Motorized Retractable Line for a Water Sports Facility
First Claim
1. A water sports facility comprising:
- an open channel comprising an open channel length, a open channel width, an upstream side, and a downstream side, wherein the open channel is configured to allow water to flow along the open channel length from the upstream side toward the downstream side;
one or more effluents capable of ejecting water into the upstream side of the open channel;
one or more water influents that provide water to the one or more effluents; and
a retractable ski rope capable of reaching the downstream side of the open channel.
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Abstract
Described are systems, devices and methods for providing a motorized retractable line or ski rope for a facility in which to practice water sports such as wakeboarding, wake surfing, wake skating, waterskiing, kneeboarding and the like. A motorized retractable line may operate by manual control or preferably by automation. Operation is in response to one or more detectable events or one or more controls. When a water sport participant loses contact with a handle of the ski rope, the motorized retractable line extends by unwinding from a winch or by another mechanism. The motorized retractable line is carried in the flow of water until it reaches a designated length or a maximal length (e.g., to a downstream side of the water sports facility), or until a participant re-connects with the handle of the ski rope. A participant may re-engage in a water sport from any position in the water sports facility after losing contact with the ski rope. A participant is returned to a designated participation area. A participant may re-engage more quickly in a water sport in a water sports facility after losing contact with the ski rope than previously possible. A participant may be able to engage in an increased number of runs or water sport sessions within a block of time or rental session.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A water sports facility comprising:
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an open channel comprising an open channel length, a open channel width, an upstream side, and a downstream side, wherein the open channel is configured to allow water to flow along the open channel length from the upstream side toward the downstream side; one or more effluents capable of ejecting water into the upstream side of the open channel; one or more water influents that provide water to the one or more effluents; and a retractable ski rope capable of reaching the downstream side of the open channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for providing a retractable ski rope to a water sport environment, the method comprising:
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flowing water into the water sport environment at a rate measured in volume per time; providing a retractable ski rope at a first position within the water sport environment; detecting an indication of a condition in the water sport environment; extending the retractable ski rope to a second position within the water sport environment; and retracting the retractable ski rope to the first position within the water sport environment. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20)
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16. A method for providing a retractable ski rope to a water sport participant in a water sports facility, the method comprising:
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ejecting water from a plurality of effluents at an upstream side of an open channel in the water sports facility for use by the water sport participant; providing the retractable ski rope to the water sport participant; and extending the retractable ski rope upon detection of a condition in the water sports facility. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification