Patent ID: 7530872

Claim:
An aquatic recreational device, the device being configured for towing with a towline, the device comprising: a rider-support structure adapted to support a rider and adapted for travel in water, the rider-support structure having a riding surface for supporting the rider and a receptacle extending into the rider-support structure from the riding surface, the receptacle having opposing faces defining respective opposing rod holes; a hook disposed within the receptacle and adapted for releasably retaining the towline, the hook comprising: a top hook face; a storage face opposite the top hook face; an operational face extending between the top hook face and the storage face; opposing left and right hook faces, the opposing left and right hook faces extending at least somewhat perpendicular to the top hook face; a hook rod hole that extends between the left and right hook faces; and a spring channel that extends between the hook rod hole and the operational face, the spring channel also extending between the hook rod hole and the storage face; and a rod extending through the hook rod hole and into the opposing rod holes in the receptacle, wherein the hook is rotatable about the rod between a first position, in which the hook is oriented to be substantially within the receptacle, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the hook is located exterior of the receptacle for engaging the towline; and means, supported by the rider-support structure, for positionally biasing the hook; wherein the hook automatically returns to the first position in the absence of the towline.