US20030106479A1

US20030106479A1 - Kiting system on a sitting board

Info

Publication number: US20030106479A1
Application number: US09/973,546
Authority: US
Inventors: Sung Suh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-09
Filing date: 2001-10-09
Publication date: 2003-06-12

Abstract

A kite sailboard system for a person includes a sitting board having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a cavity. The cavity has an opening on the upper surface where the person sits. The cavity has a sitting surface for the person to sit upon, located at the bottom of the cavity. A kite provides a motive impulse force to the person and the sitting board. There are one or more tether lines attached to the kite.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to para-sails and kites that carry or propel a rider on a sailboard. More particularly the present invention pertains to a kite and sailboard with a tether line attached to the kite, which is hand-held by the rider.

Para-sails and kites have been used to propel riders who stand on skis, stand on sailboards, or ride within the para-sail while being pulled by a power boat. A propulsive wing with inflatable armature is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,078 by Legaignoux. The propulsive wing can be used to pull a rider on a pair of water skis. The focus of this patent is on the design of the propulsive wing, rather than the combined system of the para-sail and the water floating device that accommodates the rider.

A kiteski is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,182 by Roeseler. The wind powered system utilizes a free-flying airfoil tethered to a rider on a water-ski, sailboard hull or a wheeled land vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,414 involves a para-sailing assembly structured for the safe support of a rider while launching and towing from a towboat.

Many of the present designs require the rider to stand on a sailboard or water-skis. Standing for long periods of time, while also holding a para-sail can be very tiring for the rider. Often the sailboards have little or no support for the feet. Skis have a support strap for the feet, but the rider must maintain his/her balance on the skis thus experiencing a great amount of strain on the legs. The rider's back experiences significant amounts of physical activity and strain, while holding on to the kite tether line. The rider must focus on controlling the kite and simultaneously maintaining his/her balance on the sailboard or ski. The present designs are excellent for muscle toning and development of coordination, but not appropriate for long periods of comfortable use. Sailboards and skis do not allow for a rider to easily and comfortably sit down on a board with back support, while being pulled by a kite or parasail.

Furthermore, the pulling force of the kite allows the person to travel great distances out on the water, far from land. Sometimes the wind dissipates or the inexperienced person is unable to re-float the kite. Paddling to the shore with feet and hands is a long and tiring process. An alternative method of propelling the board is needed besides the kite, which does not require resorting to paddling with the hands and kicking with the feet. A rudder control is also needed that will assist in controlling the desired direction of travel.

Therefore, there is a need for a sitting-board and kite assembly that provides a comfortable and secure platform for sitting by a rider. The sitting-board should provide support for the rider's back, feet, and posterior. Additionally, an alternate method of propelling the sitting-board should be available.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is combining a sitting sailboard with a kite. The kite provides a strong and powerful motive force for pulling the sitting board across the water.

Another objective is providing a support for the rider's back and posterior. Long periods of controlling the kite can cause back strain. The sitting board is comfortable for extended periods of rigorous activity, while controlling the kite. A foot indentation allows the feet to be lower than the knees, which is more comfortable than sitting on a flat surface.

A further objective is providing a support structure for the legs or feet, which assists the rider in maintaining the sitting board in a stable upright position. Sudden gusts of wind can create a forceful pull on the kite. Sitting firmly and securely within the cavity of the sitting board provides solid support for the person's body to resist the forceful pull of the kite. The foot indentation provides a support for the feet, which increases the stability of the person.

An advantage of the kite sailboard system is the increased control of the sitting board. The rudder provides a method of steering the sitting board. Also, the person can control the kite to alter the course of travel for the sitting board.

Another advantage of the kite sailboard system is the inclusion of an oar and oar holder. At times, the person can find themselves great distances out in the water without the pulling force of the kite. The oar allows the person to paddle the sitting board back to shore expeditiously, rather than relying on paddling by the hands and kicking with the feet.

A kite sailboard system for a person includes a sitting board having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a cavity. The cavity has an opening on the upper surface where the person sits. The cavity has a sitting surface for the person to sit upon, located at the bottom of the cavity.

A kite provides a motive impulse force to the person and the sitting board. There are one or more tether lines attached to the kite. The person can grasp the tether lines for controlling the movement of the sitting board. The kite is not limited to a conventional kite, but includes parasails, parachutes, and other floating devices that float in the air with one or more tether lines attached to the floating device. The kite provides a motive impulse force to a person holding the tether line.

The sitting board includes a back support. Traditional surfboards and sailboards do not have a back support, but are designed primarily for the person to stand upon the board during operation. In a first embodiment, the sitting board has a foot indentation. A portion of the upper surface separates the cavity from the foot indentation. The person sits in the cavity on the sitting surface, bends their knees so the legs rise up and over the upper surface, and the feet rest in the foot indentation.

The lower surface has skeg fins that provide increased stability for the sitting board. The skeg fins project downward into the water from the lower surface of the sitting board. The skeg fins provide stability, so waves are less likely to capsize the sitting board. The skeg fins also help the sitting board to travel in a straight path when being pulled, rather than wandering slightly from side to side.

A tether controller is attached to the tether line. The person grasps and moves the tether controller to control the kite. A single tether line can run between the tether controller and the kite or multiple tether lines can be used. The sitting board has a latching device that secures the tether controller to the sitting board.

Although the present invention is briefly summarized, a fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0018]
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view. [0019]
FIG. 2 is a side view of the sitting board. [0020]
FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the elongated cavity that accepts the person's legs and feet. [0021]
FIG. 4 is a cutaway back view of the sitting board showing the cavity from FIGS. 1 and 2. [0022]
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the kite. [0023]
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the sitting board[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. [0025] 1-6, a kite sailboard system 10 for a person 100 includes a sitting board 12 having an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, and a cavity 18. The cavity 18 forms an opening 20 on the upper surface 14. The cavity 18 has a sitting surface 22 for the person 100 to sit upon, located at the bottom 24 of the cavity 18.
A [0026] kite 26, shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, provides a motive impulse force 28 to the person 100 and the sitting board 12. There are one or more tether lines 30 attached to the kite 26. The person 100 can grasp the tether lines 30 for controlling the movement of the sitting board 12. The kite 26 is not limited to a conventional kite 26, but includes parasails, parachutes, and other air floating devices that float in the air with one or more tether lines 30 attached to the floating device. The kite 26, floating device, provides a motive impulse force 28 to a person 100 holding the tether line 30.
The [0027] kite 26 can rise in the air higher than the highest part of the sitting board 12. Winds are often stronger and more consistent at higher elevations than at the surface of the water 106. A kite 26 that can float a hundred feet or higher into the air is an advantage for achieving greater pulling impulse forces 28 and increases speed of travel on the sitting board 12. When the kite 26 falls onto the surface of the water 106, a skilled person 100 can manipulate the tether lines 30 to bring the kite 26 back into a floating state in the air.
The sitting [0028] board 12 includes a back support 32. Traditional surfboards and sailboards do not have a back support 32, but are designed primarily for the person 100 to stand upon the board during operation. In a first embodiment, the sitting board 12 has a foot indentation 34, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A portion of the upper surface 14 separates the cavity 18 from the foot indentation 34. The person 100 sits in the cavity 18 on the sitting surface 22, bends their knees so the legs 102 rise up and over the upper surface 14, and the feet 104 rest in the foot indentation 34.
Referring to the cutaway view of FIG. 3, in a second embodiment the [0029] cavity 18 is larger and elongated to accept the lower body of the person 100. The cavity 18 is large enough to accept the person's legs 102 and feet 104. A portion of the upper surface 14 partially encloses the cavity 18, so the upper surface 14 covers the legs 102 and the feet 104 of the person 100. The upper surface 14 provides a covering over the legs 102 and feet 104, which partially protects the lower body from the wind and water. A protective bib (not shown) that overlaps the upper surface 14 can be worn around the person's waist to minimize the water 106 that splashes into the cavity 18.
Referring particularly to FIG. 4, the [0030] lower surface 16 has skeg fins 36 that provide increased stability for the sitting board 12. The skeg fins 36 project downward into the water 106 from the lower surface 16 of the sitting board 12. The skeg fins 36 provide stability, so waves are less likely to capsize the sitting board 12. The skeg fins 36 also help the sitting board 12 to travel in a straight path when being pulled, rather than wandering slightly from side to side.
A [0031] tether controller 38 is attached to the tether line 30. The person 100 grasps and moves the tether controller 38 to control the kite 26. A single tether line 30 can run between the tether controller 38 and the kite 26 or multiple tether lines 30 can be used. The tether lines 30 are light and strong, so their weight is minimized when wet. Nylon can be used for the tether lines 30.
The sitting [0032] board 12 has a latching device 40, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that secures the tether controller 38 to the sitting board 12. The latching device 40 can be a hook 41, a clamp or other mechanisms that are easy to open, place the tether controller 38 securely within the latching device 40, and then close the latching device 40. A pair of hooks 41 can be shaped so that it is not necessary to open the hooks 41. The hooks 41 have enough curvature that once the tether controller 38 is placed within the hooks 41, the tether controller 38 is unlikely to slip loose.
A [0033] tie point 54 and tie line 56 provide an alternate or complementary method of attaching the tether controller 38 to the sitting board 12. The tie line 56 is connected to the tether controller 38. The tie point 54 is securely attached to the sitting board 12 at about the center of gravity. The center of gravity varies slightly based on the weight and position of the person 100. The tie line 56 is connected to the tie point 54, so that the person's hands 108 can be released from the tether controller 38. The hands 108 may be released intentionally or in the case of accidental release the tie point 54 secures the tie line 56 and the kite 26 to the sitting board 12. The tie line 56 or the tether controller 38 can then be quickly retrieved by the person 100.
The sitting [0034] surface 22 has a seat cushion 42 that compresses under the person's weight. The seat cushion 42 is water resistant. A water resistant storage compartment 46 with a storage cover 44 is provided on the sitting board 12 for storing personal belongings.
Referring particularly to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, an [0035] oar holder 48 is attached to the sitting board 12. The oar holder 48 accepts an oar 50. The oar 50 can be used to propel the sitting board 12 when the wind is not sufficient to float the kite 26. The oar 50 as an alternative propulsion method is especially important for beginners who may have difficulty in re-floating the kite 26 after the kite 26 lands in the water 106. Even experienced individuals can be stranded long distances from shore by a severe dissipation in the wind strength. The oar 50 is an effective propulsion method, in contrast to just paddling with hands and feet.
The [0036] cavity 18 and sitting surface 22 for sitting, along with the back support 32, provide a stable and comfortable support for the person 100. Less of the person's attention is absorbed in maintaining his/her balance. More of the person's attention can be focused on controlling the kite 26 and steering the sitting board 12.
A [0037] rudder 52 controlled with the feet 104 can provide additional steering control. The entire body of the person 100 is firmly braced within the sitting board 12. The secure bracing is important when gusts of wind or large waves might otherwise tip over the sitting board 12. The kite sailboard system 10 provides a comfortable sitting board 12 with a sitting surface 22 and back support 32 that supports the body of the person 100 for long periods of time. The person 100 can stay out on the water 106 for a greater duration thus experiencing continued enjoyment from the activity.
An advantage of the [0038] kite sailboard system 10 is the control that the person 100 has over the sitting board 12. The rudder 52 provides a method of steering the sitting board 12. Also, the person 100 can control the kite 26 to alter the course of travel for the sitting board 12. The kite sailboard system 10 can travel at an angle against the incoming waves. Surfboards can only travel with the general direction of the incoming waves.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to the preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained herein. [0039]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A kite sailboard system for a person comprising:

a) a sitting board having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a cavity forming an opening on the upper surface, wherein the cavity having a sitting surface, and wherein the person sits on the sitting surface;

b) a kite; and

c) one or more tether lines attached to the kite;

whereby the person can grasp the tether lines for controlling the movement of the sitting board, and whereby the kite provides a motive impulse force to the person and the sitting board.

2. The kite sailboard system of claim 1, wherein the sitting board further has a back support.

3. The kite sailboard system of claim 2, wherein the sitting board further has a foot indentation, wherein a portion of the upper surface separates the cavity from the foot indentation.

4. The kite sailboard system of claim 3, wherein the lower surface having skeg fins, whereby the skeg fins provide increased stability for the sitting board.

5. The kite sailboard system of claim 4, wherein the kite is a parachute.

6. The kite sailboard system of claim 4, wherein the kite is a parasail.

7. The kite sailboard system of claim 6, further comprising a tether controller, wherein the tether controller is attached to the tether line, whereby the person grasps and moves the tether controller to control the kite.

8. The kite sailboard system of claim 7, wherein the tether controller has a tie line, wherein the sitting board further has a tie point, whereby the tie line can be attached to the tie point, thereby providing hands free attachment of the tether controller to the sitting board.

9. The kite sailboard system of claim 8, wherein the sitting board further has an oar holder that accepts an oar.

10. The kite sailboard system of claim 9, wherein the sitting board further has a storage compartment and a storage cover.

11. A kite sailboard system for a person comprising:

a) a sitting board having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a cavity forming an opening on the upper surface, wherein the cavity having a sitting surface, wherein the person sits on the sitting surface, wherein the cavity accepts the lower body of the person including the feet, and wherein a portion of the upper surface partially encloses the cavity, such that the upper surface covers the legs and the feet of the person;

b) a kite; and

c) one or more tether lines attached to the kite; whereby the person can grasp the tether lines for controlling the movement of the sitting board, and whereby the kite provides a motive impulse force to the person and the sitting board.

12. The kite sailboard system of claim 11, wherein the sitting board further has an oar holder that accepts an oar.

13. The kite sailboard system of claim 12, wherein the sitting board further has an oar attached to the oar holder.

14. The kite sailboard system of claim 13, wherein the lower surface further having skeg fins, whereby the skeg fins provide increased stability for the sitting board.

15. The kite sailboard system of claim 14, wherein the kite is a parachute.

16. The kite sailboard system of claim 14, wherein the kite is a parasail.

17. The kite sailboard system of claim 16, further comprising a tether controller, wherein the tether controller is attached to the tether line, whereby the person grasps and moves the tether controller to control the kite.

18. The kite sailboard system of claim 17, wherein the sitting board further has a latching device, whereby the latching device secures the tether controller to the sitting board.

19. The kite sailboard system of claim 17, wherein the tether controller has a tie line, wherein the sitting board further has a tie point, whereby the tie line can be attached to the tie point, thereby providing hands free attachment of the tether controller to the sitting board.

20. The kite sailboard system of claim 19, wherein the sitting board further having a storage compartment and a storage cover.