Wake tower and method of making same

An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to water sports such as wakeboarding. More particularly, the invention concerns a wake tower of novel construction for use with powerboats for towing a performer behind the boat using a tow rope that is connected to the wake tower.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

In recent years the sport of wakeboarding has become very popular. As the name implies, the wake boarder intentionally rides the wake of the boat and prefers to have as large a wake as possible generated behind the boat. Experience has shown that, to take full advantage of the wake generated by the boat, it is preferable to anchor the towline used to tow the wake boarder at a relatively high elevation above the deck of the boat. Accordingly, a large number of elevated wake towers of various constructions have been suggested in the past.

Typically, the prior art wake towers comprise a rather large and somewhat elaborate framework that is affixed to the boat deck. Such prior art wake towers are heavy and generally quite cumbersome to install and remove from the boat. Further, such towers may interfere with the boat's passage beneath bridges and other types of overpasses. Additionally, because of the complexity of the framework of several of the prior art wake towers, visibility of the operator of the boat can be impaired. Exemplary of prior art wake towers are those illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,350 issued to Larson, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,819 issued to Larson, et al.

To accommodate the overhead clearance problem, certain of the prior art wake tower structures can be dismantled if necessary. However, such prior art structures often have questionable structural stability when erected and can present substantial safety hazards after being disassembled. For example, after the wake tower structures have been disassembled they can present a substantial tripping hazard to passengers on the boat especially when the boat is being rocked by waves. Further, in their dismantled configuration, the wake tower structures typically undesirably reduce the usable space on the boat deck.

Another approach to accommodating overhead clearance problems has been to construct a wake tower assembly that is pivotally interconnected with the boat so that the wake tower can be moved from an elevated position to a lowered position. Exemplary of this prior art approach is a wake tower assembly sold by the Titan Company of Rancho Cordova, Calif.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By way of summary, one form of the wake tower assembly of the present invention comprises a first base member that can be connected to the gunwale on one side of a power boat; a second base member that can be connected to the gunwale on the opposite side to of a power boat; a generally U-shaped, structural member having a first curved side connected to the first base member and a second curved side connected to the second base member, each of the sides having an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section; the lower portion of each of the sides having a first width and the upper portion of each of the sides having a second width less than the first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section. In one form of the invention, the U-shaped structural member can be pivoted downwardly toward the bow of the powerboat and in another form of the invention the U-shaped structural member can be pivoted downwardly toward the stern of the boat.

With the foregoing summary in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a highly attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-shaped configuration that can be readily mounted on powerboats of various constructions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wake tower assembly of the aforementioned character that includes a novel counter-balancing means for yieldably resisting movement of the structural assembly toward its lowered, stowed position and for assisting in the return of the structural assembly to its upright starting position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly toFIGS. 1,4and5, one form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion30aand a stem portion30b. As best seen inFIG. 5, the powerboat also has first and second spaced-apart gunwales32and34respectively to which the wake tower is connected. In the present form of the invention the wake tower includes an upwardly extending first base member36connected to the first gunwale32and an upwardly extending second base member38connected to said second gunwale34. The base members36and38are of a curved configuration and are preferably cast from a lightweight metal such as aluminum.

Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly generally designated by the numeral40. The structural assembly40includes a generally “L”-shaped structural member42having a first curved side42aand a cast aluminum first connector segment44. Structural member40ais connected to aluminum first connector segment44by any suitable means such as welding. In a manner presently to be described, connector segment44is, in turn, pivotally connected to first base member36. Structural assembly40also includes a second generally “L”-shaped structural member46having a curved side46aand a second, cast aluminum connector segment48that is connected to second curved side46aby any suitable means such as welding. Connector segment48is, in turn, pivotally connected second base member38.

As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, each of the sides of structural assembly40is first swaged into the desired configuration and then is strategically formed to create a curved, tapered portion having an oval shape. More particularly, as best seen inFIGS. 1 and 4, each of the sides of the structural assembly40includes a lower portion51having a first width W and an upper portion53having a second width W−1 that is substantially less than said first width W. Structural assembly40further includes a bight portion54interconnecting upper portions53of the sides. As indicated inFIG. 4, bight portion54is generally circular in cross section.

In the form of the invention shown inFIGS. 1 through 11, the wake tower further includes a tow rope connector member56that is connected to and spans upper portion53of the sides42and46. Connected to the connector member56is a conventional type of connector58to which the tow rope “TR” can be connected.

Turning next toFIGS. 6,7and8, a portion of one side of the wake tower of the invention is there shown. It is to be understood that the other side of the wake tower is of a similar construction, but is not shown in the drawings in order to simplify the description. Each of the base members is provided with a cavity60and each of the connector segments is provided with a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending ears62and64that are receivable within the base member cavities. As shown inFIG. 6, downwardly extending ear62has a bore62aformed therein and, similarly, downwardly extending ear64has a bore64aformed therein. Receivable within bore62ais a pivot pin66about which side46and connector segment48can pivot in the manner shown inFIG. 11.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, pivot pin66extends through aligned bores69formed in base member38. Similarly, a locking pin72is receivable within bore64aformed in ear64. Pivot pin66extends through aligned bores73formed in base member38and, when in position within these openings in the manner shown inFIGS. 6 and 9, prevents pivotal movement of side46and connector segment48about pivot pin66. As indicated by the phantom lines inFIG. 7, when the locking pin72is removed from the base member, the combination of side46and connector segment48is free to pivot about pivot pin66in the manner shown inFIG. 11.

In accordance with one form of the method of making the wake tower illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 11, the first and second base members36and38are cast in a conventional manner from a suitable lightweight castable material such as aluminum and are appropriately finished. This done, the base members are interconnected with the powerboat by a plurality of threaded connectors76in the manner shown inFIG. 6.

The side members42aand46aare each formed individually by first heating a first length of tubing to an elevated, annealing temperature. This first length of tubing, which by way of example can be 6061-T6 aluminum tubing that has a diameter of approximately 5 inches, a first end80aand a second end80b. In the manner illustrated inFIG. 2, the heated length of tubing is swaged in a conventional manner well known to those skilled in the art to form a first swaged tube80having a tapered swaged portion82having a first end84of first diameter D−1 and a second end86of a second lesser diameter D−2 and a uniform diameter portion86having a diameter D−3 substantially equal to said second lesser diameter D−2.

Using an appropriate forming dye, the tapered swaged portion82of the swaged tube82is strategically formed to produce a tapered swaged portion82aand an elongated uniform diameter portion86a(FIG. 3). As illustrated in FIG.3, swaged portion82ais generally oval-shaped in cross section and has a thickness “E”. Swaged portion82ahas a width W−1, while uniform diameter portion86ahas a lesser width W−2. This swaging step is done in a conventional manner using conventional tooling that is of the character well understood by those skilled in the art.

Following the swaging step, the swaged to first tube80is strategically bent into the desired shape to form a first bent tube that is generally “L”-shaped in configuration and generally corresponds to the shape of member42a.

Next, first connector segment44is cast in a conventional manner from a light weight castable material such aluminum and is connected by any suitable means such as welding to the bent tube formed by the swaging step to form a first wake tower subassembly42, which generally corresponds to one-half of the structural assembly40.

Following the forming of the first wake tower subassembly, a second length of aluminum tubing is swaged and formed in the identical manner described in the preceding paragraphs to produce a second side46a. This done, second connector segment48is suitably cast from a light weight metal such as aluminum and is interconnected as by welding was second side46ato form assembly46that generally corresponds to the second half of the structural assembly40.

Next, the elongated, uniform diameter portions of the first and second wake tower subassemblies42and46are interconnected at their ends as by a welding to form the structural member40.

After completion of the construction of the structural member40in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs, the structural member is pivotally interconnected with the base members36and38in the manner depicted inFIGS. 6 through 10of the drawings to form the construction shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. More particularly, the ears formed on each of the connector segments are inserted into the base cavities, the pivot pins66are inserted into bores69and62aand the locking pins are inserted into bores73and64a. With this construction, when it is desired to pivot the structural member into the forwardly stowed position in the manner illustrated inFIG. 11, locking pin72are removed from bores73and64ato permit the structural member to pivot about pivot pin66.

Turning next toFIGS. 12 through 21an alternate form of the wake tower of the invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral90. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 11and like numerals are used inFIGS. 12 through 21to identify like components. One of the main differences between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the fact that the wake tower slopes rearwardly instead of forwardly and instead of being pivotally movable toward the bow of the boat is pivotally movable toward the stern of the boat as shown inFIG. 14of the drawings.

Referring toFIG. 12of the drawings, wake tower90is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion30a, a stern portion30band first and second spaced-apart gunwales32and34respectively. In this latest form of the invention, the wake tower includes an upwardly extending first base member96that is connected to the first gunwale32and an upwardly extending second base member98that is connected to said second gunwale34. The base members96and98are of a curved configuration and are preferably cast from a lightweight metal such as aluminum.

Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly generally designated by the numeral100. The structural assembly100includes a generally “L”-shaped structural member102having a first curved side102aand a cast aluminum first connector segment104. Structural member102is connected to aluminum first connector segment104by any suitable means such as welding. In a manner presently to be described, connector segment104is, in turn, pivotally connected to first base member96. Structural assembly100also includes a second generally “L”-shaped structural member106having a curved side106aand a second, cast aluminum connector segment108that is connected to second curved side106aby any suitable means such as welding. Connector segment108is, in turn, pivotally connected second base member98.

As in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, each of the sides of structural assembly100is first swaged into the desired configuration and then is strategically formed to create an elongated swaged portion having an oval shape (seeFIGS. 13 and 15). As indicated inFIG. 14, in this latest form of the invention, the bight portion110of the structural assembly100is also generally oval-shaped in cross section. Unlike the earlier described embodiment of the invention, the tow rope TR is directly connected to a connector112that is connected to bight portion110proximate the center thereof.

Turning next toFIGS. 17 through 21, a portion of one side of the wake tower of this latest form of the invention is there shown. It is to be understood that the other side of the wake tower is of a similar construction, but is not shown in the drawings in order to simplify the description. As best seen inFIGS. 17 and 21, each of the base members is provided with a cavity114and each of the connector segments is provided with a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending ears116and118that are receivable within the base member cavities. As shown inFIG. 17, downwardly extending ear116has a bore116aformed therein and, similarly, downwardly extending ear118, which has a length greater than the length of the ear116, has a bore118aformed therein. Receivable within bore118ais a pivot pin120about which side106and connector segment108can pivot in the manner shown inFIG. 21. As illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20, pivot pin120extends through aligned bores123formed in base member98. Similarly, a locking pin124is receivable within bore116aformed in ear116. Locking pin124extends through aligned bores125formed in base member98and, when in position within these openings in the manner shown inFIGS. 17 and 20, prevents pivotal movement of side106and connector segment108about pivot pin120. As indicated by the phantom lines inFIG. 20, when the locking pin124is removed from the base member, the combination of side106and connector segment108is free to pivot about pivot pin120in the manner shown inFIG. 21.

In accordance with an alternate form of the method of making the wake tower illustrated inFIGS. 12 through 21, the first and second base members96and98are cast in a conventional manner from a suitable lightweight castable material such as aluminum and are appropriately finished. This done, the base members can be interconnected with the powerboat by a plurality of threaded connectors129in the manner shown inFIG. 17.

The side members102aand106aare each formed individually by first heating to an elevated, annealing temperature a first length of tubing, such as 6061-T6 aluminum tubing that has a diameter of approximately 5 inches. The heated length of tubing is swaged in a conventional manner well known to those skilled in the art to form a first swaged tube130of the general configuration shown in FIG.12.

Using an appropriate forming dye, the swaged tube130is strategically formed so that it is generally oval-shaped in cross section. This swaging step is done in a conventional manner using conventional tooling that is of the character well understood by those skilled in the art. Following the swaging step, the swaged to first tube130is strategically bent into the desired shape to form a first bent tube that is generally “L”-shaped in configuration and generally corresponds to the shape of member102a.

Next, first connector segment104is cast in a conventional manner from a light weight castable material such aluminum and is connected by any suitable means such as welding to the bent tube formed by the swaging step to form a first wake tower subassembly102, which generally corresponds to one-half of the structural assembly100.

Following the forming of the first wake tower subassembly, a second length of aluminum tubing is swaged and formed in the identical manner described in the preceding paragraphs to produce a second side106a. This done, second connector segment108is suitably cast from a light weight metal such as aluminum and is interconnected as by welding was second side106ato form assembly106that generally corresponds to the second half of the structural assembly100.

Next, the first and second wake tower subassemblies102and106are interconnected at their ends as by welding to form the structural member100.

After completion of the construction of the structural member100in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs, the structural member is pivotally interconnected with the base members96and98in the manner depicted inFIGS. 6 through 10of the drawings to form the construction shown inFIGS. 12 and 16. More particularly, the ears formed on each of the connector segments are inserted into the base cavities, the pivot pins120are inserted into bores123and118aand the locking pins are inserted into bores125and116a. With this construction, when it is desired to pivot the structural member rearwardly into the stowed position in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines inFIG. 14, locking pin124is removed from bores125and116ato permit the structural member to pivot about pivot pin120.

Referring toFIGS. 22 through 27, still another form of the wake tower of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral140. This embodiment is also similar in many respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 11and like numerals are used inFIGS. 12 through 21to identify like components. The main differences between this latest form of the invention and that earlier described resides in the fact that the wake tower is cast by conventional casting techniques from a lightweight metal such as aluminum or from other suitable castable materials such as plastic.

Referring toFIG. 25of the drawings, wake tower140is interconnected with a powerboat30of the previously described, conventional construction having a bow portion, a stern portion and first and second spaced-apart gunwales. As before, the wake tower includes an upwardly extending first base member36that is connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member38that is connected to said second gunwale. The base members are of a curved configuration and are also preferably cast from a lightweight material such as aluminum or the like.

Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly generally designated by the numeral142. The structural assembly142includes a pair of generally “L”-shaped structural members each having a curved side142aand a connector segment142bthat includes a basewall142cthat closes the lower extremity of the curved sides142a. The connector segments142bare pivotally connected to the first and second base members in the manner previously described to enable the structural assembly to be pivoted into the stowed position as illustrated inFIG. 4. More particularly, as earlier discussed herein, the ears62and64, which form a part of the connector segments, are inserted into the base cavities60, the pivot pins66are inserted into bores62aand the locking pins are inserted into bores64a. With this construction, when it is desired to pivot the structural member into the stowed position in the manner previously described, locking pins72are removed from bores73to permit the structural member to pivot about pivot pins66.

As best seen inFIGS. 22 and 25, each of the sides of the structural assembly140includes a lower portion having a first width W and an upper portion having a second width W−1 that is substantially less than said first width W. Structural assembly140further includes a bight portion144that interconnects the upper portions of the sides (FIG. 22). As indicated inFIGS. 22,23and24, bight portion144is generally circular in cross section. At the time of assembly of the structural assembly142, the bight portions are interconnected together by any suitable means such as welding (seeFIG. 23). As illustrated inFIG. 26, the sides of the structural assembly are generally oval in cross section. It is to be understood that the two sides of the wake tower140are of a similar construction, but only one side a shown in the drawings in order to simplify the specification.

In this latest form of the invention, like the form of the invention shown inFIGS. 1 through 11, the wake tower140further includes a tow rope connector member146that is connected to and spans upper portion of the sides142a. Connected to the connector member146is a conventional type of connector58to which the tow rope “TR” can be connected.

Referring toFIGS. 28 through 42still another form of the wake tower of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral150. This embodiment is also similar in some respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 11and like numerals are used inFIGS. 28 through 42to identify like components. One of the main differences between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the fact that the side portions of the wake tower are of a different shape and of a different cross-sectional configuration.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 28,29and30, wake tower150is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion, a stern portion and first and second spaced-apart gunwales32and34respectively. In this latest form of the invention, the wake tower includes a pair of upwardly extending base assemblies152that are connected to the first and second gunwales32and34. Base assemblies152, which are of identical construction, each comprise a base connector154and a side connector156which forms a part of a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly generally designated by the numeral160. In the manner shown inFIG. 41, generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly160is pivotally connected to the base connector (FIG. 35). The base connectors and side connectors are preferably cast from a lightweight metal such as aluminum.

Generally U-shaped structural assembly160includes a first side assembly162, a second side assembly164and a bight portion166. Each of the side assemblies162and164, which are of substantially identical construction, is attached as by welding to one of the side connectors156in the manner best seen inFIG. 35. As shown inFIG. 29, a tow rope TR is directly connected to a connector112that is connected to bight portion166proximate the center thereof.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 31,32and35it can be seen at that each of the side assemblies162and164comprises a pair of spaced-apart, generally tubular members168and170which curve upwardly and inwardly. Intermediate their lengths, the tubular members are interconnected by a generally tubular shaped cross member172. At their lower extremities, the tubular members are connected to side connectors156as by welding and proximate their upper extremities are connected as by welding to bight member166which is oval in cross section (FIGS. 28 and 34). Tubular members168and170cooperate with side connectors156to define a generally triangularly shaped opening “O”.

Referring next toFIGS. 43 through 50, yet another form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion and a stem portion. This embodiment is similar in some respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 11and like numerals are used inFIGS. 43 through 50to identify like components. One of the main differences between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the provision of a novel counter-balancing means that is mounted on the under surface of one of the gunwales for yieldably resisting movement of the structural assembly toward its lowered, stowed position and for assisting in the return of the structural assembly to its upright starting position.

As before the powerboat also has first and second spaced-apart gunwales to which the wake tower is connected. In the present form of the invention the wake tower includes an upwardly extending first base member (not shown) connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member208connected to said second gunwale34. The base members are of basically the same curved configuration as before save that base member208is provided with a first bore210of a first diameter and a second bore212of a second diameter (FIG. 45A). Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly214, which is of similar construction to that previously described. Structural assembly214here includes connector segments214a, which are pivotally connected to the first and second base members.

In this latest form of the invention, the wake tower further includes a tow rope connector member assembly216that includes a conventional type of connector218to which the tow rope “TR” can be connected (FIG. 43).

As illustrated inFIG. 45A, the base members are provided with spaced-apart first and second bores the purpose of which will presently be described and a cavity220. Connector segments214aare provided with a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending ears222and224that are receivable within the base member cavities. Downwardly extending ear222has a bore222aformed therein and, similarly, the upper portion224aof downwardly extending ear224has a bore226formed therein. Receivable within bore222ais a pivot pin227about which the connector segments214acan pivot in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines ofFIG. 43. Pivot pin227extends through aligned bores formed in the base members.

This latest embodiment of the invention includes novel locking means that is connected to second upwardly extending base connector208for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly214against pivotal movement. This locking means here includes a locking pin228that is receivable within bore226formed in the upper portion224aof downwardly extending ear224and within bores230and232formed in the base member208(FIG. 46). When locking pin228is in position within these openings in the manner shown inFIG. 46, pivotal movement of the structural assembly214is prevented. However, as indicated by the phantom lines inFIG. 43, when the locking pin228is removed from the base member208, structural assembly214is free to pivot about pivot pin227in a direction toward the bow portion of the sports boat in the manner shown by the phantom lines inFIG. 43.

An important aspect of this latest embodiment of the invention is the provision of the previously mentioned counter-balancing means. This novel counter-balancing means functions to yieldably resist movement of the generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly toward said second lowered position and to assist in the movement of the structural assembly toward its first upright position. As best seen by referring toFIGS. 45A and 45B, this counter-balancing means here comprises an extendable, retractable coil spring236having a diameter “D” (FIG. 46) and a length “L” (FIG. 43). Coil spring236is operable associated with structural assembly214in the manner shown inFIG. 43.

The novel counter-balancing means of the invention further comprises an elongated, hollow housing238, which closely receives therewithin coil spring236(seeFIGS. 45A,45B and46). Hollow housing238, which has first and second end portions238aand238brespectively, is connected to second gunwale34by means of a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending connector members240, which are interconnected with the lower surface of gunwale34and with the upper surface of hollow housing238by any suitable means such as welding. Also forming a part of the novel counter-balancing means of the invention is an elongated connector cable242. Connector cable242, which is entrained about a pulley243that is rotatably connected to a pulley support member245that depends from the lower surface of the gunwale34and extends through opening263formed in the gunwale, has a first end242aconnected to the first extremity236aof coil spring236and a second end242bconnected to the lower portion244of connector ear224(FIG. 45A).

The novel counter-balancing means of this latest form of the invention further comprises adjustment means for adjusting the length of coil spring236. As best seen by referring toFIG. 45B, this important adjustment means here comprises an elongated, threaded adjustment rod246that is threadably connected to an end cap248that is affixed to the second end portion238bof hollow housing238. The inboard end246aof adjustment rod246is interconnected with the second extremity236bin the manner shown inFIG. 45B.

With the construction described in the preceding paragraphs, and as illustrated inFIG. 49of the drawings, when the structural assembly is pivoted into its foreword stowed position, cable242will extend the length “L” of the coil spring236from its relaxed configuration shown inFIGS. 45A and 45Bto its extended configuration shown inFIG. 49and in so doing will offset the force generated by the structural assembly as it moves toward its stowed position. The coil spring will remain in its extended position so long as the structural assembly is in its stowed position and will then assist the operator in returning the structural assembly to its upright starting position by advantageously offsetting the weight of the structural assembly. The force exerted by the coil spring in assisting in the return of the structural assembly to its upright position, can be adjusted by increasing the length “L” of the coil spring. This is accomplished by rotating the threaded connector rod246in a clockwise direction relative to cap248, which rotation extends the length of the coil spring in its starting position. With the coil spring in its initial extended configuration, movement of the structural assembly into its stowed configuration will load the spring in a manner to cause it to exert a greater assisting force when the structural assembly is returned to its upright starting configuration.

Turning toFIGS. 51 through 56, still another form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion and a stern portion. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 43 through 50and like numerals are used inFIGS. 51 through 56to identify like components. One of the main differences between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form is that the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly, instead of being pivotally movable in a direction toward the bow portion of the sports boat, is pivotally movable in a direction toward the stern portion of the boat. As in the earlier described embodiment of the invention, counter-balancing means are provided for yieldably resisting movement of the structural assembly toward its lowered, stowed position and for assisting in the return of the structural assembly to its upright starting position.

As before, this latest form of the invention includes a wake tower that comprises an upwardly extending first base member (not shown) connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member258connected to said second gunwale34. The base members are of basically the same curved configuration as in the last described embodiment, save that base member258is provided with a first tapered bore260and a second straight bore262that communicates with a bore263formed in gunwale34(FIG. 53). Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly264, which is of similar construction to that previously described. Structural assembly264here includes connector segments264a, which are pivotally connected to the first and second base members.

In this latest form of the invention, the wake tower further includes a tow rope connector member assembly266that includes a conventional type of connector268to which the tow rope “TR” can be connected (FIG. 51).

As illustrated inFIG. 53, the base members are provided with a cavity270and the connector segments264aare provided with a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending ears272and274that are receivable within the base member cavities. Downwardly extending ear274has a bore274aformed therein and, similarly, the upper portion272aof downwardly extending ear272has a bore276formed therein. Receivable within bore274ais a pivot pin278about which the connector segments264acan pivot in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines ofFIG. 51. Pivot pin278extends through aligned bores formed in the base members (seeFIG. 55).

This latest embodiment of the invention also includes novel locking means that is connected to second upwardly extending base connector258for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly264against pivotal movement. This locking means here includes a locking pin279that is receivable within bore276formed in the upper portion272aof downwardly extending ear272and within bores280formed in the base member258(FIG. 55). When locking pin279is in position within these openings in the manner shown inFIG. 53, pivotal movement of the structural assembly264is prevented. However, as indicated by the phantom lines inFIG. 51, when the locking pin279is removed from the base member258, structural assembly264is free to pivot about pivot pin278in the manner shown by the phantom lines inFIG. 51.

An important aspect of this latest embodiment of the invention is the provision of the previously mentioned counter-balancing means. This novel counter-balancing means, which is quite similar to that previously described, functions to yieldably resist movement of the generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly toward said second lowered position and to assist in the movement of the structural assembly toward its first upright position. As best seen by referring toFIG. 55, this counter-balancing means here comprises an extendable, retractable coil spring236, which is identical in construction and operation to that previously described. Coil spring236is operable associated with structural assembly264in the manner shown inFIG. 53.

The novel counter-balancing means of the invention further comprises an elongated, hollow housing238, which closely receives therewithin coil spring236. Hollow housing238, which has first and second end portions238aand238brespectively, is connected to second gunwale34by means of a pair of spaced-apart, downwardly extending connector members240, which are interconnected with the lower surface of gunwale34and with the upper surface of hollow housing238by any suitable means such as welding (seeFIGS. 51 and 53). Also forming a part of the novel counter-balancing means of the invention is an elongated connector cable242. Connector cable242, which is entrained about a pulley243that is rotatably connected to a pulley support member245that depends from the lower surface of the gunwale34and extends through opening263formed in the gunwale, has a first end242aconnected to the first extremity236aof coil spring236and a second end242bconnected to the lower portion284of connector ear272(FIG. 53).

As in the last described embodiment of the invention, the novel counter-balancing means of this latest form of the invention further comprises adjustment means for adjusting the length of coil spring236. This adjustment means is identical in construction and operation to that described in connection with the embodiment ofFIGS. 43 through 50.

With the construction described in the preceding paragraphs, and as illustrated inFIG. 56of the drawings, when the structural assembly is pivoted into its rearward stowed position, cable242will extend the length of the coil spring236from its relaxed configuration shown inFIGS. 51 and 53to its extended configuration shown inFIG. 56and in so doing will offset the force generated by the structural assembly as it moves toward its stowed position. The coil spring will remain in its extended position so long as the structural assembly is in its stowed position and will then assist the operator in returning the structural assembly to its upright starting position by advantageously offsetting the weight of the structural assembly. The force exerted by the coil spring in assisting in the return of the structural assembly to its upright position, can be adjusted by increasing the length “L” of the coil spring. This is accomplished by rotating the threaded connector rod246in a clockwise direction relative to cap248, which rotation extends the length of the coil spring in its starting position. With the coil spring in its initial extended configuration, movement of the structural assembly into its stowed configuration will load the spring in a manner to cause it to exert a greater assisting force when the structural assembly is returned to its upright starting configuration.

Turning next toFIGS. 57 through 59, still another form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion and a stern portion. This embodiment is similar in some respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 11and like numerals are used inFIGS. 57 through 59to identify like components. The main difference between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the provision of a totally different locking means that is operably associated with a selected one of the upwardly extending base connectors for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly against pivotal movement.

As before, this latest form of the invention includes a wake tower that comprises an upwardly extending first base member (not shown) connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member298connected to the second gunwale34. The base members are of basically the same curved configuration as in the earlier described embodiment save that base member298is provided with a locking shoulder302that is disposed within a cavity304formed in the base member. Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly306, which is of similar construction to that previously described. Structural assembly306here includes connector segments306awhich are pivotally connected to the first and second base members.

As illustrated inFIG. 57, the connector segments306aare provided with downwardly extending ears308that are receivable within the base member cavities304. Downwardly extending ears308have a bore308aformed therein. Receivable within bores308aare pivot pins310(FIG. 59) about which the connector segments306acan pivot in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines ofFIG. 57. Pivot pins310extend through aligned bores formed in the base members.

This latest embodiment of the invention also includes the previously mentioned locking means that is connected to a selected one of the connector segments306afor locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly306against pivotal movement. This novel locking means here includes a locking member312that is pivotally connected to connector segment306afor movement between a first locked position shown inFIG. 57and a second release position against the urging of a torsion spring314. Locking member312here comprises a finger-engaging portion314aand locking portion314b(seeFIG. 59) that extends into cavity304in a manner shown inFIG. 57. Locking portion314bis provided with a hook-like extremity316that lockably engages shoulder302when the locking means is in the locking configuration shown inFIG. 57. Locking member312can be moved into the release position by exerting a downward force against the urging of torsion spring314in the direction of the arrow317ofFIG. 57. With the locking member in the release position, the generally U-shaped, upwardly extending assembly306can be pivoted into the stowed position shown by the phantom lines inFIG. 57.

Referring now toFIGS. 60 through 63, still another form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion and a stem portion. This embodiment is also similar in some respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 11and like numerals are used inFIGS. 60 through 63to identify like components. The main difference between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the provision of a still different locking means that is connected to one of the upwardly extending base connectors for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly against pivotal movement.

As before, this latest form of the invention includes a wake tower that comprises an upwardly extending first base member (not shown) connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member318connected to the second gunwale34. The base members are of basically the same curved configuration as in the earlier described embodiment save that base member318is provided with a bore320that communicates with a cavity324formed in the base member. Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly326, which is of similar construction to that previously described. Structural assembly326here includes connector segments326a, which are pivotally connected to the first and second base members.

As illustrated inFIG. 60, the connector segments326aare provided with downwardly extending ears328that are receivable within the base member cavities304. Downwardly extending ears328have a bore328aformed therein. Receivable within bores328aare pivot pins330(FIGS. 60 and 63) about which the connector segments326acan pivot in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines ofFIG. 60. Pivot pins330extend through aligned bores formed in the base members.

This latest embodiment of the invention also includes the previously mentioned locking means that is connected to a selected one of the base members for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly326against pivotal movement. This novel locking means here includes a locking pin332that is telescopically received within a sleeve331which is disposed within bore320for movement against the urging of a coil spring334from the first inward position shown inFIG. 60to the second release position shown by the phantom lines inFIG. 60. A set screw331aretains sleeve331in position within bore320. When the locking pin332is in the inward, locking position, the inboard end332athereof lockably engages a notch336formed in a downwardly extending ear338formed on connector segment326apreventing pivotal movement of assembly326. When it is desired to pivot the U-shaped assembly326into its stowed position an outward force exerted on pin332in the direction of the arrow337ofFIG. 62will move the pin into the release position wherein end332amoves out of notch336formed in ear338.

Turning next toFIGS. 64 through 66, still another form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion and a stem portion. This embodiment is similar in some respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 60 through 63and like numerals are used inFIGS. 64 through 66to identify like components. The main difference between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the provision of a still different type of locking means that is operably associated with a selected one of the upwardly extending base connectors for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly against pivotal movement.

As before, this latest form of the invention includes a wake tower that comprises an upwardly extending first base member (not shown) connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member340connected to the second gunwale34. The base members are of basically the same curved configuration as in the earlier described embodiment save that base member340is provided with a threaded bore342that communicates with a cavity344formed in the base member. Interconnected with the base members is a generally U-shaped, upwardly extending structural assembly346, which is of similar construction to that previously described. Structural assembly346here includes connector segments346awhich are pivotally connected to the first and second base members.

As illustrated inFIG. 64, the connector segments346aare provided with downwardly extending ears348that are receivable within the base member cavities344. Downwardly extending ears348have a bore348aformed therein. Receivable within bores348aare pivot pins350(FIGS. 64 and 66) about which the connector segments346acan pivot in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines ofFIG. 64. Pivot pins350extend through aligned bores formed in the base members.

This latest embodiment of the invention also includes the previously mentioned locking means that is connected to a selected one of the base members for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly346against pivotal movement. This novel locking means here includes a threaded locking screw352that is threadably received within threaded bore342formed in base member340. Locking screw352is movable from the first inward position shown inFIG. 64to the second release position shown by the phantom lines inFIG. 64. When the locking screw352is in the inward, locking position, the inboard end352athereof lockably engages a notch356formed in a downwardly extending ear358formed on connector segment346apreventing pivotal movement of assembly346. When it is desired to pivot the U-shaped assembly346into its stowed position, locking screw352can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction so as to move the locking screw into the release position wherein end352amoves out of notch356formed in ear358.

Turning next toFIGS. 67 through 69, yet another form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat30of conventional construction having a bow portion and a stem portion. This embodiment is similar in some respects to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 64 through 66and like numerals are used inFIGS. 67 through 69to identify like components. The main difference between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the provision of a yet another type of locking means that is operably associated with a selected one of the upwardly extending base connectors for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly against pivotal movement.

As before, this latest form of the invention includes a wake tower that comprises an upwardly extending first base member (not shown) connected to the first gunwale and an upwardly extending second base member362connected to the second gunwale34. The base members are of basically the same curved configuration as in the earlier described embodiment save that base member362is provided with a generally vertically extending threaded bore364that communicates with a cavity366formed in the base member and also with a bore368formed in the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly370that is interconnected with base member362, which is of similar construction to that previously described. Structural assembly374here includes connector segments374a, which are pivotally connected the first and second base members.

As illustrated inFIG. 67, the connector segments370aare provided with downwardly extending ears372that are receivable within the base member cavities366. Downwardly extending ears372have a bore372aformed therein. Receivable within bores372aare pivot pins374(FIGS. 64 and 66) about which the connector segments370acan pivot in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines ofFIG. 67. As before, pivot pins374extend through aligned bores formed in the base members.

This latest embodiment of the invention also includes the previously mentioned locking means that is connected to a selected one of the base members for locking the generally U-shaped upwardly extending assembly370against pivotal movement. This novel locking means here includes an elongated, generally vertically extending threaded locking screw376the lower end376aof which is threadably received within threaded bore364formed in base member362. Locking screw376is telescopically movable within generally vertically extending bore368from the first downward most locking position shown inFIGS. 67 and 68to a second, upward release position. When the locking screw376is in the downward, locking position, pivotal movement of assembly370is effectively prevented. When it is desired to pivot the U-shaped assembly370into its stowed position, locking screw376can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction so as to move the locking screw into the upward, release position wherein end376amoves out of threaded bore364.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.