Surf wake device for a watercraft

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001This invention pertains generally to a device for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water. More specifically, the invention pertains to a device which is removeably attachable to a hull or stern of a watercraft and which may be used to produce a wake suitable for surfing on a wake board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Wake surfing is a water sport in which a rider is towed behind a watercraft on a specialized surf board, and surfs on the wave or wake which is formed behind the watercraft. As a watercraft travels through water it displaces the water and generates waves including a bow wave and diverging stern waves on both sides of the watercraft. Due to pressure differences, these waves generally converge in the hollow formed behind the traveling watercraft and/or interfere with each other to form a wake behind the watercraft. Such a wake, however, is generally small, choppy or too close to the watercraft to be suitable and/or safe for water sports, and particularly not suitable for wake surfing.

0003In the past, ballast, such as lead weights, concrete, or other heavy objects have been placed in different sections of the watercraft to weight the craft down and create a larger wake. In general, the best weight configuration for wake surfing was to place the majority of the weight near the back corner of the watercraft at the side on which the rider will surf. Greater ballast weight forced the watercraft deeper in the water and created a bigger wake. Further, forcing one side of the watercraft deeper in the water enhanced one stern wave while reducing the opposite stern wave, leading to a larger wake with a higher and more sustainable peak. The amount of ballast weight required to form a wake sufficient for wake surfing could be hundreds, and even thousands, of pounds. This weight was not only difficult to maneuver, but also occupied a significant amount of prime space on the watercraft.

0004More recent attempts to facilitate wake surfing have included the use of trim tabs. Trim tabs, originally designed to adjust the trim of a watercraft, have been used to purposefully modify the wake of a watercraft. Trim tabs may be used to increase the displacement of one side of the watercraft into the water, thus increasing the size of the wake on the side of the watercraft with the increased displacement. While trim tabs have been useful for producing a wake, typically the wake does not provide enough surfable area for the rider.

0005Current solutions include watercraft having retractable devices integrated on the transom, or port or starboard sides near the stern of the watercraft, which may be pivoted from a retracted position which lies flush with a side of the watercraft to a deployed position which places the device out into the passing water. In the deployed position, the device redirects the water to increase the surfable area of the wake formed by the watercraft, and produces a wake with a higher and more sustainable peak. Such solutions, however, require the purchase of a new watercraft specifically designed for wake surfing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0006The presently disclosed invention overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a device which is removeably attachable to the hull or stern of a watercraft. The device may be designed to change the shape of the wake of the watercraft to produce a suitable surfing wake without adding significant extra weight at a rear corner of the watercraft. The device may be designed to pull the stern of the watercraft deeper into the water. As such, ballast weight need not be added or moved from one side of the watercraft to another, thus no significant shifting of the watercraft occurs, and overall handling of the watercraft is unchanged. Furthermore, the device may be mounted to the watercraft with one or more industrial strength suction cups that may optionally include one or more associated pumps to increase suction, and a release valve to remove the suction. This allows a user to quickly install the device on the watercraft, with no modifications to the watercraft, while the release valve allows the user to quickly release the device from the watercraft.

0007Thus, the presently disclosed invention includes a surf wake device to redirect a wake of a watercraft, the device comprising: a main body portion and at least one suction cup connected to the main body portion and configured to provide removable attachment of the device to a hull or a transom of the watercraft. Removable attachment of the device to a port side of the watercraft along the hull or the transom changes a shape of the wake on a starboard side of the watercraft, and removable attachment of the device to the starboard side of the watercraft along the hull or the transom changes the shape of the wake on the port side of the watercraft.

0008The surf wake device should be removeably attached to only one side (either port or starboard) of the watercraft along the hull or along the transom adjacent either one side such that the device is positioned outboard extending beyond the transom of the watercraft and into a flow of water as the watercraft travels through water.

0009The surf wake device may further comprise a handle attached to a back side of the main body portion, wherein the back side of the main body portion faces away from the flow of water when the device is attached of the watercraft.

0010The surf wake device may further comprise at least one vacuum pump in fluid communication with the at least one suction cup, wherein the at least one vacuum pump is configured to provide a vacuum between the at least one suction cup and the hull of the watercraft when the device is attached of the watercraft.

0011In certain embodiments, the at least one vacuum pump may be integral with the handle.

0012The surf wake device may further comprise at least one pump line operably connected to the at least one vacuum pump and the at least one suction cup, wherein the at least one pump line provides fluid communication between the at least one vacuum pump and the at least one suction cup.

0013The surf wake device may further comprise at least one release actuator for selectively releasing the vacuum between the at least one suction cup and the hull of the watercraft.

0014In certain embodiments, the at least one vacuum pump may be a manual pump, such as a hand pump. In certain embodiments, the pump may be an automatic pump such as a battery operated pump, a pneumatic pump, a motorized electric pump, or any pump known in the art designed and configured to provide a vacuum.

0015The surf wake device may further comprise a safety cable providing removable connection between the device and the hull of the watercraft.

0016In certain embodiments, the main body portion may comprise a water resistant plastic material such as, for example, PVC, or HDPE. Well known HDPE products include at least MARINEBOARD, SEABOARD, STARBOARD, or DENSETEC material.

0017In certain embodiments, the device may be designed to float.

0018In certain embodiments, the at least one suction cup may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the main body portion. In such embodiments, the surf wake device may further comprise at least one side panel attached to the main body portion and positioned substantially perpendicular to the main body portion, wherein the at least one suction cup may be attached to the at least one side panel. The surf wake device may also comprise at least one adjustable rail that provides movement of the at least one side panel to at least one different position on the main body portion. In certain embodiments, the at least one different position may be parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body portion. The surf wake device may also comprise at least one positioning bracket for angling the main body portion relative to the at least one suction cup.

0019In certain embodiments, the at least one suction cup may have a radial axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body portion, wherein the device may be removeably attachable to the hull of the watercraft on a port or a starboard side. In such embodiments, the suction cup may be position on the same side as a handle, i.e. on a back side of the main body portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0020Aspects, features, benefits and advantages of the embodiments herein will be apparent with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. In the following figures, like numerals represent like features in the various views. It is to be noted that features and components in these drawings, illustrating the views of embodiments of the presently disclosed invention, unless stated to be otherwise, are not necessarily drawn to scale.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention attached to a transom of a watercraft;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is a close-up view of detail A from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> showing attachment of the surf wake device to the watercraft;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention attached to a hull of the watercraft;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a close-up view of detail B from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> showing attachment of the surf wake device to the watercraft;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side view of the surf wake device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, pointing out the side support panels and attachment handle;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front view of the surf wake device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, pointing out the suction cups, pump and pump lines;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, pointing out attachment means for the side panels to the main panel;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a top view of the surf wake device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, pointing out the side support panels, pump, and suction cups;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a perspective view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a front view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, pointing out the suction cups, pump and pump lines;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a front view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, pointing out the pump, pump lines, mounting brackets and attachment rail;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a close-up view of detail L from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> showing connection means between the mounting bracket, the attachment rail and the main body portion;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a perspective view of a surf wake device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed invention;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a front view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, pointing out the adjustable brackets that allow vertical and horizontal movement of the suction cups;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line M-M of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a close-up view of detail N from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> showing connection means between the attachment bracket and the main body portion;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a perspective view of a surf wake device of the presently disclosed invention;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a front view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, pointing out the pump, pump lines and suction cup;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, pointing out the pump lines connecting the pump and suction cup; and

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a close-up view of detail H from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, showing attachment of the suction cup to the main body panel and the path of the pump line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0050In the following description, the present invention is set forth in the context of various alternative embodiments and implementations involving a surf wake device. While the following description discloses numerous exemplary embodiments, the scope of the present patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but also encompasses combinations of the disclosed embodiments, as well as modifications to the disclosed embodiments.

0051Various aspects of the surf wake device may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, and/or “joined” are interchangeably used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, and/or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements shown in said examples.

0052Various aspects of the surf wake device may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary implementations. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other variations of the devices, systems, or methods disclosed herein. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. In addition, the word “comprising” as used herein means “including, but not limited to”.

0053Relative terms such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of aspects of the surf wake device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. By way of example, if aspects of the surf wake device in the drawings are turned over, elements described as being on the “bottom” side of the other elements would then be oriented on the “top” side of the other elements as shown in the relevant drawing. The term “bottom” can therefore encompass both an orientation of “bottom” and “top” depending on the particular orientation of the drawing.

0054As used herein, the term “substantially perpendicular” shall be taken to indicate an angle that is within 20° of perpendicular, such as 90°±20°, or that is within 10° of perpendicular, such as 90°±10°, or that is within 5° of perpendicular, such as 90°±5°. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” shall be taken to indicate an angle that is within 20° of parallel, such as 90°±20°, or that is within 10° of parallel, such as 90°±10°, or that is within 5° of parallel, such as 90°±5°.

0055It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

0056The presently disclosed invention includes a surf wake device which may redirect a wake of a watercraft. In all embodiments, the device comprises a main body portion and at least one suction cup connected to the main body portion and configured to provide removable attachment of the device to a hull or a transom of the watercraft. Removable attachment of the device to the hull on a port side of the watercraft, or on the transom adjacent the port side of the watercraft, changes a shape of the wake on a starboard side of the watercraft. Likewise, removable attachment of the device to the hull on a starboard side of the watercraft, or on the transom adjacent the starboard side of the watercraft, changes a shape of the wake on a port side of the watercraft.

0057The presently disclosed invention further envisions a device comprising a main body portion and at least one suction cup connected to the main body portion and configured provide removable attachment of the device to stern of the boat. Removable attachment of the device to the hull of the watercraft near the stern may pull the stern of the watercraft deeper into the water as the watercraft travels through the water.

0058As will be discussed in more detail below, each of the various embodiments disclosed herein may comprise additional components, such as one or more vacuum pump(s) and pump lines, one or more side panels, one or more adjustment brackets, and a handle. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein may further comprise a safety cable which may provide removable connection between the device and the hull of the watercraft. As such, should the suction cup become detached from the hull of the boat, such as upon removal of the device from the boat, the device will not float away. Furthermore, for each of the embodiments disclosed herein, the main body portion may comprise a water resistant plastic material, such as, for example, PVC or HDPE, so it will not be affected by water. In addition, the devices of each embodiment may be designed to float.

0059In certain embodiments, the suction cup may be an industrial strength suction cup and may be constructed of rubber, or of rubber and hard plastic. Stainless steel or any other strong water resistant material may be used for the mounting brackets, rails, and other components used to secure portions of the surf wake device.

0060Referring now to the drawings, various embodiments of the surf wake device of the presently disclosed invention are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 27</figref>. Embodiments shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-23</figref> may be removeably attachable to a stern of the watercraft, such as along a transom adjacent a port side or a starboard side. Embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-27</figref> may be removeably attachable to the hull of the watercraft along the port side or starboard side. In all embodiments, the device is designed to extend past the hull of the watercraft into the passing water.

0061The various embodiments shown in each of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B, <b>2</b>A, and <b>2</b>B are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, in certain embodiments, the main body portion may have a width of from about 6 inches wide to about 28 inches wide, and may have a length of about 12 inches long to about 36 inches long. The dimensions of the main body portion may be designed to meet the criteria of specific watercraft sizes and types. Further, the various configurations shown in each of the embodiments disclosed herein below may accommodate different watercraft sizes, configurations, and types.

0062As indicated, a surf wake device according to the presently disclosed invention may be mounted to a watercraft <b>10</b> along the stern (<b>100</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> mounted to the transom <b>12</b>) or along the hull on the port side or starboard side (<b>105</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> mounted to the hull <b>14</b>). As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 2A</figref>, two surf wake devices are mounted to the stern or hull of the watercraft <b>10</b> to demonstrate the reversibility of mounting the devices. In practice, however, only one device would be mounted to either the port or starboard side of the watercraft <b>10</b> along the hull (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>), or would be mounted to the transom of the watercraft adjacent the port side or the starboard side (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>), to create a surfable wake as the watercraft moves through the water.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is a magnified view of detail A from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, which shows the surf wake device <b>100</b> attached to the transom <b>12</b> of the watercraft along the port side. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a magnified view of detail B from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, which shows the surf wake device <b>105</b> attached to the hull <b>14</b> of the watercraft along the port side. As shown, the surf wake device may extend past the end of the watercraft and into the moving water to change the shape of the wake.

0064Typically, the watercraft <b>10</b> is driven by a single inboard motor (not shown). However, the surf wake device can be utilized with other types of watercrafts and propulsion systems, including but not limited to left-handed or right-handed propellers, outboard motors, sterndrives, and the like.

0065When the surf wake device (<b>100</b> or <b>105</b>) of the presently disclosed invention is attached to a port side, a starboard wake will be formed. That is, the surf wake device may be attached to or adjacent a port side so that the device (<b>100</b> or <b>105</b>) extends into the passing water and redirects the waves on the port side, which facilitates constructive interference of converging waves to form a larger starboard wake with a higher peak and smoother face that is suitable for starboard surfing. Alternatively, the surf wake device (<b>100</b> or <b>105</b>) of the presently disclosed invention may be attached to or adjacent a starboard side to assist in forming a port wake.

0066With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the surf wake device <b>300</b> may comprise a main body portion <b>305</b> and one or more industrial strength suction cups <b>320</b> which may provide removable attachment of the device <b>300</b> to a watercraft. The surf wake device <b>300</b> may further comprise one or more side wall portions <b>330</b>, which may provide secure attachment of the suction cup <b>320</b> to the main body portion <b>305</b>. Such attachment may include brackets and bolts (collectively <b>340</b>), or any other means for attachment known in the art. The surf wake device <b>300</b> may further comprise an attachment handle <b>310</b>.

0067In certain embodiments, the attachment handle <b>310</b> may include a pump that may be used in conjunction with pump lines to provide a vacuum to the suction cup <b>320</b> which may increase the suction force of the suction cup <b>320</b> when installed on the hull of the watercraft.

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a side view of the surf wake device <b>300</b> including the main body portion <b>305</b>, the attachment handle <b>310</b>, one side wall <b>330</b>, and the suction cup <b>320</b>. Also shown are bolt holes (<b>350</b>, <b>355</b>) used to attach the suction cup <b>320</b> to the side wall portions <b>330</b>. As shown, more than one bolt hole (<b>350</b>, <b>355</b>) may be included so that the absolute position of the suction cup <b>320</b> relative to the side walls <b>330</b> may be adjusted.

0069In certain embodiments, the surf wake device may comprise more than one suction cup, and at least one associated pump to increase suction to the suction cups, and a release valve to remove the suction. This allows a user to quickly install the device on the watercraft, with no modifications to the watercraft, while the release valve allows the user to quickly release the device from the watercraft.

0070With reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref>, a surf wake device <b>500</b> according to the presently disclosed invention may comprise a main body portion <b>505</b>, an attachment handle comprising a pump (collectively <b>510</b>), two side wall portions (<b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B), and two suction cups (<b>520</b>A, <b>520</b>B). The two suction cups (<b>520</b>A, <b>520</b>B) may be attached to respective side wall portions (<b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B) via an attachment bracket and associated nuts and bolts (collectively <b>540</b>A or <b>540</b>B). Further, the two side wall portions (<b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B) may be attached to the main body portion <b>505</b> by respective mounting bracket (<b>563</b>A, <b>563</b>B) and attachment rails (<b>560</b>A, <b>560</b>B). Respective locking nuts (<b>562</b>A, <b>562</b>B) may be used to secure the two side wall portions (<b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B) at a specific position on the attachment rails (<b>560</b>A, <b>560</b>B). As such, the absolute position of the suction cups (<b>520</b>A, <b>520</b>B) relative to the main body portion <b>505</b> may be adjusted.

0071Also shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref> are the pump lines (<b>515</b>, <b>516</b>, <b>517</b>) that provide fluid communication between the pump (<b>510</b>) and the two suction cups (<b>520</b>A, <b>520</b>B). A pump button <b>525</b> may be used (e.g., depressed and released repeatedly) to manually provide a vacuum to the suction cups (<b>520</b>A, <b>520</b>B). With specific reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, pump button <b>525</b> may be depressed and released to manually produce a vacuum in a chamber of the pump (not shown). This vacuum may be communicated from the pump chamber through pump line <b>515</b>, and diverted using a T-valve <b>519</b> to the pump lines leading to each suction cup; pump line <b>516</b> leading to suction cup <b>520</b>B and pump line <b>517</b> leading to suction cup <b>520</b>A. Reference numbers shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> are reproduced in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> for ease of understanding,

0072As shown in the various embodiments of the presently disclosed invention, the device may comprise a pump. While the pump is illustrated and described as a manual pump comprising a pump button that may be depressed and released to generate a vacuum, other types of pumps are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the pump may be a manual pump that comprises a flexible bulb, rotating handle, or any other means of manually generating a vacuum using the pump. Alternatively, the pump may be a mechanical or motorized pump which is driven by an electrical supply, such as a battery, rechargeable battery, or solar powered battery. Thus, any means known in the art for generating a vacuum that may increase the suction force of the one or more suction cups onto the hull of the watercraft is within the scope of the present invention.

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Shown are the main body portion <b>505</b>, side wall portion <b>530</b>B, attachment handle <b>510</b> comprising the pump, pump button <b>525</b>, and the suction cup <b>520</b>B. Also shown are pump lines <b>515</b> and <b>516</b>, mounting bracket <b>563</b>B, and attachment bracket <b>540</b>B. This cross-sectional view illustrates the pump line <b>515</b> exiting a top of the pump chamber (in attachment handle <b>510</b>) and passing through a channel in the main body portion <b>505</b> behind the attachment handle <b>510</b>.

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Shown is an exemplary means for attachment of the side wall portion <b>530</b>A to the main body portion <b>505</b>. For example, the side wall portion <b>530</b>A and main body portion <b>505</b> may include a dovetail <b>531</b> or tongue and groove attachment means, and may further include an attachment rail <b>560</b>A attachable to the main body portion which provides a moveable track for a mounting bracket <b>563</b>A which is attachable to the side wall portion <b>530</b>A. As such, the side wall portion <b>530</b>A may be moveably attached to the main body portion <b>505</b>, thus allowing the absolute position of the side wall portion <b>530</b>A and associated suction cup <b>520</b>A to be adjusted relative to the main body portion <b>505</b>. Also shown is an exemplary attachment means for securing the pump line <b>516</b> to the device, in this case pump line <b>516</b> is secured to the main body portion <b>505</b> using a cable clip.

0075While certain specific connection means are illustrated in the various embodiments of the surf wake device of the presently disclosed invention, any means known in the art may be used to provide connection between the various components.

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Shown is one side wall portion <b>530</b>B and the associated suction cup <b>520</b>B. Also shown is the pump line <b>516</b> entering the right side of the suction cup <b>520</b>B, and a position at which the pump line exits <b>516</b>B the suction cup. When the surf wake device <b>500</b> is attached to a watercraft, a vacuum may be communicated from the pump (<b>510</b>) through the pump lines (as shown, pump line <b>516</b>) to the suction cups (as shown, suction cup <b>520</b>B). This vacuum may provide a suction force onto the watercraft which is sufficient to allow the surf wake device to remain attached to the watercraft even when a large force is applied to the main body portion <b>505</b>, such as the force of the moving water when the watercraft is traveling at high speed through the water.

0077Also shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is the attachment bracket <b>540</b>B and a repositioning segment <b>545</b>B which may allow the suction cup <b>520</b>B to be angled relative to the side wall portion <b>530</b>B. Further, the repositioning segment(s) <b>545</b>B for each suction cup may allow suction cup(s) <b>520</b>B to be moved away from or closer to the main body portion <b>505</b>, thus enabling attachment of the surf wake device <b>500</b> to watercraft having varying shaped hulls.

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Shown is the main body portion <b>505</b>, the attachment rail <b>560</b>B and associated mounting bracket <b>563</b>B, and a locking nut <b>562</b>B. The locking nut <b>562</b>B may be released to allow movement of the mounting bracket <b>563</b>B within the attachment rail <b>560</b>B, and may be tightened to stop such movement and secure the mounting bracket <b>563</b>B in position within the attachment rail <b>560</b>B.

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a top view of the surf wake device <b>500</b>. The two side wall portions (<b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B), suction cups (<b>520</b>A, <b>520</b>B), and main body portion <b>505</b> are shown. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. A cross-section of one suction cup <b>520</b>B is shown with the main body portion <b>505</b> in the background. Also shown is the mounting bracket <b>563</b>B, the repositioning segment <b>545</b>B, and pump line <b>516</b> and its exit point <b>516</b>B and pump line <b>517</b>.

0080As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, a surf wake device <b>1300</b> according to the presently disclosed invention may comprise a main body portion <b>1305</b>, two side wall portions (<b>1330</b>A, <b>1330</b>B), two suction cups (<b>1320</b>A, <b>1320</b>B), an attachment handle <b>1310</b> which includes a pump, and pump lines (<b>1315</b>, <b>1316</b>, <b>1317</b>). As discussed with reference to the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-12</figref>, the pump may include a pump button <b>1325</b> which may be depressed and released to generate a vacuum in a pump chamber (not shown). This vacuum may be communicated from the pump chamber through pump line <b>1315</b>, and diverted using a T-valve <b>1319</b> to the pump lines leading to each suction cup; pump line <b>1316</b> leading to suction cup <b>1320</b>A and pump line <b>1317</b> leading to suction cup <b>1320</b>B.

0081The embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13-15</figref> closely resembles the embodiment represented in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-12</figref>, except that the side wall portions are securely attached to the main body portion, and the suction cups are securely attached to the side wall portions. As such, little to no adjustment of the position of the suction cups relative to the main body portion is possible. Such an embodiment may be less expensive to manufacture, and may be more durable in use as there are fewer parts.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a top view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. Shown for reference are the main body portion <b>1305</b>, attachment handle <b>1310</b>, two side wall portions (<b>1330</b>A, <b>1330</b>B), and the two suction cups (<b>1320</b>A, <b>1320</b>B). Also shown are the pump button <b>1325</b>, pump lines (<b>1315</b>, <b>1316</b>, <b>1317</b>), and a T-valve <b>1319</b> which provide fluid communication for the vacuum generated by the pump to the suction cups (<b>1320</b>A, <b>1320</b>B).

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>. Shown is an exemplary means for attachment of the side wall <b>1330</b>A to the main body portion <b>1305</b>. For example, the side wall portion <b>1330</b>A and main body portion <b>1305</b> may be directly attached using a dovetail or tongue and groove attachment means, or any other attachment means known in the art. Also shown is the attachment handle <b>1310</b> comprising the vacuum pump, and pump line <b>1315</b> exiting a top of the vacuum pump and travelling through a path in the main body portion which lies behind the attachment handle <b>1310</b>. The pump line <b>1317</b> is secured to the side wall portion <b>1330</b>A, and is shown to travel through a path formed within a lower region of the side wall portion <b>1330</b>A to enter the suction cup <b>1320</b>A.

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> illustrates a surf wake device <b>1600</b> according to the presently disclosed invention. The surf wake device <b>1600</b> may comprise a main body portion <b>1605</b>, two suction cups (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B), an attachment handle <b>1610</b> which includes a pump, and pump lines (<b>1616</b>, <b>1617</b>). As discussed with reference to the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-12</figref>, the pump may include a pump button <b>1625</b> which may be depressed and released to generate a vacuum in a pump chamber (not shown). This vacuum may be communicated from the pump chamber through pump lines to each suction cup; pump line <b>1616</b> leading to suction cup <b>1620</b>A and pump line <b>1617</b> leading to suction cup <b>1620</b>B.

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> also illustrates an attachment rail <b>1670</b> which provides connection between the suction cups (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B) and the main body portion <b>1605</b> via respective mounting brackets (<b>1640</b>A, <b>1640</b>B). The absolute angle of attachment of the suction cups (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B) relative to the main body portion <b>1605</b> may be altered using respective attachment bolts (only one is labelled, <b>1675</b>B). Further, the absolute position of each suction cup (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B) relative to the main body portion <b>1605</b> may be altered by adjusting the horizontal position of the mounting bracket(s) (<b>1640</b>A, <b>1640</b>B) on the attachment rail <b>1670</b> (direction is given with reference to the orientation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>).

0086<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a front view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>. Shown for reference are the main body portion <b>1605</b>, attachment handle <b>1610</b>, and the two suction cups (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B). Also shown are the pump button <b>1625</b>, pump lines (<b>1615</b>, <b>1616</b>, <b>1617</b>), and a T-valve <b>1619</b> which provide fluid communication for the vacuum generated by the pump to the suction cups (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B). The two mounting brackets (<b>1640</b>A, <b>1640</b>B) comprise respectively a set of attachment brackets (<b>1642</b>A, <b>1642</b>B) and a set of attachment rods (<b>1680</b>A, <b>1680</b>B). The pump lines (<b>1616</b>, <b>1617</b>) may travel through the attachment rods (<b>1680</b>A, <b>1680</b>B) to respective suction cups (<b>1620</b>A, <b>1620</b>B).

0087<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. Shown is an exemplary means for attachment of the attachment rods <b>1680</b>A to the main body portion <b>1605</b>. Also shown is the attachment handle <b>1610</b> comprising the vacuum pump and pump button <b>1625</b>, and pump line <b>1615</b> exiting a bottom of the vacuum pump (residing within the attachment handle <b>1610</b>). The pump line <b>1616</b> is shown to enter the mounting bracket <b>1640</b>A, thus traveling along a path within mounting bracket <b>1640</b>A before exiting at an end thereof, and entering the suction cup <b>1620</b>A.

0088A connection means for the attachment rail <b>1670</b> to the main body portion <b>1605</b> is illustrated in detail L, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. The attachment rod <b>1680</b>A may comprise a connection means <b>1675</b> which provides connection to the attachment rail <b>1670</b>.

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> illustrates a surf wake device <b>2000</b> according to the presently disclosed invention. The surf wake device <b>2000</b> may comprise a main body portion <b>2005</b>, two suction cups (<b>2020</b>A, <b>2020</b>B), and an attachment handle <b>2010</b>. While not specifically shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the attachment handle <b>2010</b> may comprise a vacuum pump. Further, and as discussed above, the pump may include a pump button which may be depressed and released to generate a vacuum in a pump chamber (not shown), and pump lines to communicate the vacuum from the pump chamber to each suction cup.

0090<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> also illustrates an attachment rail <b>2070</b> which provides connection between the suction cups (<b>2020</b>A, <b>2020</b>B) and the main body portion <b>2005</b> via respective side panel portions (<b>2030</b>A, <b>2030</b>B). The absolute angle of attachment of the suction cups (<b>2020</b>A, <b>2020</b>B) relative to the main body portion <b>2005</b> may be altered using respective attachment brackets (<b>2040</b>A, <b>2040</b>B) and attachment bolts (only one is labelled, <b>2075</b>B). Further, the absolute position of each suction cup (<b>2020</b>A, <b>2020</b>B) relative to the main body portion <b>2005</b> may be altered by adjusting the horizontal and/or vertical position of the side panel portion(s) (<b>2030</b>A, <b>2030</b>B) on the attachment rail <b>2070</b>. That is, respective locking nuts (only one shown, <b>2062</b>A) may be used to secure the side panel portions (<b>2030</b>A, <b>2030</b>B) after horizontal movement along attachment rail <b>2070</b>, or vertical movement along slots (only one shown, <b>2064</b>A) within the side panel portions (<b>2030</b>A, <b>2030</b>B).

0091<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows a front view of the surf wake device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>. Labelled for reference are the main body portion <b>2005</b>, attachment rail <b>2070</b>, one suction cup <b>2020</b>B, one attachment bracket <b>2040</b>B, one side panel portion <b>2030</b>B, and one locking nut <b>2062</b>B. Also shown are pump line attachment ports (<b>2090</b>A, <b>2090</b>B) at the sides of the suction cups. While no pump or pump lines are shown, such could be included in this embodiment.

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line M-M of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>. Shown is an exemplary means for attachment of the side panel portion <b>2030</b>A to the main body portion <b>2005</b> (detail N) via the attachment rail. Also shown is the attachment handle <b>2010</b>, the attachment bracket <b>2040</b>A, the suction cup <b>2020</b>A, and a stabilizing foot <b>2021</b>A which may provide additional support for the device <b>2000</b> when attached to the hull of a watercraft, such as along the transom adjacent a port side or a starboard side.

0093An exemplary attachment rail <b>2070</b> is illustrated in detail N, and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>. The main body portion <b>2005</b> may be formed with an attachment bracket formed or attached thereon. A connecting plate <b>2075</b> may be directly attached to the bracket formed on the main body portion. As such, the side panel portion <b>2030</b>A may be securely attached to the main body portion <b>2005</b> using the connecting plate <b>2075</b> and a locking nut <b>2062</b>A.

0094Shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a surf wake device <b>2400</b> according to the presently disclosed invention. As indicated above, the surf wake device <b>2400</b> may be attached to the hull of a watercraft along the port or starboard sides of the watercraft (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>). The surf wake device <b>2400</b> may comprise a main body portion <b>2405</b>, a suction cup <b>2420</b>, an attachment handle <b>2410</b> comprising a vacuum pump, and a pump button <b>2425</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, the suction cup may be substantially coplanar with the main body portion, or substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the main body portion <b>2405</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>, the surf wake device <b>2400</b> may further comprise at least one pump line <b>2415</b> which provides fluid communication between the pump and the suction cup <b>2420</b>.

0095Shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of the surf wake device <b>2400</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. The main body portion <b>2405</b>, attachment handle <b>2410</b>, and suction cup <b>2420</b> are labelled for reference. Also shown is the path of pump line <b>2415</b> and the position <b>2415</b>B at which the pump line <b>2415</b> enters the suction cup <b>2420</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> shows an enlarged view of detail H from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>, which provides a better view of the path of pump line <b>2415</b> and the position <b>2415</b>B at which the pump line <b>2415</b> enters the suction cup <b>2420</b>.

0096As indicated, the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-27</figref> may be removeably attachable to the hull of the watercraft along the port side or starboard side. In all embodiments, the device is designed to extend past the hull of the watercraft into the passing water.

0097While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternations and applications could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. For example, while several different means have been described herein for connection of the various components of the presently disclosed invention, any connection means known in the art is/are within the scope of the presently disclosed invention. Accordingly, the particular arrangements, systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention.