Abstract A motorized ski towing unit operated directly by the water-skier to enable a water-skier to be self-propelled. The apparatus consists of an outboard type motor mounted in a flotation unit, with means to fasten the motor unit by tow bars to a pair of water skis. The attachment of the towing bars to the skis is of an automatic release type, so as to free the skis and skier from the tractor unit, in the event of a spill. Spring loaded valves controlled by the skier close the air intake to the carburetor and the exhaust manifold outlet so as to shut the motor off automatically in the event of a spill, and to prevent water from entering into the engine compartment when the motor becomes disconnected from the skier. Propelling means may consist of a conventional propeller, suitably shrouded, or a jet stream of water powered by a fully enclosed impeller blade.
Inventors
👤 J Murphy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-28 11:36
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B34/00; B63B34/60; B63B34/67
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A motorized water-ski towing unit adaptable to be operated directly by the water-skier, together with the attached water skis and towing bars consisting of an outboard motor in which the engine unit is completely encased in a water-tight flotation housing, two towing bars mounted to the vertical shaft housing of the motor unit above the propeller, each said towing bar being fastened so as to permit free rotation in both the vertical and horizontal planes with respect to the vertical motor shaft, each said towing bar being fastened by a hooked end about a bar mounted to a water ski, such that the release of tension forces in said towing bar with respect to said ski-mounted bar serves to disconnect said ski bar from said towing bar.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A motorized water-ski towing unit adaptable to be operated directly by the water-skier, together with the attached water skis and towing bars consisting of an outboard motor in which the engine unit is completely encased in a water-tight flotation housing, two towing bars mounted to the vertical shaft housing of the motor unit above the propeller, each said towing bar being fastened so as to permit free rotation in both the vertical and horizontal planes with respect to the vertical motor shaft, each said towing bar being fastened by a hooked end about a bar mounted to a water ski, such that the release of tension forces in said towing bar with respect to said ski-mounted bar serves to disconnect said ski bar from said towing bar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The combination recited in claim 1 in which a valve adaptable to sealing the air intake of the engine carburetor and a valve adaptable to sealing the exhaust outlet of the engine are both spring loaded so as to seal their respective air orifices against incoming water when positive pressure is not maintained by the water skier against control memers leading to said valves.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The combination recited in claim 2 in which a handle is mounted on the upper surface of the flotation housing, said handle being structurally fastened to support the towing load of the skier''s arms, when the skier grasps said handle, said handle being located adjacent to the handles of the valve control members which act to seal the air intake and exhaust outlets.