Water Walking Device (e.g., Water Shoes) Patents (Class 441/76)
  • Patent number: 9902473
    Abstract: A water walking apparatus having two inflatable pontoons, each with respective holes in their top surfaces for a footwell. A platform support may expand and contract when in use so as to accommodate variable spacing between the pontoons. The platform support may include curved saddle, which straddles over the curved outer surface of a pontoon, securing the platform support to the pontoons. A platform upon which a user may sit may be connected to the platform support by a neck received into a hole in the bottom of the platform. The platform may include a backrest member, and a strap that may serve as a ladder step when the backrest member is rotated rearwardly and down, into the water to allow a user to step on the continuous strap and climb up onto the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Kelly K. Souter
  • Patent number: 9180949
    Abstract: A human-powered watercraft may include a frame, a forward hydrofoil attached to the frame, and a first rear hydrofoil attached to a first strut with the first strut rotatably attached to the frame at a pivot point and the first rear hydrofoil configured to pivot about a rear end of the first strut. The human-powered watercraft may also include a second rear hydrofoil attached to a second strut with the second strut rotatably attached to the frame at the pivot point and parallel to the first strut and the second rear hydrofoil configured to pivot about a rear end of the second strut and a tension system coupled between the first strut and the second strut. The tension system allows the first strut and second strut to move in a generally stair-stepping manner which causes the first rear hydrofoil and the second rear hydrofoil to propel the human-powered watercraft forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Hansen
  • Patent number: 8974262
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing enhanced traction for an inflatable device is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inflatable gear assembly attachable to the inflatable device. The inflatable gear assembly defines an outside diameter that is greater than the largest cross-sectional distance of the inflatable device. The inflatable gear assembly and the inflatable device may be configured as totally integrated, partially integrated, or totally separated air chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SDS Asia Limited, BVI #1748971
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20150064993
    Abstract: An apparatus for floatation and propulsion of a user on a body of water, with the user in a standing position, includes two pontoons, a mechanical connection of the pontoons and a propulsion system responsive to vertical articulation of the pontoons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jerome C. Farmer
  • Patent number: 8936500
    Abstract: A dual section paddle board is configured to be stable in water which is shallow without fouling vegetation or hitting rocks. The dual section paddle board includes two board sections that are symmetrical along a single edge of each section to increase stability while paddle boarding. A connector joins the two board sections proximate one another permitting balance shifting that further increases stability. Each board section is made from a buoyant material in order to maintain buoyancy while avoiding damage to the board section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Shaine Shahin Ebrahimi
  • Patent number: 8870615
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Schulz
  • Patent number: 8808047
    Abstract: A paddleboard (10) comprising a right board (12) slidingly connected to a left board (14). At least one interlocking sliding element is connected to the right board 12, and at least one interlocking sliding element is connected to the left board 14. Right board (12) and left board (14) are slidable longitudinally with respect to one another only within the plane of paddleboard (10), and parallel to the long axis of paddleboard (10). Utilizing a user's legs and feet to slide right board (12) and left board (14) longitudinally causes a propulsion system to propel paddleboard (10) over the water. A suitable propulsion system comprises pivoting paddles (16) or flaps (40) mounted under right board (12) and under left board (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Knutson
  • Publication number: 20140030943
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing enhanced traction for an inflatable device is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inflatable gear assembly attachable to the inflatable device. The inflatable gear assembly defines an outside diameter that is greater than the largest cross-sectional distance of the inflatable device. The inflatable gear assembly and the inflatable device may be configured as totally integrated, partially integrated, or totally separated air chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8608524
    Abstract: Provided is a water shoe facilitating walking on a water surface. The water shoe of the present invention includes: a foot fixing portion to fix a foot; a supporting bar coupled with the foot fixing portion; a floating membrane foldable toward and unfoldable from the supporting bar with the supporting bar functioning as a pivot shaft to provide buoyancy to the water shoe when the floating membrane comes into contact with a water surface; and a folding hinge portion coupled with the floating membrane to fold and unfold the floating membrane. The water shoe of the present invention has a simple structure, and may be put to use in water leisure sports at an inexpensive cost. Further, the water shoe may be used even in a narrow area, without a motor boat, and almost unencumbered by weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rainbow Scape Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woon-Eik Jeong
  • Publication number: 20120302116
    Abstract: A buoyant apparatus for use on a wearer's foot having an outer frame including a foot insert and a plurality of fins. The outer frame is substantially oval having a bow end, center, and stern end such that the outer frame is widest at the center and narrowest at the bow and stern ends. A rudder extends outwardly horizontally from the stern end. The outer frame has a bottom surface having a plurality of fins extending downwardly therefrom. A center fin is centrally positioned along the bottom surface of the outer frame from the bow end to the stern end. The center fin has a centrally positioned substantially circular hole having a valve. A plurality of stabilizing fins are positioned around the center fin. A foot insert is integrally coupled to the outer frame at the center for accepting the wearer's foot therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Beth Chester
  • Patent number: 8298027
    Abstract: A pair of poles are positioned for pivotal connection adjacent the lateral edges of a skim board. A rider initially stands on the beach behind the board and grips the poles. The rider runs on the beach behind the board to forwardly propel the board on the low friction surface of the shallow water. The speed and direction of the board is controlled by the rider manipulating and pivoting the poles. When the board reaches a desired speed, the rider jumps with one foot onto the board while gripping the poles to control balance and direction of movement of the board. The rider places his other foot on the board as the board glides on the surface of the water. By continuing to grip and pivot the poles, the rider stabilizes his position on the board until the board completes the gliding movement and comes to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Per H. Basse
  • Publication number: 20120244764
    Abstract: An apparatus for floatation and propulsion of a user on a body of water includes a floatation device, a harness and a pair of paddles. The harness attaches to the user's torso and the paddles have upper ends that pivotally interconnect with the harness. The paddles have lower water engaging ends that may be moved in a paddling motion in a generally fore-aft direction relative to the harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jerome Connelly Farmer
  • Publication number: 20120184162
    Abstract: Equipment for a human subject's use in an upright position for transportation on the water's surface. The equipment includes: two buoyant skis (20) one attached to each foot by foot stretchers; two retractable fins (22) one towards the heel of each ski for stability on the water and sustainability in shallow water by recession; one buoyant double bladed paddle (26); three quick release leashes: one (25) running from each ankle to each ankle leash cleat (40), and one on the paddle pole to the wrist (27). Said equipment is useable in all bodies of water and is designed to ride rapids and currents and to transition between and to travel on the surface of still or slow moving water by using leg movements taking turns with each float while paddling. This equipment calls on the human subject's strength to maneuver in all water conditions with two finned floats, a paddle and related leashes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Patricia Anne Winton
  • Publication number: 20120184163
    Abstract: A water walking apparatus having a pair of inflatable pontoons with footwells at their center, allowing user to step into and out of pontoons without their feet getting caught up inside of the footwell. The pontoons are connected together by stretch cords and a platform. The pontoons are designed to be able to hold a platform that allows the user to sit and rest after walking on the water. The platform has a ladder inside the cavity of the platform, assisting the user to get on the apparatus from water. Pontoons have a board sleeve at its bottom which holds the support board for pontoon. The support board gives the pontoon rigidity. Pontoons have pockets at bottom for scoops, the scoops pass over water freely when pontoons are going forward, and drop down into water when opposite pontoon is going forward. When scoops are down into water they reduce the backward movement of pontoon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Kelly K. Souter
  • Publication number: 20120100766
    Abstract: Provided is a water shoe facilitating walking on a water surface. The water shoe of the present invention includes: a foot fixing portion to fix a foot; a supporting bar coupled with the foot fixing portion; a floating membrane foldable toward and unfoldable from the supporting bar with the supporting bar functioning as a pivot shaft to provide buoyancy to the water shoe when the floating membrane comes into contact with a water surface; and a folding hinge portion coupled with the floating membrane to fold and unfold the floating membrane. The water shoe of the present invention has a simple structure, and may be put to use in water leisure sports at an inexpensive cost. Further, the water shoe may be used even in a narrow area, without a motor boat, and almost unencumbered by weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: RAINBOW SCAPE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Woon-Eik Jeong
  • Patent number: 8075358
    Abstract: Disclosed are floats that allow forward motion while a user is standing erect on the surface of a body of water. Increased stability as well as the appearance of aquatic creatures enhance friendliness for beginning users. Design features provide additional performance and challenge for the advanced user. Handles resist falling of the user and provide added buoyancy should a fall occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Sadik Yesil, Nevriye Amanda Yesil
  • Patent number: 7785161
    Abstract: A vehicle for movement relative to a medium, the vehicle comprising a base, and a carriage mounted on the base for supporting a human operator, the carriage mounted for forward and rearward movement relative to the base upon being driven by bipedal movement of the operator, a thrust mechanism operable to develop vehicle thrust by transmitting a force to the medium upon bipedally driven rearward movement of the carriage and a force mechanism operable to apply a force to the base upon bipedally driven forward movement of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Stuart Leslie Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7607959
    Abstract: A water craft allows a user to travel across a surface of water utilizing a natural walking motion, which employs arms and legs for propulsion similar to cross-country snow skiing. The water craft includes a pair of skis adapted to fit on the user's feet. The skis can be coupled together by semi-elastic tethers. Each ski can include a foot well for receiving the user's foot. The foot well is designed to simulate the natural walking motion of the user. The user can propel the water craft using tail paddles and ski poles. The tail paddles are coupled to the rear of the skis. The tail paddles are configured to float on the water and to rotate about a transverse axis of the skis. The tail paddles are shaped to grip or “dig in” the water in response to the user moving the skis in a direction opposite the direction of motion of the water craft. The tail paddles provide resistance to propel the water craft when the ski is moved backward and slide along the water when the skis move forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: James Warren DeMint
  • Publication number: 20090227156
    Abstract: A vehicle for movement relative to a medium, the vehicle comprising a base, and a carriage mounted on the base for supporting a human operator, the carriage mounted for forward and rearward movement relative to the base upon being driven by bipedal movement of the operator, a thrust mechanism operable to develop vehicle thrust by transmitting a force to the medium upon bipedally driven rearward movement of the carriage and a force mechanism operable to apply a force to the base upon bipedally driven forward movement of the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Stuart Leslie Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20090130932
    Abstract: Disclosed are floats that allow forward motion while a user is standing erect on the surface of a body of water. Increased stability as well as the appearance of aquatic creatures enhance friendliness for beginning users. Design features provide additional performance and challenge for the advanced user. Handles resist falling of the user and provide added buoyancy should a fall occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Sadik Yesil, Nevriye Amanda Yesil
  • Patent number: 7462083
    Abstract: A water sport device that enables a person to walk upright over the water consists of a boat-shaped lower part and an upper part between which a chamber is formed whereby the chamber has an inlet and opens out into an outlet. A drive mechanism actuated with the feet comprises two treadles that can be moved up and down, a propeller in the chamber that can be rotated on a vertical axis and the means for transforming the up and down movement of the treadles into a rotational movement of the propeller. The means preferably comprise a bevel gear and two free-wheel bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Loris Ambrico
  • Publication number: 20080299851
    Abstract: A water craft allows a user to travel across a surface of water utilizing a natural walking motion, which employs arms and legs for propulsion similar to cross-country snow skiing. The water craft includes a pair of skis adapted to fit on the user's feet. The skis can be coupled together by semi-elastic tethers. Each ski can include a foot well for receiving the user's foot. The foot well is designed to simulate the natural walking motion of the user. The user can propel the water craft using tail paddles and ski poles. The tail paddles are coupled to the rear of the skis. The tail paddles are configured to float on the water and to rotate about a transverse axis of the skis. The tail paddles are shaped to grip or “dig in” the water in response to the user moving the skis in a direction opposite the direction of motion of the water craft. The tail paddles provide resistance to propel the water craft when the ski is moved backward and slide along the water when the skis move forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: James Warren DEMINT
  • Patent number: 7361071
    Abstract: On-site-inflatable water skis with at least one cooperating on-site-inflatable paddle for use by a user in water. The combination includes water skis and at least one paddle. The water skis are on-site inflatable to facilitate transport and reduce required storage space and are worn by the user. The at least one paddle is on-site inflatable to facilitate transport and reduce required storage space and is used by the user to paddle the water and propel the user wearing the water skis through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Givi Lauren
  • Patent number: 7354326
    Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed comprising a pair of longitudinally connected pontoons suitable for supporting a user on the surface of a body of water. A slip-joint comprising a pair of concentric cylinders, one attached to each pontoon, provides desired lateral fixation between the pontoons while allowing relative longitudinal movement. Floating outriggers are provided to enhance the stability of the watercraft, and a set of hand rails helps the user balance on and operate the device. Paddle elements can be provided on the bottom surface of each pontoon to allow the user to operate the watercraft by using a striding motion similar to that used when cross-country skiing. The watercraft may have a rudder to help steer the craft, and it may also have a removable seat. A sail option is also provided. The pieces of the watercraft are removably connected to allow quick and easy assembly and disassembly, for transport to and from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: William W. Lukens
  • Patent number: 7160165
    Abstract: A device for dabbling in water. A body section has a support frame which possesses a configuration of a ring so that a user can freely pass through the ring. A first floating section has first rods which are secured to the support frame to be spaced apart one from another by a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction and extend downward from the support frame, second rods which are respectively coupled to the first rods, and first floating parts which are respectively provided to lower ends of the second rods to float the supporting frame and a user. A second floating section has wires which are connected at one ends thereof to the support frame, and a pair of second floating parts which are connected to the other ends of the wires to be worn on the feet of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Hyung Kyu Jung
  • Patent number: 7121910
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of floatation and transportation on water comprises a pair of buoyant wing-shaped floats and foot wells in the floats designed to be under the center of buoyancy of each float. Accessories may be attached to one or more floats. Additional novel features and aspects of the invention are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Wavewalk, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoav Rosen
  • Patent number: 7048599
    Abstract: A manually propelled watercraft for transporting a user on water, comprising a buoyant body having a longitudinal axis and a top side and a bottom side disposed adjacent to the water, a track disposed on the body substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a vehicle having a bottom side and being slidably coupled to the track and movable to and from first and second positions relative to the body, and a fin coupled to the bottom side of the vehicle and being movable to and from an extended position that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and a retracted position that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein when the vehicle is moved from the first position to the second position, the first fin is substantially disposed in the extended position to maximize water resistance for propulsion of the body, and when the first vehicle is moved from the second position to the first position, the first fin is substantially disposed in the retracted position to minimize water resistance
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Blade, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Garwood, Tracy Tepper
  • Publication number: 20040166748
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of floatation and transportation on water comprises a pair of buoyant wing-shaped floats and foot wells in the floats designed to be under the center of buoyancy of each float. Accessories may be attached to one or more floats. Additional novel features and aspects of the invention are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Yoav Rosen
  • Publication number: 20030203686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to skis that allows a human subject to walk by sliding of the legs back and forth in a motion similar to cross-country snow skis. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises: (a) two skis having a foot-support for the subject to secure a foot on the upper surface of each ski; (b) flaps secured to the bottom of each ski which allow the skis to frictionally interact with the water such that when the subject pushes back on one of the skis, the subject is propelled forward across the water; and (c) a frame connecting the two skis to each other that allows the skis to slide back and forth with respect to one another in a first direction (x) that is parallel to the length of the skis, and also maintains the skis at a constant distance apart from each other in the (y) direction, and at the same depth in the water in the (z) direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Walter G. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 6595813
    Abstract: A feet-propelled water vehicle including a buoyant body having a user-supporting platform attached to a rigid frame secured to a pair of pontoons. A pair of propelling paddles is attached to the rigid frame. Each propelling paddle defines a corresponding effectuating section and a corresponding blade section. The supporting platform defines flexible foot contacting regions for transferring the weight shifting action of an intended user to the effectuating sections of a corresponding propelling paddle. Each effectuating section allows the transformation of the force generated by the foot of the user into a corresponding pivotal movement of the paddle relative to the frame. The blade section attached to the effectuating section allows transformation of the pivotal movement of the paddle into a vehicle propelling force for propelling the vehicle across a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory Lekhtman
  • Publication number: 20030017769
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of floatation and transportation on water comprises a pair of buoyant wing-shaped floats and foot wells in the floats designed to be under the center of buoyancy of each float. The apparatus may further comprise a tether attached to each float at the user's ankle height. Accessories may be attached to one or more floats. The invention further provides a number of propulsion mechanisms, one of which comprises a support structure, a buoyant flap articulated to the support member by an articulation having an axis of rotation that is both within 45 degrees of horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, said flap being movable substantially in rotation about said axis, said rotation being in a semicylindrical space behind said axis, said space being away from said direction of travel. Additional novel features of the apparatus and propulsion mechanism are discussed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Yoav Rosen
  • Publication number: 20010053642
    Abstract: The water and land walking device includes a pair of step bodies for a user to stand thereon and float on the water. Each step body includes one or multiple one-way water-resisting plates which are pivotally disposed on the step body and can be biased by a predetermined angle and two projecting fins for preventing the one-way water-resisting plates from contacting with the ground when walking on the ground. The walking device provides transportation, exercising and leisure functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Yu-Chao Chao
  • Patent number: 6168486
    Abstract: A float board includes a main board and plural subordinate boards both made of a floatable material. The main board has plural through holes of the same shape and size as the subordinate boards so that the subordinate boards may fit completely in the through holes of the main board. The subordinate boards have a wearing band bound on an upper surface for a user's feet to wear for walking on beach sand. The main board may be used to float on water, with or without the subordinate boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Yao Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 5860841
    Abstract: A personal watercraft or "water walker" has two independent elongated, narrow floats. One float can be worn on each leg of a user. Each float has an oarlock mounted on a support. The oarlocks each hold an oar. The supports hold the oarlocks in front of the user's body, above outer edges of the floats. The user can glide across the surface of a body of water with an action similar to cross country skiing. The oars prevent back-slip of the non-striding float. The water walker uses both arm and leg propulsion, and thus can provide a user with all around exercise. The floats may each have a main float body coupled to a smaller pontoon. Such floats provide good tracking without requiring the user to adopt an uncomfortably wide stance. The watercraft may optionally have a cross member for linking the two floats together in a parallel spaced apart relationship. A seat is located on the cross member. The watercraft may then be rowed like a standard row boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jaroslav Welz
  • Patent number: 5697822
    Abstract: A water walking apparatus has a pair of buoyant platforms with a pair of sidewalls attached to the top surface of each of the buoyant platforms. Removable, inflatable buoyant pontoons are secured to the buoyant platforms through flexible sleeves secured to the sidewalls. The pontoons provide adjustable degrees of buoyancy to allow the user to walk on water. The pontoons have footwells into which the user inserts his foot, resting the foot on the buoyant platform and the foot is secured in place by the addition of air pressure to the pontoon. The buoyant platform has paddles mounted on its bottom surface which rotate rearwardly when the user moves the apparatus forward, thus reducing resistance to forward movement. The paddles rotate forward against a specially structured stop whenever there is any backward or slipping motion of the apparatus thus resisting any backward movement of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Kelly K. Souter
  • Patent number: 5643029
    Abstract: The apparatus of the invention offers a new sports activity, somewhere between roller-blading and waverunning, by incorporating a pair of boots on a pair of boards, and powering the combination by a pair of centrifugal clutch motors of rating not exceeding 5.0 horsepower, with a pair of throttled controls respectively coupled forwardly from the motors to extend to a position and height where they can be held and adjusted by a user in varying the horsepower delivered to the boards. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is intended for use in a water environment, although by adding wheels to the underside of the boards, the apparatus can be modified for land use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Keith M. Rudofsky
  • Patent number: 5616060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a leg support for use on towless water skis, the water skis each defining an elongated buoyant thick ski and an orifice on the top surface of the ski leading to a foot cavity. The leg support is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the orifice on the ski top surface. The leg support comprises a lower rod and an upper rod, pivotally interconnected by an intermediate hinge. The lower rod is pivotally fixed to the ski top surface, while the upper rod is pivotally fixed to a loop band, the latter for being releasably tightened around the calf and tibia of a ski user. Each of the pivotal connections are hinges which permit a movement only in a plane perpendicular to the ski footrest and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski. This restriction in movement prevents the user from loosing his stability, for he cannot rotate his ankle in another plane than the above-mentioned plane, and he can thus prevent the drifting of his skis with more ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Morin
  • Patent number: 5607331
    Abstract: A float member has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a rear end. A pair of elongated chambers extend in the float member between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each elongated chamber has respective openings at the top surface and bottom surface and rear end. Flap valves are provided for permitting water to enter through the bottom openings of the elongated chambers and foot pumps are provided for ejecting water through the rear ends of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Damar Leisure Products Inc.
    Inventor: David Lekhtman
  • Patent number: 5593334
    Abstract: A water walker for walking or skiing over the water. Each walker consists of multiple inflatable tubes attached to one another and with an opening in the middle for inserting the foot. The foot rests on a foot plate supported by a tubular structural support system running horizontally the length of the walker. Propulsion is accomplished by a plurality of pockets made of a flexible membrane joined to the underside of the walker and used either independently or in conjunction with water ski poles or sails. Tabs with grommets or other means are provided at the front, middle and rear for tethering the pair of water walkers together to create a raft. A removable fin may be positioned beneath the foot or at the rear, depending on whether the walkers are used with a sail, as water walkers or as water skiis. The entire apparatus is lightweight and may be transported in a special backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas E. Thayer
  • Patent number: 5558553
    Abstract: A water walking device consisting of a pair of hulls with footwells, and a pair of stocks. A water surface blade at the rear of the hull is formed in a concave shape pointing towards the front of the hull. The underwater blade at the rear of the vertical stabilizer fin, is formed in a fan shape towards the rear of the vertical stabilizer fin, and the rear surface of said underwater blade is formed in a concave shape pointing to the forward part of the vertical stabilizer fin. The blade sections on the stock consist of the blade body formed in a rim shape, and vanes formed on the lower part of this blade body. A plurality of these vanes form a radial pattern, at fixed intervals, centering around the shaft of the stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Kiyoshige Okano
  • Patent number: 5462466
    Abstract: A water vehicle which is actuated by the occupant when alternating their body weight simultaneously upon two buoyant members having simultaneous, alternate, vertical movement means for one end of each member. The movement further actuating a pair of flippers to simultaneously, alternately, actuate between a first and second position, therefore causing forward movement. The Water vehicle further provides steering means which allows the occupant to steer the vehicle by simply twisting their waist. This vehicle is easily assembled, dis-assembled and portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Michael J. Choat
  • Patent number: 5429537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to personal flotation devices. The personal flotation devices are typically utilized in pairs with one or more poles for recreational or emergency rescue usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Nancy Seith
  • Patent number: 5277636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to personal flotation devices. The personal flotation devices are typically utilized in pairs with one or more poles for recreational or emergency rescue usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Nancy Seith
  • Patent number: 5192237
    Abstract: An aquatic ski for human propulsion generated by deambulatory action having a floatable hull and a propulsive oscillating fin assembly. The fin assembly includes a foot seat pivotally connected to the hull and a movable fin in articulated and cooperative connection with the foot seat. The movable fin has a plurality of free oscillating vanes pivotally connected between a pair of parallel arms. The oscillating vanes are movable between a position aligned with the arms and a position transverse to the arms. The hull has a forward portion and a rearward portion pivotally connecting together. The hull includes flotation chambers forward and rearward of the foot seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Paolo Pegoraro
  • Patent number: 5080621
    Abstract: A water walking device which has a pair of buoyant hulls (20), longer than they are wide, with a number of propulsion flaps (22) mounted on the bottom. The flaps are hinged and fold into the hull creating cup-like resistance chambers when hinged open to offset the rearward force of the wearer. The flaps rotate inwardly when the hull is urged forward allowing the wearer to be propelled forward by a walking action. A footwell (30) is located in each hull with the bottom below the waterline and near the center of gravity. A resilient shoe (32) attached into the footwell provides a removable connection between the wearer and the device. A propulsion fin (52) under the footwell provides stability and optionally a pair of side panels (54) extend the surface and function in the same manner as the flaps. A storage compartment (56), handles (620) a removable stabilizing arm (72) and a seat (78) may be added for ease of operation and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Alan W. Nayes
  • Patent number: 4985006
    Abstract: Aquatic recreational equipment for facilitating rhythmic movement on water surfaces by manual propulsion, including a pair of hydrodynamically designed flotation skis. Each ski is integrally constructed of component parts comprising a ski-shaped member, a sealed buoyant chamber and a fixed keel, with an adjustable boot secured to the ski member. The buoyant chamber is provided with lateral surfaces defining ridges or shoulders and the cross-sectional areas of the buoyant chamber are such that stability and maneuverability of the flotation ski are maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Roberto L. Brunet
  • Patent number: 4954106
    Abstract: An aquatic sports device which includes a buoyant body and a water injection device. The water injection device includes a tank, a piston, and a spring. In operation, the user's weight drives the piston downwardly. This causes water to spray out from the buoyant body through a nozzle. The reaction of the sprayed water makes the device move forward through a body of water. The spring returns the piston upwardly when the user takes his or her weight off of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Lin Shuh-Chin
  • Patent number: 4915659
    Abstract: A water ski also adapted for walking on land is disclosed. The ski comprises a pontoon of generally streamlined shape, formed of a lightweight rigid material, and a plurality of spaced cups of a flexible material attached to the lower surface of the pontoon, each of the cups being open at the rear end thereof to form a pocket to receive water and provide water resistance against the backward movement of the pontoon, the cups closing against the lower surface of the ponton by the action of the water during the forward motion of the pontoon to reduce drag. According to one embodiment, a plurality of fins are disposed longitudinally along its lower front portion of the pontoon and extending below the cups in the closed position thereof, and an additional fin or runner is disposed longitudinally along the lower rear portion of the pontoon and extending below the cups in the closed position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Rock A. Sanders
  • Patent number: 4846743
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a kind of skiing shoes especially referring to a kind of water skiing buoyant shoes. The distinctive features are on a pair of skiing shoe base members buoyant on water surface, we can walk freely and it becomes an additional updated, unique, novel and excitative recreation of water activities. Besides, the invention can be converted to have the function of a sailboat for the pleasure of sailing. The advantages of the invention are high safety, easy to be assemblied, convenient to walk on water surface and buoyancy to be free from sinking. We can enjoy not only the pleasure of water activity but the sceneries around as well as underwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Chang Ping-chuan
  • Patent number: 4804345
    Abstract: Equipment for towless skiing on water surface includes a pair of propulsion sticks having buoyant members at one end and handles at the other end. The buoyant members provide increased thrust against the hydrodynamic resistance of the water, and the shape of the buoyant members permits removal of the buoyant members from the water with little resistance. The equipment also includes a pair of skis comprised of foam material and provided with stabilizing shoulders on both sides of each ski for minimizing the effect of nose diving and rolling of the skis in the surf. The cross-sectional areas of the buoyant members and of the skis are such that maximum propulsion forces are provided. The skis are designed to endow the surf skier with a greater degree of freedom during surf skiing and to enable the skier to ski for longer distances on the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Jong S. Lee