System and method for a tow-rope retraction device for watercraft

• US 7,665,411 B2
• Filed: 02/28/2005
• Issued: 02/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Global Innovative Sports Incoporated
• Original Assignee: John M. Welch
• Inventors: Welch, John
• Primary Examiner(s): MORANO IV, SAMUEL J
• Application Number:
  US11/069,615
• Publication Number:
  US 20060027155A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,821 Days
• Field of Search: 114/253, 114/254, 114/242, 114/247, 441/69
• US Class Current: 114/253
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 34/67 Connection means on the towing watercraft, e.g. pylons, side poles or winches

Abstract

A device used when towing a user with a watercraft includes a tow-rope and a tow-rope retraction device receiving the tow-rope. The tow-rope retraction device is configured to selectively retract the tow-rope so as to accelerate a user being towed by the watercraft on the tow-rope. A method of towing a user with a watercraft includes selectively retracting a tow-rope while towing the user to accelerate the user.

Claims

1. A device used when towing a user with a watercraft comprising:

a tow-rope;

a tow-rope retraction device receiving said tow-rope;

wherein said tow-rope retraction device is configured to selectively retract said tow-rope with sufficient force so as to accelerate and increase a vertical lift available to a user being towed by said watercraft on said tow-rope as said user is jumping a wake of said watercraft.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transmitter at a handle of said tow-rope for signaling said retraction device to retract said tow-rope and accelerate said user.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said wireless transmitter also selectively signals said retraction device to extend said tow-rope.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said retraction device comprises a winch.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said winch comprises a variable gear box for selectively controlling a speed at which said tow-rope is retracted.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said retraction device comprises a piston.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said retraction device comprises a lever.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said retraction device retracts said tow-rope a predetermined amount upon receiving a signal from said user.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said retraction device retracts said tow-rope for a period of time controlled by said user.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a control system for monitoring a length of tow-rope between said watercraft and said user, said control system permitting selective retraction and extension of said tow-rope beyond a predetermined minimum rope length, but preventing said retraction device from further retracting said tow-rope if said length reaches said predetermined minimum.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a signal wire in said tow-rope for communicating commands to said retraction device based on operation by said user of controls on a handle of said tow-rope.

12. A method of towing a user with a watercraft comprising, selectively retracting and extending a tow-rope while towing said user with said tow-rope, said method further comprising timing said retracting of said tow-rope to accelerate said user as said user performs a trick or stunt while being pulled behind said watercraft, said acceleration enhancing said trick or stunt, said extending of said tow-rope being performed after said trick or stunt.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising reeling in a portion of said tow-rope with a winch as said user is jumping a wake of said watercraft to increase a height achieved by said user.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said enhancing of said trick or stunt comprises increasing a vertical lift of said user during said trick or stunt.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising remotely controlling said retracting of said tow-rope with a wireless transmitter at a handle of said tow-rope.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting a speed at which said tow-rope is retracted.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising monitoring a length of said tow-rope between said watercraft and said user, permitting selective retraction and extension of said tow-rope beyond a predetermined minimum rope length, but preventing further retraction of said tow-rope if said length reaches said predetermined minimum.

18. A system for towing a user with a watercraft comprising:

means for selectively retracting a tow-rope with sufficient force to accelerate said user and increase a vertical lift available to said user being towed by said watercraft on said tow-rope as said user is jumping a wake of said watercraft; and

means for controlling said means for retracting.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising means for selectively re-extending said tow-rope under control of said means for controlling.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein said means for controlling are configured to be operated by said user while said user is being towed by said watercraft.