TOWABLE THAT IS CONVERTIBLE FROM A SIT INSIDE TO A LAY ON TOP RIDING STYLE

• US 20080207068A1
• Filed: 02/20/2008
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Coleman Company Incorporated (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Coleman Company Incorporated (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: DeBrunner, Daniel E., Hillard, Jake L., Rockstad, Jordan G.
• Application Number:
  US12/034,200
• Publication Number:
  US 20080207068A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 441/66
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 32/51 Inflatable boards, e.g. drop-stitch inflatable boards
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 34/52 Inflatable or partly inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 34/54 specially adapted for being towed, e.g. banana boats, water sledges or towed buoys arrangements for towing B63B34/60

Abstract

A towable (20) that is convertible between a first mode in which at least one recess (32) is provided in the towable and a user may ride sitting in the recess to a second mode in which the at least one recess is filled, and the user can ride on top of the recess. A bladder (36) may fill the recess in the second mode. A cover (40) may be provided so as to present a smooth outer covering over the bladder (36) for a rider'"'"'s comfort. Two or more such recesses (32) and bladders (36) may be provided on a single towable.

Claims

1. A towable, comprising:

an inflatable main body;

a connector for towing the main body behind a watercraft;

at least one recess in the main body; and

a support for removably covering the recess, the support being sufficient in strength to support a user riding on top of the support.

2. The towable of claim 1, wherein the support comprises an inflatable bladder for filling the recess.

3. The towable of claim 2, wherein the support further comprises a cover for extending over the recess and covering the bladder.

4. The towable of claim 2, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises a compartment that may be used as a cooler.

5. The towable of claim 2, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises at least one cup holder.

6. The towable of claim 2, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises a connector for towing the inflatable bladder, independent of the main body, behind a watercraft.

7. The towable of claim 6, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises handles for a user to grip while riding the inflatable.

8. The towable of claim 1, wherein the towable comprises at least two recesses, and for each recess, a support for removably covering the recess, the support being sufficient in strength to support a user riding on top of the support.

9. The towable of claim 8, wherein each support comprises an inflatable bladder for filling the respective recess.

10. The towable of claim 9, wherein each support further comprises a cover for extending over the respective recess and covering the respective bladder.

11. The towable of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a taut cover extending over the recess.

12. A towable, comprising:

an inflatable main body, the main body having a forward apex and two wings extending outwardly and rearwardly from the apex, each of the wings having a position for a rider to ride when the main body is pulled behind a watercraft, the wings defining an opening therebetween;

a connector at or adjacent to the apex for towing the main body behind a watercraft; and

an inflatable filler removably attached within the opening, the inflatable filler being of sufficiently buoyancy and size to support at least one person when the main body is pulled behind a watercraft.

13. The towable of claim 12, further comprising a fabric bridge removably extending between inner edges of the opening and the inflatable filler.

14. The towable of claim 12, wherein the inflatable filler comprises a connector for towing the inflatable filler, independent of the main body, behind a watercraft.

15. A towable comprising:

a main body comprising;

a recess; and

a connector for towing the main body behind a watercraft; and

a plug having a first end for fitting in the recess and a second end configured as a riding platform for a user.

16. The towable of claim 15, further comprising:

a skirt configured to fit over the second end of the plug and at least a portion of the main body.

17. The towable of claim 16, wherein the main body comprises a first connector, and the skirt comprises a second connector for mating with the first connector.

18. The towable of claim 15, wherein the second end is configured as a saddle.

19. The towable of claim 15, wherein the second end is configured as a seat.

20. The towable of claim 15, wherein the second end is configured to form a planar surface with a top surface of the main body.

21. The towable of claim 15, comprising a plurality of interchangeable plugs, each having a first end for fitting in the recess, and each of the plurality the plugs having a second end defining a different riding configuration.