Back to results
US 12,649,548 B2Granted
Tacking rudder for personal flotation device, and method of use
OwnerRandall L. Parteninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A towable personal flotation device (PFD) is provided that includes a rudder attached to the device so as to extend into the water when the PFD is towed through water. The rudder is positioned, relative to the direction of travel, such that water flowing across the rudder imparts a lateral force to the rudder, causing the PFD to follow a parallel course. Methods are also provided, for delivering the personal flotation device to a person in or across the water.
Claims1
A device configured to be towed in water, comprising:
- a personal flotation device;
- a towline attachment point on the personal flotation device, configured to receive a towline;
- a tacking rudder coupled to the personal flotation device at an angle that is less than 90 degrees relative to a direction of travel when the personal flotation device is towed through water by a line coupled to the towline attachment point, such that, when the personal flotation device is towed through the water with the tacking rudder extending downward, water flowing past the tacking rudder imparts, to the personal flotation device, a lateral force relative to the direction of travel;
- and wherein:
- the personal flotation device is in the form of a water ski tow rope handle, and includes a cross bar coupled to a tow rope via a yoke;
- and
- the tacking rudder is one of two tacking rudders, a first coupled to one side of the yoke and extending in a first direction, the other of the two tacking rudders coupled to the other side of the yoke and extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.