Board-type watercraft

Abstract

A board-type watercraft is adapted for selective disassembly into a plurality of separate sections for ease of transport and storage. Preferably, a selection of differently configured nose and tail sections can be releasably connected to a universal middle section to create a wide variety of distinctive board styles. With the watercraft in its assembled state, adjacent sections are releasably secured together using compressive-type fastening elements, such as spring-biased latch mechanisms. Pairs of fastening elements are preferably arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of the board in substantial vertical alignment to limit torque between sections and thereby ensure adequate stiffness through each joint. In its disassembled state, the sections can be stacked into a highly compact configuration suitable for packaging within a container that is compliant with maximum size standards for conventional ground courier services.

Claims

1. A watercraft adapted for arrangement between an assembled state and a disassembled state, the watercraft comprising: (a) a plurality of separate sections, the plurality of separate sections comprising first, second, and third sections with opposing, non-planar mating faces that are generally U-shaped in curvature from a first side to a second side, the first section comprising opposing ends, the second and third sections being joined to the opposing ends of the first section when the watercraft is in its assembled state, the first and second sections being joined together through a first joint when the watercraft is in its assembled state, the first and third sections being joined together through a second joint when the watercraft is in its assembled state; and (b) a plurality of compressive-type fastening elements for securing the first and second sections together when the watercraft is in its assembled state, the plurality of compressive-type fastening elements comprising a first pair of fastening elements arranged in substantial vertical alignment with one another; (c) wherein an outwardly extending center rail is formed in the mating face of one of the first and second sections and is dimensioned to fittingly protrude into a center slot formed in the mating face of the other of the first and second sections when the watercraft is in its assembled state; (d) wherein a pair of outwardly extending side rails is formed in the mating face of one of the first and second sections and is dimensioned to fittingly protrude into a corresponding pair of side slots formed in the mating face of the other of the first and second sections when the watercraft is in its assembled state; (e) wherein, with the watercraft in its disassembled state, the first, second and third sections are adapted for arrangement into a stacked configuration, the stacked configuration having a length, a width and a height; (f) wherein a first sum of the width and the thickness of the stacked configuration is multiplied by two to yield a product, a second sum of the product and the length of the stacked configuration being no greater than 165 inches.

2. The watercraft as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in its assembled state, the watercraft has a board-type construction that includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a rear end.

3. The watercraft as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first pair of fastening elements includes a first fastening element located in the top surface of the board-type construction and a second fastening element located in the bottom surface of the board-type construction.

4. The watercraft as claimed in claim 3 wherein, with the watercraft in its assembled state, the first and second fastening elements are arranged in direct vertical alignment with one another.

5. The watercraft as claimed in claim 3 wherein, with the watercraft in its assembled state, the first and second fastening elements are vertically offset from one another by no greater than 3 inches.

6. The watercraft as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of compressive-type fastening elements further comprises a second pair of fastening elements arranged in substantial vertical alignment with one another.

7. The watercraft as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first and second pairs of fastening elements are located along opposing sides of the watercraft in its assembled state.

8. The watercraft as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of compressive-type fastening elements is in the form of a latch mechanism.

9. The watercraft as claimed in claim 8 wherein the latch mechanism includes a latch arm that engages a raised shoulder, the latch arm being pivotally coupled to the first section, the raised shoulder being formed on the second section.

10. The watercraft as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stacked configuration is adapted for transport within the interior of an automotive vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

(2) FIGS. 1(a)-(d) are top plan, bottom plan, top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a board-type watercraft constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the board being shown in its fully assembled state;

(3) FIGS. 2(a)-(e) are exploded, top plan, front, bottom plan, top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the board-type watercraft shown in FIG. 1(a), the watercraft being shown in its disassembled state;

(4) FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top perspective view of the circled region shown in the board-type watercraft of FIG. 2(d);

(5) FIG. 4 is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of the circled region shown in the board-type watercraft of FIG. 2(e);

(6) FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are top plan and front views, respectively, of the board-type watercraft shown in FIG. 1(a), the watercraft being shown in its disassembled state and arranged into a highly compact stack which is suitable for transport and storage; and

(7) FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a package suitable for retaining the disassembled and stacked watercraft shown in FIG. 5(a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Board-Type Watercraft 11

(8) Referring now to FIGS. 1(a)-(d), there is shown a board-type watercraft that is constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the watercraft being identified generally by reference numeral 11. As will be explained in detail below, watercraft 11 is designed to be easily disassembled into a plurality of separate sections and, in turn, arranged into a highly compact stack that is suitable for storage or transport.

(9) In the drawings, watercraft 11 is represented as a stand-up paddle board (SUP). However, it should be noted watercraft 11 is not limited to stand-up paddle boards. Rather, as defined herein, watercraft 11 represents any type of watercraft that would benefit from a modular construction for enhanced portability. In other words, the principals of the present invention could be similarly applied to alternative types of watercrafts, such as surfboards, kayaks, canoes and the like, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(10) As can be seen, watercraft 11 has an elongated, board-like construction that includes a relatively flat top surface 13 designed to support a rider, a relatively flat, low friction, bottom surface 15, a narrow or pointed front end, or nose, 17 and a slightly widened rear end, or tail 19. In this assembled state, watercraft 11 closely resembles the look and feel of a conventional one-piece stand-up paddleboard, which is an object of the present invention.

(11) Preferably, watercraft 11 is manufactured of a rigid and durable material that is particularly well suited for use in its designated environment. For instance, watercraft 11 may be shaped or molded using one or more materials that are conventionally used in the manufacture of board-type watercrafts, such a polyurethane foam core which is externally treated with a polyester or epoxy resin, or a suitable rigid plastic material including, but not limited to, polyethylene.

(12) As shown in FIGS. 1(b) and 1(d), a fin-shaped recess 29 is preferably formed into bottom surface 15 towards tail 19. As can be appreciated, recess 29 is dimensioned to receive a fixedly mounted or spring-loaded fin (not shown), which is used for improved tracking and stability of watercraft 11 during routine use.

(13) As noted briefly above, watercraft 11 is designed to be easily disassembled into a plurality of modules for ease of transport and storage. Specifically, watercraft 11 includes a plurality of individual sections 31 that are releasably secured together using multiple sets of compressive-type fastening mechanisms, or devices, 33.

(14) Referring now to FIGS. 2(a)-(e), watercraft 11 includes a middle, or center, section 31-1 that is releasably secured to both (i) a front, or nose, section 31-2 through a first connective region, or joint, 35-1, and (ii) a rear, or tail, section 31-3 through a second connective region, or joint, 35-2. As will be explained further in detail below, the particular design of sections 31 provides a number of notable advantages including, but not limited to, positioning joints 35 at low stress areas on watercraft 11 and affording greater design flexibility by using a universal center section 31-1 with varieties of different styles of nose and tail sections.

(15) Adjacent sections 31 are designed to mate so as to produce joints 35 that are both strong and relatively seamless upon assembly. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2(d) and 2(e), first end 37 of center section 31-1 is configured to matingly engage with first end 39 of nose section 31-2 through connective region 35-1. Specifically, first end 37 has an outwardly curved, generally U-shaped, face 41 that includes a center slot 43 and a pair of opposing, outwardly extending, side rails 45-1 and 45-2. Furthermore, first end 39 has an inwardly curved, complementary U-shaped face 47 that includes a center rail, or stiffening rib, 49 and a pair of opposing side slots 51-1 and 51-2. During assembly of watercraft 11, face 41 on center section 31-1 mates with face 47 on nose section 31-2, with center rail 49 fittingly protruding into center slot 43 and side rails 45-1 and 45-2 fittingly protruding into side slots 51-1 and 51-2, respectively. As such, a near seamless joint 35-1 is created with the requisite degree of stiffness due, at least in part, to the presence of rails 45 and 49.

(16) In a similar fashion, second end 53 of center section 31-1 is configured to matingly engage with first end 55 of tail section 31-3 through connective region 35-2. Specifically, second end 53 has an inwardly curved, generally U-shaped, face 57 that includes a center rail, or stiffening rib, 59 and a pair of opposing side slots 61-1 and 61-2. Furthermore, first end 55 has an outwardly curved, complementary U-shaped face 63 that includes a center slot 65 and a pair of opposing, outwardly extending, side rails 67-1 and 67-2. During assembly of watercraft 11, face 57 on center section 31-1 mates with face 63 on tail section 31-3, with center rail 59 fittingly protruding into center slot 65 and side rails 67-1 and 67-2 fittingly protruding into side slots 61-1 and 61-2, respectively. As such, a near seamless joint 35-2 is created with the requisite degree of stiffness due, at least in part, to the presence of rails 59 and 67.

(17) It should be noted that board-type watercraft 11 is not limited to the specific mating relationship between adjacent sections 31 described in detail above. Rather, it is to be understood that alternative mating means (i.e. other than the use of complementary rails and slots) could be used in place thereof without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that additional structural elements, such as reinforcement ribs and/or deck contouring, may be integrated into one or more sections 31 to improve the overall rigidity of watercraft 11 through each joint 35.

(18) As referenced briefly above, adjacent sections 31 are releasably secured together under substantial compressive force using multiple sets of fastening mechanisms 33. As can be appreciated, the number and arrangement of fastening mechanisms 33 serves to couple sections 31 together in such a manner so as to limit torque through each connective region 35. As a result, watercraft 11 has a stable construction upon assembly, which is a principal object of the present invention.

(19) Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, each fastening device 33 is preferably in the form of a latch mechanism, or latch, which simply and reliably imparts a strong compressive force through its corresponding joint. As can be seen, each fastening mechanism 33 includes a latch arm 71 that is pivotally coupled to one module (e.g. middle section 31-1) and a complementary raised shoulder, or tab-like projection, 73 formed on an adjacent module (e.g. nose section 31-2) in direct linear alignment therewith.

(20) Accordingly, through manual operation, latch arm 71 can be configured so as to clasp onto its complementary projection 73 and, in turn, be pivotally closed under considerable spring tension. As a result, the closed clasp establishes a significant compressive force between adjacent sections 31 and thereby forms a tight seal within the associated joint 35. At any time, latch arm 71 can then be pivoted open so as to disengage from the complementary projection 73 and thereby allow for dissociation of adjacent sections 31.

(21) The incorporation of latch-type fastening mechanisms 33 is desirable due to their relative ease of use as well as the corresponding strength of the coupling force imparted therefrom. However, it is to be understood that alternative types of compressive-type fastening devices could be used in combination with or in place thereof without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(22) As mentioned above, the particular number and arrangement of latch-type fastening mechanisms 33 serve as principal novel features of the present invention. Most notably, as seen most clearly in FIG. 2(b), fastening mechanisms 33 are arranged on top and bottom surfaces 13 and 15 as vertically aligned pairs across each joint 35. In other words, each latch pair includes an upper fastening mechanism 33-1 on top surface 13 that is disposed above a lower fastening mechanism 33-2 on bottom surface 15 in vertical alignment therewith. By arranging fastening mechanisms 33 as vertically-aligned pairs on top and bottom surfaces 13 and 15 of watercraft 11, each joint 35 receives opposing compressive forces that limit torque upon assembly.

(23) Altogether, four fastening mechanisms 33 are used to secure each joint 35, with a first vertically-aligned pair of latch mechanisms 33 disposed along one side of watercraft 11 and a second vertically-aligned pair of latch mechanisms 33 disposed along the opposite side of watercraft, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(c). The use of multiple pairs of vertically-aligned latch mechanisms 33 ensures proper rigidity through each joint 35 and, in addition, provides a certain degree of redundancy that renders watercraft 11 highly stable and reliable upon assembly.

(24) As referenced above, the present invention relies upon pairs of latch mechanisms 33 that are preferably vertically aligned to ensure optimum rigidity through each joint 35. However, it is to be understood that, in certain applications, each pair of latch mechanisms 33 utilized to secure each joint 35 may require an offset relationship (e.g. as much as by 2-3 inches) to account for unique aspects relating to the shape and contour of the particular watercraft. In such situations, the offset relationship between each pair of latch mechanisms 33 does not compromise the effective distribution of compressive forces applied across each joint 35.

(25) It is also to be understood that, as defined herein, each pair of latch mechanisms 33 utilized to secure each joint 35 may include more than two individual latch mechanisms 33 in substantial vertical alignment. For instance, each pair may represent an unequal number of opposing latch mechanisms 33 arranged in substantial vertical alignment (e.g. a single lower latch mechanism 33 disposed in vertical alignment between two upper latch mechanisms 33).

Preferred Stacked Arrangement of Disassembled Watercraft 11

(26) As will be explained in detail below, watercraft 11 is capable of being dissembled and stacked in a highly compact configuration. In fact, when arranged as such, watercraft 11 is designed for packaging within a container that is compliant with maximum size standards established by most conventional ground courier services, such as UPS and FedEx.

(27) Specifically, referring now to FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 6, disassembled watercraft 11 can be arranged into an optimized stack 111 that is ideal for storage or shipment within a compact container, or package, 113. Optimized stack 111 is preferably created in the manner set forth in detail below.

(28) Specifically, stack 111 is arranged by disposing middle section 31-1, with its top surface 13 facing up, as the bottom layer. Next, with its top surface 13 facing upward, nose section 31-2 is stacked directly on top middle section 31-1. In other words, bottom surface 15 of nose section 31-2 directly abuts against top surface 13 of middle section 31, with the distal end of nose section 31-2 positioned directly above first end 37 of middle section 31-1.

(29) Finally, with its top surface 13 facing upward, tail section 31-3 is stacked directly on top of nose section 31-2. In other words, bottom surface 15 of tail section 31-3 directly abuts against top surface 13 of nose section 31-2, with the distal end of tail section 31-3 positioned directly above first end 39 of nose section 31-2. As seen most clearly in FIG. 5(b), the tapered thickness and slight curvature of nose section 31-2 and tail section 31-3 as well as the nested stack arrangement set forth in detail above serves to create an optimized stack 111 that is highly compact in nature, stack 111 being represented herein as having a length L, a width W and a thickness T.

(30) Arranged as set forth above, stack 111 is designed to be fittingly inserted into a container 113 with a length L of approximately 49.325 inches, a width W of approximately 32.15 inches, and a thickness T of approximately 16.125. In view of the aforementioned dimensions, container 113 is compliant with the maximum allowable shipping size allowed by conventional ground couriers, such as United Parcel Service of America, Inc., and FedEx Corporation. More specifically, package 113 satisfies maximum size restrictions that rely upon the following compliancy formula (in inches): (Width+Thickness)*2+Length<165.

(31) Furthermore, it is to be understood that the limited-size stack 111 is appropriately dimensioned for transport within the interior of most conventional automotive vehicles. Specifically, it has been found that stack 111 can be fit within either (i) the backseat region of a full-size, extended bed truck, (ii) the backseat region of a compact, crew cab truck, (iii) the backseat region of a full-size sedan, or (iv) the cargo area of compact and full-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Features and Advantages of the Present Invention

(32) The particular design of board-type watercraft 11 introduces a number of notable features which, in turn, yield certain advantages over types of board-type watercrafts which are known in the art.

(33) As a first feature, watercraft 11 relies upon a modular construction. As a result, watercraft 11 can be disassembled, as needed, for greater ease of transport (e.g. within most types of automobiles), shipment and storage.

(34) As a second feature, watercraft 11 allows for design flexibility. In particular, it is to be understood that differently configured nose and tail sections can be used with a universal middle section to create a wide variety of different styles and models of boards using a limited number of molds, with each design closely resembling the look of a conventional one-piece board.

(35) As a third feature, watercraft 11 is easy to assemble and disassemble, as needed. Specifically, the use of draw latches allows for assembly and disassembly of watercraft 11 with limited manual dexterity and without the need for additional tools.

(36) As a fourth feature, watercraft 11 is rendered highly stable upon assembly. In particular, the use of complementary pairs of vertically-arranged draw latches on opposing surfaces of the board (i.e. in a top-to-bottom relationship) uniformly compresses adjacent sections together and thereby limits torque through each joint, thereby rendering the board highly stiff and stable. Additionally, the specific number and configuration of sections ensures that the joints are not located in certain regions of the board that typically receive the greatest amounts of stress (i.e. the center of the board where an operator commonly stands).

(37) The embodiment shown above is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.