Abstract: A sailing or wave-riding board includes a foam core, a support layer, and a cover layer. The board has a number of incisions at least in portions of the surface of the support layer. The incisions increase the bending capacity of the support layer so that it can also be adapted to the contour in more curved areas of the foam core, in particular in a boundary area.

Abstract: A surfboard includes a body, a fin, a chamber disposed in the body, and a fastener. The fin is receivable in the chamber and projects from the body at a cant when received in the chamber. The chamber and the fastener may be components of a fin box disposed on the body of the surfboard. The chamber is configured so that the fin is adjustable in a variety of cants. The chamber may be configured to allow a foot of the fin to pivot within the chamber. When the fin is positioned in a desired cant, the fastener secures the fin in the chamber at the desired cant. To adjust the cant, the fastener is actuated to release the fin, the fin is repositioned at another cant, and the fastener is actuated to secure the fin at the new desired cant. This adjustment of the fin may be repeated any number of times.

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 kickboard having a rigid base of generally thin, rectangular, shape. At least one shallow cutout or depression is formed in the top surface of the base, the depression extending rearwardly from near the front edge of the base and being at least wide enough and long enough to receive a swimmer's arm when the swimmer grips the front edge of the base with his hand. A layer of cushioning material in the depression cushions the arm of the swimmer while gripping the board by the front edge. The front edge of the board is rounded and at least partly cushioned as well. A groove is provided in the bottom surface of the base positioned to receive the finger-tips of the swimmer while gripping the front edge. A second groove can be provided in the top surface of the base, just behind the finger-tip groove, for receiving a portion of the palm of the swimmer's hand while gripping the front edge.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to stabilization and propulsion of windsurfing and other floating boards such as surf boards. The invention consists of a modular device consisting of a seat and pontoon float unit fitted with remote controls by which a modified trolling motor can be used to steer and propel the board through the water.

Abstract: An illuminated sports board has a riding platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, a microcontroller mounted on the top surface, a power source operably connected to the microcontroller, an electro-luminescent sheet positioned on the riding platform, an electrical circuit electrically connecting the microcontroller to the electro-luminescent sheet, and a translucent resin layer covering both the riding platform and the electro-luminescent sheet.

Abstract: A sailing or wave-riding board includes a foam core, a support layer, and a cover layer. The board has a number of incisions at least in portions of the surface of the support layer. The incisions increase the bending capacity of the support layer so that it can also be adapted to the contour in more curved areas of the foam core, in particular in a boundary area.

Abstract: A footstrap in which a portion bridging the foot of a surfer is pre-shaped such that the footstrap contacts the entire area of the foot with regular distribution of pressure.

Abstract: A jet-propelled water board for transporting a person upon water. The jet-propelled water board includes a board member having a top side and a bottom side, and also having a tapered front portion and a tapered back portion, and further having a plurality of water intake ports and water outtake ports being disposed through the bottom side of said board member; and also includes a fin being securely attached to the bottom side of the board member and on the back portion thereof; and further includes a jet propel assembly being disposed in the board member for forcing water through said the outtake ports.

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: A kneeboard formed of upper and lower polymeric shells about a core material and having a internal, generally vertical stiffener to impart strength to the kneeboard and to provide a low profile strengthened kneeboard.

Abstract: A board securing device for securing surfboards and other similar shaped boards. The board securing device includes a first portion arranged to engage over a first end of the board and a second portion arranged to engage over a second end of the board. An interconnecting means is provided to releasably connect the first portion to the second portion such that the first and second portions cannot be removed from the ends of the board. A locking means is also provided secured to the first portion such that the locking means can secure the first portion to a fixed object.

Abstract: A method of operation and sportingboard foot or boot binding system that has two pivot mount plates (74) which are able to rotate free of a sportingboard (68), and which are connected by a rotational transmission means to cooperatively rotate both pivot mount plates (74) in the same direction. The sportingboard (68) can be a snowboard, wakeboard, mountainboard, surfboard or similar device that utilizes foot or boot mounting means of rider attachment. Braking or limiting devices can be employed to control the rotation of pivot mount plates (74).

Abstract: A body board (10) having a pair of side rails (13, 14), the body board (10) including a fin (20) that extends laterally from at least one side rail (14) of the body board (10).

Abstract: In mounting of a fin on a surfboard, there is formed a through hole within the surfboard with the fin to be mounted within the through hole and extend from the underside of the surfboard. The through hole is normally open the top side of the surfboard. A cover, comprising a thin flexible base, is adhesively secured onto the top side of the surfboard surrounding the through hole. The cover includes a nametag which is removably mounted in conjunction with the base. Removing of the nametag permits access into the surfboard fin mounting box.

Abstract: A collapsible surfboard for making it easy for a user to conveniently travel with a surfboard. The collapsible surfboard includes an elongate inflatable bladder adapted for holding a quantity of air in an interior of the bladder. The elongate inflatable bladder has a shape generally corresponding to a surfboard. The elongate inflatable bladder has a front end, a rear end, and a pair of side edges extending between the front and rear ends. The inflatable bladder has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the inflatable bladder has an elongate pocket extending along a longitudinal axis of the bladder between the front and rear ends. An elongate beam is provided for stiffening the inflatable bladder when inflated. The elongate beam is removably insertable in the elongate pocket of the inflatable bladder.

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 toy surfboard or body board has a specially shaped bottom surface of the board to hold the waves in the same manner as in a full sized surfboard or body board. A figure of a surfer is positioned on the top surface to balance and maintain and bias the board to a flat running configuration. A compartment is located in the board to hold a radio receiver, controls, motor mechanisms and the batteries. A rudder is located rearwardly of the bottom mounted propeller.

Abstract: A wakeboard having rear and front center fins and a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel, canted rear and front asymmetric side fins to provide enhanced rider control and performance of the wakeboard during maneuvers.

Abstract: A fin assembly [10] is provided for detachably removing a fin [12] in a surfboard [13]. The fin [12] has a mounting base [26] and spigots [22 and 23] projecting from front and rear positions on the base [26]. A socket mounting [11] defining at least complementary front and rear sockets [15 and 16] for receiving the spigots [22 and 23] is provided for inclusion in the board [13] for releasably mounting the fin [12] to the board. A grub screw or screws [35] is/are provided for securing the fin [12] in said mounting [11].

Abstract: A water sports board for use in supporting a person riding along on the top surface of the water. The elongated buoyant board has an elongated slot in its bottom surface for each of its fins. The fins are removably received in the elongated slots when the fins are raised up into the interior of the board. A mechanical structure is utilized for reciprocally moving the fins between an upper position inside the slot and a lower position in which a predetermined portion of the fin extends below the bottom surface of the board. A hydraulic system is used for actuating the mechanical means. It utilizes a resilient compressible bladder that is squeezed or released to move the pin between its upper and lower positions. The water sports board may take the form of a bodyboard, surfboard, kneeboard or wakeboard.

Abstract: A fin protector for a windsurfing board or similar item includes two sides secured together to form a pocket or receiving space for the tip of a fin to be protected into which the tip of the fin is inserted. The fin is forced into the pocket far enough to flex the sides apart enough so that the sides press against the fin and hold the protector on the fin. One side preferably extends beyond the fin receiving opening so as to guide the bottom of the fin into the opening when the protector is placed on the fin.

Abstract: An inflatable sailboard consisting of an inflatable hull, a mast, a boom, and a sail, and optionally comprising a removable rigid deck and auxiliary devices such as mast supports and center boards attached to the hull by through-hull fittings. The hull of the invention consists of a plurality of independently inflatable compartments, has a relatively high beam width to length ratio, generally in the range of 1/3 to 2/3, and in preferred embodiments may be employed without mast, boom, or sail, and with an attached seat, as a kayak. The hull may also be towed by a boat or jet ski for sporting use, or may be used as a "boat trailer" to transport supplies or equipment. The sail of the invention incorporates head and foot cups adapted to attach the sail to the mast to control tension within the sail. Preferred masts for use with the invention are provided in a plurality of assemblable sections, and include an adjustable support for the boom and improved hull attachment means.

Abstract: A bodyboard includes a board made of expended polyethylene and a protection layer heat-laminated around the board. The protection layer has at least 0.01 mm thick and with ultraviolet inhibitor and anti-oxidant added therein. The bodyboard has a serrated surface so as to prevent the bodyboarders/surfers from slipping.

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

Abstract: A leg rope connector plug for a body board or surfboard, comprising a lower coupler means having a head member having essentially planar upper and lower surfaces, and a first shank extending therefrom; an upper coupler means having a head member having essentially planar upper and lower surfaces, and a second shank extending therefrom, said first and second shanks being engageable together to sandwich the body board or surfboard therebetween, and two substantially radially extending cut outs, each terminating in a recess, forming a small sector shaped area therebetween on the head member of the upper coupler means, and a web extending from the planar lower surface, said web being joined to the shank of the head.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting bindings to a snowboard. The system allows relative distance between the mounted bindings to be much more accurately adjusted by the user, making snowboarding mare enjoyable and safer. The system involves a front and a rear set of parallel cavities formed on the top surface of a snowboard which accept nuts which slide in each cavity. Each nut receives a corresponding bolt from the binding to be mounted. The nuts can be easily replaced if stripped, obviating the need for frequent expensive repairs to fix stripped nuts, as is common with typical snowboards.

Abstract: A surfboard includes a board and a plate secured to the bottom of the board and formed by a foamable material. A reinforcing mesh is embedded in the plate and includes a number of mesh openings. The material for forming the plate is engaged into the mesh openings for allowing the reinforcing mesh to be solidly embedded in the plate and for greatly increasing the strength of the surfboard. The reinforcing mesh may be embedded in the lower portion of the plate or may includes a thickness equals to that of the plate or greater than that of the plate.

Abstract: Surfboard having an essentially elongate, flat basic body which is capable of floating and, during use, rests with its underside on the water, and on whose upper side there is provided a standing surface for the feet of the sports person using the board, and in which at least one fin is attached to the underside. An opening extending from the underside towards the upper side is provided in the basic body for receiving the said fin, whose extent in the transverse direction of the board, that is to say transversely to the direction of travel and transversely to the surface plane of the fin, is less than the cross-section of the fin; the outer edges of the fin cross-section at the connection point to the board are preferably designed in such a way that the outer edges rest essentially completely against the underside of the board.

Abstract: A wind propelled watercraft system is provided including a floating disk for supporting a user on a body of water. Also included is a sail assembly for driving the user on the floating disk by way of wind. The floating disk has an inwardly-facing groove for receiving the user's toes and is provided with a generally part-spherical bottom face. The sails extend between the arms and the body of the user, whereby the user can spill wind by lowering the arms.

Abstract: A surfboard having opposed side edges disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline, the surfboard including a tail section, the side edges of the surfboard along said tail section defining a generally hourglass configuration with the contours of tail section side edges approximately hyperbolic curves. In one specific embodiment, the side edges of the tail section approximate the left- and right-hand branches of a hyperbola centered on an origin lying on said longitudinal centerline. According to another aspect of the invention, the surfboard includes a pair of side fins and a tail fin attached to the bottom surface of the board. The side fins are symmetrically disposed relative to the longitudinal centerline and are so oriented that the center planes of the side fins pass through the foci of the hyperbolic side edges of the tail section.

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 seat and foot rest assembly to convert a surf board or sail board into a kayak type paddling craft. The assembly comprises a chassis, connectors to easily secure said chassis to the top wall of the water buoyant board, a seat secured to the rear portion of the chassis and a foot rest adjustably mounted on the front section of the chassis. The connectors include suction cups and board encircling straps or screws to be screwed within screw inserts carried by the board top wall. The conversion kit can easily be detached to allow the user to use the board in its original configuration. An optional steering mechanism is provided for more precise directional control of the craft. The steering mechanism includes a stern mounted rudder and a control stick operable by the user's feet and connected to the rudder by adjustable cables.

Abstract: A variable flexible bodyboard, which includes therein, at least one variable, flexible stringer rod. The stringer rod composed of a material to impart stiffness to the body of the bodyboard, such as a fiber-resin material, and a material to impart flexibility to the front nose area of the bodyboard, such as a polyethylene material.

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: The bottom surface of the surfboard has a set of transverse ridges which are bowed away from the front of the surfboard, which are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis of the board. A channel extends across the edge surface of these ridges and are aligned along the board longitudinal axis. In motion, the moving water not only strikes the rear edge face of the surfboard but also the rear faces of each ridge, thereby increasing its propelling efficiency relative to surfboards devoid of such ridges. A second and a third sets of transverse ridges may be formed in water pockets made on opposite lateral side surfaces of the surfboard. These second and third ridge pockets assist in self-straightening the surfboard should the latter accidentally swerve at least slightly transversely from the general axial direction of displacement.

Abstract: A fin mounting system for a surfboard which utilizes a box embedded within the surfboard with the mounting being achieved by producing a through cavity within the surfboard, placing the box within the through cavity and then pouring a hardenable resin between the box and the sidewall of the cavity completely filling such. The box is constructed of a glass filled polyurethane plastic. After the resin is hardened, any portion of the box that protrudes exteriorly of the surface of the surfboard is removed. The fin has a mounting end which is to be transversely snugly received within the box. The fin is adjustable longitudinally within the box. A fastener is employed to fix in position the fin when the desired adjusted position is achieved. The fin is constructed of a glass-filled, nylon material. The fastener comprises a conventional bolt and nut with the nut being embedded within the fin.

Abstract: A stabilizing, turning and controlling side fin for a surfboard or the like increases the performance and maneuverability of the surfboard or the like. The side fin may be provided on the right, left or both sides of the surfboard near the rear or middle portions of the surfboard. The side fin includes a deck portion forming a foot support and a roll over edge at the side thereof. The side fin is selectively submergible and provides a lift and thrust feel to the board when going through the water. In operation, when stepping on the deck portion of the side fin, or otherwise submerging a selected side fin, the board will turn in that direction. Stepping on the deck surface lightly will produce gradual turn and stepping on the deck surface heavily will produce a sharper turn. The side fin allows the board to essentially climb up on to the wave, giving the user the ability to maneuver and ride even small waves.

Abstract: The surf riding craft is a shaped water surfboard which has a prestressed center stringer with a foam core element located on each side of the stringer to form a center core element. The bending of the stringer at the tail end in manufacture creates a spring condition tending to force the surfboard back to the original straight position. There is a patch layer bonded to the top and bottom of the center core element for added strength yet relatively more flexibility of the midsection element section compared to the nose and tail sections of the craft. The craft is then covered by the bonding of a top skin and a bottom skin. Three fins are mounted near the tail of the craft. This construction provides for bending and torsional motion about the midsection element of the craft to provide better performance in surfing waves.

Abstract: A soft wakeboard for use behind watercraft, the wakeboard having a central torsion box with front and rear fin blocks, to secure front and rear fins thereto, and strengthened foam core blocks on either side to provide a foam core material. A closed-cell foam top skin layer and a smooth, polymer bottom skin layer are shaped and bonded to the contoured core material. Vertically extending fins are secured to the fin blocks and extend from the bottom skin layer.

Abstract: A body or sports board having a continuous strip rail extending over the width of bevelled side, nose and side and optionally, also over the tail surfaces.

Abstract: An improved stringer for a recreational board such as a water board or similar riding structure. The stringer has a center panel with side surfaces and at least one longitudinal cavity within its center panel. A hollow member is positioned within the longitudinal cavity. The hollow member has at least two ends and is closed at these ends. Within the hollow member is a fluid substance which is less in volume than a total volume of the hollow member which thereby permits the fluid substance to move back and forth within the hollow member which, by such movement, facilitates momentum, acceleration, leverage, and drive. The center panel may have one or more such cavities and fluid-filled hollow member. Depending on desired performance, these cavities with their fluid-filled hollow members may also be positioned adjacent to the sides of the center panel.

Abstract: The means for raising one heel or both heels of the surfer so that the resting position of the ankle is more extended than on a flat deck. Examples of these means are a foot pad (22) thicker on one side, an asymmetrical height given to the deck of the board (24) itself, or a wedge (14) inserted between the board (10) and the pad (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to foam structures with enhanced physical properties which can be used in the areas of packaging, athletics, water sports, and construction. In general, the structures are laminated polymer foams that include a core of a low density foam and one or more skins of relatively high density foam covering the core. The skins provide improved physical properties to the foam structures by improving the flexural strength, resistance to bending, and resulting damage from bending in the laminated foam structure while modestly increasing the weight of the laminated structure, for example. Uses of the foam structures include, but are not limited to, packaging materials, gym mats, body boards, or eaves fillers.

Abstract: An unpowered planing craft for a side-by-side pair of riders includes a bifurcated hull having rearwardly projecting and laterally diverging leg portions, and a laterally spaced pair of restraint members connectable near opposite edges at forward extremities of each leg portion for holding respective ones of the riders kneeling side-by-side on a deck surface of the hull. In a preferred version, the hull is approximately 46 inches wide and approximately 48 inches long, inside edges of the leg portions diverging rearwardly approximately 30.degree. from longitudinal hull axis. A forward perimeter outline portion ahead of outer extremities of the leg portion extend convexly outwardly and forwardly to a forward extremity of the hull. A resilient pad is affixed to the hull in flush relation to the deck surface for comfortably supporting the riders.

Abstract: A process for producing a surfboard having rails encapsulated with a tight woven band of fabric providing up to sixty percent improvement in strength over conventional fiberglass constructions is disclosed. A product produced by said process is also taught, which allows extreme surfers to push the performance envelope and attack bigger waves, among other things.

Abstract: A hollow shaft (10) capped at both ends (60a/b) contains a fluid (40) encompassing approximately half the volume of the shaft. The shaft is inlaid to a cavity (50), fitting snugly into a wood stringer (20). When stringer is assembled for shapable mode, foam blanks (30a/b) have been glued to it for a workable product.

Abstract: Lightweight, high-strength flotation devices such as surfboards, sailboard and body boards that can be inexpensively manufactured from plastic sheet materials using thermo-vacuum forming techniques. The devices include specially configured structural cores which provide strength and rigidity to the devices. The structural cores are, in turn, encapsulated between specially configured upper- and lower-shaped panels which add strength to the devices and create a sleek, finished appearance.

Abstract: A bodyboard is provided having a top riding surface with a centralized torso-supporting region of generally hourglass shape and perimetric purchase-enhancing region which surrounds the torso-supporting region.