U.S. patent application number 17/189539 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for device, system and method for deploying a kayak sail.
The applicant listed for this patent is Warren Lowe. Invention is credited to Warren Lowe.
Application Number | 20210276683 17/189539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005608371 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210276683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lowe; Warren |
September 9, 2021 |
DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING A KAYAK SAIL
Abstract
A kayak sail system includes a sail including a first extending
arm, a second extending arm, and a sail sheet supported between the
first extending arm and the second extending arm. A deployment body
for the sail includes a base plate supporting a first deployment
arm and a second deployment arm. The first deployment arm is
coupled to the first extending arm of the sail. The second
deployment arm is coupled to the second extending arm of the sail.
A support arm is spaced apart from the base plate. A first support
post and a second support post extend from the support arm. A first
extension spring extends from the first deployment arm and a second
extension spring extends from the second deployment arm. The first
extension spring is removably coupled to the first support post.
The second extension spring is removably coupled to the second
support post.
Inventors: |
Lowe; Warren; (Swiftwater,
PA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lowe; Warren |
Swiftwater |
PA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005608371 |
Appl. No.: |
17/189539 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16745678 |
Jan 17, 2020 |
10933961 |
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17189539 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 15/0083 20130101;
B63B 15/02 20130101; B63H 9/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63H 9/06 20060101
B63H009/06; B63B 15/02 20060101 B63B015/02; B63B 15/00 20060101
B63B015/00 |
Claims
1. A kayak sail system, comprising: a sail including a first
extending arm, a second extending arm, and a sail sheet supported
between the first extending arm and the second extending arm; and a
deployment body for the sail, the deployment body including: a base
plate supporting a first deployment arm and a second deployment
arm, the first deployment arm coupled to the first extending arm of
the sail and the second deployment arm coupled to the second
extending arm of the sail; a support arm spaced apart from the base
plate, a first support post and a second support post extending
from the support arm; and a first extension spring extending from
the first deployment arm and a second extension spring extending
from the second deployment arm, wherein the first extension spring
is configured to be removably coupled to the first support post,
and wherein the second extension spring is configured to be
removably coupled to the second support post.
2. The kayak sail system of claim 1, wherein the base plate
includes a first angled sidewall and a second angled sidewall,
wherein the first and second angled sidewalls each form an angle
greater than ninety degrees with an upper surface of the base
plate.
3. The kayak sail system of claim 2, further including a first
compression spring in contact with the first deployment arm and a
second compression spring in contact with the second deployment
arm, the first compression spring configured to provide lateral
tension to the first deployment arm and the second compression
spring configured to provide lateral tension to the second
deployment arm.
4. The kayak sail system of claim 3, wherein the first deployment
arm defines a first compression spring seat configured to receive a
portion of the first compression spring, and wherein the second
deployment arm defines a second compression spring seat configured
to receive a portion of the second compression spring.
5. The kayak sail system of claim 1, further including a first
guide loop supported by the first deployment arm, the first guide
loop positioned about a proximal end portion of the first extending
arm, and a second guide loop supported by the second deployment
arm, the second guide loop positioned about a proximal end portion
of the second extending arm.
6. The kayak sail system of claim 1, further including an
attachment block secured to the kayak, wherein the deployment body
is configured to be detachably coupled to the attachment block.
7. The kayak sail system of claim 6, further including a quick
release mechanism configured to secure the deployment body to the
attachment block.
8. The kayak sail system of claim 7, wherein the attachment block
defines a channel, wherein the deployment body includes a first
side support bar, a second side support bar, and a projection
configured to be engaged in the channel defined by the attachment
block
9. The kayak sail system of claim 1, further including a first
attachment loop coupled to a distal end portion of the first
extending arm of the sail, a second attachment loop coupled to a
portion of the first extending arm of the sail proximal to the
distal end portion of the first extending arm of the sail, a third
attachment loop coupled to a distal end portion of the second
extending arm of the sail, and a fourth attachment loop coupled to
a portion of the second extending arm of the sail proximal to the
distal end portion of the second extending arm, wherein a first
tether line connects the first and second attachment loops, and a
second tether line connects the third and fourth attachment
loops.
10. The kayak sail system of claim 9, further including a first
kayak attachment loop and a second kayak attachment loop, a third
kayak attachment loop and a fourth kayak attachment loop, the first
and second kayak attachment loops configured to secure the first
tether line to the kayak and the third and fourth kayak attachment
loops configured to secure the second tether line to the kayak,
wherein the first tether line is configured to bend a length of the
first extending arm of the sail between the first and second
attachment loops, and wherein the second tether line is configured
to bend a length of the second extending arm of the sail between
the third and fourth attachment loops.
11. The kayak sail system of claim 10, further including a first
cam cleat configured to be secured to first side of the kayak and a
second cam cleat configured to be secured to a second side of the
kayak, the first cam cleat configured to secure the first tether
line, and the second cam cleat configured to secure the second
tether line.
12. The kayak sail system of claim 11, further including a fifth
kayak attachment loop configured to be secured between the second
and fourth kayak attachment loops, wherein the first tether line
and the second tether line are connected with each other as a
single continuous tether line.
13. The kayak sail system of claim 1, wherein the sail is
configured to fold substantially along a vertical centerline
thereof, and wherein the first and second extending arms of the
sail are configured to be retracted against a side of the
kayak.
14. The kayak sail system of claim 1, wherein the sail includes a
transparent window between the first and second extending arms.
15. The kayak sail system of claim 1, wherein the first extending
arm and the second extending arm each define a tapered
configuration.
16. A kayak sail deployment body, comprising: a base plate
supporting a first deployment arm and a second deployment arm; a
support arm spaced apart from the base plate, a first support post
and a second support post extending from the support arm; a first
extension spring extending from the first deployment arm and a
second extension spring extending from the second deployment arm,
wherein the first extension spring is configured to be removably
coupled to the first support post, and wherein the second extension
spring is configured to be removably coupled to the second support
post; and a first compression spring in contact with the first
deployment arm and a second compression spring in contact with the
second deployment arm, the first compression spring configured to
provide lateral tension to the first deployment arm and the second
compression spring configured to provide lateral tension to the
second deployment arm.
17. The kayak sail deployment body of claim 16, wherein the base
plate includes a first angled sidewall and a second angled
sidewall, wherein the first and second angled sidewalls each form
an angle greater than ninety degrees with an upper surface of the
base plate.
18. The kayak sail deployment body of claim 16, wherein the first
deployment arm defines a first compression spring seat configured
to receive a portion of the first compression spring, and wherein
the second deployment arm defines a second compression spring seat
configured to receive a portion of the second compression
spring.
19. The kayak sail deployment body of claim 16, further including a
first guide loop supported by the first deployment arm and a second
guide loop supported by the second deployment arm.
20. The kayak sail deployment body of claim 16, further including a
threaded bore configured to receive a quick release mechanism, the
quick release mechanism configured to secure the kayak sail
deployment body to a kayak.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/745,678 filed Jan. 17, 2020.
The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device, system and
method for deploying a kayak sail, and more particularly, to a
device, system and method for deploying a compressible sail.
Background of Related Art
[0003] A kayak is a type of watercraft which is typically propelled
by means of a double-bladed paddle. Kayak's tend to be relatively
small and narrow, while providing seating for a single passenger.
Kayak seats may include an in-deck seat or closed deck with a seat
positioned atop the deck.
[0004] A fishing kayak is a type of kayak that is employed for
fishing. Fishing kayaks may be used to access fishing grounds that
are relatively distantly spaced apart from a shoreline. Fishing
kayaks may also be used to access relatively shallow areas that
might not be readily traversed by a traditional fishing boat that
is propelled by a motor. Further, fishing kayaks may be used to
approach fishing areas in a covert manner by producing a minimum of
noise. Additionally, fishing kayaks may be legally deployed on
lakes or streams that might not permit use of a boat with a
motor.
[0005] One potential means of propelling a kayak other than a
paddle, is through the use of a sail. However, kayak sails are
inherently difficult to deploy and store, and may disrupt kayak
stability when wind speeds exceed a predetermined level.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
kayak sail system includes a sail including a first extending arm,
a second extending arm, and a sail sheet supported between the
first extending arm and the second extending arm. A deployment body
for the sail includes a base plate supporting a first deployment
arm and a second deployment arm. The first deployment arm is
coupled to the first extending arm of the sail. The second
deployment arm is coupled to the second extending arm of the sail.
A support arm is spaced apart from the base plate. A first support
post and a second support post extend from the support arm. A first
extension spring extends from the first deployment arm and a second
extension spring extends from the second deployment arm. The first
extension spring is removably coupled to the first support post.
The second extension spring is removably coupled to the second
support post.
[0007] In some aspects, the base plate includes a first angled
sidewall and a second angled sidewall. The first and second angled
sidewalls each form an angle greater than ninety degrees with an
upper surface of the base plate. A first compression spring is in
contact with the first deployment arm and a second compression
spring is in contact with the second deployment arm. The first
compression spring provides lateral tension to the first deployment
arm and the second compression spring provides lateral tension to
the second deployment arm. The first deployment arm defines a first
compression spring seat that receives a portion of the first
compression spring. The second deployment arm defines a second
compression spring seat that receives a portion of the second
compression spring.
[0008] In some aspects, a first guide loop is supported by the
first deployment arm. The first guide loop is positioned about a
proximal end portion of the first extending arm. A second guide
loop is supported by the second deployment arm. The second guide
loop is positioned about a proximal end portion of the second
extending arm.
[0009] In some aspects, an attachment block is secured to the
kayak. The deployment body is detachably coupled to the attachment
block. A quick release mechanism secures the deployment body to the
attachment block. The attachment block defines a channel. The
deployment body includes a first side support bar, a second side
support bar, and a projection engaged in the channel defined by the
attachment block.
[0010] In some aspects, a first attachment loop is coupled to a
distal end portion of the first extending arm of the sail. A second
attachment loop is coupled to a portion of the first extending arm
of the sail proximal to the distal end portion of the first
extending arm of the sail. A third attachment loop is coupled to a
distal end portion of the second extending arm of the sail. A
fourth attachment loop is coupled to a portion of the second
extending arm of the sail proximal to the distal end portion of the
second extending arm. A first tether line connects the first and
second attachment loops. A second tether line connects the third
and fourth attachment loops.
[0011] In some aspects, the deployment body includes a first kayak
attachment loop, a second kayak attachment loop, a third kayak
attachment loop, and a fourth kayak attachment loop. The first and
second kayak attachment loops secure the first tether line to the
kayak and the third and fourth kayak attachment loops secure the
second tether line to the kayak. The first tether line bends a
length of the first extending arm of the sail between the first and
second attachment loops. The second tether line bends a length of
the second extending arm of the sail between the third and fourth
attachment loops.
[0012] In some aspects, the deployment body includes a first cam
cleat secured to first side of the kayak and a second cam cleat
secured to a second side of the kayak. The first cam cleat secures
the first tether line. The second cam cleat secures the second
tether line.
[0013] In some aspects, the deployment body includes a fifth kayak
attachment loop secured between the second and fourth kayak
attachment loops. The first tether line and the second tether line
are connected with each other as a single continuous tether
line.
[0014] In some aspects, the sail folds substantially along a
vertical centerline thereof. The first and second extending arms of
the sail retract against a side of the kayak.
[0015] In some aspects, the sail includes a transparent window
between the first and second extending arms.
[0016] In some aspects, the first extending arm and the second
extending arm each define a tapered configuration.
[0017] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
kayak sail deployment body includes a base plate supporting a first
deployment arm and a second deployment arm. A support arm is spaced
apart from the base plate. A first support post and a second
support post extend from the support arm. A first extension spring
extends from the first deployment arm. A second extension spring
extends from the second deployment arm. The first extension spring
is removably coupled to the first support post. The second
extension spring is removably coupled to the second support post. A
first compression spring is in contact with the first deployment
arm and a second compression spring in contact with the second
deployment arm. The first compression spring provides lateral
tension to the first deployment arm. The second compression spring
provides lateral tension to the second deployment arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description
below, serve to further explain the present disclosure, in
which:
[0019] FIG. 1A is a side view of a kayak sail system according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram of a sail of the kayak sail
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a tether arrangement of
the kayak sail system according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates an extending arm in an unbent state with
a tether attached to the extending arm;
[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates the extending arm of FIG. 3A in a bent
configuration;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a deployment body of the kayak sail
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of the deployment body of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates first and second deployment arms of the
kayak sail system in a disassembled stated;
[0027] FIG. 7A is a side view of an attachment block of the kayak
sail system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 7B is a rear view of the attachment block of FIG.
7A;
[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates first and second extending arms
respectively connected with the first and second deployment arms of
the base plate of the kayak sail system according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of the sail deployed by the kayak sail
system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described more fully below (e.g., with reference to the
accompanying drawings). Like reference numerals may refer to like
elements throughout the specification and drawings.
[0032] It will be understood that the terms "first," "second,"
"third," etc. are used herein to distinguish one element from
another, and the elements are not limited by these terms. Thus, a
"first" element in an exemplary embodiment may be described as a
"second" element in another exemplary embodiment.
[0033] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the portion that
is being described which is further from a user, while the term
"proximal" refers to the portion that is being described which is
closer to a user. Further, to the extent consistent, any of the
aspects and features detailed herein may be used in conjunction
with any or all of the other aspects and features detailed
herein.
[0034] As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are
understood to include relative configurations that are
substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular up to about
+ or -10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular.
[0035] Exemplary axes or directions such as an X-axis direction, a
Y-axis direction and a Z-axis direction may be illustrated in the
accompanying drawings and/or described herein. As an example, the
X-axis direction may perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, and the
Z-axis direction may be orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the
Y-axis direction.
[0036] "About" or "approximately" or "substantially" as used herein
may be inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable
range of variation for the particular value as determined by one of
ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question
and the error associated with measurement of the particular
quantity (e.g., the limitations of the measurement system). For
example, "about" may mean within one or more standard variations,
or within .+-.30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.
[0037] Descriptions of technical features or aspects of an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure should typically be
considered as available and applicable to other similar features or
aspects in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, technical features described herein according to one
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applicable to
other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus
duplicative descriptions may be omitted herein.
[0038] FIG. 1A is a side view of a kayak sail system according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a
conceptual diagram of a sail of the kayak sail system according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a
conceptual diagram of a tether arrangement of the kayak sail system
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3A illustrates an extending arm in an unbent state with a
tether attached to the extending arm. FIG. 3B illustrates the
extending arm of FIG. 3A in a bent configuration. FIG. 4 is a rear
view of a deployment body of the kayak sail system according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a side
view of the deployment body of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 illustrates first and
second deployment arms of the kayak sail system in a disassembled
stated. FIG. 7A is a side view of an attachment block of the kayak
sail system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 7B is a rear view of the attachment block of FIG.
7A. FIG. 8 illustrates first and second extending arms respectively
connected with the first and second deployment arms of the base
plate of the kayak sail system according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a side view of the sail
deployed by the kayak sail system according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1A-9, a kayak sail system is described.
The kayak sail system described herein may be built into a kayak at
the time of manufacturing the kayak, or a previously manufactured
kayak may be retrofitted to utilize the kayak sail system described
herein.
[0040] A kayak sail system according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure includes a sail 101 including a first
extending arm 103, a second extending arm 104, and a sail sheet 105
supported between the first extending arm 103 and the second
extending arm 104. A deployment body 106 for the sail 101 includes
a base plate 401 supporting a first deployment arm 403 and a second
deployment arm 404. The first deployment arm 403 is coupled to the
first extending arm 103 of the sail 101. The second deployment arm
404 is coupled to the second extending arm 104 of the sail 101
(see, e.g., FIG. 8). A support arm 402 is spaced apart from the
base plate 401. A first support post 405 and a second support post
406 extend from the support arm 402. A first extension spring 407
extends from the first deployment arm 403 and a second extension
spring 408 extends from the second deployment arm 404. The first
extension spring 407 is removably coupled to the first support post
405 and the second extension spring 408 is removably coupled to the
second support post 406 (when the sail 101 is in a deployed
state--see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 8 and 9).
[0041] Support posts 405 and 406 may each include threaded ends
rotatably secured to threaded bores (see, e.g., 502 in FIG. 5)
formed in support arm 402.
[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 401
includes a first angled sidewall 409 and a second angled sidewall
410. The angled sidewalls 409 and 410 create surfaces against which
the first deployment arm 403 and the second deployment arm 404 can
rotate to deploy the sail 101 in a "V" shape.
[0043] The first and second angled sidewalls 409 and 410 each form
an angle greater than ninety degrees with an upper surface of the
base plate 401. A first compression spring 411 is in contact with
the first deployment arm 403 and a second compression spring 412 is
in contact with the second deployment arm 404. The first
compression spring 411 provides lateral tension to the first
deployment arm 403 and the second compression spring 412 provides
lateral tension to the second deployment arm 404. The first
compression spring 411 may be secured to the base plate 401 by a
first securing bolt 417 and the second compression spring 412 may
be secured to the base plate 401 by a second securing bolt 418. The
first and second securing bolts 417 and 418 may each project
through a center opening of the first compression spring 411 or the
second compression spring 412, respectively. This allows the first
deployment arm 403 and the second deployment arm 404 to tilt
laterally to form different angles with respect to the base plate
401. Additionally, this lateral movement allows the sail 101 to
laterally collapse if a strong wind is encountered, which
eliminates the possibility of the kayak 102 flipping over. The
first deployment arm 403 and the second deployment arm 404 are
respectively designed to rotate about the first and second securing
bolts 417 and 418. This allows the sail 101 to be folded against a
side of the kayak 102 when not in use, and also allows the sail 101
to be deployed, when desired.
[0044] Securing bolts 417 and 418 may each include threaded ends
rotatably secured to threaded bores (see, e.g., 503 in FIG. 5)
formed in base plate 401.
[0045] Washers or other spacers may be positioned between rotatable
components described herein and a fixed component described herein
(e.g., between deployment arms 403 and 404 and the base plate 401).
This allows a reduction in friction and prevents deterioration of
moveable parts described herein.
[0046] The first deployment arm 403 may define a first compression
spring seat 413 that receives a portion of the first compression
spring 411. The second deployment arm 404 defines a second
compression spring seat 414 that receives a portion of the second
compression spring 412. Washers may be positioned at opposite sides
of each of the first and second compression springs 411 and
412.
[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, a first guide loop 415
is supported by the first deployment arm 403. The first guide loop
415 is positioned about a proximal end portion of the first
extending arm 103 and about the first deployment arm 403. A second
guide loop 416 is supported by the second deployment arm 404. The
second guide loop 416 is positioned about a proximal end portion of
the second extending arm 104 and about the second deployment arm
404 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4 and 8). The guide loops 415 and 416 create
increased stability at an attachment points between the deployment
arms 403 and 404 and the extending arms 103 and 104.
[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, an attachment block
701 is secured to the kayak 102. The attachment block 701 may be
secured to the kayak 102 at a time of manufacturing the kayak 102
or kayak 102 may be retrofitted such that attachment block 701 is
secured thereto in order to add the kayak sail system described
herein. The deployment body 106 is detachably coupled to the
attachment block 701. A quick release mechanism 702 secures the
deployment body 106 to the attachment block 701. The quick release
mechanism 702 may include a threaded end configured to be twisted
through threaded bore 501 into a threaded bore of the attachment
block 701 (see, e.g., FIG. 7B).
[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the attachment block
701 defines a channel 702 open at a rear facing surface thereof.
The deployment body 106 includes a first side support bar 703, a
second side support bar 704, and a projection 705 engaged in the
channel 702 defined by the attachment block 701. The shape of the
projection 705 may correspond with the shape of the channel 702,
which may prevent vertical and/or lateral movement of the
deployment body 106.
[0050] The attachment block 701 may be secured to an upper surface
of the kayak 102 by a plurality of attachment bolts (e.g., 721 and
722 in FIGS. 7A and 7B). The attachment bolts may connect with a
support plate 723 positioned below the upper surface of the kayak
102. Thus, the support plate 723 might not be visible from an
exterior of the kayak 102. The attachment block 701 may include
first block having an angled upper surface and a second block
disposed on the first block. The angled upper surface may position
the deployment body 106 at a desired angle with respect to the
upper surface of the kayak 102.
[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, a first attachment
loop 201 is coupled to a distal end portion of the first extending
arm 103 of the sail 101. A second attachment loop 202 is coupled to
a portion of the first extending arm 103 of the sail 101 proximal
to the distal end portion of the first extending arm 103 of the
sail 101. A third attachment loop 203 is coupled to a distal end
portion of the second extending arm 104 of the sail 101. A fourth
attachment loop 204 is coupled to a portion of the second extending
arm 104 of the sail 101 proximal to the distal end portion of the
second extending arm 104. A first tether line 211 connects the
first and second attachment loops 201 and 202. A second tether line
212 connects the third and fourth attachment loops 203 and 204.
[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment, the kayak 102 may be
outfitted to include a first kayak attachment loop 221, a second
kayak attachment loop 222, a third kayak attachment loop 223, and a
fourth kayak attachment loop 224. The first and second kayak
attachment loops 221 and 222 secure the first tether line 211 to
the kayak 102 and the third and fourth kayak attachment loops 223
and 224 secure the second tether line 212 to the kayak 102. The
first tether line 211 bends a length of the first extending arm 103
of the sail 101 between the first and second attachment loops 201
and 202. The second tether line 212 bends a length of the second
extending arm 104 of the sail 101 between the third and fourth
attachment loops 203 and 204.
[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the kayak 102 includes
a first cam cleat 225 secured to first side of the kayak 102 and a
second cam cleat 226 secured to a second side of the kayak 102. The
first cam cleat 225 releasably secures the first tether line 211.
The second cam cleat 226 releasably secures the second tether line
212. As an example, cam cleats 225 and 226 may employ two
spring-loaded cams configured to releasably pinch a rope (e.g.,
tether lines 211 or 212) therebetween. In use, one or both tether
lines 211 and/or 212 may be pulled toward a user of the kayak 102
such that the sail 101 may be curved toward the user to better
catch the wind. This allows the position and orientation of the
sail 101 to be adjusted in order to achieve a desired operating
speed. As an example, the desired operating (sailing) speed of the
kayak 102 may be at a desired fishing lure trolling speed (e.g.,
from about 2 mph to about 6 mph).
[0054] FIG. 9, for example, illustrates the sail 101 of the kayak
102 bent at one side. FIG. 9 also demonstrates how the sail 101 can
be bent toward a side of the kayak 102 by pulling on and/or
releasing one or both tether lines 211 and/or 212.
[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the kayak 102 includes
a fifth kayak attachment loop 227 secured between the second and
fourth kayak attachment loops 222 and 224 (e.g., behind a seat of
the kayak 102). The first tether line and the second tether line
211 and 212 may be connected with each other as a single continuous
tether line (see, e.g., FIG. 2).
[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sail 101 folds
substantially along a vertical centerline (e.g., line X-X in FIG.
1B) thereof. The first and second extending arms 103 and 104 of the
sail 101 retract against a side of the kayak 102. A securing strap
may be positioned about the first and/or second extending arms 103
and/or 104 of the sail 101 to allow the sail 101 to be wrapped up
for storage or when not deployed.
[0057] In use, when the first and second extending arms 103 and 104
of the sail 101 are released from a side of the kayak 102 from a
stowed position, the extension springs 407 and 408 may apply
tension to deployment arms 403 and 404 to rotate the deployment
arms 403 and 404 from a stowed position extending along a length of
the kayak 102 to a deployed position in which the deployment arms
403 and 404 face in a substantially upward direction (see, e.g.,
FIG. 8 illustrating an exemplary deployed arrangement of the sail
101 having a "V" shape).
[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sail 101 includes
a transparent window 120 between the first extending arm 103 and
the second extending arm 104. Alternatively, substantially the
entire sail 101 may be transparent. This allows a user to see
through the sail 101 during operation of the kayak 102.
[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first extending
arm 103 and the second extending arm 104 each define a tapered
configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 3A and 3B). For example, the first
extending arm 103 and the second extending arm 104 each become
gradually narrower from proximal ends to distal ends thereof. This
allows for increased strength and rigidity at bases of the first
extending arm 103 and the second extending arm 104, while also
allowing bending and flexibility at distal end portions thereof to
allow desired sail shape/angle adjustment to achieve desired kayak
102 speeds across water.
[0060] The disclosures of each of the references, patents and
published patent applications disclosed herein are each
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
[0061] From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure
drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain
modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without
departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of
the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended
that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the
disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the
specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description
should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications
of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision
other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims
appended hereto.
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