GB2196306A

GB2196306A - Water tow board

Info

Publication number: GB2196306A
Application number: GB08625037A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Allan Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-10-18
Filing date: 1986-10-18
Publication date: 1988-04-27
Also published as: GB8625037D0

Abstract

A board, e.g. a Tow Board, has suitably fashioned recesses in it's surface to accommodate a rider. At the front of the Board is a windshield 5 and a steering handle (not shown) mechanically linked to a fin 7. There is also a means of automatically releasing a tow line. The underside of the Board has the steerable fin and the tow line attachment point 8. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Water tow board The invention relates to a WATER TOW BOARD.

The towing of skiers across water is not a new idea. It requires quite a lot of balance, control and skill in manoeuvering as with surfboards and windsurfers. Unlike water-skiing the surfboard and windsurfer are restricted to a certain degree by wave and wind direction.

Balance control is not so important for this invention because it is not necessary to adopt a standing stance, although it is possible if wished.

The board may be constructed from several materials, balsa wood or polyurethane, covered in fibre glass and resin or moulded in some kind of plastic. The construction techniques are similar to those used in making surfboards and windsurfers.

Towing the board could be done in several ways. One way is to attach a looped cable to the board, one end either side. This loop could be several feet long. A tow line is then attached to this looped cable.

The board of the invention consists of a main body, a spray and wind shield, a means of holding onto the board, a steering mechanism and steerable fin, and a tow line attachment.

Preferably, the body is adapted to receive a rider prone thereon. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view and Figure 2 shows a side view.

The upper surface of the board 1 has recesses 2, 3 and 4 to accommodate body contours. Suitable padding may be provided in and around these recesses. At the front of the board a see-through spray and windshield 5 is attached. A means 6 of holding onto the board is provided combined with a steering mechanism operatively linked to a steerable fin 7.

The undersurface of the board is like a boat hull in shape and has the steerable fin 7 attached. The board also has an attachment 8 for a tow line. This attachment 8 is located in the centre of the board at approximately the lowest point to give the best overall manoeuverability and stability of the board. This attachment 8-is under the control of the rider, who can automatically release the tow line if required. The board is pulled through the water, via the tow line, by a power boat, for example.

1. A Tow Board pulled through the water by a powered vessel such as a speed boat.

The Board is steered by a fin linked mechanically and operated by the rider. The rider uses the steering handle to hold on to the Board. A see through windscreen is attached at the front of the Board. A tow line is attached to the tow point, which can be released automatically by the rider if required.

2. A Tow Board as claimed in Claim 1 with suitable recesses in the surface to accommodate a rider.

3. A Tow Board as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 which accommodates a steerable fin and linkage to the grip handle.

4. A Tow Board as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 which has a mechanical release mechanism for the tow line which is operated by the rider.

5. A Tow Board as in previous claims which has a windscreen attached at the front end.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Water tow board The invention relates to a WATER TOW BOARD. The towing of skiers across water is not a new idea. It requires quite a lot of balance, control and skill in manoeuvering as with surfboards and windsurfers. Unlike water-skiing the surfboard and windsurfer are restricted to a certain degree by wave and wind direction. Balance control is not so important for this invention because it is not necessary to adopt a standing stance, although it is possible if wished. The board may be constructed from several materials, balsa wood or polyurethane, covered in fibre glass and resin or moulded in some kind of plastic. The construction techniques are similar to those used in making surfboards and windsurfers. Towing the board could be done in several ways. One way is to attach a looped cable to the board, one end either side. This loop could be several feet long. A tow line is then attached to this looped cable. The board of the invention consists of a main body, a spray and wind shield, a means of holding onto the board, a steering mechanism and steerable fin, and a tow line attachment. Preferably, the body is adapted to receive a rider prone thereon. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view and Figure 2 shows a side view. The upper surface of the board 1 has recesses 2, 3 and 4 to accommodate body contours. Suitable padding may be provided in and around these recesses. At the front of the board a see-through spray and windshield 5 is attached. A means 6 of holding onto the board is provided combined with a steering mechanism operatively linked to a steerable fin 7. The undersurface of the board is like a boat hull in shape and has the steerable fin 7 attached. The board also has an attachment 8 for a tow line. This attachment 8 is located in the centre of the board at approximately the lowest point to give the best overall manoeuverability and stability of the board. This attachment 8-is under the control of the rider, who can automatically release the tow line if required. The board is pulled through the water, via the tow line, by a power boat, for example. CLAIMS