US3776437A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water ski stowing device
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1972-02-23
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1992-02-23
Abstract
Abstract A device for stowing water skis on a boat comprising at least one elongated member and means for securing the member to the deck of a boat. A plurality of bifurcate elements are mounted adjacent the opposite ends of the elongated member, the bifurcate elements being adapted to slidably receive and frictionally engage a pair of water skis edgewise therein. The bifurcate elements are arranged to provide necessary clearances for protruding parts of the water skis.
Inventors
- 👤 W Carney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:41
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B32/00; B63B32/80; B63B32/83
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
223 words
A device for stowing at least one pair of water skis having front portions and fins on the rear portion thereof on a boat comprising an elongated supporting frame, means for securing said frame to the deck of a boat, a first bifurcate element coupled to said frame adjacent one end thereof and having parallel fingers defining therebetween a slot having a width dimensioned frictionally and slidably to receive therebetween a pair of water skis disposed in abutting bottom to bottom relationship, second and third bifurcate elements coupled to said frame adjacent the other end thereof in spaced-apart relationship laterally with respect to said frame, said second and third bifurcate elements each having parallel fingers defining therebetween second and third slots, respectively, each dimensioned frictionally and slidably to receive therebetween a single water ski, said first, second, and third slots being generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of said frame and thereby being the sole means for holding such skis on said frame, the lateral spacing between said second and third bifurcate elements being equal to or greater than the depth of the fins of a pair of water skis when the front portions thereof are received between the fingers of said first bifurcate element and the rear portions thereof, respectively, are received between the fingers of said second and third bifurcate elements.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
223 words
A device for stowing at least one pair of water skis having front portions and fins on the rear portion thereof on a boat comprising an elongated supporting frame, means for securing said frame to the deck of a boat, a first bifurcate element coupled to said frame adjacent one end thereof and having parallel fingers defining therebetween a slot having a width dimensioned frictionally and slidably to receive therebetween a pair of water skis disposed in abutting bottom to bottom relationship, second and third bifurcate elements coupled to said frame adjacent the other end thereof in spaced-apart relationship laterally with respect to said frame, said second and third bifurcate elements each having parallel fingers defining therebetween second and third slots, respectively, each dimensioned frictionally and slidably to receive therebetween a single water ski, said first, second, and third slots being generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of said frame and thereby being the sole means for holding such skis on said frame, the lateral spacing between said second and third bifurcate elements being equal to or greater than the depth of the fins of a pair of water skis when the front portions thereof are received between the fingers of said first bifurcate element and the rear portions thereof, respectively, are received between the fingers of said second and third bifurcate elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said fingers of said first, second, and third bifurcate elements are resiliently bendable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a cushion secured adjacent the bottom of each of said first, second, and third slots.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said fingers of said first, second, and third bifurcate elements include a covering of pliable friction increasing material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
91 words
The device of claim 1 wherein there are two of said elongated members on said frame and further including a pair of connecting links pivotally connecting together said elongated members adjacent the opposite ends thereof, respectively, said members being movable between a folded position contiguous to each other and an extended position in which said members are disposed in laterally, spaced-apart relationship, there being a first, second, and third bifurcate element associated with each said elongated member, said first bifurcate elements being secured to mutually opposite ends of said elongated members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 5 further comprising means mounted on an outwardly disposed surface of one of said elongated members for winding a water ski tow rope thereon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said winding means includes a pAir of longitudinally, spaced-apart hooks secured adjacent opposite ends of said one member and extending outwardly therefrom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said first, second, and third bifurcate elements are mounted on said links.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said securing means includes a pair of suction cups secured to said elongated frame adjacent the opposite ends thereof, respectively, in selectable, laterally spaced-apart relationship.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device of claim 9 wherein said securing means further includes at least one flexible strap having one end thereof coupled to said elongated frame member, a hook element secured to the distal end of said strap, said hook element being adapted to engage a portion of said boat, and means for adjusting the length of said strap.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said securing means further includes means for supporting said elongated frame member at a selected height above the deck of said boat.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said securing means includes a plurality of generally arcuate brackets fixedly secured to said elongated frame member adjacent the opposite ends thereof, respectively, the opposite ends of said brackets curving downwardly with respect to said elongated frame members.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 12 wherein said brackets include a covering of pliable friction-increasing material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said fingers of said first, second, and third bifurcate elements have a length essentially equal to the width of a water ski.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |