REMOVABLE SEAT FOR WATERCRAFT

Abstract

This invention relates a removable seat for watercraft 10 of the type having a hull or underside 13 and a deck 14, and wherein the deck is connected to the hull by side portions or rails 15, and said deck includes retaining means in the form of one or more recesses 20 formed in or attached to the deck. The seat includes a seat base 112 and a backrest 111, and anchoring means 130 connected to structural means supporting said backrest, said anchoring means extending generally away from a lower portion of said backrest and a rear portion of said seat base, and wherein said anchoring means is locatable within a respective one of the retaining means 20. The seat is retained in an operative attitude by first releasable securing means connected to an upper part of said backrest and connectable to a location on the deck or the rails generally forward of the seat, and second releasable securing means connected to an upper portion of said backrest and connectable to a location on the deck or the rails generally rearward of said seat.

Claims

1. A removable seat for watercraft of the type having a hull or underside and a deck, and wherein the deck is connected to the hull by side portions or rails, and said deck includes retaining means in the form of one or more recesses formed in or attached to the deck, said seat including: a seat base; a backrest that is connected to said seat base such that said backrest may generally pivot relative to said seat base; structural means associated with said back rest for maintaining a preferred shape of said backrest; anchoring means connected to said structural means, said anchoring means extending generally away from a lower portion of said backrest and a rear portion of said seat base, said anchoring means being locatable within the retaining means; first releasable securing means connected to an upper part of said backrest and connectable to a location on said deck or said rails generally forward of said seat, and second releasable securing means connected to an upper portion of said backrest and connectable to a location on the deck or the rails generally rearward of said seat.

2. A removable seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structural means includes two opposing, elongate, stiffening members that each extend from a top portion of backrest towards said seat base and wherein said anchoring means includes a lower portion of each of said stiffening members, which are each locatable within a respective one of said recesses.

3. A removable seat as claimed in claim 2, wherein said backrest includes two opposing side portions and said first releasable securing means includes two straps that are each connected to a respective side portion and wherein the effective length of each of said straps is adjustable.

4. A removable seat as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said straps includes a connector for releasably connecting said strap to the deck or side rails.

5. A removable seat as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second releasable securing means includes at least one strap and wherein the effective length of said strap is adjustable.

6. A removable seat as claimed in claim 5, wherein said strap includes a connector for releasably connecting said strap to the deck or side rails.

7. A watercraft having a removable seat, said watercraft including: a hull or underside having a bow at a forward end and a stern at an opposite end; a deck that is connected to said hull by side portions or rails; retaining means in the form of one or more recesses formed in or attached to said deck; a seat base supported on said deck; a backrest that is connected to said seat base such that said backrest may generally pivot relative to said seat base; structural means associated with said backrest for maintaining a preferred shape of said backrest; anchoring means connected to said structural means, said anchoring means extending generally away from a lower portion of said backrest and a rear portion of said seat base, said anchoring means being locatable within said retaining means; first releasable securing means extending generally in a forward direction towards the bow and connected to an upper portion of said backrest and to said deck or said rails, and second releasable securing means extending generally in a rearward direction towards the stern and connected to an upper portion of said backrest and to said deck or said rails.

8. A watercraft as claimed in claim 7, wherein said structural means includes two opposing, elongate, stiffening members that each extend from a top portion of said backrest towards said seat base and wherein said anchoring means includes a lower portion of each of said stiffening members, which are located within a respective one of said recesses.

9. A watercraft as claimed in claim 8, wherein said backrest includes two opposing side portions and said first releasable securing means includes two straps that are each connected to a respective side portion and wherein the effective length of each of said straps is adjustable.

10. A watercraft as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of said straps includes a connector for releasably connecting said strap to said deck or one of said rails.

11. A watercraft as claimed in claim 10, wherein said second releasable securing means includes at least one strap and wherein the effective length of said strap is adjustable.

12. A watercraft as claimed in claim 11, wherein said strap includes a connector for releasably connecting said strap to the deck or a rail.

13. A watercraft having: a hull or underside having a bow at a forward end and a stern at an opposite end; a deck that is connected to said hull by side portions or rails; a seat portion having a peripheral edge portion formed in or attached to said deck on which a paddler may sit, and at least one recess for receiving anchoring means that is connected to structural means of a backrest of a removable seat when the removable seat is supported on said seat portion in an operative position, and wherein the anchoring means extends generally away from a lower portion of said backrest and a rear portion of the seat base, said recess being located in the deck and either adjacent to or in said seat portion.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. A method of assembling a watercraft, said method including: providing a watercraft having: a hull or underside having a bow at a forward end and a stern at an opposite end; a deck that is connected to said hull by opposing side portions or rails; a seat portion on which a paddler may sit, said seat portion being formed in or attached to said deck and wherein said seat portion includes a peripheral edge portion; and a recess for a removable seat, said recess being in the deck and located either adjacent to or in said seat portion; providing a removable seat having a backrest that includes structural means for maintaining the shape of the backrest, a seat base that is connected to the backrest, and forward and aft stays each having one end that is connected to the backrest and a free end having connecting means, said seat further including anchoring means for securing the removable seat to the watercraft, said anchoring means including: a body having a first engagement portion that is connected to the structural means of the back rest, and a second engagement portion that extends generally away from a lower portion of the backrest and a rear portion of the seat base, said second engagement portion being receivable within the recess of the watercraft; locating the second engagement portion in the recess; securing the free ends of the forward and aft stays to the deck or rails using the connecting means.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. A fitting including a mount having mounting means for mounting said mount to a first article and a connector having connection means for connecting said second article to said connector, characterized in that said connector includes an enlarged free end portion that is connected to said connecting means by a stem and wherein said mount includes a mouth that is adapted to receive said enlarged end portion and retaining means for retaining said enlarged end portion in engagement with said mount, said mouth and said retaining means being connected by a passageway along which only said stem may travel, and whereby in use the first article may be a wall and the second article may be a flexible strap having a first end that is secured to the wall adjacent said mount and a second end portion that is releasably connected to said connection means.

29. A fitting as claimed in claim 28, wherein said enlarged end portion is generally spherical in shape.

30. A fitting as claimed in claim 29, wherein said retaining means includes a generally spherically shaped hollow.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

Description

[0137] In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein:

[0138] FIG. 1 is a pictorial rear view of a two man sit on top kayak that includes two removable seats that have each been constructed in accordance with the present invention

[0139] FIG. 2 is a pictorial side view of the sit on top kayak and the rear removable seat shown in FIG. 1;

[0140] FIG. 3 is a pictorial side view of the seat shown in FIG. 2;

[0141] FIG. 4 is a pictorial rear view of the sit on top kayak and the front seat shown in FIG. 1;

[0142] FIG. 5 is a pictorial rear view of the front seat shown in FIG. 4;

[0143] FIG. 6 is a pictorial front view of the sit on top kayak and, in particular, a rear seat portion formed in the kayak's deck and retaining means that have been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0144] FIG. 7 is a pictorial top view of the seat portion shown in FIG. 6 and a removable kayak seat prior to it being operably mounted on the kayak;

[0145] FIG. 8 is a pictorial rear view of the sit on top kayak and, in particular the rear seat portion and connecting means constructed in accordance with the present invention for connecting the seat to the deck;

[0146] FIG. 9 is a rear pictorial view of a kayak seat showing straps that are used to maintain the seat in an operable position on the kayak;

[0147] FIG. 10 is a top view of a strap adjuster buckle that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0148] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the strap adjuster buckle shown in FIG. 10;

[0149] FIG. 12 is a side view of the strap adjuster buckle shown in FIG. 10;

[0150] FIG. 13 is perspective side view of the strap adjuster buckle shown in FIG. 10;

[0151] FIG. 14 is a perspective top view of the strap adjuster buckle shown in FIG. 10;

[0152] FIG. 15 is a perspective bottom view of the strap adjuster buckle shown in FIG. 10;

[0153] FIG. 16 is a pictorial side view of structural means, namely, a backrest support assembly that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0154] FIG. 17 is a pictorial side view of a stopper;

[0155] FIG. 18 is a top view of a strap adjuster buckle connector that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0156] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the strap adjuster buckle connector shown in FIG. 18;

[0157] FIG. 20 is a side view of the strap adjuster buckle connector shown in FIG. 18;

[0158] FIG. 21 is a perspective side view of the strap adjuster buckle connector shown in FIG. 18;

[0159] FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of the strap adjuster buckle connector shown in FIG. 18;

[0160] FIG. 23 is a top view of a female strap connector or fitting that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0161] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the fitting shown in FIG. 23;

[0162] FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of the fitting shown in FIG. 23;

[0163] FIG. 26 is a perspective rear view of the fitting shown in FIG. 23;

[0164] FIG. 27 is a front view of a male strap strap connector that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0165] FIG. 28 is a top view of a cap of a fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0166] FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 28;

[0167] FIG. 30 is a perspective top view of the cap shown in FIG. 28;

[0168] FIG. 31 is a top or bottom view of a seal of the fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0169] FIG. 32 is a perspective top view of the seal shown in FIG. 31;

[0170] FIG. 33 is a perspective bottom view of the seal shown in FIG. 31;

[0171] FIG. 34 is a top view of a plug of the fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0172] FIG. 35 is a perspective bottom view of the plug shown in FIG. 34;

[0173] FIG. 36 is a perspective top view of the plug shown in FIG. 34;

[0174] FIG. 37 is a top view of an inner mount of the fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0175] FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of the inner mount shown in FIG. 37;

[0176] FIG. 39 is a top view of the inner mount shown in FIG. 37;

[0177] FIG. 40 is a perspective exploded view of the fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0178] FIG. 41 is a side view of the fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0179] FIG. 42 is a side view of the fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0180] FIG. 43 is a top view of a cap of a second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft seat recess assembly that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0181] FIG. 44 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 43;

[0182] FIG. 45 is a perspective top view of the cap shown in FIG. 43;

[0183] FIG. 46 is a top or bottom view of a seal of the second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0184] FIG. 47 is a perspective top view of the seal shown in FIG. 46;

[0185] FIG. 48 is a perspective bottom view of the seal shown in FIG. 46;

[0186] FIG. 49 is a top view of a plug of the second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0187] FIG. 50 is a perspective bottom view of the plug shown in FIG. 49;

[0188] FIG. 51 is a perspective top view of the plug shown in FIG. 49;

[0189] FIG. 52 is a top view of an inner mount of the second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft;

[0190] FIG. 53 is a bottom perspective view of the inner mount shown in FIG. 52;

[0191] FIG. 54 is a top view of the inner mount shown in FIG. 52;

[0192] FIG. 55 is a perspective exploded view of the second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0193] FIG. 56 is a side view of the second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft eat recess assembly shown apart and in line for assembly;

[0194] FIG. 57 is a side view of the second fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft when assembled,

[0195] FIG. 58 is a pictorial view of a kayak and a template that may be used to correctly position apertures formed in the kayak that are for receiving a fitting for creating a recess in a wall of a hull of a watercraft.

[0196] FIGS. 1 to 9 show selected portions of a typical two man sit on top kayak 10 having a bow 11 and a stern 12, a hull or underside 13, and a deck 14 or top side, and wherein the deck 14 is connected to the hull 13 by opposing side rails 15. The deck 14 includes two seat portions 16 on which a respective paddler may sit and whereby each seat portion is itself located within a recess or cockpit 17 located partway between the bow 11 and stern 12 of the kayak 10.

[0197] The cockpit 17 includes an inclined, arcuate, rear wall 18 connecting the deck 14 to the seat portion 16 that may, in use, provide support for a paddler's lower back.

[0198] The kayak 10 also includes retaining means 19 in the form of two recesses 20 that have been created in the rear wall 18 after manufacture of the kayak hull. However, it will be appreciated that suitable recesses could have been created in the rear wall 18 during the prosses of manufacturing the hull. For example, if a mould is used to make the hull, a plug or protrusion in the mould may be used to create the recess.

[0199] FIGS. 40 to 42 and 55 to 57 in particular, show two alternative fittings 21 and 201 for creating a recess in a wall of the kayak 10.

[0200] The fitting 21 includes an inner mount 22, a seal 23, a plug 24 and a cap 25.

[0201] The inner mount 22 is made from a resilient plastics material and includes a body 26 comprising a broad band, in the form of discontinuous ring, having opposed free end portions 27 that are interconnected by an arcuate intermediate portion 28, as well as a broad top face 29 and an opposing bottom face 30.

[0202] The inner mount 22 also includes mounting means 31 for securing the inner mount 22 to the deck 16 of the kayak 10, including four mounting apertures 32, and mounting means 33 for securing the cap 25 to the inner mount 22, including three mounting apertures 34.

[0203] The body 26 is symmetrical about a line of symmetry that bisects the intermediate portion 28 and a gap between opposing end portions 27. Two of the mounting apertures 32 are each formed in a respective one of the end portions 27, while the other two mounting apertures 32 are formed in the intermediate portion 28 and are located on either side of the axis of symmetry.

[0204] Two of the mounting apertures 34 are each formed in a respective one of the end portions 27, and adjacent a mounting aperture 32, while the third mounting aperture 34 is formed in the intermediate portion 28 such that its centre lies on the axis of symmetry and midway between adjacent mounting apertures 32.

[0205] The body 26 further includes four short screw bosses 35 that each depend from the bottom face 30 and whereby each includes a passageway that is aligned with one of the mounting apertures 32.

[0206] The body 26 also includes three long screw bosses 36 that each depend from the bottom face 30 and whereby each includes a passageway that is aligned with one of the mounting apertures 34.

[0207] The body 26 includes an inner peripheral edge portion 37 that defines a substantially circular shaped opening or socket 38 and wherein a small protrusion 39, having a rounded profile, extends inwardly from the edge portion 37, said protrusion 39 having an axis of symmetry that is aligned with the axis of symmetry of the inner mount 22.

[0208] The seal 23 is made from a deformable material, such as a rubber material, including neoprene. The seal 23 is reasonably thick and plate like and has a generally circular outer profile 40 and a centrally located, circular shaped, aperture 41.

[0209] The plug 24 includes a receptacle 42 having a bottom 43, that has a generally flat internal bottom face 44, and an upper peripheral edge portion 45, that defines a generally circular shaped opening 46, and a continuous peripheral flange 47 that extends generally outwardly from the peripheral edge portion 45 and generally parallel to the bottom face 44.

[0210] The receptacle 42 includes a continuous side wall 48 that connects the bottom 43 and the peripheral flange 47, the bottom 43, side wall 48 and flange 47 being contiguous.

[0211] The side wall 48 includes a substantially cylindrically shaped upper portion 48a having a continuous outer face 48b, and a lower transition portion 48c that is curved both internally and externally, when viewed in cross-section by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the flange 47. The transition portion 48c has a curved inner face 49 and a curved outer face 50.

[0212] The side wall 48 also includes a channel 51 formed in the outer faces 48b and 50 that has a lower end that is open, and which is located near the bottom 43, and an upper end that is closed by the peripheral flange 47, such that the channel 51 is generally perpendicular to the peripheral flange 47. The channel 51 is bounded on opposite sides by opposing side walls 52, and wherein the lower end portions 53 of these side walls may, in use, help guide the protrusion 39 into the channel.

[0213] The peripheral flange 47 includes four openings 54 that are aligned with a respective one of the mounting apertures 32 when the receptacle 42 is located in the socket 38 and the protrusion 39 is located within the channel 51.

[0214] The peripheral flange 47 also includes three openings 55 that are aligned with a respective one of the mounting apertures 34 when the receptacle 42 is located in the socket 38 and the protrusion 39 is located within the channel 51.

[0215] The cap 25 includes a substantially circular shaped top wall 56 having a peripheral edge portion 57 and a continuous skirt or flange 58 that depends from the peripheral edge portion, said top wall 56 in combination with said flange 58 defining a recess or cavity 59 that is adapted to receive the peripheral flange 47 of the plug 24 and the seal 23.

[0216] The top wall 56 also includes a generally oval shaped opening 60 having a major axis and a minor axis and whereby the centre of the oval shaped opening 60, where the two axes intersect, is offset from the axis of the receptacle 42, such that a vertex 60a of the oval opening 60 is substantially flush with the internal face 48d of the upper portion 48a of the receptacle.

[0217] The top wall 56 also includes three mounting apertures 61 that are spaced equally around the periphery of the top wall and which, in use, each may be aligned with a respective one of openings 55 and the mounting apertures 34.

[0218] In use, a retaining recess 20 may be created by firstly drilling a hole 62 in the seat portion that is large enough to receive the receptacle 42, the hole 62 having a generally circular peripheral edge portion 63.

[0219] Next, the receptacle 42 is temporarily located in the hole 62 such that the peripheral flange 47 rests on the seat portion 16 surrounding the hole 62. By holding the peripheral flange 47 still such that it does not move relative to the seat portion 16, the user may use the openings 54 and 55 as a template for drilling corresponding openings 64 and 65 respectively into the seat portion of the kayak.

[0220] In order to locate the inner mount 22 on the inside of the kayak, it is first necessary to position the edge 63 between the end portions 27, such that one end portion 27a is contained within the hole 62 and to then rotate the inner mount 22 in the general direction of the end portion 27a such that it passes beneath the seat portion 16 till the entirety of the inner mount 22 is contained within the kayak.

[0221] The user, using one or more fingers from one of his or her hands, may retain the inner mount 22 in a preferred operative position whereby the top face 29 abuts against an internal face 66 of the seat portion 16 and the mounting apertures 32 are each aligned with a respective one of the openings 64.

[0222] The inner mount 22 is then retained in this operative position by four screws 200 each having a threaded stem or shaft that extends through a respective opening 64 and an aligned aperture 32.

[0223] Next, the receptacle 42 of the plug 24 is inserted into the aperture 41 of the seal 23. The receptacle 42 is then inserted into the hole 62 such that the seal is located between the underside of the flange 47 and the seat portion 16, and wherein a lower portion of the receptacle 42 extends into the socket 38. The plug 24 is then rotated relative to the inner mount 22 until the protrusion 39 is located within the channel 51. This then ensures that the apertures 55 are each aligned with a respective one of apertures 65 and apertures 34.

[0224] The cap 25 is then placed over the plug 24 and rotated relative to the plug until apertures 61 are each aligned with a respective one of the apertures 55.

[0225] Three screws 67 are then used to secure the cap 25 to the inner mount 22, each screw having a threaded stem that extends through aligned apertures 61, 55, 65 and 34. Further, as the screws are tightened, the seal, which is mostly housed within the cap forms a water tight seal between the flange 47 and the seat portion 16, said seal conforming to the arcuate shape of the seat portion.

[0226] The fitting 201 includes an inner mount 202, a seal 203, a plug 204 and a cap 205.

[0227] The inner mount 202 is made from a resilient plastics material and includes a body 206 comprising a broad band, in the form of discontinuous ring, having opposed free end portions 207 that are interconnected by an arcuate intermediate portion 208, as well as a broad top face 209 and an opposing bottom face 210.

[0228] The opposed free end portions 207, or jaws, in combination with the intermediate portion 208 define a generally circular shaped mouth or socket 211 having an inner peripheral edge portion 212 and wherein the inner mount 202 also has an opposing outer peripheral edge portion 213.

[0229] The inner mount 202 also includes location means 214 for temporarily locating the inner mount 202 on the peripheral edge portion 63 of the hole 62, including a first hook like protrusion 215, that extends upwardly from the top face 209 of end portion 207a, and a second hook like protrusion 216 that extends upwardly from the top face 209 of the intermediate portion 208.

[0230] Each hook like protrusion 215 and 216 includes a head portion 217 that is connected to the top face 209, of the inner peripheral edge portion 212, by a stem 218 and wherein the head portion 217 includes a lip 219 that extends outwardly away from the stem 218 in the general direction of the outer peripheral edge portion 213 of the inner mount 202.

[0231] The inner mount 202 also includes a set of three mounting apertures 220 that are each aligned with a passageway in respective boss 221 that depends from the bottom face 210.

[0232] The inner mount 202 also includes retaining means 222 for retaining the inner mount in an operative position on the peripheral edge portion 63 of the hole 62, including a third hook like protrusion 223 that extends upwardly from the top face 209 of the end portion 207b. The hook like protrusion 223 includes a head portion 224 that is connected to the top face 209, of the inner peripheral edge portion 212, by a stem 225 and wherein the head portion 224 includes a lip 226 that extends outwardly away from the stem 225 in the general direction of the outer peripheral edge portion 213 of the inner mount 202.

[0233] The inner mount 202 also includes gripping means 227, in the form of an arcuate flange 228 that depends from the bottom face 210, adjacent the outer peripheral edge portion 213 and the hook like projection 223.

[0234] The lower end portions 229 and 230 of the two stems 218, and the lower end portion 231 of the stem 225, each have a generally rounded profile that extends inwardly from the inner peripheral edge portion 212.

[0235] The seal 203 is made from a deformable material, such as a rubber material, including neoprene. The seal 203 is reasonably thick and plate like and has a generally circular outer profile 232 and a centrally located, circular shaped, aperture 233.

[0236] The plug 204 includes a receptacle 234 having a bottom wall 235, that has a generally flat internal bottom face 236, and an upper peripheral edge portion 237, that defines a generally circular shaped opening 238, and a continuous peripheral flange 239 that extends generally outwardly from the peripheral edge portion 237 and generally parallel to the bottom face 236.

[0237] The receptacle 234 includes a continuous side wall 240 that connects the bottom wall 235 and the peripheral flange 239, the bottom wall 235, side wall 240 and flange 239 being contiguous.

[0238] The side wall 240 includes a substantially cylindrically shaped upper portion 241 having a continuous outer face 242, and a lower transition portion 243 that is curved both internally and externally, when viewed in cross-section by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the flange 239. The transition portion 243 has a curved inner face 244 and a curved outer face 245.

[0239] The side wall 240 also includes three channels 246 that are each formed in the outer faces 242 and 245 and wherein each includes a lower end that is open, and which is located near the bottom wall 235, and an upper end that is closed by the peripheral flange 239, such that each channel 246 is generally perpendicular to the peripheral flange 239. Each channel 246 is bounded on opposite sides by opposing side walls 247, and wherein the lower end portions 248 of these side walls may, in use, help guide a head portion of a respective hook like protrusion 215, 216 or 223 into the channel 246.

[0240] The peripheral flange 239 includes three openings or apertures 249 that are aligned with a respective one of the mounting apertures 220 when the receptacle 234 is located in the socket 211 and the protrusions 215, 216 and 223 are each located within a respective channel 246. Further, to ensure that the cap 205 is correctly aligned with the inner mount 202, the channel or groove 246a is off centre, that is to say, it is angularly spaced from channel 246b more than it is angularly spaced from channel 246c. Consequently, there is only one orientation of the plug 204 that will mate with the inner mount 202.

[0241] The peripheral flange 239 also includes a notch 250 formed in an edge portion thereof and wherein the notch 250 is aligned with the aperture 249a.

[0242] The cap 205 includes a substantially circular shaped top wall 251 having a peripheral edge portion 252 and a continuous skirt or flange 253 that depends from the peripheral edge portion, said top wall 251 in combination with said flange 253 defining a recess or cavity 254 that is adapted to receive the peripheral flange 239 of the plug 204 and the seal 203.

[0243] The top wall 251 also includes a generally oval shaped opening 255 having a major axis and a minor axis and whereby the centre of the oval shaped opening 255, where the two axes intersect, is offset from the axis of the receptacle 234, such that a vertex 256 of the oval opening 255 is substantially flush with the internal face 257 of the upper portion 241 of the receptacle, and wherein the opening 255 has two substantially straight sides 258.

[0244] The top wall 251 also includes three mounting apertures 259 that are spaced equally around the periphery of the top wall and which, in use, each may be aligned with a respective one of openings 249 and the mounting apertures 220.

[0245] The cap 205 also includes a small flange or catch 268 that depends from the underside of the top wall 251 and which extends inwardly from the flange 253 in a radial direction. The catch 268 is adapted to be received within the notch 250.

[0246] In use, a retaining recess 20 may be created in a wall of a hull of a watercraft, such as a kayak, by firstly drilling a hole 62 in the seat portion that is large enough to receive the receptacle 234, the hole 62 having a generally circular peripheral edge portion 63.

[0247] Where the fitting 201 is intended to be used as a mount for a removable kayak seat of the type described in this specification, the user may be provided with a template 260 to aid the user to correctly position the hole 62 on the hull.

[0248] The template 260 may be a rectangular shaped piece of paper on which is drawn a centre line 261 that corresponds to an axis of symmetry.

[0249] The user may firstly string a line 262 along the centre of the kayak and using a level, position the kayak such that it is level in both a longitudinal and a transverse direction.

[0250] Then using a plumb bob suspended from the string line 262, align the centre line 261 of the template 260 with the string line 262.

[0251] The template 260 is then slid along the centre line until it is a predetermined distance, (40 mm in this embodiment), from a predetermined reference point, (in this case the scupper holes 264). The corners 263 of the template 260 coincide with the centre of the holes 62.

[0252] Before removing the template, the user should also draw two reference lines 265 on the kayak using the side edges 266 of the template.

[0253] Next, the receptacle 234 is temporarily located in the hole 62 such that the peripheral flange 239 rests on the seat portion 16 surrounding the hole 62 and the notch 250 points towards the bow. The plug 204 is then rotated clockwise within the hole 62 until a side of the aperture 249a aligns with reference line 265.

[0254] The user shall then using a drill, drill a hole 267 in the wall of the kayak using the aperture 249a as a guide and whereby a screw extending through the aperture 249a and the newly drilled hole may be used to temporarily secure the plug 204 to the kayak wall.

[0255] The drill may then be used to drill two more holes 268 and 269 in the wall of the kayak

[0256] After removing the plug 204 from the hole 62, the user may then locate the inner mount 202 on the inside of the kayak. This is achieved by first positioning the peripheral edge portion 63 between the end portions 207, such that one end portion 207b is contained within the hole 62, while holding end portion 207a between the user's index finger and thumb, which are positioned between hook like protrusions 215 and 216. The user may then rotate the inner mount 202 in the general direction of the end portion 207b such that it passes beneath the wall until the entirety of the inner mount 22 is contained within the kayak.

[0257] The user, may then use his or her index finger to pull against the end portion 207a until the peripheral edge portion 63 of the hole 62 is located between the lips 219 of the two protrusions 215 and 216 and the top face of the end portion 207a. In this position the head portion 224, of the protrusion 223 is pushing up against the underside of the wall and whereby the inner mount 202 is held firmly in this temporary position by the resilient nature of the inner mount.

[0258] The user may then, using his or her index finger, grip the flange 228 so as to pull the end portion 207b generally towards end portion 207a. While doing so, the head portion 224, of the protrusion 223, will pop up, once clear of the peripheral edge portion 63, of the hole 62, due to the resilient nature of the inner mount 202, and, upon releasing the flange 228, the protrusion 223 shall engage the peripheral edge portion 63. That is to say, the peripheral edge portion 63 will be positioned between the lip 226 and the top face of the end portion 207b.

[0259] The inner mount 202, when in this operative position, is free to rotate relative to the peripheral edge portion 63.

[0260] Next, the receptacle 234 of the plug 204 is inserted into the aperture 233 of the seal 203. The receptacle 234 is then inserted into the hole 62 such that the seal is located between the underside of the flange 239 and the wall, and wherein a lower portion of the receptacle 234 extends into the mouth or socket 211. The plug 204 is then rotated relative to the inner mount 202 until each of the protrusions 215, 216 and 223 are located within a respective groove or channel 246. This then ensures that the apertures 249 and the mounting apertures 220 are aligned.

[0261] The cap 205 is then placed over the plug 204 and rotated relative to the plug until the catch 268 locates within the notch 250. In this position, the mounting apertures 259 are aligned with a respective one of openings 249 and the mounting apertures 220.

[0262] The whole assembled fitting 201 is now free to rotate relative to the wall and wherein a preferred orientation of the fitting will be achieved by aligning a side of the mounting aperture 259a with the reference line 265, just as the mounting aperture 249a was previously aligned with reference line 265.

[0263] Three screws 270 are then used to secure the cap 205 to the inner mount 202, each screw having a threaded stem that extends through aligned apertures 259, 249, 220 with a respective one of holes 267, 268 and 269 in the wall. Further, as the screws are tightened, the seal, which is mostly housed within the cap forms a water tight seal between the flange 239 and the seat portion 16, said seal conforming to the arcuate shape of the seat portion.

[0264] The kayak 10 further includes two female strap connectors or fittings 70 mounted on the deck 14, or a cockpit wall, generally in front of the seat portion 16, and another two fittings 70 mounted on the deck 14, or a cockpit wall, behind the seat portion 16.

[0265] Each fitting 70, shown in detail in FIGS. 23 to 26, includes a plate like, generally rectangular shaped, base 71 in which there is formed an elongate opening 72, having rounded end portions 73, that extends between opposing ends of the base.

[0266] The fitting 70 further includes two opposing side walls 74 that each extend upwardly from the base 71. Each side wall 74 includes an elongate free edge portion 75, and whereby the free edge portions 75 generally converge towards one another and partially define an elongate slot 76 having an enlarged, generally circular opening or mouth 77 located at one end and a much narrower opening 78 at the opposite end that is defined by opposing end portions 79 of the side walls 74. Further, the underside 80 of the side walls 74 is generally curved.

[0267] The base 71 of the fitting 70 is provided with three mounting apertures 81 through which respective threaded fasteners that are used to secure the fitting to the kayak may extend.

[0268] It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, a connector that is similar to the fitting 70 may be formed in the deck 14 during the moulding process whereby there may be an opening formed in the deck that is similar to mouth 77 and wherein the opening may cooperate with a slotted opening that is similar to slot 76. As a consequence, instead of the fitting 70 sitting proud of the deck 14 the connector may be generally flush with the deck.

[0269] The fitting 70 is adapted to operatively engage with a male strap connector 85 of the type shown in FIG. 27. The strap connector 85 includes a generally triangular shaped body 86 in which there is formed an elongate opening 87 that is located adjacent one end of the body, namely the base of the triangle. The opening 87 is adapted to receive a strap passed therethrough.

[0270] The connector 85 also includes a generally spherically shaped head portion 88, that is connected to the apex of the triangularly shaped body 86 by an intermediate stem 89.

[0271] Preferably the male and female strap connectors 70 and 85 are made of a plastics material. For example, the male and female strap connectors may be made of nylon. Further to provide strength and rigidity, fibreglass may be added to the nylon.

[0272] Preferably the female strap connector 70 is made from a material comprising 85% nylon and 15% fibreglass.

[0273] Further, because the stem of the male strap connector 85 may get bent when locating the head portion 88 in the mouth 77 of the female strap connector 70, it is preferred that the male strap connector is manufactured from a resilient plastics material, such as nylon.

[0274] FIGS. 1 to 5, 7 and 9 show a removable kayak seat 110 having a backrest 111 and a seat base 112. The backrest 111 includes a top edge portion 113 and an opposing bottom edge portion 114, and two side edge portions or wings 115 that are connected to the top and bottom edge portions.

[0275] The seat base 112 includes a front edge portion 116 and a rear edge portion 117, and two opposing side edge portions 118 that are connected to said front edge portion 116 and to said rear edge portion 117. Further, the rear edge portion 117 of the seat base 112 is hingedly connected to the bottom edge portion 114 of the backrest 111 generally along line 119.

[0276] The backrest 111 includes two backrest support assemblies 120 that provide support for the backrest and help maintain the general shape of the backrest. Each backrest support assembly 120 includes a strap adjuster buckle connector 121 having a generally cylindrically shaped, tubular mounting portion 122 that is closed at one end and a flange 123 that extends outwardly and away from the closed end of said mounting portion 122.

[0277] The strap adjuster buckle connector 121 also includes two opposing protrusions 124 that extend upwardly from the flange 123 and which are located adjacent the closed end of the mounting portion 122. Each protrusion 124 includes a generally hemispherical recess 125 and whereby the two recesses 125 in combination define a socket 126.

[0278] Each backrest support assembly 120 also includes an elongate stiffening member 127 having a generally circular cross section. One end of the stiffening member is retained in the tubular mounting portion 122 of the strap adjuster buckle connector 121, while a stopper 128 is secured to the other end.

[0279] The stopper 128 includes a tubular mounting portion 129 and a generally spherically shaped end portion 130.

[0280] The stiffening member 127 is retained within a tubular pocket formed in the backrest 111 and whereby a lower portion of the stiffening member, to which the stopper 128 is attached, extends through an opening 131 in said pocket adjacent the bottom edge portion 114.

[0281] The strap adjuster buckle connector 121 is also mostly contained within the backrest 111 with only the socket 126 protruding through an opening 132 adjacent the top edge portion 113.

[0282] FIGS. 10 to 13 show a strap adjuster buckle 135 having a generally rectangular shaped body 136 in which there is formed two elongate slots 137a and 137b through which a strap in use may extend.

[0283] The strap adjuster buckle 135 also includes a generally spherically shaped head portion 138 that is connected to a triangular shaped end portion 139 of the body 136 by a resilient stem 140 and a flange 210 extending outwardly therefrom. The head portion 140 is in use retained in the socket 126 such that the strap adjuster buckle 135 may pivot relative to the strap adjuster buckle connector 121 and whereby rotation of the strap adjuster buckle 135 relative to the socket 126 is prevented by the flange 210 that, in use, is located between opposing protrusions 124.

[0284] The strap adjuster buckle 135 also includes an arcuate tab 170 that is connected to an opposite end of the body 136 to which the head portion 138 is connected to. The curved face 171 is adapted to engage a user's finger, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0285] The backrest 111 further includes two rearwardly extending straps 150 each having a free end 151 that has been threaded through firstly slot 137a and then through slot 137b, as shown in FIG. 9 in particular.

[0286] The other end 152 of the strap 150 is connected to a strap connector 85. The end portion 152 having been threaded through a slot 87, has been folded back upon itself and secured to the strap 150 so as to form a connecting loop. Alternatively, the strap end 152, having been threaded through the slot 87 may be secured to a buckle or triglide 153, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0287] The back rest 111 also includes two forward extending straps 160, each having a free end portion 161 and an opposing fixed end portion 162. Each of the fixed end portions 162 are attached to a respective wing 115 of a kayak seat 110.

[0288] Each free end portion 161 is first threaded through two adjacent slotted openings 156a and 156b of a strap adjuster buckle 155, and then through slotted opening 87 of a strap connector 85. The free end is then threaded again through opening 156b, from the opposite side of the buckle than before, and is then threaded through opening 156c.

[0289] In use, The kayak seat 110 may be secured to a kayak 10 by firstly extending a stopper 128 through the oval shaped opening 60 of a respective seat recess assembly 21 such that the spherically shaped end portion 130 bears against the bottom face 44 of the plug 24 and whereby the stiffening member 127 may pivot relative to the seat recess assembly 21 in a generally forward and aft direction as governed by the generally straight side edges 60a of the opening 60. As a consequence, the seat base 112 will generally overlie a portion of the seat portion 16 and the backrest will extend generally upwardly from the seat base 112.

[0290] Each of the forwarding extending straps 160 may then be secured to a respective fitting 70 mounted on the kayak both adjacent and forward to the side edge portion 115 by firstly placing the spherically shaped head portion 88 of the strap connector 85 in the generally complementary shaped mouth 77 of the fitting 70, and then pulling the head portion in a generally rearward direction such that the head portion 88 is retained behind the edge portions 75 and the stem 89 extends through the slot 76 and is ultimately retained within the opening 78. Further, contact between the curved surface of the head portion 88 and the curved faces 88 of the edge portions 75 will allow the strap connector to rotate relative to the fitting. Thus, the orientation of the strap connector 85 relative to the fitting is not particularly important when engaging the strap connector with the fitting.

[0291] The strap adjuster buckles 155 allow the user to vary the effective length of the forward straps 160 and, in doing so, vary the angle of inclination of the backrest 111 relative to the seat base 112.

[0292] Each of the rearward extending straps 150 may be secured to a respective fitting 70 mounted on the kayak both adjacent to and generally rearward of the backrest 111 by firstly placing the spherically shaped head portion 88 of the strap connector 85 in the generally complementary shaped mouth 77 of the fitting 70, and then pulling the head portion in a generally rearward direction such that the head portion 88 is retained behind the edge portions 75 and the stem 89 extends through the slot 76 and is ultimately retained within the opening 78. Further, contact between the curved surface of the head portion 88 and the curved faces 80 of the edge portions 75 will allow the strap connector to rotate relative to the fitting. Thus, the orientation of the strap connector 85 relative to the fitting is not particularly important when engaging the strap connector with the fitting.

[0293] Then, by pulling on the free end 151 of each strap 150 such that the portion of each strap 150 extending between the strap connector 85 and the strap adjuster buckle 135 becomes taught, a force will be applied to the top portion 113 of the seat 110 sufficient to pull the back rest support assembly 120 to which it is connected generally downward such that the spherical end portion 130 of the stopper 128 is firmly retained, or anchored, within the recess 46 of the plug 24.

[0294] In order to remove the kayak seat 110 from the kayak 10, the user may first push back against the strap adjuster buckle 135 in the general direction of arrow 175, as shown in FIG. 9. This will release the tension on the portion of the strap 150 between the strap connector 85 and the strap adjuster buckle 135, thereby enabling the user to disengage the strap connector 85 that is attached thereto from the fitting 70 that it is temporarily connected to.

[0295] Once the two rearwardly extending straps 150 have been disconnected from the kayak 10, the user may tilt the kayak seat 110 generally forward, such as by lifting the stoppers 128 free from their respective plugs 24. This will ease the tension on the two forward extending straps 160 thereby allowing the user to disconnect them strap connectors 85 to which they are attached from the fittings 70 to which they have been temporarily attached.

[0296] In other embodiments the kayak may be constructed with recesses that are each adapted to receive a respective end portion of stiffening means of a kayak seat, such as a stopper 128. Further, in order to prevent wear on the recess creating a hole in the kayak it is envisaged that a plug made from a harder, more durable, plastics material may be inserted in the recess and whereby the plug will be adapted to receive the end portion of a stiffening member.

[0297] For example, the recess may have a generally square shaped cross-section and inwardly tapering walls and wherein the outer walls of the plug may include barbs that will engage the walls of the recess and resist separation of the plug from the recess.

[0298] It will of course be realised that while the foregoing description has been given by way of example of the invention, all other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as herein defined in the appended claims.