Reel System
Patent Number: US 11541972 Grant Date: 2023-01-03 Filing Date: 2019-11-12
Overview
Filed on November 12, 2019 and granted on January 3, 2023, this patent presents a mechanically focused reel system designed to manage a surf rope on wake and ski boats. Drafted for inventors based in Wichita Falls, TX, the application balances practical retrofitting with strong claim coverage of mechanical subsystems: a spring-driven retraction assembly, pulley and spool cradle, dampener, rope nozzle, and a swivel-mounted rod with a hollow channel and defined length to clear the rear passenger area. The system is configured to hold the rope in one or more default positions when not in use, allow free rotation for surfing, and automatically retract the handle when released, while bumpers and a rotary slot limit travel to safe positions.
Our prosecution-focused drafting emphasizes component interactions—spring slot engagement, dampener mounts, mounting plate and swivel base geometry, and rope passage features—to secure protection that is both technically detailed and commercially applicable. The result is robust claim language covering mounting to tower crossbars, controlled retraction forces, and housings that contain the spring, pulley, and bushings.
Key Features
- Spring-driven retraction with dampener for controlled, safe return
- Swivel mounting assembly and rotary slot for tower crossbar attachment
- Hollow-channel rod and specified length to clear rear passenger area
- Rope nozzle and spool cradle to prevent snagging and reduce water damage
This invention advances safety and usability in wake-surf accessories, offering manufacturers and OEMs a practical, well-protected mechanical solution for rope management in the marine recreation market.
Invention Details
Abstract: A reel system for managing a surf rope on a boat. The reel system comprises a retraction assembly, a rod and the surf rope. The boat comprises a cross bar, a stern, a port, one or more sides, a starboard, and a tower having a tower height. The surf rope comprises a rope height between the retraction assembly and a handle portion of the surf rope. The surf rope comprises a first end and a second end. The reel system comprises a system for positioning and managing the surf rope for a surfer. The reel system is configured to manage the surf rope by retracting and positioning the surf rope at one or more default rope positions when not in use and otherwise selectively allow the surf rope to rotate back for surfing. The one or more default rope positions comprise at least a first default rope position.
Summary of the Invention: A reel system 100 for managing a surf rope 112 on a boat 102. Said reel system 100 comprises a retraction assembly 108, a rod 110 and said surf rope 112. Said boat 102 comprises a cross bar 106, a stern 114, a port 116a, one or more sides 116, a starboard 116b, and a tower 104 having a tower height 118. Said surf rope 112 comprises a rope height 120 between said retraction assembly 108 and a handle portion 400 of said surf rope 112. Said surf rope 112 comprises a first end 416 and a second end 418. Said reel system 100 comprises a system for positioning and managing said surf rope 112 for a surfer 304. Said reel system 100 is configured to manage said surf rope 112 by retracting and positioning said surf rope 112 at one or more default rope positions 202 when not in use and otherwise selectively allow said surf rope 112 to rotate back for surfing and skiing purposes. Said one or more default rope positions 202 comprise at least a first default rope position 202a. Said boat 102 comprises a direction of travel 204. Said reel system 100 rotates a second end 414 and said handle portion 400 along with said rod 110 along a rotary path 210 at a rotation radius 206. when said surfer 304 releases said surf rope 112, said reel system 100 is configured to rotate to said one or more default rope positions 202. Said reel system 100 comprises a retraction force 302. A length 420 of said rod 110 is long enough to clear of a rear passenger area 214. Said rear passenger area 214 comprises portions of said boat 102 between said tower 104 and said stern 114. Said reel system 100, therefore, is configured to selectively hold said surf rope 112 out of harm’s way for a passenger 216.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Cleaning And Maintenance | Fluid Systems | Sports And Recreation | Wichita Falls, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney