SHAPESHIFTING MULTI-MODE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

Abstract

A watercraft comprising: a first section; a second section; and a connecting element joining the first section to the second section, wherein the connecting element has a first unextended state and a second extended state, and wherein the connecting element can be moved between the first and second states to alter the relative positions of the first and second sections.

Claims

1. A watercraft comprising: a first section; a second section; and a connecting element joining the first section to the second section, wherein the connecting element has a first unextended state and a second extended state, and wherein the connecting element can be moved between the first and second states to alter the relative positions of the first and second sections.

2. A watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the first and second sections respectively comprise first and second floats.

3. A watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the first and second floats are inflatable.

4. A watercraft according to claim 2, wherein the first and second floats are formed of a rigid material.

5. A watercraft according to claim 4, wherein the first and second floats are hollow.

6. A watercraft according to claim 4, wherein the first and second floats are solid.

7. A watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element comprises an inflatable cross-strut.

8. A watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element comprises a telescopic cross-strut.

9. A watercraft according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element comprises a hinged cross-strut.

10. A watercraft according to claim 9, wherein the hinged cross-strut is connected to a rotatable pole which is operable by a user aboard the watercraft to move the hinged cross-strut between the first and second states to alter the relative positions of the first and second sections.

11-15. (canceled)

16. A kit of parts comprising: first and second floats; and a cross-strut, wherein each end of the cross-strut comprises a first part of a releasable attachment mechanism, and wherein each of the floats comprise complementary second parts of a releasable attachment mechanism.

17. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the first and second floats are inflatable.

18. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the first and second floats are formed of a rigid material.

19. A kit of parts according to claim 18, wherein the first and second floats are hollow.

20. A kit of parts according to claim 18, wherein the first and second floats are solid.

21. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the cross-strut comprises an inflatable cross-strut.

22. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the cross-strut comprises a telescopic cross-strut.

23. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the cross strut comprises a hinged cross-strut.

24. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the releasable attachment mechanism comprises a zip fastener.

25. A method of assembling a watercraft, the method comprising: providing first and second floats; providing a cross-strut, wherein each end of the cross-strut comprises a first part of a releasable attachment mechanism, and wherein each of the floats comprise complementary second parts of the releasable attachment mechanism; connecting the first part of the releasable attachment mechanism of the cross-strut to the second part of the releasable attachment mechanism of the first float; and connecting the first part of the releasable attachment mechanism of the cross-strut to the second part of the releasable attachment mechanism of the second float.

26. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described in reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts through all the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0023] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, a reference will be made to the following detailed description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 schematically shows a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 schematically shows sectional and partial views of some of the components of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 schematically shows the watercraft of FIG. 1, showing additional details;

[0027] FIG. 4 schematically shows a load dispersant frame assembly for use with the watercraft of FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 5a schematically shows a cross section of the float of FIG. 3 to show item 8 in more detail;

[0029] FIG. 5b schematically shows a cross section of the float of FIG. 3, to show item 14 in more detail;

[0030] FIG. 6 schematically shows a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the invention being operated in a first mode (left hand side) and a second mode (right hand side);

[0031] FIG. 7 schematically shows three examples of extendable cross-struts suitable for use in the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 8 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 9 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 10 schematically shows a modular paddle for use with the present invention; and

[0035] FIG. 11 schematically shows a rotatable seat for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The watercraft my comprise a pair of floats 2 which may be elongate and extend substantially parallel to one another. The floats 2 may be connected together by a first cross-strut 3 and a second cross-strut 4. The floats 2 shown may be made of a polymer material (for example polyester) and may be inflatable. The floats 2 may be inflated via a valve 9. However, in other embodiments rigid hollow floats may be used, or completely solid floats. The floats may also have pressure release valve (not shown) to relieve pressure and prevent explosion, e.g. in strong sunlight or due to overinflation.

[0037] In FIG. 1 a fully assembled watercraft is shown. However, the floats 2, the first cross-strut 3 and the second cross-strut 4 comprise discrete separate modules that may be joined to each other by an end user. This may be seen more clearly in FIG. 2.

[0038] FIG. 2 schematically shows sectional and partial views of some of the components of FIG. 1. The upper part of FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the attachment point between one of the floats 2 and the cross-strut 3. The float 2 comprises a first half 5 of an attachment means, and the cross-strut 3 comprises a complementary second half 6 of an attachment means. The first and second halves 5, 6 of the releasable attachment means may be configured to engage with one another to secure the cross-strut 3 and the float 2 together. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first half 5 of the attachment means comprises a first half of a toothed zip connector, and the second half 6 of the attachment means comprises a corresponding second half of a toothed zip connector. However, alternative attachment means may also be used, for example, hook and loop fasteners, latches, straps, hasps, chains or any other suitable attachment means. The attachment means may removably or permanently attach the cross-strut to the floats.

[0039] The lower part of FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the attachment point between one of the floats 2 and the cross-strut 3. An air channel 7 may be provided between the float 2 and the cross-strut 3. This allows air to flow between the float 2 and the cross-strut 3, and so a single inflation point may be provided on the watercraft rather than respective inflation points for each component. A blocking means 8, in the form of a releasable clip, may be provided on the air channel 7, so that the interiors of the float 2 and the cross-strut 3 may be isolated from each other once inflated. This may be useful in ensuring that the entire vessel does not deflate if a puncture occurs in one of the float 2 and the cross-strut 3.

[0040] FIG. 3 schematically shows the watercraft of FIG. 1, showing additional details. In FIG. 3 a pair of floats 1 may be connected together by a first cross-strut 2 and a second cross-strut 17. The first cross-strut 2 may be connected to the floats 1 by a pair of circumferential zips (one of which may be seen, indicated as item 7). The cross-strut 2 may be inflatable via a valve 6 and contains an expandable section 36. One of the floats has a mounting point 14, which may be secured into float 1 via an integral flange 13 (this will be described in more detail in FIG. 5b).

[0041] Each float has a tapered front end 3 (only one indicated) that allows impact absorption. The floats carry a plurality of retaining means 15 for attaching a load dispersant frame assembly to the watercraft. In FIG. 3 a simple strap and buckle is shown for retaining means 15, but any suitable retaining means may be used in practice. FIG. 3 shows only a single retaining means 15, but in practice more than one retaining means would generally be used.

[0042] The floats each comprise an inner skin and an outer skin. The outer skin may be formed of a material that stretches less than the inner material. The inner material may be formed of a hard wearing laminate, for example a polyurethane coated polymer textile (such as nylon) to prevent chafing between the inner and outer skins. The outer material may be formed of polyester to prevent salt water resistance and minimal stretch. The inner skin may be generally welded together to provide an airtight enclosure. The outer skin may be generally stitched. Alternatively, the floats may be of a single airtight material, e.g. Hypalon or polyvinylchloride (PVC).

[0043] A zip 12 in the outer skin provides access to the inner skin of the float. This allows a user to remove or replace the inner skin.

[0044] Item 35 indicates a removable safety chamber. The safety chamber may be inflatable and provides additional or redundant buoyancy. This may prevent the watercraft from sinking if a float or cross-strut is punctured. The safety chamber also prevents the watercraft from rotating or overturning if a float or cross-strut is punctured. The safety chamber 35 in FIG. 3 may be attached to the float with a zip, although any attachment means may be used in practice. Said safety chamber may be retracted behind a panel for deployment as desired.

[0045] Item 8 may be a rigid panel that acts to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the float 3. In FIG. 3 the rigid panel may be attached retained on the end of the float 3 by a sphincter 9. However, the rigid panel 8 may also be attached to float 3 by being trapped between the inner skin and the outer skin. Alternatively, the rigid panel 8 may be attached by a separate attachment means (e.g. a releasable clip).

[0046] Items 5 and 11 in FIG. 3 correspond to items 7 and 8 in FIG. 2.

[0047] FIG. 4 schematically shows a load dispersant frame assembly for use with the watercraft of FIG. 3. The frame comprises longitudinal members, which lie in the direction of the length of the watercraft, and transverse members 51, 52, which lie at right angles to the longitudinal members, as shown. Corner pieces connect the longitudinal members to the transverse members 51, 52.

[0048] The transverse members 51, 52 may be extendable to accommodate the expansion of the watercraft in the transverse direction. The transverse members may either include expansion pieces to extend their length, or they may be telescopic.

[0049] The centre longitudinal member carries attachment means for a bench 56 upon which a user may sit in use. The bench 56 may be a rigid piece, or may be formed of a flexible material or a mesh. The foremost transverse member carries a mast foot bracket 55 for a mast foot assembly. A mast foot bracket support (or supports) 57 runs between the mast foot bracket 55 and the transverse member 51, or to a suitable position on the frame or the floats. The mast foot bracket support 57 prevents fore and aft movement of the mast foot bracket 55 (and hence the mast). The rearmost transverse member 52 carries a mounting point for a rudder post 53, which may carry a rudder 54.

[0050] FIG. 5a schematically shows a cross section of the float of FIG. 3 to show item 8 in more detail. A rigid panel 10 may be held in the end of a float 1 by a sphincter 16.

[0051] FIG. 5b schematically shows a cross section of the float of FIG. 3, to show item 14 in more detail. The mounting point 14 may be firmly maintained in a position by rigid flange 20. FIG. 5b depicts the mounting point in a substantially vertical position, however said position may be at any angle about the circumference to provide a mounting point for components as desired. The flange 20 comprises an arched section 18 which may be shaped to conform to the shape of the outer skin of the float 21 when it is fully inflated, such that the skin of the float forms a smooth continuous circle which includes the arched section 18. The arched section may be connected to the outer skin of the float by attachment means 19 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5b. However, alternatively the arched section 18 may be formed integrally with the outer skin of the float, e.g. it may be made of a rigid plastics material which may be moulded into the flexible plastics material of the float skin. Alternatively, the arched section 18 may be trapped between the inner skin and outer skin of the float to hold it in place.

[0052] FIG. 6 schematically shows a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the invention being operated in a first mode (left hand side) and a second mode (right hand side).

[0053] On the left hand side of FIG. 6 the watercraft (which comprises a pair of floats 2 connected by an extendable cross strut 3) is shown in a first configuration having a first shape. The shape of the first configuration may be a kayak shape. In this configuration, the cross strut 3 may be unextended, and so the floats 2 may be in close proximity to one another, giving the watercraft a relatively narrow shape. This shape makes the watercraft suitable for paddling, and the user may be seen operating the watercraft using a paddle 4.

[0054] On the right hand side FIG. 6 the watercraft is shown in a second configuration having a second shape. The shape of the second configuration may be a catamaran shape. In this configuration, the cross strut 3 may be extended, and so the floats 2 may be distant from one another, giving the watercraft a relatively wide shape. This shape makes the watercraft suitable for sailing, and the user may be seen operating the watercraft using a sail 5. In addition, the wider shape offers increased resistance to capsize or overturn especially while sailing.

[0055] FIG. 7 schematically shows three examples of extendable cross-struts suitable for use in the present invention. The three examples are shown on the left hand side in an unextended state and on the right hand side in an extended state.

[0056] The top example shows an inflatable cross-strut 3. The cross-strut 3 comprises an expansion sleeve 7 which may be contained within the cross-strut 3 in its unextended state. The expansion sleeve may be prevented from extending the length of the cross-strut 3 due to a circumferential zip, which may be the closed configuration in the unextended state of the cross-strut. A reinforcing pole 10 runs through the cross-strut 3 to give it extra rigidity, and this may slide in a recess (shown in dotted lines) as the cross-strut 3 extends. However, in some applications the reinforcing pole may be omitted entirely.

[0057] To move the cross-strut from the unextended state to the extended state, the circumferential zip may be unzipped into the open configuration. The expansion sleeve 7 fills with air from the interior of the cross-strut 3 and the sections of the cross-strut 3 may be moved away from one another by the expansion of the expansion sleeve 7. This has the effect of moving the floats 2, to which the ends of the cross-strut 3 may be connected, away from one another.

[0058] While the above mechanism has been described with reference to a cross-strut, it may also be applied to a float of the watercraft in order to extend the length of the watercraft.

[0059] The middle example shows a telescopic cross-strut 3. The cross-strut 3 comprises a pair of poles, wherein one of the poles may be received within the other pole.

[0060] On the left hand side the cross-strut 3 is shown in an unextended state, wherein one pole may be completely received inside the other pole. The poles may be retained in this state via securing means (not shown), for example a projection on one pole may be received in a recess in a surface of the other pole, or the poles may be locked, chained or tied together, or secured with any other suitable means.

[0061] To move the cross-strut from the unextended state to the extended state, the user disengages the securing means to allow relative movement between the poles. With the securing means released, the user may then pull one pole out of the other pole to move the floats away from one another. Once the cross-strut 3 is fully extended the securing means may be re-engaged to retain the poles at their relative positions. Alternatively, a second securing means may be used to retain the poles at their relative positions.

[0062] The bottom example shows a cross-strut 3 comprising a pair of hinged poles.

[0063] On the left hand side the cross-strut 3 is shown in an unextended state, wherein the hinges poles may be secured with an acute angle between the poles. The poles may be retained in this state via securing means (not shown), for example a locking pin may be passed through an aperture in the hinge to prevent angular rotation of the poles, or the poles may be locked, chained or tied together, or secured with any other suitable means.

[0064] To move the cross-strut from the unextended state to the extended state, the user disengages the securing means to allow relative angular movement between the poles. With the securing means released, the user may then increase the angle between the poles to move the floats away from one another. Once the cross-strut 3 is fully extended the securing means may be re-engaged to retain the poles at their relative angular positions. Alternatively, a second securing means may be used to retain the poles at their relative angular positions. Intermeshing gears or toothed cogs may be used to maintain symmetrical angular movement between the poles.

[0065] FIG. 8 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The watercraft comprises a pair of floats 2 connected by two cross-struts 3. The cross-struts 3 may be of the hinged type described with respect to FIG. 7. A rotatable pole runs down the central axis of the watercraft. In use, a user sits on a bench 11 connecting the two floats. The bench 11 may be made of a flexible material to accommodate relative movement of the floats 2.

[0066] The hinges of the cross-struts 3 may be threaded on the ends of the rotatable pole. Rotation of the pole acts to move central portion of the hinges towards or away from one another, and so control the relative angular position of the hinged cross-struts 3. The left hand side of FIG. 8 shows the cross-struts 3 in their unextended states, putting the watercraft in a kayak form for paddling. The right hand side of FIG. 8 shows the cross-struts 3 moved to their respective extended states, putting the watercraft in the catamaran form for sailing. The rotation pole has a rotation handle that may be manipulated by a user sat on bench 11 as shown. This allows a user to alter the shape of the watercraft, even when it is in use, i.e. on the water.

[0067] While the above example has been described with a threaded pole and the two hinged cross-struts moving towards one another when moving to their unextended states, it would also be possible to link the hinged cross-struts together with an unthreaded pole attached to each hinge. In this case, the pole may simply be moved along the length of the watercraft by a user, and the hinged cross-struts would move in the same direction as the pole is moved to put them into their extended or unextended states. The hinges may be locked in their extended or unextended states, e.g. by passing a locking pin through each hinge. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 9.

[0068] FIG. 9 schematically shows a plan view of a watercraft in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 9 the watercraft comprises a pair of floats 71 connected by telescopic cross-struts 72. The floats 71 may be also connected by a pair of hinged cross-struts 81, hinged at respective points 75 and 77. The hinge points 75, 77 form receptacles for a rudder post 76 and a mast 78 bearing a sail 79.

[0069] The hinge points 75, 77 may be connected to one another by a longitudinal connecting member 73, which may be moveable fore and aft as indicated by arrows 74.

[0070] Item 80 may be a flexible component, such as a webbing strap. A user may transfer their weight to the strap, which acts to draw the floats towards one another, and so enables the telescopic members 72 to move with less friction than if a user sat on the telescopic members 72 directly.

[0071] Extension and retraction of the cross-struts may be effected by a user moving the longitudinal connecting member either fore or aft. Alternatively, extension of the cross-struts may be effected by a user sitting on one of the two floats and pushing against the other float with their feet.

[0072] FIG. 10 schematically shows a modular paddle for use with the present invention. The paddle comprises a pair of paddle shaft sections 40 and a pair of paddle blades 41. The modularity of the paddle allows these component parts to be used as multiple components of a watercraft as shown in the lower section of FIG. 9.

[0073] For example, the paddle blade 41 may be used as a rudder of the watercraft as indicated at reference numeral 47. A paddle shaft section 40 may be used as a tiller of the watercraft as indicated at reference numeral 46. A bracket 49 on a rear part of the watercraft may be used to locate the rudder (paddle blade 41) and allow it to rotate. The paddle may be removably received in the bracket 49, and it may be removed for use in paddling.

[0074] A paddle blade 41 and paddle shaft section 40 together may be used as a keel or centre board of the watercraft as indicated at reference numeral 44. A bracket 45 may be attached to a seat frame of the watercraft, to which the paddle shaft section 40 may be attached. The bracket 45 allows the keel assembly (combined paddle blade 41 and paddle shaft section 40) to rotate both fore and aft.

[0075] A mast foot bracket 43 may be attached to the watercraft as previously described. A mast pole 42 bearing a sail S may be located in mast foot bracket 43, which allows the mast pole 42 to rotate. The mast pole 42 may be telescopic or segmented to allow a variety of lengths of the mast pole 42.

[0076] FIG. 11 schematically shows a rotatable seat for use with the present invention. The seat may be particularly useful for angling/fishing from a watercraft.

[0077] FIG. 11 shows a watercraft comprising a pair of floats 63 connected by a pair of cross-struts 62 having a platform therebetween. The rotatable seat comprises a rotatable base section 61 which may be rotatably mounted on a central mounting point on the platform and may rotate in the directions indicated by arrows 68. A locking mechanism 65 may be provided within reach of the seat user which may be operable to brake rotation of the rotatable base 61 and lock it in place. The rotatable base section 61 has a backrest 64. A footrest 66 may be also attached to the rotatable base section 61, and a rod holder, e.g. for a fishing rod, may be attached to the footrest 66.

[0078] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto. While the specification is described in relation to certain implementation or embodiments, many details are set forth for the purpose of illustration. Thus, the foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. For example, the invention may have other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristic. The described arrangements are illustrative and not restrictive. To those skilled in the art, the invention is susceptible to additional implementations or embodiments and certain of these details described in this application may be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and, thus, within its scope and spirit.