U.S. patent application number 14/042099 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for self-propelled watercraft.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jackson Kayak, Inc.. Invention is credited to Drew Gregory, Scott Henderson, Tony Lee.
Application Number | 20140026807 14/042099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47626118 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140026807 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Tony ; et al. |
January 30, 2014 |
Self-Propelled Watercraft
Abstract
Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to
recreational self-propelled watercraft. For example, one disclosed
embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft including a hull, a
deck comprising a first seat receiver configured to support a seat
at a higher position and a second seat receiver configured to
support the seat at a lower position, and a seat securing mechanism
configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure the seat
to the deck.
Inventors: |
Lee; Tony; (Kingston,
TN) ; Gregory; Drew; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Henderson; Scott; (Kingston, TN) |
Assignee: |
Jackson Kayak, Inc.
Sparta
TN
|
Family ID: |
47626118 |
Appl. No.: |
14/042099 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13074891 |
Mar 29, 2011 |
8573146 |
|
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14042099 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/363 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 21/04 20130101;
B63B 19/14 20130101; B63B 29/06 20130101; B63B 34/20 20200201; B63B
2029/043 20130101; B63B 3/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/363 |
International
Class: |
B63B 29/06 20060101
B63B029/06 |
Claims
1. A self-propelled watercraft, comprising: a hull; a seat; a deck;
a first seat receiver disposed on the deck and configured to
support the seat at a higher position relative to an underlying
surface of the deck, the first seat receiver including a first,
higher seat support surface for a leg of the seat and the first
seat receiver being configured to prevent movement of the seat
along the deck when the seat is in the higher position, and a
second seat receiver disposed on the deck and configured to support
the seat at a lower position relative to the first seat receiver,
the second seat receiver including a second, lower support surface
for the leg of the seat and the second seat receiver being
configured to prevent movement of the seat fore and aft when the
seat is in the lower position.
2. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, wherein the first seat
receiver is molded into the deck of the watercraft.
3. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, wherein the seat is
removable.
4. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, wherein the seat
comprises a plurality of legs, and wherein the first seat receiver
and the second seat receiver each includes a support surface for
each leg of the seat.
5. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, further comprising a
seat securing mechanism operable by a user to selectively secure
the seat to the deck.
6. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck
comprises a plurality of walls located beneath the seat and
defining an outline of a perimeter of a tackle box.
7. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 5, wherein the seat
securing mechanism comprises a strap releasably coupled between the
seat and the deck.
8. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck
comprises a lockable hatch.
9. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 1, wherein the deck
comprises a stern end having a sloped portion that slopes
downwardly toward the hull as the deck approaches the stern end,
and wherein the deck also comprises a groove extending along the
sloped portion to the stern end, the groove being configured to
accommodate a drag line.
10. A self-propelled watercraft, comprising: a hull; a seat; a
deck, comprising: a first seat receiver molded in the deck, the
first seat receiver being configured to support the seat at a
higher position relative to an underlying surface of the deck and
prevent movement of the seat fore and aft when the seat is in the
higher position, and a second seat receiver molded in the deck, the
second seat receiver being configured to support the seat at a
lower position relative to the underlying surface of the deck and
prevent movement of the seat fore and aft when the seat is in the
lower position; and a seat securing mechanism configured to be
operable by a user to selectively secure the seat to the deck in
the higher position and in the lower position.
11. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the first
seat receiver is located behind the second seat receiver along a
direction from a bow to a stern of the self-propelled
watercraft.
12. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the seat is
removable.
13. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the seat
comprises a plurality of legs, and wherein the first seat receiver
and the second seat receiver together include a corresponding
plurality of support surfaces.
14. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the deck
comprises a plurality of walls located beneath the seat and
defining an outline of a perimeter of a tackle box.
15. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the seat
securing mechanism comprises a strap releasably coupled between the
seat and the deck.
16. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the deck
comprises a lockable hatch.
17. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 10, wherein the deck
comprises a stern end having a sloped portion that slopes
downwardly toward the hull as the deck approaches the stern end,
and wherein the deck also comprises a groove extending along the
sloped portion to the stern end, the groove being configured to
accommodate a drag line.
18. A self-propelled watercraft, comprising: a hull; a seat; and a
deck comprising: a first seat receiver molded into the deck, the
first seat receiver comprising a first, higher seat support surface
for a leg of the seat and the first seat receiver being configured
to prevent movement of the seat fore and aft when the seat is in a
higher position, and a second seat receiver molded into the deck,
the second seat receiver including a second, lower support surface
for the leg of the seat and the first seat receiver being
configured to prevent movement of the seat fore and aft when the
seat is in a lower position.
19. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 18, further comprising a
seat securing mechanism operable to selectively secure the seat to
the deck.
20. The self-propelled watercraft of claim 18, wherein the seat
comprises a plurality of legs, and wherein the first seat receiver
and the second seat receiver together include a corresponding
plurality of support surfaces.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/074,891, titled SELF-PROPELLED WATERCRAFT,
filed on Mar. 29, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Recreational self-propelled watercraft, such as kayaks, are
used for many different activities, such as touring, camping,
fishing, and river running. As such, kayaks may have various design
features configured to enhance various activity-specific
performance characteristics. For example, a whitewater kayak may
have a hull designed to enhance maneuverability, whereas a fishing
kayak may have a hull configured to enhance stability. In some
circumstances such specialized design features may impose limits on
other aspects of performance.
SUMMARY
[0003] Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to
recreational self-propelled watercraft. For example, one disclosed
embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft comprising a hull,
a deck comprising a first seat receiver configured to support a
seat at a higher position and a second seat receiver configured to
support the seat at a lower position, and a seat securing mechanism
configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure the seat
to the deck.
[0004] Another embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft
comprising a hull, a deck, a hatch opening formed in the deck, a
hatch cover configured to cover the hatch opening, and a hatch
locking mechanism comprising a locking structure disposed on the
hatch cover and a complementary locking structure disposed on the
deck.
[0005] Yet another embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft
comprising a hull, and a deck comprising a stern end having a
sloped portion that slopes downwardly toward the hull as the deck
approaches the stern end, wherein the deck also comprises a groove
extending along the sloped portion to the stern end, the groove
being configured to accommodate a drag line.
[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not
limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages
noted in any part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-propelled
watercraft.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a seat of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a first,
higher position relative to a deck of the watercraft.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows the seat of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a
second, lower position relative to the deck.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a hatch locking mechanism.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a hatch locking
mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-propelled
watercraft 100 in the form of a sit-on-top kayak, and FIG. 2 shows
a side view of self-propelled watercraft 100. Self-propelled
watercraft 100 comprises a deck 102 and a hull 104 that together
define an enclosed body. The deck 102 comprises a cockpit 106
configured to accommodate a user, and a seat 108 positioned within
the cockpit 106. As described in more detail below, the seat 108 is
configured to be adjustable between at least a higher position and
a lower position relative to an underlying surface of the deck 102.
This may allow a paddler to select a desired seat position
depending upon performance characteristics that are desired for
current paddling conditions. For example, a user may utilize the
lower position when paddling in rougher waters and/or faster
currents for greater stability, and may utilize the higher position
when fishing, paddling in calmer waters, or at other such times
where a higher point of view may be desired. The seat 108 also may
be configured to be removable, thereby allowing a user to use the
seat 108 outside of the watercraft 100.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a view of the seat 108 in a higher position
relative to an underlying surface of the deck, and FIG. 4 shows the
seat 108 at a lower position relative to an underlying surface of
the deck. Referring to FIG. 3, the watercraft 100 comprises a first
seat receiver configured to support the seat at the higher
position, and a second seat receiver configured to support the seat
at the lower position. As the depicted seat 108 is supported by a
plurality of legs 300, the first receiver comprises a higher
support surface 302 for each leg 300, and the second receiver
comprises a lower support surface 304 for each leg 300. Each
support surface further comprises a front wall 306 and a back wall
308 to prevent movement of the seat 108 fore and aft along the deck
102. However, it will be understood that any other suitable
structures may be used to prevent such movement of the seat
108.
[0015] In the depicted embodiment, each support surface 302, 304 is
molded into the deck 102, but it will be understood that the
support surfaces may be formed in any other suitable manner. For
example, support surfaces may be provided via structures that are
fastened to the watercraft after molding. Further, while the
depicted embodiment comprises two receivers to enable two different
seat heights, it will be understood that a self-propelled
watercraft may have any other suitable number of receivers to
enable any other suitable number of different seat heights.
Additionally, in some embodiments, a seat may be configured to have
a mechanically adjustable height, for example, via a telescoping
mechanism, ratcheting mechanism, hydraulic mechanism, or any other
suitable mechanism.
[0016] FIGS. 3-4 also show an embodiment of a seat securing
mechanism configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure
the seat to the deck 102. The depicted seat securing mechanism
comprises a strap 312 that is coupled to a rear portion of the
seat, passes through one or more loops 314 or other such structures
coupled to the deck 102, and attaches to a front portion of the
seat via an adjustable buckle 316. This allows the strap 312 to be
tightened via the adjustable buckle 316 to secure the seat 108 to
the deck 102 in either the higher or lower position. It will be
understood that the depicted securing mechanism 310 is shown for
the purpose of example, and is not intended to be limiting in any
manner, as any other suitable structure may be used to secure the
seat to the deck. For example, in other embodiments, individual
securing straps, mechanical snaps, etc. may be used for each leg of
the seat.
[0017] As mentioned above, the seat 108 may be configured to be
removable. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the seat 108 may be removed
by removing the strap 312 from the adjustable buckle 316, and then
removing the strap from the loops 314. In this manner, the seat may
be used outside of the watercraft 100, yet quickly and easily
installed in the watercraft when desired.
[0018] In some embodiments, a storage area may be formed in the
deck 102 beneath the seat 108 by molding or otherwise forming a
depression in the deck 102 to accommodate gear. Such a storage area
may have a shape or other structural features for securing a
specific item or items of equipment. In the depicted embodiment,
the deck 102 comprises a tackle box storage area beneath the seat
that is configured to accommodate and retain a tackle box, and to
be accessible when the seat 108 is in a higher or lower position.
Referring to FIG. 3, a pair of tackle box retaining structures 320
are shown beneath the seat 108--one illustrated with a tackle box
322 and the other without. In this location, the tackle box 322 is
stowed securely away when a user is paddling, yet is easily
accessible to the user while the user remains seated. Each depicted
tackle box retaining structure 320 includes a depression having a
shape of an outline of a perimeter of a tackle box. However, it
will be understood that a tackle box retaining structure may have
any other suitable structure configured to accommodate and retain a
tackle box, such as walls extending upwardly from the deck that
define a tackle box perimeter. It also will be understood that this
specific example of an equipment-specific storage area is presented
for the purpose of example, and is not intended to be limiting in
any manner.
[0019] Referring again to FIG. 1, the self-propelled watercraft 100
also includes a front hatch 110 and a rear hatch 112 each
configured to hold cargo, such as gear, food, etc. As described in
more detail below, either or both of the front hatch 110 and the
rear hatch 112 may be configured to be lockable, thereby allowing a
user to secure gear or other items stored in the hatches. While the
depicted embodiment has a front hatch and a rear hatch, it will be
understood that other embodiments may have only one of a front
hatch and a rear hatch, or may have more than two hatches.
[0020] Any suitable locking mechanism may be used for the hatches.
For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, the locking mechanisms
for each hatch include two points of attachment for the hatch
cover, wherein one of the points of attachment includes a locking
structure disposed on the hatch cover and a complementary locking
structure disposed on the deck. Referring to the rear hatch 112,
the rear hatch cover 120 includes a first point of attachment
comprising a tongue 122 that fits beneath a first bar 124 coupled
to the deck 102. Further, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5, the
rear hatch cover 120 includes a second point of attachment
comprising a lock receptacle 126 that covers and conforms to a
shape of a second bar 128 coupled to the deck 102. The lock
receptacle 126 further comprises complementary holes 130 to allow a
lock, such as a padlock, combination lock, etc. to be passed
through the lock receptacle 126 and under the second bar 128 to
lock the rear hatch cover 120 to the deck 102. FIG. 6 shows a hatch
locking mechanism for the front hatch cover 134, wherein a bar 136
and complementary holes 138 have a different orientation to the
centerline of the boat than those for the rear hatch cover. It will
be understood that the depicted locking structures are shown for
the purpose of example and are not intended to be limiting in any
manner.
[0021] Referring again to FIG. 1, the self-propelled watercraft 100
further includes one or more grooves 140 configured to accommodate
a drag line or anchor line (illustrated at 141 in FIG. 1)
configured to slow or prevent movement of the self-propelled
watercraft 100 through water. The term "drag line" is used herein
to refer to any such structure, including but not limited to
anchors lines, drag lines and drag chains. Such a drag line may be
used, for example, when fishing to slow downstream progress.
Referring to FIG. 2, the deck 102 comprises a stern end 142 having
a sloped portion 144 that slopes downwardly toward the hull 104 as
the deck 102 approaches the stern end. Each groove 140 extends
along this sloped portion 144, thereby allowing the drag line 141
to be lowered via gravity by a user sitting in the cockpit 106
without the drag line falling to the side of the deck 102.
[0022] In some embodiments, a drag line retainer 146 may extend
from the deck or hull over the groove to form a closed loop through
which a drag line may be extended. This may help to prevent the
drag line from falling to the side of the watercraft, as having a
drag chain hang (or other drag line) from the side of the
watercraft may negatively impact controllability while paddling or
drifting at a reduced speed relative to a river current. In the
depicted embodiment, the drag line retainer 146 takes the form of a
grab loop that a user may hold to lift or pull the watercraft 100.
However, in other embodiments, the drag line retainer 146 may take
any other suitable form, may have any other suitable location (e.g.
along the deck between the cockpit and the stern, such as over each
groove 140), or may be omitted. Further, other structures also may
help to hold a drag line within a groove 140. For example,
referring to FIG. 1, one or more hatch cover hold-down cords 150 of
the rear hatch may extend over grooves 140, and therefore may help
to hold a drag line in place.
[0023] The deck may include any suitable number of grooves for
accommodating drag lines. For example, the depicted watercraft 100
comprises a first groove located closer to a first side of the deck
than a second side of the deck, and also comprises a second groove
located closer to a second side of the deck than a first side of
the deck. This allows a user to control the drag line from either
side of the cockpit. However, other embodiments may have a single
groove positioned in any suitable location, or more than two
grooves.
[0024] It is to be understood that the specific embodiments of
self-propelled watercraft described herein are presented for the
purpose of example, and that these specific embodiments or examples
are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the present
disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and
subcombinations of the various processes, systems and
configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or
properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *