With Seat Patents (Class 441/72)
  • Patent number: 11472511
    Abstract: A hydrofoil wing attachment system that comprises a strut or struts and a hydrofoil wing fastening apparatus for various watercraft including, but not limited to, surf boards, kite boards, and stand up paddle boards. In one embodiment the system interfaces with legacy surfboard fin-box systems, thus allowing a user to interchange fins for hydrofoils and transform their watercraft into a hydrofoil watercraft. Other embodiment's of the system allow the implementation of a single-strut/wing combination and also a double-strut/wing combination among other variations. The design of the wing clamping apparatus allows the user to mechanically secure the wing and also configure the angle of attack of the hydrofoil wing. The modular design, configuration options, and high degree of interchangeability of the hydrofoil wing attachment system enables the user to experiment with multiple strut/wing configurations, wing/strut designs, and also the angle of attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Menko David Mckee
  • Patent number: 10668987
    Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Motorized Sit Down Hydrofoil have been disclosed. By using a seat with a seatbelt and bindings to secure a rider to a top of a board having a hydrofoil assembly on the bottom of the board a rider can be protected from drowning due to an overturned board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 8979604
    Abstract: An improved elongated board for a flying ski designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device. The elongated board comprises a front end and a back end. The front end extending from a front edge to about one-half of the length of the elongated board, the back end extending from a back edge to about one-half of the length of the elongated board, and the back end has a greater mass than the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Patent number: 8770133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for practicing towed boardsports while avoiding falls and saving time in learning, teaching, and progressing. The device consists of a rigid structure (2, 9) connected to a towing vehicle and provided with a means (3, 4) for suspending a user (5) such that the latter no longer falls. The means for suspending a user includes a rope attached to the top of the structure, at the end of which a harness for suspending the user (5) is attached. The user (5) is suspended under the device. Thus suspended, the user (5) no longer falls. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for boardsports towed by motor boats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Gerard Dufour
  • Publication number: 20120326473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) including a user seat comprising a backrest (3), a seat portion (4) and lateral edges (5) provided on both sides of the seat portion. The vehicle has a reduced production cost and a structure that facilitates the adaptation thereof to a plurality of activities, in particular owing to the fact that the seat, which is made from plastic, is produced in the form of a single piece, the lateral edges (5) being extended downwards such as to form two rear conduits intended to receive at least one rear movement member (26, 27, 28). The invention also relates to a vehicle production method in which rotational moulding is used to form an ergonomic seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: INCUBATEUR D'ENTREPRISES D'AUVERGNE
    Inventor: Wally Salvan
  • Patent number: 8322731
    Abstract: A kneeling/sledding snow board apparatus provides a retention device connecting to a gliding board. The retention device has a tray mounted to a mounting device connected possibly with snow board binding connections. The tray receives a knee pad having a seat extension extending up from a mid portion of the knee pad. Cutouts allow the rider's legs to extend therethrough. A lap and knee straps restrain the legs of a rider along with vee straps. The tray preferably tapers upwardly and outwardly from a base to provide somewhat of a U-shaped cross section which may assist in deflecting snow and providing increased comfort to a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Chris T. Brown
  • Patent number: 8128102
    Abstract: A kneeling/sledding snow board apparatus provides a retention device connecting to a gliding board. The retention device has a tray mounted to a mounting device connected possibly with snow board binding connections. The tray receives a knee pad having a seat extension extending up from a mid portion of the knee pad. Cutouts allow the rider's legs to extend therethrough. A lap and knee straps restrain the legs of a rider along with vee straps. The tray preferably tapers upwardly and outwardly from a base to provide somewhat of a U-shaped cross section which may assist in deflecting snow and providing increased comfort to a rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Stardust Boardwerks, LLC
    Inventor: Chris T. Brown
  • Publication number: 20100105263
    Abstract: A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. A relatively rigid platform is positioned within the raft and configured to provide a stable surface for the person during use of the device. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water, the attachment means comprising at least one tow rope attachment point located on the nose portion of the raft, below a nose portion mid-plane. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Mary Louise Churchill, Robert Lee Churchill
  • Patent number: 7604522
    Abstract: The hydrofoil bike apparatus has a top frame member, a fork tube with a steerable fork within, a handlebar affixed atop the fork, a steered first foil affixed to the fork bottom, a center support first end affixed below the top frame member, a second foil disposed on the center support second end, the second foil substantially horizontally even with and directly behind the first foil, the first and second foils traveling slightly below the water surface with a rear foil atop the water, a third foil above and directly behind the second foil, a flotation member affixed to the fork tube, the center support, and the top member, the flotation member out of the water with the apparatus at speed, a seat atop the top frame member, a tow assembly with swiveling and adjustable pressure sensitive automatic release from an existing tow tope of an existing towing watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Burnham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7232355
    Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft with the rider in a seated position. The flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski also accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability ski characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Patent number: 7097523
    Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft by a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The elongate strut is preferably formed with a V-shape wherein the length from the front edge to the back edge of the strut is greater along an upper portion for enhanced structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Patent number: 6786785
    Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Patent number: 6758709
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20030143906
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6551158
    Abstract: A water sport device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft, including an elongate board to which a seat and foot holder are secured, an elongate hydrofoil extending downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the hydrofoil generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal. The improvements comprise an adjustable rear blade to permit the rear blade to be manually adjusted to increase or decrease the space between the blades; and the rear blade is shaped to have an angle which slopes downward from the top surface to its leading edge and a thin rear trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 6443786
    Abstract: The improved flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The improved flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Air Chair, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Publication number: 20020115363
    Abstract: A water sport device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft, including an elongate board to which a seat and foot holder are secured, an elongate hydrofoil extending downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the hydrofoil generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 6234856
    Abstract: The improved flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The improved flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Air Chair, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Woolley
  • Patent number: 6179676
    Abstract: A water sport device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft, including an elongate board to which a seat and foot holder are secured, an elongate hydrofoil extending downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the hydrofoil generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal. The seat is secured to the board by a shock absorbing means to cushion the impact forces on the rider. The positioning of the seat and the planing blades at the rear of the board, the use of a single vertical hydrofoil, the size of the planing blade and the positioning of the foot holders at least two feet in front of the seat provides a water sports device which is relatively easy to ride, while at the same time being highly maneuverable and capable of high jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Jon D. Wilborn, Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 6135047
    Abstract: A hull and seat assembly configured to be easily installed, secured and operated on production stand up PWC. The hull assembly (21) increases buoyancy and stability sufficient for multi-rider sit down operation while maintaining peak performance geometry. The arrangement of the hull provides rider foot wells (30,31), allows it to be fabricated and installed in one piece, and provides unobstructed water jet flow and turning capability. The seat assembly (81) provides a tandem seat for multiple riders, positions the handle pole and provides a platform (29) that eases boarding from deep water. The seat assembly fills the stand up foot well and extends rear of the transom for increased longitudinal stability. Storage space is provided in both the hull (53) and seat assemblies (66). The connection strategy concurrently secures the hull (21), seat (81) and PWC (26) together with one releasable fastener (70) and is arranged to be fail safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Scott A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5700174
    Abstract: The improved watersports board includes an outer shell that is filled with a rigid foam core. The outer shell includes a hull and a deck connected by a lip. The deck includes an integrated passenger contact area which in turn includes a strengthener for resisting bending, shear and fatigue stresses. The strengthener forms contours within the passenger contact area and allows the lip to be of less thickness than the average thickness of the passenger contact area over the hull. In addition to the above features, the device may also include optional flexible foam padding attached to the passenger contact area and an optional kneestrap attached to the shell to provide increased maneuverability and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Swimways Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lee Churchill, Douglas Geller
  • Patent number: 5249998
    Abstract: A water sports device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft,, including an elongate board to which a seat and foot holder are secured, an elongate arm extending downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the arm generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal. The positioning of the seat and the planing blades at the rear of the board, the use of a single vertical strut, the size of the planing blade and the positioning of the foot holders at least two feet in front of the seat provides a water sports device which is relatively easy to ride,, while at the same time being highly maneuverable and capable of high jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventors: Robert C. Woolley, Michael J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5100354
    Abstract: A water sports device for supporting a seated human rider while the rider and the device are towed behind a powered water craft, including an elongate board to which a seat and foot holder are secured, an elongate arm extending downward from the board and a planing blade secured to the arm generally parallel to the board so that the planing blade provides essentially no lift when the board is horizontal. The positioning of the seat and the planing blades at the rear of the board, the use of a single vertical strut, the size of the planing blade and the positioning of the foot holders at least two feet in front of the seat provides a water sports device which is relatively easy to ride, while at the same time being highly maneuverable and capable of high jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Robert C. Woolley, Michael J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4865572
    Abstract: A seat affixed to an extra wide ski for use primarily by paraplegics for the sport of water skiing. The seat is comprised of a tubular framework with a fabric sling-type seat which supports the rider in a forward angled seated position with the knees drawn up towards the chest. Padded front and side rails prevent forward and lateral movement of the rider's buttocks. Frictional fit of the rider's buttocks between the padded side rails and placement of the knees and legs over the front rail secure the rider in position without the use of belts or straps. The tubular framework is affixed to a base which is connected to the central top surface of the sky by bolts. Foot bindings are affixed to the forward top surface of the ski to removably retain the rider's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Royce C. Andes
  • Patent number: 4808134
    Abstract: A water ski boot comprising an upper and a sole. The upper includes respective toe and heel portions and the sole extends forwardly on the toe portion to provide a platform like portion extending generally to match the width of the upper. At least one elongated aperture extends laterally of the sole to terminate adjacent the marginal edges thereof. The aperture is such that it provides a sliding-gripping engagement with an elongated abutment on a water ski, whereby the boot may be detachably and operably secured to the water ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Jacques Imbeault
  • Patent number: 4678445
    Abstract: This is a sporting wishbone or Y-shaped board for supporting one or two riders in sliding over water or snow. The single bottom arm of the Y is as wide as the combined width of the two front arms of the Y plus the space in between, or approximately 16" to 18", being the total length of the sled 5' to 6'. The medial edges of the two front arms have a built up lip that gently starts from zero at their front tips and slowly becomes 3" to 4" tall near the crotch of the Y-shaped sled. At the very crotch, this built up lip is humped up 14" off the flat bed of the sled to form a racing bicycle seat-like cusp. The widest, single arm of the Y, smoothly curves upward towards the end of the sled forming a gentle letter S in longitudinal section, being the end of this curved up elevation approximately 14" over the flat bed of the sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: F. Javier Monreal
  • Patent number: 4629434
    Abstract: This device consists of a water gliding board, similar in size, materials and configuration, to the existing (in 1984) "Knee Boards" but substantially improved with a deletion of the securing strap and with the addition of low knee shells, high knee-and-buttocks shells, toe/foot straps, toe slots and heel wells, for the purpose of providing more mobility and thus more fun to the sport of water gliding (currently limited to "knee-boarding") with the substantial improvement in verstility by allowing different positions in one board, positions that consist of low kneeling, high kneeling, sitting and standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: F. Javier Monreal
  • Patent number: 4378747
    Abstract: An aquatic recreation vehicle susceptible to use by one or a group of passengers or crew has an integrally formed hull having a plurality of surfaces. The hull is symmetrical about a central vertical symmetry plane which essentially divides the hull longitudinally in half. The surfaces include at least three longitudinally extending sections and at least two longitudinally extending pressure ridges. The pressure ridges are symmetrically located on the bottom of the hull and are inwardly directed toward the vertical symmetry plane. At least two longitudinally extending runners are located on the hull to provide high speed planing lift. The hull surfaces are curved upward at the bow to provide smooth entry into the water. A superstructure is located on the hull and extends longitudinally along a portion of the length of the hull. The combined centers of gravity and buoyancy of the hull and superstructure normally lie essentially in the same vertical symmetry plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventors: Theodore D. Beatty, James J. Beatty
  • Patent number: 4361103
    Abstract: A highly maneuverable water sled device is disclosed which includes a joystick for controlling a rudder and an elevator. The base of the water sled device is provided with upwardly extending, hollow side, front and rear walls which are individually fillable with water to vary the buoyancy of the device. A preferred embodiment of this invention further includes a hydrofoil assembly downwardly extending from a forward section of the device and a flotation mattress attached to an upper surface of the device to provide for user comfort and to further allow the buoyancy of the device to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Inventor: Bret G. Willat