Abstract:
An aquatic recreational device is configured for towing with a towline and has a rider-support structure for supporting a rider during travel in water. The device has a hook for releasably retaining the towline, the hook being movable between a first position, in which the hook is oriented to be substantially within the rider-support structure, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the hook is located exterior of the rider-support structure for engaging the towline.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an aquatic recreational system in which a rider mounts and rides an aquatic recreational device while being towed behind a tow vehicle. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   The term “aquatic recreational device” is often applied generally to devices that are designed to substantially plane along the surface of a body of water. Aquatic recreational devices include kneeboards, surfboards, skim boards, bodyboards, wakeboards, freeboards, ski boards, inflatable devices, and other appropriate devices. Aquatic recreational devices are typically towed by a tow vehicle such as a boat, jet ski, or other watercraft, but may alternatively be towed by a land vehicle, kite, sail, or even an underwater craft. 
   Aquatic recreational devices are typically towed by connecting one end of a towline to a tow vehicle while the other end of the towline is either connected to the aquatic recreational device directly or held by the rider of the aquatic recreational device. 
   Many aquatic recreational devices, such as kneeboards, require significantly difficult physical maneuvers to achieve proper riding position. For example, the rider of a typical kneeboard first lies prone on top of the kneeboard while holding onto the kneeboard with one hand and the towline with the other hand. As the kneeboard is towed through the water, the rider needs to pull himself into a kneeling position on top of the kneeboard while simultaneously holding onto the towline. Then, the rider needs to adjust a knee strap over his thighs while continuing to hold the towline. These significant adjustments to the rider&#39;s body position while attempting to accelerate the aquatic recreational device from a stopped or slowly moving state to a planing state often prove too difficult for young, weak, or otherwise inexperienced riders. If proper riding position is not achieved, the rider will typically endure significant physical strain and experience a less enjoyable ride. 
   Further, some aquatic recreational devices are designed to provide enjoyable riding experiences under both circumstances: with the towline attached directly to the aquatic recreational device and with the towline been held by the rider of the aquatic recreational device. The multifunctional nature of these aquatic recreational devices presents a significant problem. The problem is related to the presence of a tow hook attached to the aquatic recreational device during use by a rider who prefers not to use the tow hook. For example, a more experienced rider may prefer to perform a variety of tricks and maneuvers while planing along the surface of the water. One such maneuver is to spin 360° from an original position facing the tow vehicle to an intermediate position facing away from the tow vehicle and back to the original position. During this 360° spin maneuver, there is an increased risk that the towline held by the rider will inadvertently become snagged by or otherwise interfered with by the tow hook as the aquatic recreational device moves relative to the towline. If the towline is inadvertently snagged by the tow hook, significant difficulty may arise in completing the 360° spin maneuver. Worse yet, the towline snagged by the tow hook may cause for the rider an unfavorable dismount from the aquatic recreational device which may result in injury to the rider. 
   Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,047 issued to Woodfin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,860 issued to Clark, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,216,031 issued to Ingold. Each one of these references includes a device or feature for holding a towline, though each suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: the device or feature presents an unnecessary risk of injury to a rider; the device or feature interferes with particular uses of the aquatic recreational device, thereby limiting the use of the aquatic recreational device; the device or feature is not easily manufactured, thereby increasing manufacturing costs associated with producing the device or feature; the device or feature occupies a large area of the aquatic recreational device, thereby limiting design options of the aquatic recreational device; implementation of design changes of the device or feature requires costly adjustments to the manufacturing process; and/or the device or feature unnecessarily reduces or eliminates clearance between the towline and the aquatic recreational device during use. 
   For example, the tow rope holder taught by Woodfin et al. presents a significant risk of injury to the rider because the tow rope holder is a stationary device which significantly protrudes from the riding surface of the kneeboard. It is foreseeable that a rider may be stabbed, gouged, or otherwise injured in the event of an unfavorable or accidental dismount from a kneeboard equipped with the tow rope holder taught by Woodfin et al. 
   Although there have been significant developments over the years in the field of aquatic recreational devices, considerable shortcomings remain. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved aquatic recreational device that allows a rider of the aquatic recreational device to safely and easily achieve proper body position on the aquatic recreational device. Further, there is a need for an improved aquatic recreational device that allows for a safe temporary connection between the aquatic recreational device and a towline. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   There is a need for an improved the aquatic recreational device having a retractable tow hook. 
   Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aquatic recreational device having a retractable tow hook. 
   This object is achieved by inserting a retractable tow hook into a recess of an aquatic recreational device. In the preferred embodiment, the tow hook includes a rotatable hook biased to a position such that the hook is housed within the recess of the aquatic recreational device. 
   The present invention provides significant advantages, including: (1) aiding young, weak, or inexperienced riders in achieving proper riding body positioning on an aquatic recreational device; (2) preventing unwanted interference between a towline and a tow hook; and (3) providing a tow hook that automatically retracts when not in use, thereby preventing injury to a rider. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including its features and advantages, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals identify like parts, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a top view of the preferred embodiment of an aquatic recreational system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a partial top view of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial side schematic view of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is partial side schematic view of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the kneeboard of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of the receptacle of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the housing of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of the housing of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the housing of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the hook of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the hook of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the hook of the aquatic recreational system of  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   It should be appreciated that the following terms and phrases are intended to have a particular meaning throughout the following detailed description: “Aquatic recreational device” is intended to refer to a group of recreational water boards and other devices including but not limited to kneeboards, surfboards, skim boards, bodyboards, wakeboards, freeboards, ski boards, and inflatable devices. “Tow vehicle” is intended to refer to a group of devices capable of towing an aquatic recreational device, including but not limited to boats, jet skis, land vehicles, kites, sails, land vehicles, and underwater craft. “Towline” is intended to refer to a device used to connect a tow vehicle to an aquatic recreational vehicle, such that the towline may be flexible, such as a rope or cable, or rigid, such as a towing bar. “Planing” is intended to refer the mode of movement of an aquatic recreational device where the aquatic recreational device skims substantially along the surface of a body of water. “Plowing” is intended to refer to the mode of movement of an aquatic recreational device where the aquatic recreational device is dragged through a body of water with a substantial amount of resistance as a result of a portion of the aquatic recreational device being below the surface of the body of water. It should be appreciated that some aquatic recreational devices may serve non-recreational purposes, such as rescue aids or transportation aids. 
   The present invention represents the discovery that integrating a retractable tow hook with an aquatic recreational device increases the likelihood that a young, weak, or otherwise inexperienced rider of the aquatic recreational device will achieve proper body positioning on the aquatic recreational device. The present invention also represents the discovery that integrating a retractable tow hook with an aquatic recreational device decreases the likelihood of the tow hook inadvertently interfering with popular uses of the aquatic recreational device, namely, performing tricks and other maneuvers. Further, the present invention represents the discovery that integrating a retractable tow hook with an aquatic recreational device minimizes the chance that a rider will be injured by making undesirable physical contact with any portion of the tow hook. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in the drawings, top views of the preferred embodiment of an aquatic recreational system  11  according to the present invention are illustrated. Also, referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  in the drawings, side views of the preferred embodiment of aquatic recreational system  11  according to the present invention are illustrated. Aquatic recreational system  11  comprises an aquatic recreational device, such as kneeboard  13 , and a retractable tow hook assembly  15 . Kneeboard  13  is preferably a typical kneeboard for aquatic recreation. Assembly  15  is preferably substantially shaped as a rectangular box with attached mounting lips, though assembly  15  may be formed to have other appropriate shapes. Assembly  15  is adapted to releasably retain a towline  17  as kneeboard  13  is towed through or along the surface of a body of water  19  Kneeboard  13  comprises a void or receptacle  21  adapted for receiving assembly  15 , such that assembly  15  is carried by kneeboard  13  substantially within receptacle  21 . 
   In the embodiment shown, assembly  15  comprises a housing  23  and a hook  25  rotatably attached to housing  23  with a rod  27 . Housing  23  is shown as a hollow substantially rectangular box with an open top and attached mounting lips  24 . Hook  25  is rotatable relative to housing  25  between at least a first position and a second position. It should be appreciated that the overall dimensions of assembly  15  may alternatively be larger or smaller while remaining within the scope of the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5  in the drawings, a partial side view of the aquatic recreational system  11  according to the present invention shows hook  25  in the first position, which is a retracted position. Hook  25  is preferably biased by a spring  29  toward the first position, where hook  25  is substantially stored within housing  23 . Hook  25  is preferably stored within housing  23 , in the first position, when assembly  15  is not being used to releasably retain towline  17 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , hook  25  may be rotated about rod  27  to the second position, a position where at least a portion of hook  25  protrudes from housing  23  to configure assembly  15  for releasably retaining towline  17 . 
   Kneeboard  13  may be constructed in a number of ways which are all well known in the kneeboard industry, including but not limited to: plastic rotational molding, foam and fiberglass fabrication, and vacuum forming. Assembly  15 , as described below, comprises a number of components, each with a variety of possible methods of construction. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6  in the drawings, a perspective view of kneeboard  13  according to the present invention is illustrated. Kneeboard  13  preferably comprises a riding surface  31 , a planing surface  33 , a front end  35 , a rear end  37 , a left side  39 , and a right side  41 . It should be appreciated that while kneeboard  13  is illustrated as having a particular shape with a substantially pointed front end  35  and a blunt rear end  37 , alternative embodiments of kneeboards  13  may have altogether different shapes. For example, kneeboard  13  may alternatively be substantially rectangular in shape, resulting in improved performance while kneeboard  13  is planing with rear end  37  of kneeboard  13  toward the tow vehicle. Further, kneeboard  13  may be shaped substantially as any other geometric shape, irregular shape, or other suitable shape. 
   As shown, the thickness of kneeboard  13  from riding surface  31  to planing surface  33  is substantially a constant thickness along the entire length of kneeboard  13  from front end  35  to rear end  37 ; however, in alternative embodiments of kneeboard  13 , the thickness of kneeboard  13  may vary substantially from front end  35  to rear end  37  of kneeboard  13 . Similarly, the thickness of kneeboard  13  from riding surface  31  to planing surface  33  is shown as being substantially a constant thickness along the entire width of kneeboard  13  from left side  39  to right side  41 ; however, in alternative embodiments, the thickness of the kneeboard may vary substantially from left side  39  to right side  41  of kneeboard  13 . 
   Kneeboard  13  comprises a leg position feature  43  and straps  45 . Leg position feature  43  is adapted to receive the knees, shins, and/or feet of a rider when the rider enters a proper kneeling position on riding surface  31 . Leg position feature  43  is preferably a foam molding attached to riding surface  31 ; however, leg position feature  43  may alternatively be constructed of any other suitable material such as rubber or neoprene. Further, leg position feature  43  may alternatively be integral to the construction of kneeboard  13  or otherwise constructed for cooperation with riding surface  31 . For example, leg position feature  43  may be an ergonomic indentation molded into riding surface  31 . 
   Straps  45  are preferably adapted to releasably secure the rider to riding surface  31 . Straps  45  are preferably adapted for use such that the rider places straps  45  over the rider&#39;s thighs as the rider achieves a kneeling position on riding surface  31 . Straps  45  are preferably permanently attached to riding surface  31  at one end of each strap  45  with the remaining end of each strap free from connection to any surface of kneeboard  13 . Kneeboard  13  preferably comprises two straps  45  adapted for releasable-interconnection with each other through the use of hook-and-loop type fastening materials. More specifically, the hook-type material is preferably permanently affixed to one strap  45  and the loop type material is preferably permanently affixed to the other strap  45 ; however, straps  45  may be releasably joined through the use of buckles, knots, or other suitable devices or means of releasably connecting the two straps  45 . While the preferred embodiment of kneeboard  13  comprises two straps  45  adapted for releasable attachment to each other, alternative embodiments of kneeboard  13  may comprise a single strap  45  or more than two straps  45 . Further, alternative embodiments of kneeboard  13  may comprise a type of rigid bar, semi-rigid bar, or other suitable device to achieve the same results accomplished by straps  45 . 
   Receptacle  21  is preferably a cutout void centrally located between left side  39  and right side  41 . Receptacle  21  is preferably a feature cut out of riding surface  31  of kneeboard  13  and located near front end  35 . Receptacle  21  preferably has a depth less than the thickness of kneeboard  13  and therefore does not span fully from riding surface  31  to planing surface  33 ; however, alternative embodiments of kneeboard  13  may comprise a receptacle which spans fully from riding surface  31  to planing surface  33  and would therefore present a through hole between riding surface  31  and planing surface  33 . Receptacle  21  is preferably integrally lined or coated with the same hard material which forms riding surface  31 ; however, receptacle  21  may otherwise be coated, reinforced, or formed in any other suitable manner. 
   Receptacle  21  preferably comprises a receptacle bottom  47 , a receptacle front face  49 , a receptacle rear face  51 , a receptacle right face  53 , a receptacle left face  55 , and a mounting face  56 . As shown, mounting face  56  preferably comprises mounting holes  57 ; however, each of receptacle bottom  47  and faces  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55  may optionally comprise mounting holes  57  adapted for receiving fasteners (not shown), which are preferably screw-type fasteners. Mounting holes  57  preferably extend in a direction normal to the corresponding surface, and may be created by drilling into kneeboard  13 . Mounting holes  57  are preferably deep enough to receive fasteners but not so deep as to create a through hole from the face being drilled into to the exterior of kneeboard  13 . 
   Mounting holes  57  preferably carry threaded anchoring devices (not shown) that are adapted for receiving screw-type fasteners while also maintaining the structural integrity of mounting holes  57 . The anchoring devices are preferably threaded metal nuts molded into kneeboard  13 ; however, the anchoring device may alternatively be an expanding anchoring device (similar to a drywall anchoring device) or any other suitable device. As shown, two mounting holes  57  are located near the rear of mounting face  56  while one mounting hole  57  is located near the front of mounting face  56 ; however; mounting holes  57  may be located at various places on each of receptacle bottom  47  and faces  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  56  that have mounting holes  57 , and each surface may have more than one mounting hole  57 . Where a surface has more than one mounting hole  57 , mounting holes  57  are preferably distributed evenly or symmetrically about the surface as features of assembly  15  allow. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10  in the drawings, a perspective, top, and side view of housing  23  according to the present invention are illustrated, respectively. Housing  23  preferably comprises a base  59 , a front external face  61 , a rear external face  63 , a right external face  65 , a left external face, and a top external face  69 . Housing  23  preferably also comprises a floor  71 , a front internal face  73 , a rear internal face  75 , a left internal face  77 , and a right internal face  79 . When installed in kneeboard  13 , housing  23  is preferably sized and oriented such that top external face  69  is substantially flush with riding surface  31 . Similarly, housing  23  is preferably sized and oriented such that base  59  substantially contacts receptacle bottom  47  when assembly  15  is installed. The preferred result of the above described sizing and orientation of housing  23  is that housing  23  is fully contained within receptacle  21 . Since housing  23  is fully contained within receptacle  21 , the risk that a rider may incur a physical injury due to undesirable contact with housing  23  is minimized. 
   Housing  23  preferably further comprises rod holes  81 , which are preferably located on each of left internal face  77  and right internal face  79 . Rod holes  81  are sized and shaped for receiving the ends of rod  27 . Rod  27  is preferably substantially a cylindrical shaft oriented such that the axis of rod  27  is substantially parallel to floor  71 , front internal face  73 , and rear internal face  75 . Rod holes  81  are preferably through holes. More specifically, the rod hole  81  located on left internal face  77  preferably extends fully to left external face  67 . Similarly, the rod hole  81  located on right internal face  79  preferably extends fully to right external face  65 . Rod  27  is preferably sized such that rod left end  83  can be oriented substantially flush with left external face  67  while rod right end  85  is substantially flush with right external face  65 . 
   Housing  23  also preferably comprises stops  87 . Stops  87  are preferably substantially a rectangular-shaped protrusion extending from front internal face  73 . One stop  87  is preferably located near the apparent intersection of front internal face  73  and left internal face  77  while another stop  87  is preferably located near the apparent intersection of front internal face  73  and right internal face  79 . Both stops  87  comprise a stop surface  91 . Stop surfaces  91  are preferably substantially parallel to top external face  69  and are located below top external face  69 . Stops  87  are preferably sized and located such that stop surfaces  91  serve to prevent further rotation of hook  25  when hook  25  has been rotated into a fully retracted position within housing  23 . Stops  87  are preferably sized and located such that stop surface  91  serves to prevent further rotation of hook  25  when hook  25  has been rotated into a fully protruding position where hook  25  substantially protrudes from housing  23 . 
   Housing preferably comprises drain holes  89  through floor  71  to allow drainage and/or evaporation of any water which may be located between housing  23  and the walls or faces of receptacle  21 . 
   Housing  23  preferably comprises fastener holes  95  preferably adapted for receiving screw type fasteners therethrough. Fastener holes  95  are preferably located and oriented such that when housing  23  is properly installed within receptacle  21 , fastener holes  95  are sufficiently aligned with mounting holes  57  for receiving screw type fasteners through fastener holes  95  and into mounting holes  57 . Fastener holes  95  are preferably countersunk holes. Housing  23  is preferably constructed of plastic but may alternatively be constructed of metal, wood, carbon fiber, a mixture of nylon and plastic, or any other suitable material or suitable combination of materials. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13  in the drawings, perspective, side, and bottom views of hook  25  according to the present invention are illustrated, respectively. Hook  25  preferably comprises a right hook face  97 , a left hook face  99 , a hook top face  101 , a curved face  103 , a storage face  105 , and an operational face  107 . A hook rod hole  109  extends from right hook face  97  to left hook face  99 . Hook rod hole  109  is adapted for receiving rod  27  therethrough. Hook top face  101  is preferably substantially parallel to riding surface  31  when hook  25  is in the second position where hook  25  is fully housed within housing  23 . Curved face  103  is preferably a curved surface where the radius of curvature is adapted to accommodate conventional ski rope handles. Storage face  105  preferably significantly contacts floor  71  when hook  25  is in the second position where hook  25  is fully retracted into housing  23 . 
   Operational face  107  preferably contacts stop surfaces  91 , thereby preventing further rotation of hook  25  away from the retracted position. A spring channel  111  is a recessed portion of hook  25  for receiving a portion of a typical helical coil type metal spring. Spring channel  111  is preferably located centrally between right hook face  97  and left hook face  99 ; however, spring channel may alternatively be located in any other suitable location on hook  25 . The helically wound portion of a spring is preferably carried by rod  27  with rod  27  passing through the area between the windings of the spring. One arm of the typical spring is preferably contained by the walls of spring channel  111  while the remaining arm of the spring is preferably in contact with floor  71  such that the spring biases hook  25  to the retracted position. 
   Curved face  103  is preferably designed to effectively receive a rigid handle  127  ( FIG. 1 ) of towline  17 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , or alternatively receive a flexible portion of towline  17 . 
   Hook rod hole  109  is preferably aligned and oriented such that rod  27  may pass through hook rod hole  109  while also being received through rod holes  81  of housing  23 . Hook rod hole  109  and rod holes  81  are preferably located and oriented such that when assembly  15  is properly assembled, hook  25  may rotate about rod  27  at least between the previously described fully protruding position and the previously described fully retracted position. 
   Hook  25  is preferably constructed of plastic but may alternatively be constructed of metal, wood, carbon fiber, a mixture of nylon and plastic, or any other suitable material or suitable combination of materials. 
   It should be appreciated that while a conventional spring has been described as the means for biasing hook  25 , any other suitable biasing means may alternatively be incorporated. The spring is preferably constructed of metal, but may alternatively be constructed of plastic or any other suitable material or suitable combination of materials. 
   It should be appreciated that any sharp edges, corners, or interfaces of receptacle  21 , housing  23 , hook  25 , or any other portion of aquatic recreation system  11  are preferably rounded, chamfered, filleted, or otherwise formed to reduce likelihood of injury to a rider. 
   In operation, the preferred embodiment of aquatic recreational system  11  may be utilized by a rider in the following manner. First, the rider lies prone atop riding surface  31 . The rider then rotates hook  25  from a fully retracted position to a fully protruding position by pressing downward on the front portion of hook top face  101  and in front of the axis of rod  27 . Next, the rider places handle portion  127  of towline  17  against curved face  107  and signals the tow vehicle or otherwise activates the tow vehicle to carefully remove slack from towline  17 . Preferably after all slack is removed from towline  17 , the rider may remove his hands from handle portion  127  and grasp kneeboard  13  as the tow vehicle accelerates and kneeboard  13  plows through water  19  or planes atop water  19 . 
   Next, the rider may attempt to alter his body position from the prone position described above to a kneeling position on riding surface  31 , such that his knees and shins are substantially located atop leg position feature  43 . Next, the rider may grasp straps  45  and secure himself to kneeboard  13  by placing straps  45  over his thighs and interlocking the hook-and-loop features of straps  45 . Once secured, the rider may grasp handle portion  127  of towline  17  and pull handle portion  127  away from curved face  107 . As handle portion  127  is fully disengaged from hook  25 , the spring acts against hook  25  to rotate hook  25  back to the fully retracted position. 
   The present invention provides significant advantages, including: (1) aiding young, weak, or inexperienced riders in achieving proper riding body positioning on an aquatic recreational device; (2) preventing unwanted interference between a towline and a tow hook; and (3) providing a tow hook that automatically retracts when not in use, thereby preventing injury to a rider. 
   While the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description.