U.S. patent application number 13/643635 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-08 for convertible inflatable kayak.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ivan Anderson Huber, Byron Loibl, Jason R. Phillips, Kit (yue) Zhang. Invention is credited to Ivan Anderson Huber, Byron Loibl, Jason R. Phillips, Kit (yue) Zhang.
Application Number | 20130200115 13/643635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44904297 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130200115 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huber; Ivan Anderson ; et
al. |
August 8, 2013 |
CONVERTIBLE INFLATABLE KAYAK
Abstract
An inflatable kayak capable of conversion, from a kayak
configuration to a backpack configuration utilizing existing kayak
components to form the backpack for transport and storage of the
kayak.
Inventors: |
Huber; Ivan Anderson;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Phillips; Jason R.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Zhang; Kit (yue); (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Loibl; Byron; (Wichita, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Huber; Ivan Anderson
Phillips; Jason R.
Zhang; Kit (yue)
Loibl; Byron |
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Wichita |
OH
OH
OH
KS |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company, Inc.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
44904297 |
Appl. No.: |
13/643635 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
April 11, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/31900 |
371 Date: |
December 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61328460 |
Apr 27, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/153 ;
114/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/15 20130101; A45F
4/10 20130101; B63B 7/085 20130101; B63B 7/00 20130101; B63B 29/04
20130101; B63B 34/26 20200201; B63C 13/00 20130101; A45F 3/14
20130101; B63B 7/08 20130101; B63B 2029/043 20130101; B63B 34/20
20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/153 ;
114/345 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/10 20060101
A45F004/10; B63B 7/00 20060101 B63B007/00 |
Claims
1. An inflatable boat, comprising: an inflatable hull; and wherein
said inflatable boat may be converted between a first configuration
and a second configuration, wherein said first configuration is
usable as a boat and said second configuration is usable for
transport or storage of the boat.
2. The inflatable boat of claim 1, wherein said reconfiguration
between a boat configuration and a transport configuration utilizes
components from the boat configuration to define a compartment for
the transport configuration.
3. An inflatable boat, comprising: an inflatable hull; a removable
seat, wherein said seat converts to at least a portion of a
transport container for the boat.
4. The inflatable boat of claim 3, further comprising a sit-in
cockpit.
5. The inflatable boat of claim 3, further comprising a removable
cover releasably connected to the cockpit, wherein said cover
converts to at least a portion of a transport container for the
boat.
6. The inflatable boat of claim 5 wherein the seat defines the main
portion of the transport container and the cockpit cover is the
container cover, each of the seat and cockpit cover being
attachable to each other in the transport configuration defining a
compartment.
7. The inflatable boat of claim 6, wherein the seat and cockpit
cover are attachable to each in the transport configuration by at
least one zipper.
8. The inflatable boat of claim 6, wherein the hull fits within the
compartment formed by the seat and the cockpit cover when in the
transport configuration.
9. The inflatable boat of claim 6 wherein the transport container
is a backpack.
10. The inflatable boat of claim 9, further comprising carry straps
for the backpack.
11. The inflatable boat of claim 2 or 6, wherein said boat is a
kayak.
12. A method of storing an inflatable boat, comprising the steps
of: removing the seat of the boat; removing the cockpit cover of
the boat; deflating the inflatable hull of the boat; folding the
deflated hull onto itself; converting the seat into a compartment
and placing the folded hull within the compartment; and securing
the cockpit cover to the compartment over the folded hull.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
connecting straps to the compartment to enable a user to carry the
compartment containing the hull.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a U.S. National Phase Application
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of International Application No.
PCT/US2011/031900, filed on Apr. 11, 2011, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/328,460, filed Apr. 27,
2010, the benefit of the filing of which is hereby claimed under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) and each of which are incorporated herein in
their entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to inflatable
watercrafts, and more particularly, to an inflatable kayak
convertible into a backpack for transporting the kayak.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Kayaks, for centuries a mode of transport, are also popular
for recreational purposes. Traditional kayaks had a substantially
rigid construction, making it difficult to portage the kayak a
significant distance over rugged terrain or to load and carry the
kayak atop motorized vehicles. Because many preferred sites for
kayaking are located in remote regions that are inaccessible to
motorized vehicles, the traditional rigid construction of kayaks
has proven to be disadvantageous for today's recreationist.
[0004] In response to these disadvantages of traditional rigid
kayaks, inflatable kayaks have been developed. Easily deflated and
folded, inflatable kayaks offer lightweight and compact carrying
ability, as well as ease of use when inflated at the water's edge.
One disadvantage of conventional inflatable kayaks, however, is the
difficulty of transporting the kayak. Even when deflated, the kayak
can he significant in weight and cumbersome in shape such that it
is not easy to transport under the manual power of the
recreationist alone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed
to an inflatable kayak that is convertible into a backpack
configuration for transport.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention concerns an
inflatable watercraft comprising an inflatable hull and wherein the
seat portion of the inflatable watercraft also functions as a main
portion of a backpack for transporting the watercraft when in its
deflated configuration.
[0007] These and additional features and advantages will be set
forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that
description or recognized by practicing the invention as described
herein.
[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are merely
exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview
or framework for understanding the nature and character of the
invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included
to provide further understanding of the invention, illustrate
various embodiments of the invention, and together with the
description serve to explain the principles and operation of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an inflatable kayak of
the present invention, shown in the fully inflated
configuration;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the kayak of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the kayak of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 4a-4e show the process of folding the kayak of FIG. 1,
in its deflated configuration;
[0014] FIGS. 5a-5d show the seat of the kayak of FIG. 1, and the
process of unfolding the seat in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the backpack configuration,
showing the deflated and folded kayak in its storage/transport
configuration;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the backpack of FIG.
6;
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a paddle for use with the present invention,
shown in assembled and disassembled form; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the backpack of FIG.
6, including paddles.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0020] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inflatable
sit-inside kayak 10 is illustrated as generally including an
inflatable hull 12, a cockpit 14 and a seat 16. As used herein, the
term "sit-inside kayak" denotes a kayak that is configured so that
the operator of the kayak sits inside a portion of the kayak with
his/her legs covered by a portion of the kayak, as opposed to a
"sit-on-top kayak" where the operator of the kayak sits on top of
the kayak with his/her legs being exposed. The present invention is
directed to an inflatable kayak that is convertible to a backpack
for storage and transport, wherein certain components of the kayak
from the kayak configuration (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) may be
utilized as different components in the backpack configuration
(shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0021] Inflatable hull 12 of kayak 10 includes an inflatable main
body 18 that substantially surrounds cockpit 14. Main body 18 is
equipped with an inflation valve of suitable configuration and
location (not shown). Main body 18 of hull 12 includes a bow (or
front) portion 22 and a stern (or rear) portion 24. Main body 18
further includes a top side 26 located on the upper portion of hull
and an under side 28 located on the portion of hull 12 which will
be in or on the water when the kayak is in use in the kayak
configuration. Hull 12 is elongated along an axis of elongation
that extends from the tip of bow portion 22 to the tip of stern
portion 24, defining a cavity 30 therein to accommodate the legs of
the kayaker during use as well as provide area for cargo/storage.
Cavity 30 is located forward of cockpit 14.
[0022] Hull 12 and cockpit 14 are preferably formed of one or more
sheets of a flexible, durable, air-impermeable material, as is
known in the art of inflatable kayaks and boats. Preferably, hull
12 and cockpit 14 are formed of the same type of material. The
material of construction is preferably a fabric-reinforced flexible
PVC, although any other suitable synthetic rubber or plastic may be
used (e.g., polyethylene). When a plurality of sheets of material
are used to construct kayak 10, the sheets can be coupled to one
another by any conventional method which results in the formation
of an air-tight seam at the junction of the sheets. Heat welding is
one acceptable method for creating such an air-tight seam. The
overall general shape, size and construction of kayak 10 and, more
specifically, hull 12 may be that of conventional inflatable
kayaks.
[0023] Cockpit 14 is disposed generally between bow portion 22 and
stern portion 24 of main body 18. Cockpit 14 defines the sitting
area for the kayaker and preferably has lip 32 surrounding
perimeter of cockpit 14 to provide added stability and protection
from water spray. Cockpit 14 extends forward to connect with and
flow into cavity 30 underneath bow portion 22 of main body 18.
[0024] Seat 16 is located within cockpit 14. Seat 16 comprises back
support 34, lateral supports 36a, 36b and lower support 38. Back
support 34 and lateral supports 36a, 36b cooperate to form a
generally U-shaped configuration that surrounds lower support
member 38. When in the kayak configuration, seat 16 fits down into
cockpit 14 such that the underside of lower support 38 abuts the
bottom of cockpit 16, the backside of back support 34 abuts the
rear portion of cockpit 14 and the exterior sides of lateral
supports 36a, 36b abut side portions of cockpit 14. When the
operator of kayak 10 sits on lower seat support member 38, back
support 34 inhibits rearward movement of the operator, while
lateral supports 36a, 36b inhibit lateral movement of the operator.
Although as shown in FIG. 5, seat 16 comprises a single section in
back support 34, two sections for each of lateral supports 36a and
36b and three sections for lower support 38, any number of sections
(padded or otherwise) may be used to support operator and provide
comfort during use in the kayak configuration, as well as in the
backpack configuration. The sections preferably comprise non-padded
seams or channels between the various sections to allow the
sections to form around the kayaker when in the kayak configuration
and then also to allow the back support 34 to lay in the same plane
as lower support 38 when in the backpack configuration. Seat 16 is
preferably made of compression molded EVA foam or beveled EVA foam
sheets. The reverse side of seat 16 (encompassing the reverse side
of all seat 16 sections) is preferably made of conventional
backpack material such as nylon, although materials such as
polyester or other materials known in the industry may also be
used.
[0025] When, in the backpack configuration, seat 16 functions as
the pack support structure and lumbar support of the backpack
itself. More specifically, back support 34 functions as the lower
lumbar support/padding, lateral supports 36a, 36b function as hip
support/padding and lower support 38 functions as mid-lumbar and
upper back/shoulder support/padding, as shown in FIG. 5a. Lower
support 38 of seat 16 further comprises notches 40a, 40b located at
the outer edge of lower support 38, as shown in FIGS. 5a-5d. When
converting to the backpack configuration from the kayak
configuration, shoulder straps 42a, 42b pass through notches 40a,
40b from storage in the backside of seat 16 to a location extending
through the notches 40a, 40b and towards back support 34. The free
ends of shoulder straps 42a, 42b are releasably connected to quick
release buckles or similar structures located on back support 34
(not shown). Notches 40 could comprise slots or notches of
virtually any shape provided they allow shoulder straps 42a, 42b to
pass through from the backside and assist to secure the backpack in
place over the shoulders of the user. Shoulder straps 42a, 42b are
preferably made of conventional backpack strap material and
construction such as nylon and the like. Shoulder straps 42a, 42h
may also be padded for comfort.
[0026] Backside of seat 16 comprises an envelope 44, preferably
made of nylon or polyester. Envelope 44 is connected to seat 16
along the perimeter of lower support 38 and on the reverse side of
back support 34 as shown in FIG. 5c by means of stitching or the
like. Envelope 44 comprises top flap 46, lateral flaps 48, 50 and
bottom edge 52 that form a three-sided cavity when in a fully
expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 6. Envelope 44 is
preferably a single piece of fabric, although it is also within the
scope of the present invention for envelope 44 to be formed of
separate pieces of material which are stitched or otherwise
attached to each other. When in the kayak configuration, top flap
46 and lateral flaps 48, 50 are folded in on themselves and
preferably secured with quick release buckles and straps 66, as
shown in FIG. 5c. Releasable attachment means such as a zipper,
hook and loop fasteners or other connectors known in the industry
are preferably located around the free edge of top flap 46 and
lateral flaps 48, 50. Bottom edge 52 is preferably free of
connectors, although it is within the scope of the present
invention to include one. When in the backpack configuration (shown
in FIG. 6), envelope 44 is expanded such that top flap 46 and
lateral flaps 48, 50 extend generally perpendicular to seat 16 to
form the main cavity of backpack. Backside of seat 16 further
comprises bottom load support 76 which comprises a flap of fabric
which extends past back support 34 when in the backpack
configuration, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0027] Lateral supports 36a, 36b comprise straps 68 extending from
the end of each lateral support which may comprise quick release
buckles, hook and loop fasteners or other releasable fasteners to
secure seat 16 within cockpit 14, yet allow for quick release to
enable the seat 16 to be removed for conversion between the kayak
configuration and the backpack configuration. These same straps 68
will function as the lumbar strap for the backpack in the backpack
configuration.
[0028] All straps described herein, regardless of location, are
preferably made of nylon webbing although other similar materials
used in the industry may also be used.
[0029] Removable spray skirt 54 is shown in FIG. 4a and is
releasably secured to lip 32 of cockpit 14. Spray skirt 54 further
preferably includes a front cargo net 56 formed of elastic or
bungee cords as is known in the industry. Top side 26 of kayak 10
further may also optionally include rear cargo section 58 similarly
formed of elastic or bungee cords as is own in the industry. A
first handle 60 is preferably permanently coupled to bow portion 22
and a second handle 62 is preferable permanently coupled to stern
portion 24, both facilitate manual manipulation of kayak 10. In
addition, a pair of paddle holders (not shown) can he permanently
or releasably coupled to main body 18 for holding a paddle onto the
kayak hull in the kayak configuration when the paddle is not in use
by the operator.
[0030] Optional accessories, such as paddles, portable air pumps
and the like are also within the scope of the present invention.
For instance, a conventional-style kayak paddle that can be
disassembled into multiple pieces for storage and transport may be
utilized, as may a conventional kayak paddle that does not
disassemble and remains a single piece. It is also within the scope
of the present invention to include any number of pockets, loops,
straps and other backpack accessories to the seat 16 in the proper
location for use of these accessories in the backpack
configuration, provided they do not interfere with use of the
components in the kayak configuration. For example, when in
backpack configuration, a handle (not shown) may be added to the
top portion of the backpack for carrying. It is also within the
scope of the present invention to utilize other strap
configurations, such as only one shoulder strap, different
locations for the carrying straps.
[0031] It is within the scope of the present invention for kayak 10
to be of a size and configuration suitable to accommodate more than
a single kayaker. In such situation, a second seat (not shown) may
convert into a second backpack or may merely fit inside the
backpack formed by seat 16 and spray skirt 54. The general
configuration of the hull, cockpit and seats of the two-person
kayak are preferably substantially the same as the one-person kayak
10.
[0032] To convert kayak 10 from the kayak configuration to the
backpack configuration, the seat 16 and spray skirt 54 are removed
and the kayak 10 is deflated. As shown in. FIGS. 4a and 4b, the
deflated hull 12 is first folded in thirds, lengthwise by folding
the first side of hull 18 towards the approximate center line of
hull 18 and then folding the opposite side of hull 18 towards the
same approximate center line. The bow and stern ends are next
folded towards the center of hull 18 at the approximate point where
the sides of hull 18 were previously folded, as shown in FIG. 4c.
The folded bow and stern ends are folded a second time towards the
center of hull 18 as shown in FIG. 4d and the folded kayak is then
folded a third time in half to form a folded configuration, as
shown in FIG. 4e.
[0033] The back support 34 of seat 16 is flipped downward and
inverted so that the back support 34 is on the lower end of seat 16
in relation to the remainder of seat 16. Envelope 44 is unfolded
and shoulder straps 42a, 42b which were previously stored inside of
envelope 44 when in the kayak configuration are fed through notches
40a, 40b from the backside of seat 16 toward the front side of seat
16 and attached the free ends of the shoulder straps 42a, 42b to
the back support 34 using quick release buckles or the like. The
folded kayak is then inserted in the open envelope 44 compartment
and secured with optional compression straps 70. Bottom load
support 76 is unfolded and wrapped under folded kayak at the bottom
edge where envelope 44 is not present and preferably secured with
an optional bottom load strap 78 and quick release buckle to
distribute the weight of the kayak evenly onto the hips of the
backpack wearer. The spray skirt 54 is then secured over the kayak
to the envelope 44 edges by means of a zipper, hook and loop
fasteners, snaps, toggles, or the like and functions as the
backpack cover. When in the backpack configuration, the cargo net
56 on spray skirt 54 may be utilized to hold a portable air pump or
other accessories. Optional side pockets 80 may be utilized to hold
a paddle or other accessories, as shown in FIG. 9. Side pockets 80
may include apertures to allow for drainage of the paddle or other
accessories, such apertures may have grommets or other hardware as
is used in the industry. The specific method of folding described
above may be altered slightly, provided folded kayak 10 fits within
the storage cavity created by seat 16 and spray skirt 54.
[0034] To use the invention in the kayak configuration, the
procedure described above is reversed to unpack and unfold the
kayak hull and the kayak is then inflated following the
conventional method for using inflatable kayaks and boats or
specific instructions from the manufacturer.
[0035] The preferred forms of the invention described above are to
be used as illustration only, and should not be used in a limiting
sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Obvious
modifications to the exemplary embodiments, set forth above, could
be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit of the present invention.
[0036] The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the
Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair
scope of the present invention as it pertains to any apparatus not
materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the
invention as set forth in the following claims.
[0037] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
[0038] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0039] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0040] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0041] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable lave. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *