U.S. patent application number 15/738697 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for suspended watercraft seat system.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Coleman Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nicole Birdsong, Mike Brockel, Yiyun Culp, Tanner Dickerson, Steve Haring, Myles Levine, Rick L. Looslie, Rui Luo, David Nicholson, Jr., Christine Noack, Michael Peterson, Rob Rippy, Gabe Trefz, Darin Webb, Cynthia Willey, Daniel Youngers.
Application Number | 20180186432 15/738697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57609162 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180186432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haring; Steve ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
SUSPENDED WATERCRAFT SEAT SYSTEM
Abstract
A seat system for watercraft, preferably inflatable watercraft,
the seat system comprising a seat having a base and a backrest, a
support system comprising straps removably attaching the seat to
the inner sidewall of the watercraft, the seat system alleviating
at least a portion of a user's weight from the watercraft
floor.
Inventors: |
Haring; Steve; (Wichita,
KS) ; Willey; Cynthia; (Superior, CO) ; Webb;
Darin; (Denver, CO) ; Noack; Christine;
(Denver, CO) ; Birdsong; Nicole; (Denver, CO)
; Peterson; Michael; (Park City, KS) ; Rippy;
Rob; (Wichita, KS) ; Brockel; Mike; (Wichita,
KS) ; Culp; Yiyun; (Wichita, KS) ; Luo;
Rui; (Bel Aire, KS) ; Looslie; Rick L.;
(Cheney, KS) ; Trefz; Gabe; (Andover, KS) ;
Dickerson; Tanner; (Newton, KS) ; Nicholson, Jr.;
David; (Wichita, KS) ; Youngers; Daniel;
(Viola, KS) ; Levine; Myles; (Wichita,
KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Coleman Company, Inc. |
Wichita |
KS |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57609162 |
Appl. No.: |
15/738697 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2016/040093 |
371 Date: |
December 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62185865 |
Jun 29, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 2029/043 20130101;
B63B 7/082 20130101; B63B 7/085 20130101; B63B 34/20 20200201; B63B
34/26 20200201 |
International
Class: |
B63B 7/08 20060101
B63B007/08; B63B 35/71 20060101 B63B035/71 |
Claims
1. A seat system for watercraft, comprising: A seat structure; A
support system attached to the seat structure; A track located on
the inner side walls of a watercraft, the support system removably
attachable to the track by a plurality of connecting mechanisms at
a corresponding plurality of connection points.
2. The seat system of claim 1, wherein the seat structure comprises
a base and a backrest and the support system comprises at least a
first strap attached to the base and a second strap attached to
backrest, the first and second straps each having at least one free
end attached to separate connecting mechanisms and the first and
second straps being removably connected to the track at a plurality
of connection points by a corresponding plurality of said
connecting mechanisms.
3. The seat system of claim 2, wherein said connecting mechanisms
are hooks.
4. The seat system of claim 2 wherein said first strap passes
through the base and said second strap passes through the backrest
to allow movement of the seat structure along at least a portion of
the first and second straps, each of the first and second straps
having two free ends and each free end attached to a connecting
mechanism.
5. The seat system of claim 4 further comprising a third strap that
passes through the seat base, said third strap having two free ends
each attached to a connecting mechanism, each of the connecting
mechanisms removably attachable to a connection point on the
track.
6. The seat system of claim 5, wherein said connection points are
loops of webbing strap.
7. A seat system for inflatable watercraft, comprising: A seat
structure having a base and a backrest; A first and a second strap
each passing through the seat base and a third strap passing
through the seat backrest, each of the straps having two free ends
and each free end attached to a connecting mechanism; A plurality
of connection points located along the inner sidewall of the
inflatable watercraft, each of the plurality of connection points
shaped and sized to receive and snugly retain a connecting
mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/185,865, entitled "SUSPENDED
WATERCRAFT SEAT SYSTEM," filed Jun. 29, 2015, (Attorney Docket No.
Orgsport-2-6954), the full disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to watercraft, and more
specifically to a seat system for a kayak or canoe.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Water sports are popular recreational activities enjoyed by
many. Kayaking and canoeing in particular are quite popular. While
inflatable and hard-sided watercraft are both known and used,
inflatable watercraft have become increasingly popular due to their
ease of use, transportability and lower cost. Traditionally, the
weight of the user is supported on the floor of the inflatable
watercraft. As a result, the bottom of the watercraft tends to bow
outward into the water and creates drag as well as interfering with
the watercraft tracking. The suspended seat system of the present
invention supports enough of the user's weight to alleviate the
bowing out of the watercraft floor, thus reducing drag and
improving tracking. Even for hard-sided watercraft, the suspended
seat system will provide additional comfort for the user.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] In some embodiments, a seat system for watercraft is
provided including a seat structure having a bottom and a backrest,
a support system having at least two straps, one supporting the
seat bottom and one supporting the backrest, the straps include
connecting mechanisms which are removably connected to a track on
the inner side of each watercraft sidewall for alleviating at least
a portion of a user's weight from the watercraft floor when the
user is sitting in the seat structure.
[0006] The seat system may further include a plurality of
connection points along the watercraft sidewall track for removable
attachment of strap connecting mechanisms to allow for multiple
positioning of the seat between the stern and aft sections of the
watercraft.
[0007] In some embodiments, the straps of the support system pass
through the seat material such that the seat is movable along the
strap for adjustment by the user.
[0008] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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 perspective view of a watercraft including a
seat system of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat system shown in
FIG.1; and
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of the seat system of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following description, various embodiments are
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.
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1
and 2 show a watercraft W having suspended seat system 10.
Suspended seat system 10 includes seat structure 20, support system
30 and track 40. The watercraft is a conventional watercraft of
standard construction such as a kayak or canoe. The watercraft may
be either inflatable or hard-sided, but is preferably inflatable.
The general configuration and manufacture of inflatable and
hard-sided kayaks and canoes is known and thus specific
configuration details of the watercraft are omitted in order to not
obscure the embodiments being described.
[0015] Seat structure 20 includes seat base 22 and backrest 24 as
shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, backrest 24 also includes side flaps
26 for added comfort and adjustability. Seat base 22 and backrest
24 may be a single piece or may be separate pieces connection
together, preferably with a flexible hinge section between the
pieces to allow the forming of a traditional seat with a bottom and
a backrest. The specific construction of the seat is not the focus
of the present invention and conventional seat construction for
watercraft, particularly inflatable watercraft, can be used and
will not be described in detail here. Conventional materials such
as nylon, polyester, mesh and other watersport fabrics may be used.
The seat structure 20 may include padding for comfort, as well as
additional pockets and other storage trappings.
[0016] Support system 30 includes at least four points of support
provided from side straps 32 and bottom straps 34. Preferably,
support system 30 includes six points of support including two from
side straps 32 and four from bottom straps 34. Most preferably,
support system 30 includes eight points of support including two
from side straps 32 and six from bottom straps 34. Additional
points of support could be included by adding additional straps on
either the seat base 22, backrest 24 or side flaps 26. Straps are
preferably made of polypropylene, nylon or polyester but could be
made of other durable yet flexible materials known in the industry.
Straps may be permanently secured to seat structure 20 by
stitching, but other means of securing such as rivets, welding,
adhesive and the like are also contemplated. Straps 32, 34 may
include free ends and secured ends such that straps are of shorter
lengths of material which are secured to seat base and backrest,
respectively, at secured ends and extend outward, terminating in
free ends. Preferably, straps 32, 34 comprise a single length of
material with only two free ends per strap such that straps extend
across the width of seat base and backrest and a central portion of
strap is secured to the respective seat base or backrest, leaving
the free ends unconnected. Most preferably, straps 32, 34 comprise
longer lengths of material which pass through channels created in
seat or seat cover (as shown in FIG. 2) such that seat structure 20
is movable and adjustable over at least a portion of strap, with
free ends extending outward.
[0017] Free ends of straps 32, 34 include connecting mechanisms 36.
Connecting mechanisms are preferably hooks for attachment to track
40. Connecting mechanism 36 for strap 32 may be the same as or
different from the connecting mechanism for strap 34. Connecting
mechanisms are preferably made of ABS plastic, acetel, injection
molded nylon, aluminum, steel or other materials known and used in
the industry which are strong and durable. Optionally, connecting
mechanism may include a locking clip or a carabiner clip.
[0018] Track 40 receives connecting mechanisms 36 and supports seat
structure 20 via straps 32, 34. Track 40 includes connecting rail
42, base rail 44 which preferably extend along a portion of the
length of watercraft W on the inside wall both on the starboard and
port sides. Base rail 44 is secured to the inside wall of
watercraft W, preferably by stitching onto the cover of an
inflatable watercraft, although other methods of permanent
attachment which are known in the industry may be used. For
hard-sided watercraft, base rail 44 may be secured by riveting,
welding, us of adhesives and the like. Connecting rail 42 is
secured to base rail 44. For inflatable watercraft, connecting rail
42 is preferably stitched to base rail 44. For hard-sided
watercraft, connecting rail 42 may be secured to base rail 44 by
stitching, riveting, welding, use of adhesives and the like.
[0019] Connecting rail 42 comprises a plurality of connection
points 46 that are preferably evenly spaced along the length of
connecting rail 42 for receiving connecting mechanisms 36.
Preferably, connection points 46 comprise loops of the rail
material which are created by stitching separate sections
approximately every one inch along connecting rail 42 to allow the
connecting mechanism 36 to be securely retained therein and to
allow for multiple adjustment of seat location between the stern
and aft portions of the watercraft. Connection points 46 may be
spaced closer or farther apart from each other than one inch,
depending on the size of the connecting mechanisms 36 that are
used. The key is to size connection points 46 to accommodate the
connecting mechanisms 36 snugly for a secure, yet removable, fit.
While only a single connecting rail 42 on each side is preferred,
and all connecting mechanisms 36 from all straps 32, 34 are secured
thereto, it is possible to have two separate connecting rails on
each side, one located above the other, such that connecting
mechanisms from strap 32 and connecting mechanisms from strap 34
secure to different rails. Both connecting rail 42 and base rail 44
are preferably made of flexible and durable material such a
polypropylene, nylon, polyester and the like.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the sides of an inflatable
watercraft will deflect slightly outward when the seat system is in
use such that seat system 10 will take a portion of the weight load
from the watercraft floor. The seat does not need to be fully
suspended once a user is seated and their body weight is applied,
but may rest gently on the watercraft floor. Seat system 10
supports enough user weight between the floor and sides to
alleviate the bowing normally present in inflatable watercraft
where the user sits on the watercraft floor, thus reducing drag and
improving tracking. For hard-sided watercraft, seat system 10
provides increased comfort for the user.
[0021] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated
embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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 law. 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.
[0024] 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.
* * * * *