repositioning a user's feet are also described.

Abstract: A lift plate or lift plate apparatus is provided in conjunction with a binding or boot of a wakeboard. The lift plate apparatus can be separately mounted onto the wakeboard, or alternately incorporated directly into a binding boot sole, and functions in use to elevate the person's foot relative to the wakeboard, and thereby permit the wakeboard to ride deeper in the water. In addition, the lift plate apparatus provides improved so-called edging of the wakeboard for improved turning maneuvers.

Abstract: A binding system comprising a binding upper comprising a plurality of fastening straps affixed to the upper and a substantially rigid binding base comprising a bottom surface for attachment of the fastening straps. The binding base includes a plurality of apertures, wherein one or more of the fastening straps passes through one or more of the apertures and is fastened to the bottom surface of the binding base. In various exemplary embodiments the fastening straps are stapled and/or glued to the bottom surface of the binding base. In various exemplary embodiments the fastening straps attach to the lacing loops on the binding upper or form the lacing loops on the binding upper.

Abstract: A water recreation device and method of use is contemplated having advantages such as improved stability, maneuverability and ease of use. Embodiments of the contemplated water recreation device include a riding board, handles and a tow hook assembly that are configured to allow a rider to more easily transition to a standing forward-facing position while riding the device. The contemplated device may also include foot bindings or foot grips for added ride stability. The device may alternately include rails disposed on the bottom surface of the riding board. Such rails are adapted to channel water toward the rear bottom section of the riding board to cause the device to achieve an approximately planar orientation relative to the surface of a body of water. This planar orientation provides positioning and stability that further improves the ease of transitioning to a standing position.

Abstract: A binding for water sports comprises a baseplate, which may optionally include a toe cup, and a heel cup. A heel loop is pivotably attached to the heel cup, and is pivotable between an upper position and a lower position to adjust the amount of support provided to the user's ankle. An adjustment control, for example a lever and cam mechanism pivotably attaches to the heel cup and is positioned such that the user can selectively move the cam portion between a release position wherein the heel loop is not supported in the upper position, and a support position wherein the heel loop is supported in the upper position. A flexible upper portion is attached to the base plate.

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: A binding system comprising a binding upper comprising a plurality of fastening straps affixed to the upper and a substantially rigid binding base comprising a bottom surface for attachment of the fastening straps. The binding base includes a plurality of apertures, wherein one or more of the fastening straps passes through one or more of the apertures and is fastened to the bottom surface of the binding base. In various exemplary embodiments the fastening straps are stapled and/or glued to the bottom surface of the binding base. In various exemplary embodiments the fastening straps attach to the lacing loops on the binding upper or form the lacing loops on the binding upper.

Abstract: A wakeboard binding assembly includes a binding base and an outersole. The binding base is adapted to attach both to the wakeboard, and an upper of the binding. The outersole is designed to surround the periphery of the binding base and cover the area of attachment between the binding base and the binding upper. The attachment of the upper to the binding base eliminates the need to use hardware and fasteners for attachment of the upper to the wakeboard.

Abstract: A water sport binding is disclosed having a rigid base plate that is adapted to be mounted to a board such as a wake board. A heel loop is pivotably mounted to the base plate and a flexible upper assembly is provided that includes a forward portion that attaches to the base plate and a rearward portion that attaches to the pivotable heel loop. A lever mechanism, including a lever mounted on the heel loop and a cable that attaches to either side of the base plate and extends through a channel in the lever provides a mechanism for locking the heel loop in an upright position during use. The user pivots the lever to permit the heel loop to pivot rearwardly, permitting ready entry or egress from the binding. The flexible upper assembly may include front and back panels, an instep support, an ankle support, and attachment means.

Abstract: A foot strap and recreational sports board that allows the user to easily tension a foot strap over the top of his or her foot. The foot strap, attached to the board, includes a strap, a cable, and a cable adjuster. The strap has separate first and second sides connected by the cable cinched and uncinched together as the cable is tightened and loosened by the cable adjuster with which it is engaged. A single cable adjuster and cable can be employed to simultaneously adjust two straps, both attached to the sports board. A pull may be included to facilitate exercise of the cable adjuster.

Abstract: A binding for water sports comprises a baseplate, which may optionally include a toe cup, and a heel cup. A heel loop is pivotably attached to the heel cup, and is pivotable between an upper position and a lower position to adjust the amount of support provided to the user's ankle. An adjustment control, for example a lever and cam mechanism pivotably attaches to the heel cup and is positioned such that the user can selectively move the cam portion between a release position wherein the heel loop is not supported in the upper position, and a support position wherein the heel loop is supported in the upper position. A flexible upper portion is attached to the base plate.

Abstract: Device for performing a gliding sport on water using a board of the water-ski type or the like, comprising: at least one board (1) for gliding on water, at least one boot assembly (2) designed to be releasably attached to the board, for a safe connection between the board and at least one foot of a user, and comprising: a rigid structure (3) comprising at least: a rigid sole (4) provided with a heel (5), a rigid metatarsal strap (6) provided with means (7) for locking on the user's foot, a rigid rod (8) provided with means (9) for locking around the user's lower leg, and pivotably connected to the heel of said sole, joint means (10) between said rod and the heel of the sole, located in an area corresponding substantially to the user's ankle, a flexible boot (11) arranged inside said rigid structure, means (12) for attachment, with a safety release, of said at least one boot assembly to said at least one board, which device includes at least one first rigid lateral blade (16), arranged at the right o

Abstract: Device for performing a gliding sport on water using a board of the water-ski type or the like, comprising: at least one board (1) for gliding on water, at least one boot assembly (2) designed to be releasably attached to the board, for a safe connection between the board and at least one foot of a user, and comprising: a rigid structure (3) comprising at least: a rigid sole (4) provided with a heel (5), a rigid metatarsal strap (6) provided with means (7) for locking on the user's foot, a rigid rod (8) provided with means (9) for locking around the user's lower leg, and pivotably connected to the heel of said sole, joint means (10) between said rod and the heel of the sole, located in an area corresponding substantially to the user's ankle, a flexible boot (1) arranged inside said rigid structure, means (12) for attachment, with a safety release, of said at least one boot assembly to said at least one board, which device includes at least one first rigid lateral blade (16), arranged at the right or

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: 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: A water sport binding is disclosed having a rigid base plate that is adapted to be mounted to a board such as a wake board. A heel loop is pivotably mounted to the base plate and a flexible upper assembly is provided that includes a forward portion that attaches to the base plate and a rearward portion that attaches to the pivotable heel loop. A lever mechanism, including a lever mounted on the heel loop and a cable that attaches to either side of the base plate and extends through a channel in the lever provides a mechanism for locking the heel loop in an upright position during use. The user pivots the lever to permit the heel loop to pivot rearwardly, permitting ready entry or egress from the binding. The flexible upper assembly may include front and back panels, an instep support, an ankle support, and attachment means.

Abstract: A rowing shoe system for use by a rower in a racing boat has a footboard adapted to be secured in a boat, a pair of shoe liners and a pair of shoe shells. The pair of shoe liners are sized to receive the feet of a rower, are made out of anti-microbial material, and have a flexible exterior surface and a flexible interior surface configured to fit over substantially the entire foot of the rower. The pair of shoe shells are detachably securable to the footboard in a rowing position and have an interior sized to receive the flexible shoe liners. The shoe shells have openings therein to ventilate the rower's feet, and the shoe liners are removable from the shoe shells. The rowing shoe system may include a plurality of pairs of shoe liners of different foot sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for a water recreational device and a method for facilitating the entry/exit of a foot for a rider into/from said binding. The binding comprises at least one boot with a flexible interior compartment for placing a rider's foot, and said binding equipped with sealed flexible inflatable/deflate able camera having an ability to fill/empty with/from fluid. The interior compartment has an ability to fix a rider's foot, when fluid in the camera is under pressure, and to unfix the foot, when the pressure of fluid in camera is released. Also disclosed the system of a safely slide off a rider's foot from the binding to avoid an injury.

Abstract: A water sport binding is disclosed having a rigid base plate that is adapted to be mounted to a board such as a wake board. A heel loop is pivotably mounted to the base plate and a flexible upper assembly is provided that includes a forward portion that attaches to the base plate and a rearward portion that attaches to the pivotable heel loop. A lever mechanism, including a lever mounted on the heel loop and a cable that attaches to either side of the base plate and extends through a channel in the lever provides a mechanism for locking the heel loop in an upright position during use. The user pivots the lever to permit the heel loop to pivot rearwardly, permitting ready entry or egress from the binding. The flexible upper assembly may include front and back panels, an instep support, an ankle support, and attachment means.

Abstract: A wakeboard binding plate assembly includes a disc and ring. The disc is sized to fit within the opening of the ring, with each of the disc and ring including irregular surfaces, respectively positioned to engage each other. The disc is mounted to a portion of a boot assembly of the wakeboard. The ring is adapted to be fastened to a wakeboard, with the disc held in place between the disc and a boot assembly for the wakeboard, engagement between the irregular surfaces of the disc and the ring preventing rotation of the disc. Loosening the ring allows the disc to rotate so that the boot assembly can be easily moved to a desired alignment.

Abstract: A method is provided for coupling a shoe worn by a user onto a coupling mount on a wakeboard by a step-in action. A binding comprises a coupler on either the shoe or wakeboard and a corresponding coupling mount on the other of the shoe or wakeboard to receive the coupler.

Abstract: A water sports device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft, the device including an elongated board having a front end and a back end to which is secured a seat for supporting the buttocks of the rider in a position spaced from and roughly centered above the back one-third of the board, a binding for securing the feet of the rider over the top of the board secured to the board, an elongated hydrofoil extends downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the hydrofoil spaced from the board, so as to be generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal. The improvement resides in enabling the rider of a personal sit down hydrofoil to adjust the binding to accommodate his/her leg length and increase the amount of control the rider has when mounted to the ski.

Abstract: A foot retention device (20, 100) includes a rigid vertical strut (40) and a springy band (30) disposed adjacent to an exterior side of the strut (40) and configured to flex over the strut (40) to form a non-drooping asymmetric arc that conforms to the profile of a human foot. A releasable securing mechanism (50) allows the band (30) to be easily secured and released. The foot retention device (20, 100) provides a fixed right angle (A) between a base plate (12, 180) and the vertical strut (40) allowing the user's foot to be inserted straight in. The foot retention device (20, 100) includes a non-sloping design for athletic applications, and a sloping design for footwear (200). Methods of assembling and manufacturing the foot retention device (20, 100) are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for a water recreational device, which comprises a system for lubricating portions thereof to assist the user in inserting his/her foot into the binding. Also disclosed are methods and kits relating to such lubricating binding system.

Abstract: A mounting and retrieval system for wakeboards includes a pair of opposed pads for receiving the feet of a wakeboarder thereunder. The pads are mounted on subframes which facilitate the longitudinal and pivotal positioning of the pads. A strap extends over one of the pads to secure a foot of the wakeboarder while the opposite foot is being engaged with the opposing pad. A retrieval cable extends from a spring loaded reel mounted on one of the subframes which normally retracts the retrieval cable while facilitating extension thereof to facilitate a fall from the wakeboard.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for a water recreational device, which comprises a system for lubricating portions thereof to assist the user in inserting his/her foot into the binding. Also disclosed are methods and kits relating to such lubricating binding system.

Abstract: A foot retention device includes a rigid vertical strut and a springy band disposed adjacent to an exterior side of the strut and configured to flex over the strut to form a non-drooping asymmetric arc that conforms to the profile of a human foot. A releasable securing mechanism allows the band to be easily secured and released. The foot retention device provides a fixed right angle between a base plate and the vertical strut allowing the user's foot to be inserted straight in. The foot retention device includes a non-sloping design for athletic applications, and a sloping design for footwear. Methods of assembling and manufacturing the foot retention device are also provided.

Abstract: A skateboard stirrup is comprised of a pair of hollow end caps for cupping over the front and rear ends of a skateboard, and a resilient band connected between the end caps. When the rider's feet are on top of the band, it is yielding enough to allow the feet to make full contact with the top of the board. When the rider's feet are inserted under the band, it is taut enough to lift the skateboard for airborne maneuvers when the feet are lifted.

Abstract: A water ski boot includes a sole mounted on an anchoring plate with fore and aft parts spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction. An upper includes a molded instep part of a flexible material disposed on a toe portion of the sole, and a molded ankle part disposed on a heel portion of the sole and spaced from the instep part along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A towable watersport board that requires laterally oriented foot bindings. It has an elongated core body and an elongated spar is recessed in its top surface. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures having a predetermined configuration are formed in the top surface of the spar and mechanical fastener inserts are positioned in the respective apertures in the elongated spar. The mechanical fastener inserts removably receive screws that secure the foot bindings. The core body is covered by a fiberglass coating.

Abstract: A wakeboard binding and system with a baseless beam support. The binding includes a shaped metal or plastic beam, bent or formed to define a baseless U-shaped cavity between the beam sides. The baseless beam support secures, by fasteners, the sheet material to form the boot enclosure between the upper inner flange of the beam and lower separate strips.

Abstract: A system for binding hard shell boots to a water ski adjustably attaches the boots to the ski, and can be adjusted by rotation about an axis generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the ski.

Abstract: A wrap for use with a binding attached to a wakeboard has a layered structure of lightweight materials. The wrap includes a toe portion and a heel portion, which define a generally boot-shaped structure. The layered structure of lightweight materials includes first and second layers of foam rubber and a layer of plastic foam joined together. The layered structure of lightweight materials further includes a layer of material for substantially preventing tearing of the wrap joined together with the first and second layers of foam rubber and the layer of plastic foam. The toe and heel portions are first and second separable members.

Abstract: A binding for a water ski or a wake board (20) for use on a wake board (21). The binding for a water ski or a wake board (20) securely attaches the rider's foot to the wake board (21). The binding for a water ski or a wake board (20) includes a holster (22) made of a semi-rigid material and that extends on opposite sides of the foot of the rider so as to close over the foot. A liner sock (24) extends over the foot of the rider and underneath the holster (22) and upward so as to receive the ankle and heel of the rider. A stretchable strap (26) extends from the bottom of the binding for a water ski or a wake board (20) and includes an annular cuff (24) that is fastenable about the ankle of the rider. The stretchable strap (26) permits a solid connection of the rider's ankle to the wake board (20), but stretches to release the rider's ankle and foot upon a fall. A buckle (66) extends over the holster (22) and includes a stretchable strap (68).

Abstract: A retractable foot binding devise comprising a base member (20) with a cavity (32) centrally defined therein attachable to the deck of a surfboard, and a pivotal member (22) having a front and back end, positioned within the base's cavity, pivotally coupled to the base member, and springably urged upward on the front end to a predetermined angle. As the surfer lays on his or her board to paddle, the pivotal member is completely retracted within the base member creating a flat, comfortable paddling surface with minimal or no elevation above the deck of the surfboard. As the surfer stands, the pivotal member is springably urged upward on the front end to a predetermined angle. The surfer inserts his or her foot under the inclined pivotal member in a quick, natural standing motion. The omission of any impeding elements in the foot engageable portion facilitates full engagement and does not hinder necessary foot adjustments. The binding devise provides the surfer support and attachment to his or her board.

Abstract: A pull-on wakeboard binding which includes a heel receptacle with an outer rear surface, and a pull-on strap which is secured longitudinally and centrally to the rear exterior surface of the heel receptacle. The pull-on strap includes an upper open loop to be grasped by a user to assist in the pulling on of the binding and a secured first and second strap section to form an open load-transfer intermediate loop between the sections.

Abstract: An adjustable wakeboard binding for use on a wakeboard comprising sheet material to form a heel assembly and a forefoot assembly of a boot-like enclosure. The binding is adjustable to a desired tension and foot size of a user by the use of hook and loop-type fastener materials.