Patent Publication Number: US-2020277037-A1

Title: Aquatic towable device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Application No. 62/919,124 filed on Feb. 28, 2019. The entire contents of the above applications and patents are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed herein is an aquatic towable device comprising a body, a towline connector, a rudder fin, and a steering apparatus. The towline connector is placed at one end of the body and above a waterline of the body when the device is occupied by a passenger. The rudder fin is attached pivotably to an underside of the body and placed toward the towline connector and positioned so at least part of the rudder fin will be underwater when the device is occupied by a passenger. The steering apparatus is attached to the rudder fin that pivots the rudder fin and is accessible from a top side of the body. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently there are a number of solutions for trying to steer an inflatable towable. Some of these solutions use fins mounted just above the waterline. In some instances, plastic fins sewn into the side of cover dip into the water and do the carving as the rider leans from side to side. A rider will shift their weight while hanging on with both hands causing a fin or fins on one side to dip into the water and cause the craft to deflect or steer left or right behind a boat towing in a straight line. This usually requires a good amount of upper body strength and the use of both arms. Additionally the rider is straddling the device much like riding an animal like a horse. A good wave can easily toss a rider off. People who are weak, unable to stand, do not have good upper body strength, have the use of both arms or have bad balance are all unable to ride such a device. Other devices require pulling on one of two handles to rotate craft causing angle or direction of fin mounted on bottom to change. This in turn steers or directs craft left and right as it tracks behind a boat traveling in a straight line. All designs require the use of two arms or shifting of body weight and considerable upper body strength and are easy to fall off if the rider loses his grip on the device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure is directed to an aquatic towable device comprising a body; a towline connector placed at one end of the body and above a waterline of the body when the device is occupied by a passenger; a rudder fin attached pivotably to an underside of the body and placed toward the towline connector and positioned so at least part of the rudder fin will be underwater when the device is occupied by a passenger; and a steering apparatus attached to the rudder fin that pivots the rudder fin and is accessible from a top side of the body. 
     Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic showing a top view of an embodiment of the aquatic towable device. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic showing a side view of an embodiment of the aquatic towawble device. 
         FIG. 3  is an embodiment of the aquatic towable device showing different views. 
         FIGS. 4 and 6  show an embodiment of the aquatic towable device including radio control. 
         FIG. 5  is an embodiment of the aquatic towable device having counter steering rudders. 
         FIG. 7  is an aquatic towable device including radio control with Barbie doll showing seated reclining position. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It is desirable to have a device that can be used by young and old, weak and infirm, paraplegics and those with poor balance or cognitive disability who normally would be deemed unsafe to tow behind a boat. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a device that a rider is seated in an enclosed seated position that is more comfortable and safer than simply hanging on with both arms which requires more upper body strength and balance and from which a rider is easily bounced off of if they lose their grip with just one hand. Additionally a person with just one arm would have an easier time as most towable inflatables require the use of two hands. It only takes one hand to steer or control the claimed device. When a rider is towed on a normal inflatable in a straight line, the rider would be directly behind the boat towing the device. If the boat turns hard enough, centrifugal force sends the rider in the opposite direction. If a boat turns hard left, the passenger would swing out to the right. If the boat turns hard in the other direction the rider can be directed with centrifugal force to cross the wake in a quick manner often launching inflatable devices into the air. For many this is considered great fun, for others maybe not so much. By having the ability to steer left and right, a rider in the device can avoid being launched over a wake behind a boat furthering their sense of control. Indeed they can easily cross the wake as they have directional control of the inflatable towable they are riding in. 
     The present invention relates to a device and a method associated with the device. With respect to the device, it is an inflatable towable that can be steered or controlled by the rider by using just their arms. This device can be used by people who are unable to waterski or ride kneeboards and lack upperbody strength to participate in normal water activities while being towed by a boat. It allows young and old, weak and infirm and even paraplegics the opportunity to partake in activities normally deemed impossible, dangerous or too difficult. The core components of the invention are an inflatable device which the rider or passenger sits or is seated in a semi enclosed position which helps keeps them from falling off of or out of the device and a front-mounted rudder with a steering wheel to control the device. The device can be configured as follows: a rudder mounted in the front where a tow rope is attached allows the device to be deflected or steered left and right behind a boat much like a skier or wakeboarder, but without the shifting of bodyweight normally required. The rider simply has to hang on and be in control of steering wheel to direct the device back and forth behind a boat. The device would have a rider seated in an upright position facing forward much like a go-cart. The passenger would be seated in a low position just barely riding above surface of water surrounded on all sides by the equivalent of an inner tube in an elongated oval position. The means of steering can be adapted to all sorts of inflatable towable devices. For many people with limited physical abilities, a low seated position surrounded by an inflatable bladder is best for rider comfort and safety. 
     Disclosed herein is an aquatic towable device comprising a body; a towline connector placed at one end of the body and above a waterline of the body when the device is occupied by a passenger; a rudder fin attached pivotably to an underside of the body and placed toward the towline connector and positioned so at least part of the rudder fin will be underwater when the device is occupied by a passenger; and a steering apparatus attached to the rudder fin that pivots the rudder fin and is accessible from a top side of the body. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the body have an elongate shape. 
     The body of the aquatic towable device can be inflatable. 
     The body of the aquatic towable device can comprise a depression. 
     The body of the aquatic towable device can have the depression be sized to accommodate a passenger. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the rudder fin be attached to the body on a centerline from the towline connector in the body&#39;s bow to a center point at the body&#39;s stern. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the steering apparatus comprise a steering wheel. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the steering apparatus comprise a U-shaped apparatus. 
     The aquatic towable device can further comprise a second rudder fin. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the two rudder fins be placed on an underside of the body and spaced laterally and symmetrically from the centerline of the body. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the rudder fin have a shape of a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a parallelogram, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a trapezium, a triangle, a rhombus, or a combination thereof. 
     The aquatic towable device can have the rudder fin be positioned substantially vertically with respect to the underside of the body. 
     The aquatic towable device can have a variety of shapes and sizes of bodies. The bodies typically are symmetrical about a centerline from the bow of the body to the stern of the body and have the shape of a circle, an oval, a rounded triangle or a rounded rectangle. The body of the aquatic towable device can also have a portion of the bow that is raised to support the sitting posture of the passenger. 
     The aquatic towable device can have general dimensions of from about 4 feet to 7 feet long, from about 3.5 feet to 6.5 feet wide, and from about 1 foot to 3 feet high. 
     Also disclosed herein is a method of steering the aquatic towable device described herein, wherein the aquatic towable device is being towed by a boat with the towline through water. A passenger in the aquatic towable device turns the steering apparatus to move the rudder fin to steer the device in a first direction. The method can further comprise the passenger in the aquatic towable device turning the steering apparatus in the opposite direction to move the rudder fin in the opposite direction and steer the device in a second direction. The method can further comprise the passenger in the aquatic towable device maintaining the steering apparatus and the rudder device in a plane along the midline of the device to maintain the device in a straight path. 
       FIG. 1  discloses an aquatic towable device  10  having a rounded triangle shaped body  12  that is symmetrical about a centerline  20  from the bow of the body to the stern. The aquatic towable device  10  also has a towline connector  14  attached to the body in the bow at the centerline  20 . The towline connector  14  is connected to the towline  16 . The aquatic towable device  10  also has a steering apparatus  18  that is attached to a rudder fin (not seen in this view) that allows the passenger to steer the aquatic towable device  10 . 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the aquatic towable device  10  that shows the towline connector  14  and the towline  16  at the bow of the aquatic towable device. The aquatic towable device  10  also contains a rudder fin  22  attached to the bow of the body  12  and a steering apparatus  18  attached to the rudder fin  22 . 
     The towline connector can be attached to the body of the aquatic towable device and have a loop or hook to attach a towrope to the aquatic towable device. Preferably, the towline connector has a two-pronged hook with a hole in the middle of the hooks for a loop of the rope to go through the hole and around the two-pronged hook. 
     Disclosed is a steerable inflatable towable, which is made up of the following components a rudder mounted in front directly at the point where a tow rope is attached. These components are controlled by the rider by using their arms or arm as follows by having a steering wheel mounted in front of the rider much like a go cart or car or boat. When the rider steers left, the rudder is pushed to the right which deflects the craft to the left using hydro dynamics much like aerodynamics. A rudder mounted on the rear would simply make such a craft fishtail, but not actually direct it left and right. By mounting a rudder in front, such a device can actually steer itself back and forth behind a boat much like a waterskier while the passenger is seated in an upright semi enclosed position making for an easy exit for a passenger in the event it turns over or becomes overly unstable. All passengers should also be wearing life a preserver. 
     The device may also have one or more of the following: a water pickup tube on the rear that directs water up in a spray simulating a “rooster tail” that can also increase visibility to other boats. Additionally the design can be used on many other inflatable types mimicking cars or boats that would have the passenger in an upright seated position. It also can be adapted to other versions with more than one passenger. Similarly, the associated method may also include one or more of the following steps: various fixed fins in the rear can affect how it turns along with size of rudder and shape, angle at which it is mounted as long with depth. Additionally a rudder mounted at the rear which turns in an opposite direction as the one in front can make the craft even more maneuverable but also adds to the complexity of manufacturing and design 
     The disclosed device is unique when compared with other known devices and solutions because it provides: (1) the ability to steer with one hand only from an upright seated position; (2) does not require upper body strength and the use of both arms; and (3) allows riders to participate who are weak and unable to water ski. Similarly, the associated method is unique in that it: (1) allows a rider to steer much like a car or boat; (2) does not require both hands to operate; and (3) allows a rider to jump the wake at will. Similarly, the disclosed method is unique when compared with other known processes and solutions in that it: (1) is steered with a front mounted rudder controlled with a steering wheel made of a plastic type material covered in a foam like material providing cushion and grip; (2) places rider in semi enclosed upright seated position; and (3) allows people unable to ski or kneeboard for various reasons to partake in a similar activity. 
     The disclosed device is unique in that it is structurally different from other known devices or solutions. More specifically, the device is unique due to the presence of: (1) a front mounted rudder; (2) allows the device to be steered with a wheel like a car; and (3) does not require shifting of bodyweight. 
     This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. 
     The method of steering and controlling inflatable towable may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art. 
     In its most complete form, the device is made up of the following components: an air bladder surrounded by a cloth type cover much the same as any other inflatable device on the market today. The steering wheel ideally would be covered in a foam material providing grip and protection from impact. Steering wheel and rudder and all mounting hardware would be made of plastic type material with rounded edges to minimize injury and to avoid corrosion These components are or would be materials already used in the market today. Rider or passenger sits in an upright position. It should further be noted that additional air bladders could be incorporated which could increase or decrease size of passenger compartment to make a tighter more snug or looser fit for different size people. 
       FIG. 3  shows the main configuration of a device with a front mounted rudder and a steering wheel to control it. A person would be in a seated reclining position much like as if in a go kart surrounded by an inflatable bladder semi enclosing them providing a more secure position with a low center of gravity versus the ride one would get hanging onto a device which sets them much higher above the water&#39;s surface with no enclosure and requiring both arms and hands to hang on or stay aboard. This is one of many possible configurations. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a radio controlled prototype that was towed by a radio controlled electric boat to test and verify proof of concept. It was later adapted to twin rudders as shown in this picture. 
     The aquatic towable device described herein can be made by preparing a fiberglass shell that fits over the bow of the inflatable body of the device. This fiberglass shell can be made by inflating the body of the device and molding fiberglass to the inflated shape leaving an opening to place the fiberglass portion onto the body and then inflating the body of the device inside the fiberglass shell. Other methods could be used to prepare the required rigidity to attach a rudder fin to the inflatable body. 
     Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing. 
     Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 
     When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. 
     In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.