U.S. patent application number 15/267015 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-15 for wake enhancer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wakesurf Edge, LLC. Invention is credited to Troy Tegeder.
Application Number | 20180072389 15/267015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61526264 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180072389 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tegeder; Troy |
March 15, 2018 |
WAKE ENHANCER
Abstract
A wake enhancer can be configured to be quickly and easily
coupled to and decoupled from a boat even when the boat is in water
and without requiring any modification/alteration to the boat. The
wake enhancer can include a base, an arm that extends from the base
to form a forward facing surface for diverting the flow of water,
and opposing sidewalls that extend between the base and the arm to
provide support to the arm. The wake enhancer can also include
suction cup assemblies that are integrated into the base and
function to couple the wake enhancer to the hull of a boat. The
opposing sidewalls can include recessed ends which facilitate
access to handles of the suction cup assemblies to in turn
facilitate coupling and decoupling the wake enhancer.
Inventors: |
Tegeder; Troy; (Winchester,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wakesurf Edge, LLC |
Winchester |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61526264 |
Appl. No.: |
15/267015 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/70 20200201;
B63B 34/70 20200201 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/85 20060101
B63B035/85; B63B 1/20 20060101 B63B001/20 |
Claims
1. A wake enhancer comprising: a base having a front end and a rear
end; an arm extending outwardly and rearwardly from the base, the
arm forming a forward facing surface for diverting the flow of
water when the wake enhancer is coupled to a boat; opposing
sidewalls that extend between the base and the arm to provide
support to the arm, the opposing sidewalls being positioned towards
the front end of the base and extend lengthwise from the front end
of the base to approximately a midpoint of the base; and one or
more suction cup assemblies that are secured to the base and
configured to couple the wake enhancer to a hull of a boat.
2. (canceled)
3. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the opposing sidewalls
include recessed ends.
4. The wake enhancer of claim 3, wherein the recessed ends are
inwardly curved.
5. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein each suction cup assembly
comprises: a suction cup that is positioned underneath the base; a
handle that extends through the base; and an engagement lever that
is coupled to the handle and pivots with respect to the handle
between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
6. The wake enhancer of claim 5, wherein, when in the engaged
position, the engagement lever is positioned alongside the handle,
whereas, when in the disengaged position, the engagement lever is
positioned away from the handle.
7. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the base includes a drain
opening.
8. The wake enhancer of claim 7, wherein the drain opening is
positioned towards the front end of the base.
9. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the arm has a
substantially flat outer face.
10. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the arm has an outer face
tat forms a concave channel.
11. The wake enhancer of claim 1, further comprising: a rubber
coating on at least a bottom surface of the base.
12. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the arm extends from the
base at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees.
13. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the suction cup
assemblies are positioned towards the rear end of the base.
14. The wake enhancer of claim 1, wherein the base, the arm, and
the opposing sidewalls are integrally molded.
15. A wake enhancer comprising: a base having a front end and a
rear end; an arm extending outwardly and rearwardly from the base,
the arm forming a forward facing surface for diverting the flow of
water when the wake enhancer is coupled to a boat; opposing
sidewalls that extend between the base and the arm to provide
support to the arm; and one or more suction cup assemblies, each
suction cup assembly comprising: a suction cup positioned below the
base; a handle extending through the base; and an engagement lever
positioned above the base, the engagement lever configured to pivot
with respect to the handle between and engaged and a disengaged
position.
16. The wake enhancer of claim 15, wherein the base includes a
drain opening positioned towards the front end of the base.
17. The wake enhancer of claim 16, wherein the drain opening is
positioned between the front end and the one or more suction cup
assemblies.
18. The wake enhancer of claim 15, wherein each opposing sidewall
has a recessed end.
19. A wake enhancer comprising: a base having a front end and a
rear end; an arm extending outwardly and rearwardly from the base,
the arm forming a forward facing surface for diverting the flow of
water when the wake enhancer is coupled to a boat; opposing
sidewalls that extend between the base and the arm to provide
support to the arm, the opposing sidewalls having recessed ends;
and one or more suction cup assemblies, at least one of the suction
cup assemblies being positioned rearwardly from the recessed ends,
each suction cup assembly comprising: a suction cup positioned
below the base; a handle extending through the base; and an
engagement lever positioned above the base, the engagement lever
configured to pivot with respect to the handle between and engaged
and a disengaged position.
20. The wake enhancer of claim 19, wherein the base includes a
drain opening positioned towards the front end of the base.
21. The wake enhancer of claim 15, wherein the forward facing
surface forms a concave channel.
22. The wake enhancer of claim 19, wherein the forward facing
surface forms a concave channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wakesurfing is a sport in which an individual rides the wake
of a boat without being directly pulled by the boat. Most boats do
not naturally produce a wake that is suitable (e.g., large enough
and/or with a smooth enough face) for surfing. Therefore, a number
of different devices and techniques have been created to modify the
wake that is produced by a boat. For example, ballast (or weight)
may be added to one side of the boat to cause it to ride lower in
the water. Although reasonably effective, weighting the boat in
this manner is dangerous since the boat will be much more likely to
take on water or even capsize. It can also be difficult to drive a
boat while it is listed to one side. Additionally, when using
ballast, switching which side the surfer will ride on can be a very
tedious process since the ballast will need to be emptied from the
one side and then filled on the other.
[0003] To address the downsides of using ballast to produce a
suitable wake, some wake enhancing devices have been created. These
wake enhancers are typically in the form of a device that attaches
to one side of the boat towards the stern. Although the exact
mechanism by which such devices enhance the wake is beyond the
scope of this specification, suffice it to say that such devices
alter the flow of water around one side of the boat thereby
enhancing the wake on the opposite side of the boat.
[0004] There are a number of downsides to the various wake
enhancing devices currently available. For example, it can be
difficult to secure these devices to the boat--especially in a
manner that may not require permanent alteration/damage to the
boat.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention extends to a wake enhancer that is
configured to be quickly and easily coupled to and decoupled from a
boat even when the boat is in water and without requiring any
modification/alteration to the boat. In this way, the wake enhancer
of the present invention can be coupled to a desired side of the
boat in any suitable location or orientation.
[0006] In one embodiment, a wake enhancer can include: a base
having a front end and a rear end; an arm extending outwardly and
rearwardly from the base, the arm forming a forward facing surface
for diverting the flow of water when the wake enhancer is coupled
to a boat; opposing sidewalls that extend between the base and the
arm to provide support to the arm, the opposing sidewalls being
positioned towards the front end of the base; and one or more
suction cup assemblies that are secured to the base and configured
to couple the wake enhancer to a hull of a boat.
[0007] In another embodiment, the wake enhancer can include: a base
having a front end and a rear end; an arm extending outwardly and
rearwardly from the base, the arm forming a forward facing surface
for diverting the flow of water when the wake enhancer is coupled
to a boat; opposing sidewalls that extend between the base and the
arm to provide support to the arm; and one or more suction cup
assemblies, each suction cup assembly comprising: a suction cup
positioned below the base; a handle extending through the base; and
an engagement lever positioned above the base, the engagement lever
configured to pivot with respect to the handle between and engaged
and a disengaged position.
[0008] In another embodiment, the wake enhancer can include: a base
having a front end and a rear end; an arm extending outwardly and
rearwardly from the base, the arm forming a forward facing surface
for diverting the flow of water when the wake enhancer is coupled
to a boat; opposing sidewalls that extend between the base and the
arm to provide support to the arm, the opposing sidewalls having
recessed ends; and one or more suction cup assemblies, at least one
of the suction cup assemblies being positioned rearwardly from the
recessed ends, each suction cup assembly comprising: a suction cup
positioned below the base; a handle extending through the base; and
an engagement lever positioned above the base, the engagement lever
configured to pivot with respect to the handle between and engaged
and a disengaged position.
[0009] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate various views of a first embodiment
of a wake enhancer;
[0012] FIG. 2A-2F illustrate various views of a second embodiment
of a wake enhancer; and
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a suction cup assembly that can be
employed in the first and second embodiments of the wake
enhancer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate various views of a wake enhancer 100
that is configured in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Wake enhancer 100 comprises a body formed of a base 101,
an arm 102 that extends upwardly/outwardly at an angle (e.g., at a
45.degree. angle) from base 101, and opposing sidewalls 103a, 103b
that extend between a portion of base 101 and arm 102. Wake
enhancer 100 further comprises two suction cup assemblies 151, 152
that are integrated into base 101 such that suction cups 151a, 152a
are positioned under base 101 thereby allowing wake enhancer 100 to
be coupled to a boat.
[0015] Base 101 can extend between a front end 100a and a rear end
100b of wake enhancer 100. In this context, "front" refers to the
fact that wake enhancer 100 is intended to be coupled to a boat
with front end 100a facing the front of the boat. Arm 102 emanates
from base 101 at front end 100a such that arm 102 forms a forward
facing surface that extends outwardly from the boat's hull in a
rearward direction when wake enhancer 100 is coupled to the hull.
Wake enhancer 100 is intended to be coupled to the hull below the
water surface so that arm 102 diverts the flow of water outwardly
as the boat moves forward. As best seen in FIG. 1A, arm 102 can
come to a point at front end 100a such that there is little to no
gap between arm 102 and the hull during use of wake enhancer 100.
This will minimize the amount of water that may flow between wake
enhancer 100 and the hull.
[0016] Sidewalls 103a, 103b extend between base 101 and arm 102
along the frontward region of base 101. In other words, sidewalls
103a, 103b extend in a lengthwise direction from front end 100a to
approximately a midpoint between front end 100a and rear end 100b
thereby forming side openings into the interior space between base
101 and arm 102. In this embodiment, sidewalls 103a, 103b include
recessed (or inwardly curved) ends 103a1, 103b1 respectively.
Recessed ends 103a1, 103b1 provide additional access into the
interior of wake enhancer 100 without overly compromising the
structural reinforcement that sidewalls 103a, 103b provide to arm
102. In some embodiments, base 101, arm 102, and sidewalls 103a,
103b can be molded as an integral structure to thereby enhance the
structural integrity of wake enhancer 100.
[0017] As is best seen in FIGS. 1C and 1D, base 101 can include a
first opening (or openings) 101a and a second opening (or openings)
101b both of which pass entirely through base 101. Second opening
101b is positioned towards front end 100a and functions as a drain
for water that may be present within the interior of wake enhancer
100 when wake enhancer 100 is being lifted from the water. For
example, after wake enhancer 100 has been used, an individual may
remove wake enhancer 100 from the hull and lift wake enhancer 100
from the water using handle 151b and/or 152b. During this process,
water contained within the interior of wake enhancer 100 (i.e.,
within the area surrounded by base 101, arm 102, and sidewalls
103a, 103b) will be allowed to flow out through second opening 101b
thereby facilitating the lifting of wake enhancer 100 into the
boat. By forming this drain in base 101 as opposed to in another
structure of wake enhancer 100, there will be little to no impact
on the flow of water during use (i.e., second opening 101b will be
substantially "hidden" from the flow of water).
[0018] First opening 101a extends lengthwise along a longitudinal
axis of base 101 and serves as an opening through which handles and
engagement levers of suction cup assemblies 151, 152 extend. First
opening 101a is positioned towards rear end 100b so that suction
cup assemblies 151, 152 will also be positioned towards rear end
100b. In this way, when water applies an inward force on arm 102
(e.g., an inward force perpendicular to arm 102), the inward force
will be directed towards suction cup assemblies 151, 152 thereby
reinforcing the coupling of wake enhancer 100 to the boat. In
contrast, if suction cup assemblies 151, 152 were instead
positioned towards front end 100a (or even in front of arm 102),
the torsional force caused by the water may create a pivoting force
at rear end 100b that may work against the suction force.
Accordingly, it is preferable to position suction cup assemblies
151, 152 below the center of pressure from arm 102, normal to base
101, and towards rear end 100b.
[0019] Arm 102 is angled relative to the direction of water flow in
such a way as to induce an inward force against suction cup
assemblies 151, 152 that couple the device to the hull as mentioned
above. Angling arm 102 in this manner minimizes the amount of
torsional force that would otherwise be created if arm 102 were
instead oriented perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the
direction of water flow (as well as to the hull). Accordingly, the
orientation of arm 102 enhances the coupling between suction cup
assemblies 151, 152 and the hull.
[0020] As best shown in FIG. 3, each of suction cup assemblies 151,
152 can be similarly configured with three primary components: a
suction cup 151a/152a, a handle 151b/152b, and an engagement lever
151c/152c. Although not shown, suction cup assemblies 151, 152 may
include a housing positioned directly above suction cup 151a, 152a
respectively that can be adhered to base 101 in a suitable manner
(e.g., using a waterproof adhesive). Of course, other means for
securing suction cup assemblies 151, 152 could also be
employed.
[0021] Handle 151b/152b extends upwardly from suction cup 151a/152a
(or from the housing when one is employed) and remains stationary
with respect to base 101. In contrast, as represented by the arrow
in FIG. 3, engagement lever 151c/152c is configured to pivot
between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In FIG. 3,
engagement lever 151c/152c is shown in the engaged position.
Therefore, FIGS. 1A-1F each represent the orientation engagement
levers 151c, 152c would be in when wake enhancer 100 is secured to
the hull of a boat. Then, when it is desired to remove wake
enhancer 100 from the hull, engagement levers 151c, 152c would be
pivoted outwardly to disengage suction cups 151a, 152a thereby
allowing wake enhancer 100 to be removed. Similarly, when it is
again desired to couple wake enhancer 100 to the boat, wake
enhancer 100 could be pressed against the hull while engagement
levers 151c, 152c are in the outward (or disengaged) position. With
an initial suction created to maintain wake enhancer 100 against
the hull, engagement levers 151c, 152c could then be pivoted back
to the engaged position. The transition of engagement levers 151c,
152c from the disengaged to the engaged position pulls the top of
suction cups 151a, 152a away from the hull thereby increasing the
suction against the hull. In this way, suction cups 151a, 152a can
remain secured to the hull even when the boat is moving at high
speeds.
[0022] First opening 101a is sized and configured to accommodate
two suction cup assemblies. However, this need not be the case. In
some embodiments, a wake enhancer may only include a single suction
cup assembly or may include more than two suction cup assemblies.
In any case, it may be desirable to include at least two suction
cup assemblies to prevent wake enhancer 100 from rotating once
secured to the hull. More specifically, if wake enhancer 100 only
included a single suction cup assembly, it would be more likely to
rotate around this single point of coupling. In contrast, with two
points of coupling, it will be unlikely that wake enhancer 100
would rotate.
[0023] As may be best seen in FIG. 1E, the configuration of
sidewalls 103a, 103b facilitate access to handles 151b, 152b and
engagement levers 151c, 152c. Due to the forward positioning of
sidewalls 103a, 103b as well as recessed ends 103a1, 103b1, a
substantial opening is formed in each side of wake enhancer 100.
Therefore, an individual can easily insert his or her hand through
these side openings to grip the handles and engagement levers when
coupling or decoupling wake enhancer 100.
[0024] Another benefit of forming sidewalls 103a, 103b with
recessed ends 103a1, 103b1 is that it reduces the surface area of
sidewalls 103a, 103b against which water may apply a force. More
specifically, in some cases, wake enhancer 100 may be coupled to
the boat at an angle relative to the water plane (i.e., so that
sidewalls 103a, 103b are not parallel to the direction of water
flow). In these cases, the reduced surface area of sidewalls 103a,
103b can minimize the amount of force that is applied against the
sidewall which in turn should minimize any impact the angled
orientation may have on the performance of wake enhancer 100.
[0025] As is shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, the corners and edges of wake
enhancer 100 can be rounded to protect individuals and the boat
during use. Also, in some embodiments, a rubberized coating may be
applied to the entire unit or only to surfaces that are configured
to come in contact with the boat (e.g., the bottom surface of base
101). Wake enhancer 100 can also be made of a buoyant material
(e.g., a plastic) to prevent it from sinking.
[0026] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate a wake enhancer 200 that is
configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention. Wake enhancer 200 can be configured
substantially the same as wake enhancer 100 and therefore the above
description of wake enhancer 100 can equally apply to wake enhancer
200. However, unlike wake enhancer 100, arm 202 of wake enhancer
200 has a concave or channeled face. For example, as best seen in
FIG. 2F, the cross-sectional shape of arm 202 forms a shallow U. In
some embodiments, the same cross-sectional shape may extend along
the full length of arm 202, whereas in other embodiments, the
cross-sectional shape may vary along the length. For example, the
depth of the concavity may vary along the length such as by being
deeper towards the rear of arm 202 or towards the front of arm
202.
[0027] In any case, by forming a channel within arm 202, wake
enhancer 200 can more efficiently direct the flow of water
outwardly away from the boat. Another benefit of arm 202 is that
the channel allows fine tuning of a wake. More specifically,
because of the channel, water will be more effectively diverted
along arm 202. Therefore, by orienting wake enhancer 200 at an
angle with respect to the water plane, the direction of water flow
with respect to the boat and therefore the direction of force
applied to the boat, can be fine-tuned without changing the
relative position of wake enhancer 200 on the boat.
[0028] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description.
* * * * *