Surf Thrust System
Patent Number: US 12012182 Grant Date: 2024-06-18 Filing Date: 2021-09-27
Overview
Filed on September 27, 2021 and granted on June 18, 2024, this patent protects a mechanically robust thruster assembly designed to shape wakes for water sports. Drafted to emphasize practical integration with small craft, the specification describes an elongated, elliptical outer body that encloses internal thrusting channels to intake and redirect water flow. The assembly mounts to stern, port, starboard or hull-bottom locations and includes both fixed and actively controlled mounting options. Inventors based in Wichita Falls, TX and applicant Go Surf Assist, LLC pursued claims covering an axial riser and radially extending pushing flap that pivot the thruster, plus a hinged plate with horizontal and vertical actuators that selectively engage or disengage the device from the water. The detailed disclosure addresses channel geometry, a width-to-height ratio that favors lateral thrust, and multi-position actuators and linkages enabling precise adjustment of thrust vector and wake shape.
The firm’s prosecution and drafting capture both structural detail and operational modes—highlighting manufacturable proportions, actuator linkages, and mounting strategies—demonstrating technical depth that strengthens the client’s commercial position in the wake-sports accessories market.
Key Features
- Elliptical outer body with internal fluid-directing channels
- Axial mounting riser and pushing flap for controlled pivoting
- Hinged plate with horizontal and vertical actuators for selective deployment
- Fixed and adjustable mounting assemblies for versatile installation
This innovation advances wake-shaping technology for recreational boating and informs broader marine fluid-management and propulsion accessory design.
Invention Details
Abstract: A thruster assembly to create shaped waves in a water behind a boat for water sports, such as wake surfing. The thruster assembly comprises one or more thrusting channels, an outer body the outer body comprises a round surface in the form of a circular or elliptical cross-section. The outer body comprises an elongated elliptical cross-section being wider than it is tall. A thruster portion comprises a width, a height, and a depth. The outer body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer body comprises a round surface in the form of a circular or elliptical cross-section. The outer body comprises an elongated elliptical cross-section being wider than it is tall.
Summary of the Invention: A thruster assembly to create shaped waves in a water behind a boat for water sports, such as wake surfing. Said thruster assembly comprises a thruster portion. Said thruster assembly is configured to attach to a portion of said boat, such as a stern portion, a port side, a starboard side, or on a bottom portion of the hull. Said thruster portion comprises an outer body comprising a rounded shape being elliptical in cross-section. Said outer body comprises a width, a height, and a depth. Said outer body comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. Said outer body encloses an internal channel between a leading end and a trailing end. relative to a direction of travel for said boat in said water, said internal channel comprises said leading end and said trailing end. Said leading end and said trailing end are open and configured to direct the flow of water through said thruster portion as said thruster assembly is dragged through said water being attached to said boat. Said outer body comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, each being parts of said outer surface and a top inner surface and a lower inner surface being parts of said inner surface. Said leading end of said internal channel is configured to serve as an intake for said water and said trailing end is configured to expel said water out of said internal channel. Said thruster portion comprises one or more thrusting channels being arranged between said leading end and said trailing end. Said thruster portion is configured to be attached to said boat at a mounting angle relative to said direction of travel of said boat to alter a wake behind said boat. Said one or more thrusting channels comprise a plurality of channels formed by fluid directing channels within said outer body extending a portion of the distance between said leading end and said trailing end. Said width is greater than said height of said outer body.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Fluid Systems | Sports And Recreation | Wichita Falls, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney