The invention generally relates to recreational devices used at a waterfront, and more specifically to devices that slide across wet sand.
Sliding devices such as sleds and toboggans that carry people across low friction surfaces are well known, and are considered to be sometimes practical and often enjoyable to use. In the case of snow and ice covered surfaces, sleds and toboggans can be used to slide down hills under the force of gravity, or they may be towed across flat areas using a rope, rigid handle, or other suitable towing means. For example, the practice of parents towing their children on sleds or toboggans across frozen lakes has been well known for centuries. In some instances, depending on the needs and preferences of the passengers, seats and handles are included on the sled or toboggan to provide for greater comfort and stability.
Wet sand, as found at the water's edge at a seashore or lake beach, provides another example of a low friction surface. However, there are few if any known devices that apply the principles of a sled or a toboggan to this environment. A skim board travels across wet sand, but a skim board is not designed to be towed, nor does it include any features intended to accommodate a seated passenger. Furthermore, successful use of a skim board requires an advanced degree of skill and balance, since the rider must step onto the board while running and then stand on it while riding.
A general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for enabling at least one standing person to tow at least one sitting person across wet sand. The apparatus includes a platform having a front end and a back end, the platform having sufficient strength and stiffness to bear the weight of the at least one sitting person without undue deformation, the platform having a bottom surface for gliding over wet sand, and the platform being shaped such that it resists tipping over during towing across the wet sand. The apparatus also includes at least one seat attached to the platform for supporting the at least one sitting person; and a towing extension, attached to the front end of the platform, the towing extension being for allowing the at least one standing person to transmit a pulling force to the front end of the platform sufficient to pull the platform and the at least one sitting person across the sand.
In preferred embodiments, the platform includes a core of substantially rigid plastic foam. In further preferred embodiments, the substantially rigid plastic foam is made from one of polyethylene foam or polypropylene foam. In other further preferred embodiments, the platform includes a bottom coating of plastic capable of providing substantially low friction when pulled over wet sand, and capable of substantially resisting impact and abrasion. In still further preferred embodiments, the platform includes a coating of Surlyn®.
In other preferred embodiments, the platform includes a core of skim board material. In still other preferred embodiments, the platform includes epoxy fiberglass.
In some preferred embodiments, the platform includes a top layer of soft foam.
In other preferred embodiments, the towing extension includes a flexible cord. In alternate preferred embodiments, the towing extension includes a substantially rigid rod. In further preferred embodiments, the towing extension includes at least one handle to be grasped by the standing person.
In preferred embodiments, the at least one seat is inflatable. In other preferred embodiments, the at least one seat is filled with plastic foam.
In some preferred embodiments, at least one seat belt is provided to ensure that the at least one sitting person remains in the at least one seat.
In additional preferred embodiments, at least one pair of handles is attached to the platform on a right side and a left side of the at least one seat for grasping by the at least one sitting person.
In still additional preferred embodiments, at least one of a cup holder, a carrying basket, a toy horn, and other convenience and entertainment devices are attached to the platform within reach of the at least one rider.
In preferred embodiments, the at least one seat includes a suitable combination of slope, elevation, drain ports, and other drainage means that prevent significant amounts of water from accumulating in the seat when the seat is splashed with water.
In some preferred embodiments, an attachment means is provided at a back end of the platform, the attachment means being for attaching a front end of a second platform, thereby forming a chain of platforms that can be towed as a group.
In other preferred embodiments, the platform includes two seats attached to the platform.
Another general aspect of the invention is a method for towing at least one sitting person across wet sand. The method includes providing a platform having a front end and a back end, the platform having sufficient strength and stiffness to bear the weight of the at least one sifting person without undue deformation, the platform having a bottom surface for gliding over wet sand, and the platform being shaped such that it resists tipping over during towing across the wet sand; at least one seat attached to the platform for supporting the at least one sitting person; and a towing extension, attached to the front end of the platform, the towing extension being for allowing the at least one standing person to transmit a pulling force to the front end of the platform sufficient to pull the platform and the at least one sitting person across the sand. The method also includes placing the platform on wet sand; positioning the at least one sitting person in the at least one seat; grasping the towing extension; and pulling on the towing extension with sufficient force to cause the platform to move across the wet sand.
With reference to
One end of a towing means 108, such as a flexible cord or towing rod, is attached to one or more anchor points 110 at the front of the platform 100. In the preferred embodiment shown in
In the preferred embodiment shown in
In a further preferred embodiment, drainage means are provided, such as elevation of the seat and a gap 118 between the back 102 and the sides 104 of the seat, in order to ensure that a significant amount of water does not accumulate in the seat if it is splashed, for example, by a wave at the seashore. In still another preferred embodiment, an anchor point 120 is provided at the back end of the platform in order to allow the front of a second platform to be attached, as described in more detail below with reference to
In yet another preferred embodiment, additional entertainment and/or convenience items, such as a cup holder 121, a carrying basket (not shown), or a toy horn (not shown) are attached to the platform within reach of the rider.
With reference to
In yet another preferred embodiment, a layer of soft plastic or foam 504 is glued to the top surface of the core 500, and provides enhanced comfort and safety of the rider 106.
In a further preferred embodiment, the seat of
In the preferred embodiment shown in
In preferred embodiments that do not include the upper layer of soft foam 504, the top of the core 500 is countersunk in a suitable manner to cause the top of the plastic screw to be flush with the upper surface of the core 500 and the screw is covered in a similar manner.
With reference to
With reference to
Vertical holes 530 are drilled through the uprights of the U-shaped body 524 and countersunk as appropriate for flathead screws 532. The screws 532 are made from stainless steel, brass, or another suitable non-corroding material, and are essentially identical in form to standard wood screws. The screws 532 pass through the holes 530 in the uprights and are threaded into the semi-rigid core 500. Loctite E or a similar glue or other fixing means, is used to prevent the screws from working loose while the platform is in use. Due to their locations, the screws 532 prevent the anchor rod 526 from sliding into the holes 528 that were used to install it, and thereby keep the anchor rod 526 centered in the U-shaped body 524. Cords, seat belts, and other connecting means as needed, are attached to the anchor points by passing them through the void that separates the anchor rod 526 from the U-shaped body 524 of the anchor point and wrapping them around the anchor rod 526.
In other preferred embodiments, for example, in embodiments that do not include the upper layer of soft foam 504, anchor points are essentially identical in material, shape, and attachment means to the handles described above in reference to
Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims.