US3830188A

US3830188A - Adjustable handle structure for water skiing towline

Info

Publication number: US3830188A
Application number: US00377746A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Humbert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-07-09
Filing date: 1973-07-09
Publication date: 1974-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-20

Abstract

A handle structure attached to the free end of a towline or rope to enable the same to be releasably gripped and held conveniently. The handle structure is especially useful for water skiing, and it functions to augment or enhance the natural grip of the skier yet enables him to quickly release his grip when necessary. The extent to which the grip of the skier is enhanced by the handle structure is selectively variable to permit the structure to be adjusted to the requirements of any particular skier. The handle structure may be in the form of a single unit sufficiently large to be gripped by both hands, and in this form it includes a handhold component adapted to be gripped by each hand of the skier. A compression member movable with respect to the hand hold component and urged theretoward into compressive engagement with the fingers of a hand compressively grips the same whenever a tensile force is applied to the towline. Adjustable limit structure carried by the compression member and provided with a plurality of elements of differing dimensions that are selectively positionable intermediate the compression member and handhold component is effective to limit relative movement therebetween in directions toward each other so as to establish a predetermined spacing therebetween to tailor the grip-enhancing feature to the skiers requirements.

Description

United States Paten [1 1 Humbert [111 3,830,188 [451 Aug. 20, 1974 ADJUSTABLE HANDLE STRUCTURE FOR WATER SKIING TOWLINE Jack M. Humbert, 1330 Broadway, Suite 1737, Opportunity, Wash. 94612 [22] Filed: July 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 377,746

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 1l5/6.l, 9/310 A [51] Int. Cl. A63c 1l/10 [58] Field of Search 115/6.1, 70; 114/235 WS;

Primary ExaminerGeorge E. A. Halvosa Assistant ExaminerEdward R. Kazenske Attorney, Agent, or FirmJoseph B. Gardner [57] ABSTRACT A handle structure attached to the free end of a towline or rope to enable the same to be releasably gripped and held conveniently. The handle structure is especially useful for water skiing, and it functions to augment or enhance the natural grip of the skier yet enables him to quickly release his grip when necessary. The extent to which the grip of the skier is enhanced by the handle structure is selectively variable to permit the structure to be adjusted to the requirements of any particular skier. The handle structure may be in the form 'of a single unit sufficiently large to be gripped by both hands, and in this form it includes a handhold component adapted to be gripped by each hand of the skier. A compression member movable with respect to the hand hold component and urged theretoward into compressive engagement with the fingers of a hand compressively grips the same whenever a tensile force is applied to the towline. Adjustable limit structure carried by the compression member and provided with a plurality of elements of differing dimensions that are selectively positionable intermediate the compression member and handhold component is effective to limit relative movement therebetween in directions toward each other so as to establish apredetermined spacing therebetween to tailor the grip-enhancing feature to the skiers requirements.

9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PAIENIEnmszomu ADJUSTABLE HANDLE STRUCTURE FOR WATER SKIING TOWLINE This invention relates generally to handle structures adapted for use at the end of a towline, rope, or the like; and it relates more particularly to a handle structure attached to the free end of a water skiing towline so as to enable the same to be gripped by a skier. The handle structure is useful in other environments, however, such as bronco riding and similar activities where both quick release and gripping assist are desirable.

Considering the exemplary environment of water skiing, one or more towlines are attached to a boat and are payed outwardly therefrom so that the free ends thereof are remote from the boat. The free end portions of the towline are respectively equipped with handle structures that enable a skier to hold onto the towline and to be accelerated through the water as the boat moves forwardly. Usually, the handle structures are relatively buoyant so that they are easily located, picked up, and then gripped by a skier preparatory to being pulled through the water.

As explained in my issued U.S. Patent No. 3,626,892, conventional handle structures heretofore in use are little more than a round bar that can be gripped by the skier and is attached at its ends to a towline. It is sometimes difficult for a skier to maintain an adequate grip on the handle structure especially during the initial stages of forward acceleration when his legs and lower trunk are being pulled through the water in an effort to impart a velocity sufficient to enable the skier to glide along the upper surface portion of the water. A rather strong grip is required at this time in order to maintain control of the handle structure, and children and heavier adults often do not have the requisite strength to maintain control of the handle structure at this time. Further, a good firm grip of the handle structure must be maintained by the skier as he is pulled along the water, and at least with some individuals this requirement quickly causes hand and arm fatigue.

An improved handle structure is disclosed in my aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,626,892, and it functions to augment or enhance the natural grip of the skier and thereby assists him in maintaining gripping control of the handle. Such improved structure includes a handhold component adapted to be gripped by the hands of a skier, and a compression member movable with respect to the handhold component and urged theretoward into compressive engagement with the fingers of a hand gripping the same whenever a tensile force is applied to the towline. Thus, not only do the fingers of the hand grip the handhold component, but the fingers tend to be urged into such gripping engagement by the compression member. Although this handle structure has been found to function in an exceedingly satisfactory manner, there are occasions when adjustment or control over the magnitude of the compressive force developed against the skiers fingers would be advantageous.

In view of the foregoing, a general object of the present invention is to provide an improved handle structure of the character described for a towline, rope, or the like such as those used in water skiing, bronco riding, and similar activities; and in which adjustment means are included for selectively establishing the magnitude of the compressive force developed between a handhold component and compression member cooperable therewith and which compressive force is applied to the fingers of a skier using the handle structure.

Further objects, among others, of the present invention are in the provision of a force-adjustable improved handle structure of the type explained in which the adjustment means includes adjustable limit structure having a plurality of elements of differing dimensions selectively positionable intermediate the compression member and handhold component to limit relative movement therebetween in directions toward each other and thereby establish predetermined spacings therebetween; in which such limit structure is carried by either the compression member or handhold component for angular displacements with respect thereto, and is provided with a plurality of sections of various radii defining the aforementioned portions of differing dimensions for selective interposition between the compression member and handhold component; in which a plurality of stops are located intermediate the various dimensional-differing elements so as to constrain the limit structure in any position of adjustment thereof; in which the limit structure is buoyant and thereby imparts additional floatability to the handle structure; in which the limit structure comprises a pair of components respectively disposed adjacent the outer end portions of the handle structure and tend to shield or protect the skiers hand or hands from the towline; and in which the compression member is sectional in character and comprises a pair of sections respectively associated with the hands of the skier and independently rotatable with respect to each other and with respect to the handhold component to permit separate release of the hands respectively engaged by the sections.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention, especially as concerns particular features and characteristics thereof, will become apparent as the specification continues.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the handle structure illustrated in association with a towline and with the handhold component of the structure being gripped by the hands of a skier;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view through the handle structure as it is illustrated in FIG. 1 but with the towline being indicated diagrammatically and the skiers hands being removed from the handhold component;

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged transverse sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view in elevation of an end portion of the handhold component of the handle structure.

Handle structure embodying the present invention, as indicated hereinbefore, is especially adapted for use by water skiers, and it is attached to the end or ends of a towline so as to enable the same to be held by the skier. The function of the handle structure is to implement the natural grip of the skier with a selectively adjustable compressive force so as to facilitate the ease with which he or she can hold the towline without, however, inhibiting the freedom of the skier to release the towline whenever this becomes necessary or desirable. Handle structure embodying the present invention may constitute a single handle structure adapted to be gripped by both hands of a skier (or other user), as

is illustrated in the drawing, but it may also be in the form of individual handle structures respectively adapted to be gripped by the opposite hands of the skier, as is shown in my aforementioned US. Patent No. 3,626,892.

The handle structure illustrated in the drawing is denoted in its entirety with the numeral 14, and it is attached to a towline the opposite lengths of which are denoted with the

numerals

15 and 15; At their opposite ends (not shown) the towline is attached to a boat which is pulling the skier whose hands are shown in FIG. 1 in association with the handle structure, and the force developed between the boat and skier imparts a tensile force to each of the towline lengths 15 and 15'; The handle structure 14 includes a hand hold component 16 which, in the form shown, is adapted to be gripped by the two hands of the skier and is sufficiently long to accommodate concurrent hand gripping. The structure 14 further includes a compression member 17 that is extendable along the handhold component 16 and is oriented in substantial parallelism therewith.

The compression member 17 is bodily movable with respect to the handhold component 16 between a closed position such as that shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 in which it is in close proximity with the handhold component 16 so as to bear against the fingers of the hand gripping the same, and a release position (not shown) spaced from the handhold component so as to enable the same to be gripped by the hands of the skier. It may be observed that the maximum release or open position of the handle structure is limited by the

knots

15a and 15a respectively located along the towline lengths 15 and 15' and which move into engagement with the handhold component 16 as the compression member 17 is displaced therefrom (i.e., toward the left, as viewed in FIG. 1). The position of the compression member 17 relative to the handhold component 16 is determined (except to the extent that limitation is established by the adjustable means to be described hereinafter) by the magnitude of the tensile force developed along the towline l5, l, and when the force is large the compression member 17 will be urged toward the handhold component 16, and as the magnitude of the tensile force decreases toward zero, the force urging the compression member 17 toward the handhold component 16 will diminish therewith in a substantially linear relationship.

The handhold component 16 includes an elongated, axially extending tube 18 that is both hollow to reduce the weight thereof and rigid. The tube 18 may be formed of any suitable material which usually will be one of the synthetic plastics, as shown, or a relatively noncorrosive metal such as aluminum. Advanta-' geously, the entire handhold component 16 is relatively lightweight, and a material having a relative low density is preferred. The component 16 may include a resilient cover (not shown) enclosing the tube 18 in coaxial circumjacent relation therewith to provide a soft or yieldable grip to be grasped by the hands of the skier.

End closures or plugs 20 and 20' are press fitted and- /or solvent or adhesively secured within the ends of the hollow tube 18 to close the same and thereby enhance its buoyancy. Each plug 20, 20' is provided with an opening 22 therein defining a generally U-shaped passage through which the towline extends and within which it is confined by a post or guide means 24 forming an integral part of the plug. Each post 24, 24' is in the nature of a fixed sheave permitting the towline to slide thereover as the compression member 17 is displaced bodily relative to the handhold component 16. The passage and

post compositions

22, 24 and 22', 24 are therefore in the nature of guide means operative to pass the towline therethrough while effectively reversing the direction of the

end portions

15 and 15 thereof and affording relative movement between the towline and handhold component so that a tensile force applied to the towline by a boat pulling the same will cause the compression member 17 to be urged toward the handhold component 16 and into compressive engagement with the fingers of the hands of the skier, as shown in FIG. 1.

The compression member 17 includes a hollow, elongated core- 26 providing a central passage 27 therethrough, and it further includes a rotatable sleeve 28 coaxially circumjacent the core 26 and freely rotatable with respect theretoqThe core 26 is a relatively rigid component formed of plastic, as in the case shown, or other suitable material such as a metal like aluminum, and it has sufficient strength to substantially prevent bending along the length of the compression member. The sleeve 28 is also a relatively rigid component similarly formed of plastic in the handle structure illustrated; and it is enclosed by a relatively thick resilient cover 30 which may be formed of sponge rubber or plastic foam such as expanded, closed cell polyethylene, and it affords a relatively soft surface for compressive engagement with the hands and fingers of the skier.

In more particular terms, the compression member 17 is an elongated component so as to extend generally from end portion to end portion of the handhold component l6, and it is of sufficient length to engage the two hands of the skier, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The core 26 is a unitary element extending from end-to-end of the compression member 17, but the sleeve 28 and cover 30 are segmented or sectioned so as to be structurally independent of each other and, therefore, freely rotatable with respect to each other and with respect to the core 26. This enables the hands of the skier to separately release from the handle structure 14. Corresponding to the segmented character of the sleeve 28 and cover 30, the separate segments or sections thereof are respectively denoted with the

numerals

28, 30 and 28', 30.

The handle structure 14 further includes adjustable limit structure that is also segmented or divided into two parts respectively disposed adjacent the opposite ends of the handle structure and denoted with the

numerals

31, 31. The

limit structure

31, 31 is in the nature of a stop or abutment that has elements thereof located intermediate the compression member 17 and handhold component 16 to limit relative movement therebetween in directions toward each other and thereby establish predetermined spacings therebetween. In the particular form shown, the

sections

31, 31 are associated with the compression member 17 and are mounted upon thecore 26 and are angularly displaceable with respect thereto although a tight fit is provided to afford substantial frictional inhibition to free rotation so as to enable the sections to maintain any position of adjustment into which they are moved, as subsequently explained. It should be observed that the limit structure can be mounted upon the handhold component 16, however.

The

limit structure sections

31, 31 are somewhat roller-like in configuration, and they are relatively stiff or firm components effective to limit the extent to which the compression member 17 can be displaced toward the handhold component 16. The limit sections may be made of any material having the desired degree of structural stiffness or resistance, but the material selected is advantageously buoyant so as to enhance floatability of the handle structure 14 as in the particular water skiing embodiment of the invention being considered. The sections can be formed from a relatively hard rubber, but the particular embodiment shown has elements constructed of a relatively dense polyethylene foam such as nine-pound, closed-cell polyethylene foam. The

sections

31, 31 are constrained upon the core 26 against removal therefrom and against significant axial displacements therealong by being disposed along their inner faces in adjacency with the covers 30 and 30', and by having laterally extending

flanges

32, 32 of inserts 34, 34' being disposed in facing relation with the outer surfaces thereof. The

inserts

34, 34 may be plastic components, as shown, and they may be solvent-welded, adhesively secured, and/or press fitted into the end portions of the passage 27 in the core 26.

The inserts have passageways therethrough in open communication with the passage 27 and forming continuations thereof, and the towline extends continuously through the hollow interior 27 of the core 26 and through the inserts. The towline, as previously explained, also extends through the passages 22, 22' and relative movement within limits is provided between the towline and both the handhold component 16 and compression member 17. However, any such relative movement is generally of a restrictive character once the handle structure 14 is operatively associated with the towline since it is only necessary that the towline move relative to the handhold component 16 as the compression member 17 is displaced toward and away from the handhold component. The movement permitted between the towline and the handle structure automatically equalizes the tensile force applied thereto from the boat via the towline. Thus, the compressive force developed by the compression member 17 against the fingers and hands of a skier tends to be symmetrical in magnitude from hand-to-hand.

As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 3, each of the sections of the adjustable limit structure is provided with a plurality of elements or sections of differing radial dimensions referenced to the central longitudinal axis of the core 26. In the particular form of the invention being considered, there are three such elements selectively positionable intermediate the handhold component l6 and compression member 17, and such elements are respectively denoted with the

numerals

35, 36, and 37. These elements are of substantially the same angular lengths and together define an arcuate distance approximating 360 degrees. The elements are separated, or joined, with each other via a plurality of

stops

38, 39, and 40, there being three such stops in the embodiment of the invention being considered. These stops are in the form of radial projections that extend outwardly beyond the radial dimensions of the respectively associated elements 35-37 and tend to maintain the

sections

31, 31 in any position of angular adjustment thereof relative to the handhold component 16.

The elements 35-37 are selectively disposable in facing relation with the handhold component 16, and are therefore interposed between such handhold component and the compression member 17 so as to abuttingly engage the handhold component upon application of a tensile force to the towline 15, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3.

Such positive engagement of the sections 31, 31' with the handhold component 16 establishes a predetermined spacing between the facing surface portions of the handhold component and resilient covers 30, of the compression member 17. The spacing thus established between these facing surface areas is variable in accordance with the radial dimension of the particular element -37 oriented at any time to engage the handhold component. With the element 35 disposed for engagement therewith, as shown in FIG. 3, the spacing is minimum for the particular handle structure being considered. If the sections 31, 31' are adjusted so as to dispose the elements 36 in facing relation with the handhold component 16, the spacing between the handhold component and the covers 30, 30' will be increased, as is indicatedby the arrow-equipped line in FIG. 3 that defines a continuation of the element 36.

The increase in spacing, it will be appreciated, is equal to the difference between the radial dimensions of the

elements

35 and 36. Analogously, if the sections 31, 31' are rotated so as to dispose the elements 37 in facing relation with the hand-hold component 16 for abutment thereby the spacing will be increased by the difference in radial dimensions between the element 35 (or 36, as the case may be) and the element 37, as is indicated by the arrow-equipped line in FIG. 3 constituting an extension of the element 37. Evidently, as the spacing between the handhold component 16 and

resilient covers

30, 30 increases, the magnitude of the compressive force applied to the hands of a skier necessarily is diminished. The stops 38 through 40 define the angular limits of the respectively associated elements 35 through 37 and tend to limit rotational displacement of the compression member 17 about its own longitudinal axis relative to the handhold component 16. Thus, the handle structure 14 tends to maintain any position of compressional adjustment imposed thereon by selective positioning of the

limit structure sections

31, 31.

In use of the handle structure 14, the skier grasps the handhold component 16 preparatory to having the

towline

15, 15 tensioned by the forward motion of the boat attached thereto. Since the towline is slack when the handle structure is first gripped by the skier, there is no difficulty in gripping the handhold component 16 with the hands in spaced apart relation therealong because the fingers can readily slip between the handhold component and the

respective sections

28, 30 and 28', 30 of the compression member 17. The hands will be located along the component 16, and with reference to the compression member 17 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1.

As the boat moves forwardly and the towline 15, 15' is tensioned, the compression member 17 is drawn toward the handhold component 16 so that the cover sections 30, 30' are urged into compressive engagement with the fingers of the skiers hands. In this respect, as the towline lengths 15, 15' are tensioned (i.e., drawn toward the left as shown in FIG. 1), such tensile force is reversed in direction by the posts or guide means 24, 24 with the result that the tensile force is directed against the compression member 17 and core 26 thereof so as to cause the same to move toward the handhold component and to pair against the fingers gripping the same.

Accordingly, the grip imparted to the handhold component 16 is augmented or enhanced by the compressive force defined by the compression member 17 which presses against the fingers of the skiers'hands. The combined action of the grip and the compressive force enables the skier to maintain tight control over the handle structure for relatively long periods without excessive fatigue, and it also inhibits the tendency of the handle to be stripped from the grip of the skier during those periods of acceleration particularly in the case of the skier being a child that does not have a strong grip or a heavy person which has considerable inertia which must be overcome in being accelerated in forward motion.

Prior to signaling the boat attendant to accelerate, the skier may adjust the sections 31, 31' to the angular position at which the spacing defined thereby between the han dhold component 16 and compression member 17 seems adequate for the size of his fingers. If the adjustment is found to be incorrect and the compressive force to be too small or too great, the skier can readjust the sections 31, 31' to a more appropriate position.

Whenever it is necessary or desirable for the skier to release the handle structure 14, his grip on the handhold component 16 is released and the compressive force formerly applied by the compression member 17 is converted into rolling friction which has a very low value and enables one or the other or both of the

sections

28, 30 and 28', 30' to ride freely over the backs of the fingers. The independent permissable rotational movement of the

sections

28, 30 and 28', 30' enables the skier to release one hand but not the other, should this be desirable; and it also accommodates any inequality in the rates at which the grip is released as between the two hands of the skier. Accordingly, there is no tendency for the skin along the hands and fingers to be burned by an unequal pull therebetween, and the handle structure can be released as readily as if the compression member 17 were not present. Also, proper adjustment of the

sections

31, 31 to the particular requirements of any skier limit the magnitude of the compressive force to one that is both comfortable and will not inhibit quick and readly release of the handle structure when necessary or desirable.

While in the foregoing specification an embodiment of the invention has been described in considerable detail for purposes of making a complete disclosure thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and'principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A handle structure for a water ski towline and the like, comprising: a handhold component adapted to be grasped by the hand of one using the same; a compression member extendible along said handhold component and substantially parallel therewith for movement with respect thereto between a closed position in proximity therewith to bear against the fingers of one gripping said handhold component and release position spaced therefrom to enable the same to be gripped; fastener means provided by said compression member for securing a towline thereto so that a force can be transferred from the towline to the compression member;

guide means provided by said handhold component for passing such towline therethrough while effectively reversing the direction thereof and affording relative movement therebetween so that a tensile force applied to such towline by a boat pulling the same will cause said compression member to be urged toward said handhold component and compressive engagement with the fingers of a hand gripping the same; and adjustable limit structure having a plurality of sections of differing dimensions selectively positionable intermediate said compression member and handhold component to limit relative movement therebetween in directions toward each other and thereby establish predetermined spacings therebetween.

2. The handle structure of claim 1 in which said limit structure is carried by one of said compression'member and handhold component for movement relative thereto to effect the aforesaid selective positioning of said sections intermediate said compression member and handhold component.

3. The handle structure of claim 2 in which said limit structure is carried by said compression member for angular displacements relative thereto and is annular and subdivided into a plurality of arcs each of which has a radius varying from that of the others and respectively defining the aforesaid sections of differing dimensions.

4. The handle structure of claim 3 in which said limit structure is equipped with a plurality of angularly spaced stops respectively interposed intermediate said arcs.

5. The handle structure of claim 2 in which said limit structure is annular and angularly displaceable with respect to the member carrying the same, and in which said limit structure includes a plurality of arcs each of which has a radius varying from that of the others and respectively defining the aforesaid sections of differing dimensions;

6. The handle structure of claim 5 in which said limit structure is equipped with a plurality of angularly spaced stops respectively interposed intermediate said arcs.

7. The handle structure of claim 6 in which a pair of limit structures are disposed in axially spaced relation along said handle structure each being equipped with a plurality of arcs of varying radii as aforesaid.

8. The handle structure of claim 1 in which said compression member and handhold component are axially elongated and said compression member includes an elongated core and a sleeve rotatably supported thereon in a coaxial circumjacent relation therewith, said sleeve being segmented and providing independently rotatable sections adapted to respectively engage hands and fingers of one using the handle structure; a pair of limit structures are mounted upon one of said compression member and handhold component in axially spaced relation therealong for abutable engagement with the other, each of said limit structures having a plurality of arcs each of which has a radius varying from that of the others and respectively defining the aforesaid sections of differing dimensions.

9. The handle structure of claim 8 in which each of said limit structures is equipped with a plurality of angularly spaced stops respectively interposed intermediate said arcs.

Claims

1. A handle structure for a water ski towline and the like, comprising: a handhold component adapted to be grasped by the hand of one using the same; a compression member extendible along said handhold component and substantially parallel therewith for movement with respect thereto between a closed position in proximity therewith to bear against the fingers of one gripping said handhold component and release position spaced therefrom to enable the same to be gripped; fastener means provided by said compression member for securing a towline thereto so that a force can be transferred from the towline to the compression member; guide means provided by said handhold component for passing such towline therethrough while effectively reversing the direction thereof and affording relative movement therebetween so that a tensile force applied to such towline by a boat pulling the same will cause said compression member to be urged toward said handhold component and compressive engagement with the fingers of a hand gripping the same; and adjustable limit structure having a plurality of sections of differing dimensions selectively positionable intermediate said compression member and handhold component to limit relative movement therebetween in directions toward each other and thereby establish predetermined spacings therebetween.

2. The handle structure of claim 1 in which said limit structure is carried by one of said compression member and handhold component for movement relative thereto to effect the aforesaid selective positioning of said sections intermediate said compression member and handhold component.

5. The handle structure of claim 2 in which said limit structure is annular and angularly displaceable with respect to the member carrying the same, and in which said limit structure includes a pluralIty of arcs each of which has a radius varying from that of the others and respectively defining the aforesaid sections of differing dimensions.