WAKE SKI

Technical Field

The present invention relates to water skis.

Description of the Prior Art

Heretofore, ski manufacturers have produced slalom and trick water skis as two separate and distinctly different types of skis. The slalom ski is used in high speed turns and the trick ski is used for low speed turns, spins, wake tricks, and aerial moves.

Traditionally, the slalom ski has been a narrow elongated shape with a fin at the tail and bindings mounted end to end at the mid-body of the ski. The greatly upturned fore-body portion of the slalom ski allows the ski to pass through water at high speed without spilling end over end. The fin keeps the rear or tail of the ski from slipping sideways. However this configuration is not very maneuverable at low tricking speeds. Conversely, the modern trick ski with its very slightly upturned forward end and lack of a stabilizing fin make it highly unstable at high speeds.

In addition to the disadvantage of the traditional slalom and trick ski regarding using one ski for slalom and trick skiing (dual use), other disadvantages exist. For example, slalom skis are long and narrow with a fin at the rear which makes them less maneuverable at low speeds. Trick skis with their flat profile and lack of a fin are highly unstable at high boat speeds. Traditional slalom and trick skis are limited by design to either trick skiing or slalom skiing but not both.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including its features and advantages, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals identify like parts, and in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of wake ski;

Figure 2 is a bottom view of the wake ski of Figure 1 ;

Figures 3A and B are side views of the wake ski of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a wake ski adapted for use as training skis;

Figure 5 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a wake ski; and

Figures 6A-6D are cross sectional views of alternate embodiments of a wake ski taken at Vl-Vl of Figure 5.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring now to Figures 1-3A and 3B in the drawings, the preferred embodiment of a wake ski 101 according to the present invention is illustrated. Wake ski 101 comprises a deck 103, a lead foot binding 105, an optional secondary foot binding 107, and one or more fins 109. Deck 103 has a top side 111 , a bottom side 113, a front end 115, a rear end 117, a left side 119, and a right side 121. Deck 103 is particularly well suited to allow a rider of wake ski 101 to perform a variety of tricks.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, deck 103 has generally bulbous front and rear ends 115, 117, such that the transverse width near ends 115, 117 is generally larger than the transverse width at a midsection 123 of deck 103. More specifically, the transverse width of deck 103 increases gradually from the transverse width of midsection 123 to the wider transverse widths of ends 115, 117. Ends 115, 117 are preferably substantially similar in size and shape such that a rider of wake skis 101 may ride wake skis 101 with either end 115, 117 oriented toward the direction of travel along the surface of water. The bulbous ends 115, 117 also provide increased surface area for contacting the water, such that the rider of wake ski 101 enjoys increased displacement of the water. As shown in Figure 3A, deck 103 is formed to have a generally elliptical curve from front end 115 to rear end 117, such that ends

115, 117 are generally out of plane with midsection 123, and such that midsection 123 is generally lower than both ends 115, 117. In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 3B, deck 103 is formed to be generally flat at midsection 123, but to turn upwards at front end 115 and rear end 117. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of a wake ski may include decks having different shapes.

While deck 103 has substantially continuous curves as viewed from each side 111 , 113, 119, and 121 , other deck designs may include any combination of linear, non-linear, and compound curves, while still providing enlarged transverse widths near the front and rear ends as viewed from above and below, and a generally lower midsection than front and rear ends 115, 117, as viewed from left side 119 and right side 121. For example, as viewed from left side 119 and right side 121 , an alternate embodiment of a deck may be shaped to have a substantially flat midsection 123 combined with upwardly bent front end 115 and rear end 117. Decks may vary in shape by having integral longitudinal channels formed along bottom side 113 at upturned ends 115 and/or 117. In those embodiments haying longitudinal channels, it is preferred that the channels not extend into the flat portion of midsection 123, as such channels tend to increase drag. Deck 103 is preferably formed of laminate wood material with a protective coating and is resistant to fragmentation caused by impact with other decks 103 and other objects. It will be appreciated that deck 103 may alternatively be constructed of synthetic, manmade, natural materials, or any combination thereof, including polyurethane.

Deck 103 further comprises apertures 125 for receiving fasteners (not shown). Fasteners are adapted to connect fins 109 to bottom side 113. Apertures 125 are located in positions suitable for keeping fins 109 near front and rear ends 115, 117 of bottom side 113. Fins 109 are generally thin, curved, plate-like protrusions particularly well suited for insertion into water as wake ski 101 planes along the surface of water. Fins 109 are oriented such that fins 109 extend away from bottom side 113 and are generally aligned longitudinally with the length of deck 103 between front and rear ends 115, 117. As viewed from left and right sides fins 109 are shaped generally as having partial elliptical curves and are substantially similar to conventional wake board fins; however, alternative embodiments of wake ski 101

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may incorporate fins having other curved, non-linear, or irregular shapes. In an alternate embodiment fins 109 are wedge shaped. In another alternate embodiment, fins 109 are triangular or sail-like in shape. Further, multiple fins 109 may alternatively be located in close proximity to each other. Wake ski 101 preferably has two fins 109 located generally near each of front and rear ends 115, 117. Fins

109 are generally located a short distance from the outer edges of deck 103 as viewed from above and below and are generally equidistant from a longitudinal centerline of deck 103; however, alternative embodiments of a wake ski may incorporate fins 109 at other locations along the bottom side of deck 113. In an alternate embodiment 3 fins 109 are located in close proximity at each front and rear ends 115, 117. In another alternate embodiment the middle fin 109 is larger and cuts deeper into the water than the other fins 109. In anther alternative embodiment there is one central fin109 at each front and rear ends 115, 117.

Fins 109 are located such that while in operation, only one set of fins 109 (either the two fins 109 located at near front end 115 or the two fins 109 located near rear end 117) engage the water during normal use of wake ski 101. While wake ski 101 incorporates fins 109 in a fixed manner, alternative embodiments of wake ski 101 may incorporate apertures and fins designed to allow selective removal, swapping, interchanging, and/or replacement of fins 109. Where aperture and fin designs allow for complete removal of fins 109, plugs (not shown) may be inserted into the apertures. These plugs may also be shaped and sized in various manners conducive to either selectively increasing or decreasing friction between the wake ski and the water. Further, apertures and fins may be incorporated to allow a user to select from a number of fin shapes, materials, sizes, and/or colors without necessitating the purchase of a different wake ski having fixed fins of the desired shape, material, size and/or color. Generally, when fins 109 are engaged with water as wake ski 101 planes along the surface of water, a rider enjoys the benefit of increase directional stability and/or control, which is particularly useful when performing tricks, skiing backwards, and traversing a water wake formed by a tow vehicle.

Lead foot binding 105 and optional secondary foot binding 107 are attached to top side 111 to provide a convenient and comfortable interface between at least one foot of a rider of wake ski 101 and wake ski 101. As shown in Figure 1, lead foot binding 105 is located generally centered along the length and generally centered along the width of deck 103 at midsection 123 of deck 103. Lead foot binding 105 is oriented, shaped and otherwise adapted, such that when a user inserts his foot into lead foot binding, the toes of the foot inserted into lead foot binding 105 are pointed toward front end 115 while the heel of his foot inserted into lead foot binding 105 is pointed toward rear end 117. Lead foot binding 105 is preferably an adjustable boot- type binding that supports the user's foot and ankle. Lead foot binding 105 is a standard binding mount to allow for any wakeboard boot with claw grip.

Optional secondary foot binding 107 is located generally centered along the width of deck 103 and behind lead foot binding 105 nearer rear end 117 of deck 103. Optional secondary foot binding 107 is preferably oriented such that when the user inserts his foot into secondary foot binding 107, his toes point at an angle offset from the longitudinal centerline of deck 103. In the preferred embodiment, one wake ski 101 has a leftward secondary foot binding orientation, and a second wake ski 101 has a rightward secondary foot binding orientation. This configuration allows the user to choose his preference in binding orientation when using a single wake ski 101 to slalom ski. Secondary foot binding 107 is preferably a strap-type binding formed to accept the user's foot that is not inserted into lead foot binding 105.

Bindings 105, 107 preferably comprise comfortable polyurethane elements for contacting and supporting user's feet and ankles. Of course, the polyurethane elements may be selected to have any density chosen from a wide range of suitable densities. It will be appreciated that bindings 105, 107 and/or top side 111 may include padding, grip tape, rough-textured surface finishes, and other anti-slip components to aid the user in maneuvering wake ski 101 and to provide comfort to the user during use.

To begin skiing using wake skis 101 , a rider inserts one foot into lead foot binding 105 of a first wake ski 101 and inserts his other foot into lead foot binding

105 of a second wake ski 101. Once his feet are properly inserted into bindings 105, the rider is ready to be towed by a tow vehicle. Initially, the rider is dragged through the water with bottom sides 113 partially submerged below the surface of the water. After a substantial increase in towing speed, the rider "stands up" on wake skis 101 and begins to plane along the surface of the water with significantly less drag between wake skis 101 and the water. Once wake skis 101 are planing along the surface of the water, the rider may begin to perform maneuvers or other tricks, such as spinning, traveling to the left or right, jumping, flipping, or any combination thereof. Particularly, wake ski 101 is well suited to allow a rider to selectively engage fins 109 with the water, resulting in a variety of effects. The rider selectively engages fins 109 with the water by shifting his weight and/or otherwise applying pressure to deck 103 such that only the selected fins 109 engage the water. A rider may even choose to minimize and/or eliminate fin 109 engagement with the water by substantially centering his weight such that the upwardly bowed front and rear ends 115, 117 are lifted from the water and wake ski 101 planes along the water with midsection 123 of wake ski 101 becoming the primary portion touching the water. Of course, a rider may choose to engage fins 109 of front end 115 by shifting his weight or applying pressure toward front end 115 or a rider may choose to engage fins 109 of rear end 117 by shifting his weight or applying pressure toward rear end 117.

A rider may choose to slalom ski with only one wake ski 101. If so, the rider places one foot in lead foot binding 105 and her other foot into secondary binding 107, should secondary binding 107 be present. It will be appreciated that users may choose to slalom ski on a single wake ski 101 that does not include a secondary binding 107. In such cases, it is useful to supply padding, grip tape, and/or rough- textured surface finishes on top side 111 , at least in an area behind lead foot binding

105 to aid the user in maneuvering wake ski 101. Once her feet are properly positioned, the rider is ready to ride wake ski 101 as set for the above.

During use of two wake skis, the first wake ski 101 may collide with the second wake ski 101. As shown in Figure 4, edge bumpers 127 may be installed onto deck 103 to prevent damage to deck 103 caused by the collisions between wake skis 101. Edge bumpers 127 are preferably impact resistant plastic strips

molded to conform to the outer edges of deck 103 of wake skis 101. Edge bumpers 127 are particularly well suited for use with deck constructed materials having low impact resistance. Therefore, a lightweight deck constructed of low impact resistance material could be fortified against collision damage by incorporating bumpers 127. Further, as shown in Figure 4, wake ski 101 may be adapted for use as training skis by the inclusion of at least one training crossbar 129 adapted to interconnect two wake skis 101. Crossbar 129 is useful in limiting collisions between two wake skis 101 and useful in assisting inexperienced or weak riders in achieving successful planing and general enjoyment of wake skis 101.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the bottom side 113 of deck

103 of wake ski 101. Deck 103 has a bottom side 113, a front end 115, a rear end 117, and midsection 123. Roman numeral Vl indicates where the cross sections shown in Figure 6 occur. Midsection 123 comprises three areas, right side 131 , left side 133, and center 132. As shown in Figure 5, right side 131 and left side 133 are beveled in comparison to center 132. Right side 131 may be convex, concave, inclined, or curved in shape or any combination thereof. Left side 133 may be convex, concave, inclined, or curved in shape or any combination thereof. Center 132 may be flat, convex, or concave. In Figure 5, center 132 is flat. The width of right side 131 and left side 133 depicted in Figure 5 is presented as an example and is not intended to limit exemplary embodiments of the wake board to just what is shown. Those skilled in the art will realize that in various embodiments the width of right side 131 and left side 133 may be wider or narrower, as required by the specific implementation. Beveling right side 131 and left side 133 provides a larger surface area and greater displacement for wake ski 101. This allows for increased lift when leaving a wake and allows for aerial maneuvers.

Right side 131 and left side 133 are depicted in Figure 5 as running the length of midsection 123, from front end 115 to rear end 117. The example length of right side 131 and left side 133 shown in Figure 5 is not intended to limit embodiments of the wake board to the length depicted. In other alternative embodiments, right side 131 and left side 133 may be longer or shorter than depicted in Figure 5. Right side

131 and left side 133 have end portions 135. As depicted in Figure 5, end portions

135 are curved in shape. However, end portions 135 in Figure 5 are presented as an example and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments of the wake board to just what is shown. Those skilled in the art will realize that in various embodiments that end portions 135 could be of various configurations, including, but not limited to, rectangular, rounded, a diagonal line, or an angled line, as required by the specific implementation. Furthermore, in another alternative embodiment, where right side 131 and left side 133 do not run the entire length of midsection 123, there are no end portions 135.

Figures 6A-6D illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of wake ski 101. The cross-sectional views of Figures 6A-6D are taken at VI-VI of

Figure 5. Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of wake ski 101. In Figure 6A ₁ the beveled right side 131 and left side 133 of bottom 113 have an inclined shape. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of wake ski 101. In Figure 6B, the beveled right side 131 and left side 133 of bottom 113 have a convex shape. Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of wake ski 101. In Figure 6C, the beveled right side 131 and left side 133 of bottom 113 have a concave shape. Figure 6D shows a cross- sectional view of an embodiment of wake ski 101. In Figure 6D, the beveled right side 131 and left side 133 of bottom 113 have a shape that is a combination of an incline and a concave shape.

While a wake ski has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and other embodiments of the wake ski will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description.