Abstract: The complex shaped articles are formed by trimming, cutting and shaping a honeycomb core material to a desired size and shape, deforming the sized and shaped honeycomb core material at ambient temperature; permanently setting the shape and contour of the sized and shaped honeycomb core material; affixing side edges to the shaped and contoured honeycomb core material; and, bonding a fiber reinforced resin to the top and bottom surfaces of the honeycomb core material.

Abstract: A slider resists erosion due to moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and protects a pattern or the bonded surface from wear and tear. The slider contains a foam core, a top layer, a pattern, and a bottom layer. The foam core has a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The top layer is a composite layer heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The pattern is formed within the top layer and visible from outside of the top layer. The bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilization as a gliding board, such as a wake surfboard. The apparatus is the lower surface 26 of said gliding board and is a curved planar surface in a saddle or anticlastic shape. The resulting curved planar lower surface 26 of the gliding board exhibits excellent gliding properties over a fluid medium.

Abstract: A surfboard made of a high-density ethyl vinyl acetate contained within a polyethylene shell is preferably produced by cutting to the shape of a conventional surfboard, a sufficient quantity of high-density ethyl vinyl acetate, which is then wrapped in a protective polyethylene shell. Thereafter, the combined high-density ethyl vinyl acetate with its polyethylene shell is heated for approximately fifteen minutes at a temperature sufficient for bonding the polyethylene shell to the high-density ethyl vinyl acetate. Once bonding is complete, the surfboard is then cooled and, if necessary, sculptured to its final shape. The final shape of the surfboard may be that of any conventional surfboard and may, preferably, include a “kick tail.

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

Abstract: A kickboard comprising a relatively thin, buoyant board no longer than twenty six inches. The board has a back edge and a front edge joined by side edges. The board also has top and bottom surfaces joined by the front, back and side edges. Two, spaced-apart, forearm receiving depressions are provided in the top surface of the board, the depressions extending forwardly from the back edge of the board over a major portion of the length of the board to near the front edge. The depressions help to retain the forearms of a swimmer using the board on the board.

Abstract: A grip pad assembly (10) including an outer pad member (12) having an upper surface defining a non-slip surface and an insert (18) within the pad member (12) having on its upper surface, a hook and loop material (20) and a central ridge (22). The pad assembly (10) may be used on a surfboard, or other watercraft, or in any other application where enhanced grip is required, in combination with an article of footwear (40). The article of footwear (40) comprises a first retaining portion (45, 46) adapted to extend over and be secured to the foot of a user, a second retaining portion (43, 44) adapted to extend over and be secured to the ankle of the user and a complementary hook and loop fastener (47) on its undersurface. The footwear may have a means (51) for securing a leg rope for connection to the surfboard.

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

Abstract: A locking assembly for a surfboard enables the board to be tethered to a non-portable object with a lockable cable. The cable passes through a transverse hole in one of the fins. To prevent the fin from being removed from the by a thief, a rigid sleeve is provided that slides over the fin. It is provided with a transverse hole in registry with the hole in the fin, so that the cable will pass through the sleeve and the fin. This renders the two inseparable. A flange affixed to the base of the sleeve covers the fasteners that fasten the fin to the board. This prevents the thief from removing the fin from the board.

Abstract: I have created a proto-type invention for use on the surface water, that consists of a standard 7′6″ surfboard used to ride ocean waves. The materials I used to create a reduced resistance surfboard consist of small quartz stones and casting resin. I have measured the top-side resistance of the surfboard with the bottom textured side. The performance equates to an increase of 48% of the surfboards ability to move on the water. By using weights, placed in a container and tied to a length of rope draped over a pole, and with the other end of the rope attached to the surfboard, and allowing the surfboard to freely drift in a consistent river current until, by adding additional weights into the container, the rope stopped moving over the pole, and comparing the pound weight balance point of one side to the other, I have concluded that my invention has merit.

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

Abstract: A protective cover for surfboard decks is presented that is easy to fit and use, protects the wax layer on the surfboard deck, and fits within a standard board bag. The invention is inexpensive to purchase, easy to store and helps reduce surfboard maintenance costs and time.

Abstract: An adjustable rack and clamping apparatus for removably retaining surfboards or the like to the roof of a vehicle, while preventing the theft thereof, includes a plurality of two types of mounting block assemblies that slideably attach to two transversely disposed mounting bars removably affixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing bodyboards and surfboards and the article of manufacture resulting therefrom. The method includes cutting a board form a block to a predetermined shape and dimensions. For surfboards, a spine member is longitudinally mounted between the two halves of the board. Reinforcement members are mounted longitudinally and transversally along the board blanks. Then, a sheath member is prepared and the block is received therein when the former is expanded. Subsequently, the sheath is contracted by cooling it down. The trapped air is flushed out and folds eliminated.

Abstract: A motorized surfboard device can be ridden by a rider comprises a surfboard having an underside surface and a top side surface. The motorized surfboard device also includes a motive device mounted on the underside surface of the surfboard. The motive device comprises a motor and a rotatable propeller, in which the motor is connected to the rotatable propeller for rotating the same. The propeller comprises a cylindrical body with a surface configuration including at least one groove in a surface of the rotatable propeller body, wherein the at least one grove defines raised ridges between the at least one groove, the edges of the grooves being rounded, the at least one comprising a depth. The motorized surfboard device including a control apparatus having at least one of a foot-controlled switch, a hand-operated and controlled steering column, and a hand controlled switch. The control apparatus controlling at least one of on/off operation of the motor and variable speed of the motor.

Abstract: Discloses skin and interior core structures made shape-adjustable with a layer of skin core forming a pre-molded perimeter rail; exterior structural skin can be molded using a convex shape-defining mold to produce a plurality of different shapes; separate subparts give the mold the capacity to describe different curves and modify different parameters of the board's design. Mold is reversible; male/female configurations produce convex shape-defining substrates allowing a wide array of different shapes. Board is fabricated without use of any concave shape-defining surface, and therefore without the high manufacturing costs and structural problems of prior art female molds.

Abstract: A pivotal fin system, for use with an aquafoil, such as surfboards, body boards, wave skis, sail boards, wake boards and the like, comprising a pot (3) and a fin (2), having a tab (18) extending from the base (17) of the fin (2). The pot (3) has a central slot (11) and is mounted in the board (23) with the opening of the central slot (11) flush with the board (23). The slot (11) has a releasable locking means (6 & 7) therein, and the tab (18) has a connection means (21 & 22), which is releasably engaged by locking means (6 & 7). Preferably the releasable locking means (6 & 7) is a substantially c-shaped clamp, and the connection means (21 & 22) has a recess or recesses (22) behind a bulbous extension (21), which is engaged in the c-shaped clamp, with arms (5) of the c-shaped clamp engaging in the recess or recesses (22).

Abstract: A surfing craft with removable fin. A removable fin is disposed in a fin box and the fin box is disposed in a surfing craft body. A releasable locking mechanism has a spring actuated locking arm, a locking tab and an indention. The spring actuated locking arm applies spring force for locking the locking tab into the indention. A counter force is applied to the spring actuated locking arm to remove the fin from the fin box. In one preferred embodiment, the locking tab is attached to the locking arm and the locking arm is bendably connected to the fin. In this preferred embodiment the indention is on the fin box and the locking arm's locking tab is engaged with the indention of the fin box to prevent the fin from disconnecting from the fin box. Also in this preferred embodiment, by applying finger force the locking arm is bent causing the locking tab to disengage the indention so that the fin can be removed.

Abstract: A device installed in the vent hole of a windsurfing board to warn the user that the vent plug is not installed, and the board should not be placed in the water. Additionally, the device has a container for holding the vent plug when it is not installed in the board, thus preventing loss or misplacement of the plug. Also, the device contains a tool for installing and removing the vent plug before and after the use of the invention, thus making it very convenient to use the invention.

Abstract: A device installed in the vent hole of a windsurfing board to warn the user that the vent plug is not installed, and the board should not be placed in the water. Additionally, the device has a container for holding the vent plug when it is not installed in the board, thus preventing loss or misplacement of the plug. Also, the device contains a tool for installing and removing the vent plug before and after the use of the invention, thus making it very convenient to use the invention.

Abstract: A sportsboard locking apparatus for a sportsboard having an attachment channel having an elongated insertion groove indented on an attachment surface of the sportsboard and an engagement groove perpendicular extended along the insertion groove, wherein the sportsboard locking apparatus includes an engagement member having an engaging latch transversely formed at a foot end of an outer surface thereof and a first shackle bore, a locking member having a predetermined thickness and a second shackle bore, and an attachment device for slidably attaching the locking member to the engagement member that limits the locking member to move longitudinally with respect to the engagement member between a locking position and an unlocking position.

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

Abstract: A sportsboard locking apparatus for securing sportsboard from theft includes a simple, multiple element apparatus which engages elements of a standard sportsboard and further provides for a method by which the sportsboard may be secured to a stationary article avoiding theft. The apparatus operates simply with few moving parts and fits standard sportsboard designs. A cross bar is intimate to the sportsboard's body and located within a cylindrical cup which is recessed below the sportsboard's outer surface, the cross bar being securely fixed to the board's core structure. The apparatus incorporates a hooked element which surrounds the crossbar and a pin element which encloses the cross bar within a space formed between pin and hook element's engagement end.

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

Abstract: A surfboard assembly (10) includes at least two of a surfboard (12), a foot retainer (18) and a foot pad (16). The surfboard (12) includes a board apparatus (20) having a body region (34), a surface layer (36) and one or more board magnetic regions (14). The surface layer (36) is secured to the body region (34), and each board magnetic region (14) is secured to the board apparatus (20). Each board magnetic region (14) can have a substantially flat configuration and can be formed from a magnetic material. The board magnetic regions (14) can be secured to the surface layer (36) and/or the body region (34). The foot retainer (18) includes a retainer magnetic region (69) having a magnetic material. The foot retainer (18) can include a sole plate (62) that that couples the retainer magnetic region (69) to the retainer body (56). The foot pad (16) includes a pad region (46) and a pad magnetic region (48).

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

Abstract: A surfboard is formed from a pair of lightweight shell elements which may be of a polycarbonate which is see through, plexiglass or other material having a high strength and low weight. The two shell elements are joined together to form an airtight and water tight sealed hollow unit. The shaping of the shell elements is in accordance with conventional surfboard requirements and the tail and nose are made removable so that these components can be substituted to satisfy various surfing requirements. A pressure valve is provided for injecting pressurized air into the interior of the shell and through way valves are provided for the nose and tail to allow the nose and tail parts to maintain the same pressure as the main body.

Abstract: A magnetic traction device includes at least one shoe member having a sole, the sole having an inner surface and an opposite surface. The magnetic traction device also includes a plurality of magnets positioned on at least one surface of the shoe member. Additionally, the magnetic traction device includes a board member having a traction pad, wherein the shoe member is detachably coupled to the traction pad to provide a means to maneuver the board member.

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

Abstract: Method of high-strength sandwich skin fabrication uses the thickness of a high-density foam skin core (27) to mask minor imperfections on the surface of the mold (10,20), thereby allowing the mold to be divided into separate integral parts that have the capacity to be moved, then fixed and set, so as to describe different curves or modify dimensions of the board. Mold is reversible; male/female configurations permit fabrication of a wide array of custom designs. Method offers low production costs due to a rapid mold cycle, reduced labor, and efficient use of space, yet produces an exceptionally high strength, light weight board because of the increased shear strength of the monocoque perimeter rail (70), and the optimum fiber/resin ratio in the cored, structural sandwich skin.

Abstract: A kit for converting a conventional surfboard into a motorized one, to assist a surfer in paddling away from shore, includes a small motor attachable to the surfboard and a control remote. The electric motor is built directly into a rudder or fin, attachable to the surfboard without any structural modification to the board. The remote control is wireless and worn on the surfer's hand or wrist. With a motorized surfboard propelling the surfer forward at a low rate of speed, it is unnecessary for the surfer to exert considerable energy paddling out to catch another wave.

Abstract: A grip pad assembly (10) including an outer pad member (12) having an upper surface defining a non-slip surface and an insert (18) within the pad member (12) having on its upper surface, a hook and loop material (20) and a central ridge (22). The pad assembly (10) may be used on a surfboard, or other watercraft, or in any other application where enhanced grip is required, in combination with an article of footwear (40). The article of footwear (40) comprises a first retaining portion (45, 46) adapted to extend over and be secured to the foot of a user, a second retaining portion (43, 44) adapted to extend over and be secured to the ankle of the user and a complementary hook and loop fastener (47) on its undersurface. The footwear may have a means (51) for securing a leg rope for connection to the surfboard.

Abstract: A surfboard includes board, a fin connector securely mounted in the board and a fin attached to the fin connector. The surfboard has two setscrews screwed into the fin connector to hold the fin in place and a bolt extending through the fin connector, which screws into the fin to strengthen the connection between the fin connector and the fin.

Abstract: High performance of a sailboard is achieved over a wider range of wind and water conditions by providing a hull having two or more planing surfaces which may differ in shape and/or aspect ratio. Drag due to suction at steps between planing surfaces is reduced by venting to the air. Cusp shaping of the respective planing surfaces can reduce and stabilize the angle of attack at the displacement/planing transition without causing fore-and-aft pitching effects known as porpoising.

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

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

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

Abstract: A wakeboard assembly transports a rider across a body of water. The rider defines a rider center of gravity. The wakeboard assembly includes a hull that extends between a stem and a stern. The hull defines an interior compartment and a deck for receiving the rider thereon during operation of said wakeboard assembly. An engine is mounted to the hull within the interior compartment. The engine is mounted to the hull at a position between the stem and the stern below the deck. The engine is mounted such that the engine extends through the center of gravity of the rider.

Abstract: Method of high-strength sandwich skin fabrication uses the thickness of a high-density foam skin core to mask minor imperfections on the surface of the mold, thereby allowing the mold to be divided into separate parts that have the capacity to be moved, then fixed and set, so as to describe different curves or modify dimensions of the board. Mold is reversible; male/female configurations permit fabrication of a wide array of custom designs. Method offers low production costs due to a rapid mold cycle, reduced labor, and efficient use of space, yet produces an exceptionally high strength, light weight board because of the increased shear strength of the monocoque perimeter rail, and the optimum fiber/resin ratio in the cored, structural sandwich skin.

Abstract: A surfing craft with removable fin. A removable fin is disposed in a fin box and the fin box is disposed in a surfing craft body. A releasable locking mechanism has a spring actuated locking arm, a locking tab and an indention. The spring actuated locking arm applies spring force for locking the locking tab into the indention. A counter force is applied to the spring actuated locking arm to remove the fin from the fin box. In one preferred embodiment, the locking tab is attached to the locking arm and the locking arm is bendably connected to the fin. In this preferred embodiment the indention is on the fin box and the locking arm's locking tab is engaged with the indention of the fin box to prevent the fin from disconnecting from the fin box. Also in this preferred embodiment, by applying finger force the locking arm is bent causing the locking tab to disengage the indention so that the fin can be removed.

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: The present invention is a body board for use by a person comprising first, second and third floatation members each having an upper surface and a lower surface and a length substantially greater than their width. The first floatation member is spaced adjacent to the second floatation member and the second floatation member is spaced adjacent the third floatation member. The body board further comprises an outside skin retaining the first, second, and third floatation members. The first floatation member is moveable relative to the second floatation member. The third floatation member is moveable relative to the second floatation member. In operation the person may grasp the first and third floatation members to conform the body board to the person's body.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for use with a water vessel, such as a surfboard, to disrupt a flow of water under the water vessel. The hydrodynamic device comprises a channel member (12) fixed to an underside of the water vessel with an attachment means (14). The attachment means (14) may be a plurality of lugs (44) arranged to be received in corresponding recesses in the underside of the water vessel. In use, water flowing between the underside of the vessel and the channel member (12) passes from a high water pressure zone to a low water pressure zone thereby enhancing a forward thrust of the water vessel in the water.

Abstract: High performance of a sailboard is achieved over a wider range of wind and water conditions by providing a hull having two or more planing surfaces which may differ in shape and/or aspect ratio. Drag due to suction at steps between planing surfaces is reduced by venting to the air. Cusp shaping of the respective planing surfaces can reduce and stabilize the angle of attack at the displacement/planing transition without causing fore-and-aft pitching effects known as porpoising. By confining water under the planing surfaces to reduce lateral outflow thereof through increased downward curvature of the bottom of the board, winglets, asymmetrical fins, fences and the like, the effective width and aspect ratio of the wetted area may be altered beyond that of the actual geometry of the planing surfaces to further increase lift and reduce drag while providing additional sources of lift at displacement, transitional and planing speeds.

Abstract: A surfboard is formed from a pair of lightweight shell elements which may be of a polycarbonate which is see through, plexiglass or other material having a high strength and low weight. The two shell elements are joined together to form an airtight and water tight sealed hollow unit. The shaping of the shell elements is in accordance with conventional surfboard requirements and the tail and nose are made removable so that these components can be substituted to satisfy various surfing requirements. A pressure valve is provided for injecting pressurized air into the interior of the shell and through way valves are provided for the nose and tail to allow the nose and tail parts to maintain the same pressure as the main body.

Abstract: A tail protector is disclosed that provides a soft bumper attached to the rear edge of a surfboard, or other water sport board, or snowboard. The tail protector is to protect a surfer struck by the edge of the tail section of the surfboard and protects the tail section of the board from damage. The tail protector is a strip of deformable plastic material that wraps around the tail of the board and is adhesively attached to the board. The tail protector does not extend to the bottom of the board so as to not interfere with the performance of the board.

Abstract: A fin and watercraft system includes at least one pair of fins mounted to the underside of a watercraft adjacent the side edges. The fins rotate freely from a position substantially parallel to the centerline of the watercraft through an arc of up to 90 degrees to alternate positions angled from the nearest side edge toward the centerline of the watercraft. The fins include a front portion extending from a leading edge to a vertical axis and a rear portion extending from the vertical axis to a trailing edge. The rear portion is larger than the front portion causing the fin to rotate in the direction of an oncoming water flow. The fins have symmetrical lateral surfaces and include a bearing plate mounted in a recess in the lower surface of the watercraft. A pin extends from a top surface of the fin engages an arcurate slot in the bearing plate to limit rotation of the fin.

Abstract: A motorized surfboard device for propelling a surfboard having a user thereon through water. The motorized surfboard device includes a panel having a front edge, a back edge, a pair of side edges, a bottom surface and a top surface. The panel comprises a buoyant material such that the panel floats in water. A motor housing is attached to the bottom surface of the panel. The motor housing has a distal wall, a proximal wall and a pair of lateral walls with respect to the front edge of the panel. The motor housing is substantially watertight. A drive motor is positioned in the housing. A propeller is mechanically coupled to the drive motor and is positioned between the back edge of the panel and the distal wall of the housing. A power supply is operationally coupled to the drive motor and positioned in the motor housing.

Abstract: A motorized surfboard device can be ridden by a rider comprises a surfboard having an underside surface and a top side surface. The motorized surfboard device also includes a motive device mounted on the underside surface of the surfboard. The motive device comprises a motor and a rotatable propeller, in which the motor is connected to the rotatable propeller for rotating the same. The propeller comprises a cylindrical body with a surface configuration including at least one groove in a surface of the rotatable propeller body, wherein the at least one grove defines raised ridges between the at least one groove, the edges of the grooves being rounded, the at least one comprising a depth. The motorized surfboard device including a control apparatus having at least one of a foot-controlled switch, a hand-operated and controlled steering column, and a hand controlled switch. The control apparatus controlling at least one of on/off operation of the motor and variable speed of the motor.