# US 8,770,133 B2 · Device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports

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- Number: US 8,770,133 B2
- Document ID: US8770133B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/320,951
- Filed: 2010-05-28
- Published: 2012-07-12
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2009-05-28
- Applicants: Gerard Dufour
- Inventors: Gerard Dufour
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8770133B2

## CPC

- B63B 32/30: Water skis fastened to the user's feet; Accessories specially adapted therefor
- B63B 34/54: specially adapted for being towed, e.g. banana boats, water sledges or towed buoys (arrangements for towing B63B34/60)
- B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06)

## Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for practicing towed boardsports while avoiding falls and saving time in learning, teaching, and progressing. The device consists of a rigid structure (2, 9) connected to a towing vehicle and provided with a means (3, 4) for suspending a user (5) such that the latter no longer falls. The means for suspending a user includes a rope attached to the top of the structure, at the end of which a harness for suspending the user (5) is attached. The user (5) is suspended under the device. Thus suspended, the user (5) no longer falls. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for boardsports towed by motor boats.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A towing device for assisting in a practice of towed slide sports, comprising: a structure which is connected to a towing machine and which provides a means of support and suspension for a user, wherein the means of support and suspension further include only a rope attached to a top of the structure and a harness directly connected to the rope, wherein the harness is configured for suspending the user, wherein the means of support and suspension can be adjusted in height by using a winch.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The towing device according to claim 1, wherein the structure is comprised of elements allowing sliding and of a structure in a form of an arch positioned on a part that ensures the slide.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The towing device according to claim 2, further comprising means that ensure buoyancy.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The towing device according to claim 3, wherein the means that ensure buoyancy are equipped with curved plates which are attached to each side of the arch structure.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The towing device according to claim 1, wherein the structure is attached by an extremity to the towing machine.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The towing device according to claim 1, wherein the structure is pole shaped, the rope configured to suspend the user in the harness being attached to a free extremity.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

Assembly comprised of the towing device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports according to claim 1 and a towing engine for the towing device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports, the towing device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports being connected to the towing engine by means of an adjustable rope.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

Assembly comprised of the towing device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports according to claim 1 and a towing engine for the towing device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports, wherein the towing device for assisting in the practice of towed slide sports which is attached to the towing engine.