Buoys – rafts – and aquatic devices – Water skimming or walking device – Inflatable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-07
2001-06-19
Avila, Stephen (Department: 3617)
Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices
Water skimming or walking device
Inflatable
C441S129000, C114S253000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247984
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to towcraft which are pulled behind a watercraft, and more specifically inflatable towcraft with a steering mechanism interconnected to a side body for enhanced maneuverability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Towcraft such as inflatable inner tubes, rafts and other similar devices are popular recreational devices most commonly pulled behind both boats and jet skis. Traditionally, the rider(s) hangs onto one or more handles or a rope and has little or no control of the direction of travel of the towcraft. Rather, the rider of the towcraft is left to the mercy of the driver of the motor boat or jet ski, which can often be dangerous if there are debris, swimmers or other obstacles floating in the water.
Attempts have previously been made to make towcraft more controllable, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,680. In this invention, two steering ropes with handles are provided which are independent of the towline and allow the rider to selectively pull the ropes to help control the direction of travel of the towcraft. Unfortunately, the steering mechanism is awkward, with the rider required to pull the rope in a direction opposite the direction of desired travel. That is, if a left hand turn is desired, the right hand rope must be pulled. Likewise, if a right hand turn is desired, the left hand rope must be pulled. Thus, the steering mechanism is difficult to use, dangerous and generally ineffective to make quick, abrupt turns if an obstacle is present in the water. Alternatively, other types of towcraft have fins or sponsons positioned on the bottom surface of the towcraft and pointed in a forward direction. These fins are effective at keeping the towcraft traveling in a forward position. Unfortunately, these types of fins are not useful for steering the towcraft in a desired direction in a quick, efficient manner.
Thus, there is a need for a towcraft steering mechanism which is inexpensive, simplistic in design and effective to allow enhanced steering and maneuverability of the towcraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive steering mechanism for a towcraft to enable a rider to steer and maneuver the towcraft while being towed behind a watercraft such as a motor boat or jet ski.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a steering mechanism which can be retrofitted on existing towcraft or integrally provided on the towcraft during manufacturing.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a steering mechanism for a towcraft which allows the user to hold on to existing handles positioned on the towcraft, requires no additional ropes, fins or rudders, and which allows the user to steer in a desired direction of travel by simply leaning in a preferred direction.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a steerable towcraft which has an attachment mechanism for interconnection to a towline which is positioned proximate to the center of the towcraft as opposed to the forward end of the towcraft. This positioning allows enhanced maneuverability.
Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a floating towcraft adapted for being pulled by a boat over a surface of water is provided and comprises:
a) an upper surface, a lower surface adapted for contacting the water and a left side surface and a right side surfaced position therebetween;
(b) a means for interconnecting a forward end of said floating towcraft to a towline;
(c) a first handle and a second handle positioned on substantially opposing sides of said upper surface of said towcraft and positioned for grasping by a user of said towcraft; and
(d) a first steering fin attached to said left side surface and a second steering fin attached to said right side surface, each of said steering fins positioned above said water surface until said user of said towcraft leans in direction of said respective fin, wherein said towcraft turns in that respective direction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1503624 (1924-08-01), Bauman et l.
patent: 5279510 (1994-01-01), Remy
patent: 5702278 (1997-12-01), Boucher
Avila Stephen
Kwik Tek, Inc.
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
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