Abstract
A kayak includes a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein. The hull includes a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end. The kayak further includes an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end. The upper wall at least partially defines an opening into the cockpit. The kayak further includes a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
Claims
1. A kayak comprising: a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein, the hull including a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end; an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end, the upper wall at least partially defining an opening into the cockpit; a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant; and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
2. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener includes a pair of fasteners, with one of the pair of fasteners mounting the tray to the starboard wall and the other one of the pair of fasteners mounting the tray to the port wall.
3. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the modular tray includes one or more cavities for retaining items.
4. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a rail defining a recess and the modular tray includes a tray wall extending into the recess, the at least one fastener extending through the rail and the tray wall.
5. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a recess and the at least one fastener includes a prong extending from the modular tray and into the recess.
6. The kayak of claim 5, wherein the prong is movable into and out of the modular tray for disassembly and assembly of the modular tray to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
7. The kayak of claim 6, wherein the modular tray includes a latch handle coupled to the prong, the latch handle configured to be grasped and moved by the occupant to move the prong into and out of the modular tray.
8. The kayak of claim 5, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a rail connected to the recess, the prong movable within the rail for moving the modular tray between a stowed position and a deployed position.
9. The kayak of claim 8, wherein the rail includes a stowed section and a deployed section each extending horizontally, the deployed section disposed above the stowed section in a vertical direction.
10. The kayak of claim 1, further comprising a rail mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, the at least one fastener including a pin mounted to the modular tray and engageable with the rail, the pin slidable within the rail as the modular tray moves between a stowed position and a deployed position.
11. The kayak of claim 1, further comprising a rail having a channel and mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, the at least one fastener including T flange disposed with and slidable relative to the channel between a stowed position and a deployed position.
12. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a ledge that supports the modular tray.
13. The kayak of claim 13, further comprising a rail mounted to the one of the starboard wall adjacent the ledge, and coupled to the modular tray, the modular tray movable along the rail between a stowed position and a deployed position.
14. The kayak of claim 14, wherein the modular tray is disposed beneath the upper wall in the stowed position.
15. The kayak of claim 14, wherein the at least one fastener includes a tray knob mounted to the modular tray, a hull knob mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, and a strap configured to join together the tray knob and the hull knob in the deployed position for retaining the modular tray in the deployed position.
16. The kayak of claim 13, wherein the modular tray includes a forward tab and the upper wall defines a bow aperture for engaging the forward tab.
17. The kayak of claim 17, wherein the at least one fastener includes a pin mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall and a catch mounted to the modular tray, the pin retainable within the catch.
18. The kayak of claim 13, further comprising a bungee strap mounted to the upper wall and the modular tray to allow pivoting the modular tray relative to the upper wall, and wherein the at least one fastener includes a pin mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall and a catch mounted to the modular tray, the post retainable within the catch.
19. A kayak comprising: a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein, the hull including a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end; an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end, the upper wall at least partially defining an opening into the cockpit; a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant; and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a recess and the at least one fastener includes a prong extending from the modular tray and into the recess, the one of the starboard wall and the port wall including a rail connected to the recess, the prong movable within the rail for moving the modular tray between a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein the prong is movable into and out of the modular tray for disassembly and assembly of the modular tray to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
20. A kayak comprising: a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein, the hull including a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end; an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end, the upper wall at least partially defining an opening into the cockpit; a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant; and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall, the one of the starboard wall and the port wall including a ledge that supports the modular tray; and a rail mounted to the one of the starboard wall adjacent the ledge, and coupled to the modular tray, the modular tray movable along the rail between a stowed position and a deployed position, the modular tray is disposed beneath the upper wall in the stowed position, wherein the at least one fastener includes a tray knob mounted to the modular tray, a hull knob mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, and a strap configured to join together the tray knob and the hull knob in the deployed position for retaining the modular tray in the deployed position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1A schematically depicts a top plan view of a kayak including a modular tray, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0012] FIG. 1B schematically depicts a perspective view of the modular tray of FIG. 1A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0013] FIG. 1C schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular tray for use with the kayak of FIG. 1A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0014] FIG. 1D schematically depict a cross-sectional view of the modular tray and the kayak of FIG. 1A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0015] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a top plan view of another embodiment of a kayak including a modular tray, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0016] FIG. 2B schematically depicts a perspective view of the modular tray of FIG. 2A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0017] FIG. 2C schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular tray for use with the kayak of FIG. 2A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0018] FIG. 3A schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular tray having a plurality of prongs, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0019] FIG. 3B schematically depicts a perspective view of the modular tray of FIG. 3A, with a pair of the plurality of prongs disposed within the modular tray, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0020] FIG. 3C schematically depicts a side elevation view of another embodiment of a wall of a kayak for use with the modular tray of FIG. 3A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0021] FIG. 3D schematically depicts a side elevation view another embodiment of a kayak for use with the modular tray of FIG. 3A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0022] FIG. 4A schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a kayak having a modular tray, with the modular tray slidable along a starboard rail and a port rail, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0023] FIG. 4B schematically depicts a side elevation view of the kayak of FIG. 4A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0024] FIG. 4C schematically depicts a rear elevation view of the starboard rail and a starboard pin of the kayak of FIG. 4A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0025] FIG. 4D schematically depicts a side elevation view of the starboard rail and the starboard pin of the kayak of FIG. 4D, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0026] FIG. 4E schematically depicts a rear elevation view of another embodiment of a starboard rail and a starboard pin, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0027] FIG. 5A schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a kayak having a modular tray, with the modular tray slidable along the starboard rail and the port rail, and including tray knobs mounted to the modular tray, hull knobs mounted to a hull of the kayak, and straps connecting the tray knobs and the hull knobs, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0028] FIG. 5B schematically depicts a side cross-sectional view of the modular tray and the starboard rail of FIG. 5A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0029] FIG. 5C schematically depicts a cutaway side elevation view of the kayak of FIG. 5A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0030] FIG. 6A schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the kayak having the modular tray, with the modular tray having forward tabs, a starboard catch, and a port catch, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0031] FIG. 6B schematically depicts a perspective view of the port catch of the modular tray of FIG. 6A and a port pin, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0032] FIG. 6C schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of one of the forward tabs of FIG. 6A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0033] FIG. 6D schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the port catch and the port pin of FIG. 6B, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0034] FIG. 6E schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a port catch and a port pin, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0035] FIG. 7A schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a kayak having a modular tray, with the modular tray pivotally mounted to an upper wall by bungee straps, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0036] FIG. 7B schematically depicts a perspective view of a port pin and a port catch of the kayak of FIG. 7A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0037] FIG. 7C schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the port pin and the port catch of FIG. 7B, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0038] FIG. 7D schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a port pin and a port catch, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0039] FIG. 8A schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a kayak having a modular tray, with a pair of knobs located mounted to the modular tray and a pair of bungees mounted to a hull of the kayak, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and
[0040] FIG. 8B schematically depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a kayak having a modular tray, with a pair of knobs located mounted to the modular tray and a pair of bungees mounted to a hull of the kayak, a pair of bungees mounted to the modular tray and a pair of knobs mounted to the hull, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] FIG. 1 generally depicts an embodiment of a kayak. The kayak as illustrated generally includes a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein. The hull includes a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end. The kayak further includes an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end. The upper wall at least partially defines an opening into the cockpit. The kayak further includes a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
[0042] Conventional kayak trays have limited utility in that they are either integrally molded into the kayak during production or difficult to attach and remove from the kayak and do not facilitate interchangeability. The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to modular trays that can be easily attached to and removed from a kayak. The modular trays can be attached to and removed from a kayak by hand and without requiring a tool. Furthermore, the modular trays described herein are modular in nature meaning that different versions of the modular trays are interchangeable. The modular and interchangeable features of the modular trays facilitate removal of one version of a modular tray from a kayak and replacement with another version of a modular tray. The interchangeable characteristics of the modular trays allow a customer to customize a kayak with a desired tray to suit a user's specific needs and/or preferences. Moreover, some conventional kayaks have limited space within the cockpit, making it difficult for an occupant to ingress or egress from the kayak. Embodiments of the modular trays can pivot upwards or slide forwards towards the bow end of the kayak to facilitate full use of the opening into the cockpit and improve ingress to and egress from the kayak.
[0043] Reference will now be made in greater detail to various embodiments, some embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.
[0044] Before describing several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the present disclosure. The disclosure provided herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.
[0045] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, certain embodiments, various embodiments, one or more embodiments or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as in one or more embodiments, in certain embodiments, in various embodiments, in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, or to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0046] In the following description, reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views shown in the figures. It is also understood that, unless otherwise specified, terms such as top, bottom, outward, inward, and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. In addition, whenever a group is described as comprising at least one of a group of elements and combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other. Similarly, whenever a group is described as consisting of at least one of a group of elements or combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other. Unless otherwise specified, a range of values, when recited, includes both the upper and lower limits of the range as well as any ranges therebetween.
[0047] As used herein, the indefinite articles a, an, and the corresponding definite article the mean at least one or one or more, unless otherwise specified. It also is understood that the various features disclosed in the specification and the drawings can be used in any and all combinations.
[0048] It is noted that the terms substantially and about may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a kayak 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The kayak 100 is configured for an occupant to be seated therein and traverse a body of water (e.g., a lake, a river, a stream, etc.). The kayak 100 may be formed from one or more components comprising one or more materials, such as polymers, composites, metal, etc. The kayak 100 may be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including vacuum forming, injection molding, roto-molding, etc.
[0050] The kayak 100 may include a hull 101 extending between a bow end 102 and a stern end 103 and defining a cockpit 104 for disposing the occupant therein. More specifically, the hull 101 may include a floor 105 forming a bottom of the kayak 100 upon which the occupant is positioned during operation of the kayak 100. The kayak 100 may include a seat 106 mounted to the floor 105 and upon which the occupant is seated. The hull 101 may further include a starboard wall 107 and a port wall 108. The starboard wall 107 extends upwardly from the floor 105 to a starboard gunnel 109 and the port wall 108 extends upwardly from the floor 105 to a port gunnel 110. The starboard wall 107 and the port wall 108 are spaced from one another and each extend between the bow end 102 and the stern end 103, forming sides of the hull 101 that allow the kayak 100 to float while displacing water.
[0051] The kayak 100 may further include an upper wall 111 coupled to the starboard wall 107 and the port wall 108 of the hull 101 and extending between the bow end 102 and the stern end 103. The upper wall 111 effectively forms a top of kayak 100 that at least partially encloses the cockpit 104 of the hull 101. The upper wall 111 may include a fore portion 112 extending from the bow end 102 across a portion of the hull 101. The upper wall 111 may further include an aft portion 113 extending from the stern end 103 across a portion of the hull 101. As shown in FIG. 1A, the fore portion 112 and the aft portion 113 are spaced from one another and collectively define an opening 114 into the cockpit 104 with the starboard wall 107 and the port wall 108. Accordingly, the upper wall 111 at least partially defines the opening 114 into the cockpit 104.
[0052] The upper wall 111 may have various configurations to accommodate various use and functionality of the kayak 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the kayak 100 includes a plurality of bungee strap 115 disposed on the fore portion 112 of the upper wall 111 that holds items to the top of the upper wall 111 (e.g., items which the occupant does not mind getting wet). The aft portion 113 of the upper wall 111 may include a cargo hold 116 that stores items within the kayak 100 (e.g., items that the occupant wishes to keep dry). It is to be appreciated that the kayak 100 may have any suitable configuration for use by the occupant.
[0053] The kayak 100 may further include a modular tray 117 extending along the starboard wall 107 and the port wall 108 from the upper wall 111 partially into the opening 114 for access thereto by the occupant. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the modular tray 117 extends from the fore portion 112 of the upper wall 111, placing the modular tray 117 in front of the occupant during operation of the kayak 100. In other embodiments, the modular tray 117 may extend from the aft portion 113 of the upper wall 111, placing the modular tray 117 behind the occupant during operation of the kayak 100. In some embodiments, the modular tray 117 may be spaced from both the fore portion 112 and the aft portion 113.
[0054] The modular tray 117 may include one or more cavities 118 that allow the occupant to store and retain items on the modular tray 117. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the one or more cavities 118 includes a pair of cavities 118, with one of the cavities 118 disposed at the center for the modular tray 117 and configured as a cupholder for retaining cup, water bottle, etc. and with the other one of the cavities 118 surrounding the cupholder configured as a large holder for retaining various items therein (e.g., personal devices such as GPS, phone, etc.). FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of the modular tray 117 that may be used with the kayak 100, in which a cavity 118 is configured as a cupholder disposed on the right side of the modular tray 117 and the other cavity 118 fills the remainder of the right side of the tray. Accordingly, the modular tray 117 includes a flat, table-like surface that allows for various activities, such as writing. It is to be appreciated that the modular tray 117 may have any suitable configuration that incorporates any number of cavities 118 and any suitable storage arrangements, use arrangements, etc.
[0055] The kayak 100 may further include at least one fastener 119 mounting the modular tray 117 to one of the starboard wall 107 and the port wall 108. More specifically, the at least one fastener 119 may include a pair of fasteners 119. One of the pair of fasteners 119 mounts the tray to the starboard wall 107 and the other one of the pair of fasteners 119 mounts the tray to the port wall 108. FIG. 1D shows the fastener 119 that mounts the tray to the starboard wall 107 and is described in greater detail below. It is to be appreciated that the description of the fastener 119 mounting the tray to the starboard wall 107 is directly applicable to the fastener 119 mounting the tray to the port wall 108.
[0056] FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional view of the starboard gunnel 109 of the starboard wall 107, the modular tray 117, and the fastener 119. The starboard gunnel 109 comprises an outer surface 120, a top surface 121, and an inner surface 122. A starboard rail 123 extends from the inner surface 122 of the starboard gunnel 109. The starboard rail 123 includes a generally vertical wall oriented generally parallel with the inner surface 122 of the starboard gunnel 109. The starboard rail 123 and the inner surface 122 form a starboard recess 124. The modular tray 117 has a starboard tray wall 125 and a port tray wall 126 (see FIG. 1A), opposite the starboard tray wall 125. In the present embodiments, the modular tray 117 is attached to the kayak 100 by sliding the starboard tray wall 125 into the starboard recess 124 along the starboard gunnel 109. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the fastener 119 includes a screw 127 that extends through the rail, the starboard tray wall 125, and the inner surface 122 to retain the modular tray 117 to the hull 101. In other embodiments, the fastener 119 is a pin that extends therethrough. In yet other embodiment, the modular tray 117 is retained in the recesses by an interference fit or snap fit of the starboard tray wall 125 into the starboard recess 124. It is to be appreciated that any suitable fastener may be used. The fastener 119 allows for easily attaching the modular tray 117 to the hull 101 when the occupant desires the modular tray 117 for retaining objects and easily removing the modular tray 117 when the occupant desires more space in the opening 114.
[0057] FIG. 2A schematically depicts another embodiment of the kayak 200. The kayak 200 is similar to the kayak 100 of FIG. 1A. As such, like reference numbers (increased by 100) will be used to refer to like parts and corresponding description will not be repeated for brevity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the kayak 200 includes the plurality of bungee strap 215 disposed on both the fore portion 212 and the aft portion 213 of the upper wall 211, allowing for items to be held to the top of fore portion 212 and/or the aft portion 213 of the upper wall 211. It is to be appreciated that the kayak 200 may have any suitable configuration for use by the occupant and need not have a plurality of bungee strap 215.
[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the modular tray 217 includes the cavity 218 configured as the cupholder disposed on the right side of the modular tray 217 and the other cavity 218 fills the remainder of the right side of the tray. The modular tray 217 further includes a covered box 231 having a lid 235 that is disposed on the left side of the tray, which may provide covered storage of items. The lid 235 may be removable, pivotable, or capable of moving in any suitable manner to open the covered box 231. FIG. 2C shows another embodiment of the modular tray 217 that may be used with the kayak 200, in which modular tray 217 further includes a tool holder 228 disposed between the cavity 218 configured as the cupholder and the covered box. It is to be appreciated that the modular tray 217 may have any suitable configuration. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the modular tray 217 is mounted to the starboard wall 207 and the port wall 208 by the pair of fasteners 219. The fasteners 219 may be configured as the fasteners 119 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D. However, any suitable configuration of the fasteners 219 may be utilized.
[0059] FIGS. 3A-3C schematically depict another embodiment of the kayak 300. In this embodiment, the modular tray 317 includes a forward starboard prong 329 and a forward port prong 330 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) that individually extend from respective sides of the modular tray 317 and fit into a forward starboard recess and a forward port recess 332 (FIG. 3C), respectively, that are disposed along the inner surfaces of the starboard and port gunnels 309, 310 of the kayak 300. FIG. 3C shows the forward port recess 332. It is to be appreciated that the forward starboard recess is a mirror image of the forward port recess 332 but disposed along the inner surface of the starboard gunnel 309. The forward starboard and port prongs can be spring biased to extend outward from the sides of the modular tray 317 but may be pushed inward against the bias of the springs.
[0060] The pair of fasteners 319 may further include an aft starboard prong 333 and an aft port prong 334 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) that individually extend from respective sides of the modular tray 317 and fit into an aft starboard recess and an aft port recess 336, respectively, that are disposed along the inner surfaces of the starboard and port gunnels 309, 310 of the kayak 300. FIG. 3C shows the aft port recess 336. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated that the aft starboard recess is a mirror image of the aft port recess 336 but disposed along the inner surface of the starboard gunnel 309.
[0061] The aft starboard and port prongs may be movable relative to the modular tray 317 as shown between FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, to allow for assembly and disassembly of the aft starboard and port prongs with the aft starboard and port recesses, respectively. The modular tray 317 may further include a latch handle 337 that may be operated by the occupant to move the aft starboard and port prongs for assembling and disassembling the modular tray 317 with respect to the hull 301 of the kayak 300. The aft starboard and port prongs 333, 334 can be actuated by moving the latch handle 337 upward or downward. The latch handle 337 can be attached to the aft starboard and port prongs 333, 334 by pins, springs, or another couple mechanism that allows for moving the aft starboard and port prongs 333, 334 inward and outward. FIG. 3A illustrates the latch handle 337 in the downward position with the aft starboard and port prongs 333, 334 extended. FIG. 3B illustrates the latch handle 337 in the upward position with the aft starboard and port prongs retracted allowing for lifting of the aft end of the modular tray 317 to facilitate an occupant's ingress into or egress from the kayak 300 or facilitate removal of the modular tray 317 from the kayak 300.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 3C, a port rail 338 may extend along the inner surface of the port gunnel 310. The port rail 338 includes a stowed section 339 and a deployed section 340 extending horizontally, with the stowed section 339 positioned further toward the bow end 302 than the deployed section 340. The deployed section 340 is disposed above the stowed second in a vertical direction. The port rail 338 may further include a transition section 341 that extends at an angle between the stowed section 339 and the deployed section 340. The forward port prong 330 and the aft port prong 334 may slide within the port rail 338 between the stowed section 339 and the deployed section 340. Although not shown, a starboard rail may extend along the inner surface of the starboard gunnel 309 for receiving the forward starboard prong 329 and the aft starboard prong 333 and may be a mirror image construction of the port rail 338.
[0063] When the forward port prong 330 and the aft port prong 334 are in the stowed section 339, the modular tray 317 is disposed beneath the upper wall 311 within the cockpit 304, removing the modular tray 317 from the opening 314 of the cockpit 304 and providing more room for the occupant. When the forward port prong 330 and the aft port prong 334 are in the deployed section 340, the modular tray 317 is disposed within the opening 314 for use by the occupant. The forward port recess 332 and the aft port recess 336 open into the deployed section 340 and engage the forward port prong 330 and the aft port prong 334, respectively, to retain the modular tray 317 in the opening 314 and allow use of the modular tray 317 by the occupant.
[0064] FIG. 3D shows another embodiment in which the port rail 338 includes a second deployed section 342 that extends horizontally and is positioned above the deployed section 340 in the vertical direction. The transition section 341 connects to both the deployed section 340 and the second deployed section 342, allowing for height adjustment of the modular tray 317 within the opening 314. Additional deployed sections are contemplated and possible to provide further height adjustability. Although not shown, the starboard rail may include a second deployed section that is a mirror image construction of the second deployed section 342 of the port rail 338.
[0065] FIGS. 4A-4D schematically depict another embodiment of the kayak 400. In this embodiment, the starboard gunnel 409 includes a starboard top surface 443 on which is mounted a starboard rail 444. Similarly, the port gunnel 410 comprises a port top surface 445 on which is mounted a port rail 446. The modular tray 417 is shown attached at the front portion of the cockpit 404 to the starboard rail 444 and the port rail 446. The modular tray 417 includes a horizontal platform 447 providing a top major surface of the modular tray 417, a starboard extension 448 that attaches to the starboard rail 444, and a port extension 449 that attaches to the port rail 446. FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the starboard rail 444. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, the starboard rail 444 extends vertically upward from the starboard top surface 443. The pair of fasteners 419 include a starboard pin 450 and a port pin. The starboard rail 444 receives the starboard pin 450, which is attached to the inner surface of the starboard extension 448 of the modular tray 417. Although not shown, the port pin may have a similar configuration to the starboard pin 450 and the port rail 446 may have a similar configuration for receiving the port pin, which is attached to the inner surface of the port extension 449 of the modular tray 417.
[0066] The starboard pin 450 and the port pin can slide along the starboard rail 444 and port rail 446, respectively thereby allowing the modular tray 417 to slide forward and aft as illustrated by the arrows in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The sliding motion of the modular tray 417 facilitates an occupant's ingress into or egress from the cockpit 404.
[0067] FIG. 4E shows another embodiment in which the fastener 419 on the starboard extension 448 includes a T flange 452 and the starboard rail 444 includes a channel 453 that opens upward from the starboard top surface 443. The T flange 452 can slide forward and aft within the channel 453 defined by the starboard rail 444, thereby providing an alternate mechanism for sliding the modular tray 417 forward and aft on the kayak 400. Although not shown, the fastener on the port extension 449 may include a T-flange and the port rail 446 may include a channel having similar configurations.
[0068] FIGS. 5A-5C schematically depict another embodiment of the kayak 500. In this embodiment, the starboard gunnel 509 comprises a starboard ledge 554 and a starboard rail 555, both of which are mounted on the inner surface of the starboard gunnel 509. Similarly, the port gunnel 510 comprises a port ledge 556 and a port rail 557, both of which are mounted on the inner surface of the port gunnel 510. The modular tray 517 is shown attached at the front portion of the cockpit 504 and attached to the starboard rail 555 and the port rail 557. The modular tray 517 also is supported from below by the starboard ledge 554 and the port ledge 556. The modular tray 517 includes the horizontal platform 547 providing the top major surface of the modular tray 517, the starboard wall 507 that attaches to the starboard rail 555, and the port wall 508 that attaches to the port rail 557. It is noted that, as in embodiments above, any number of recesses, or surface features may be included in the modular tray 517.
[0069] The modular tray 517 can slide forward along the starboard rail 555 and the port rail 557 to a stowed position within the cockpit 504 beneath the upper wall 511, such as fully or partially positioned beneath the upper wall 511 (shown with dashed lines in FIG. 5C). Placing the modular tray 517 in the stowed position facilitates an occupant's ingress into or egress from the cockpit 504. When an occupant wishes to use the modular tray 517, the occupant can slide the modular tray 517 in the aft direction toward the occupant sitting in the cockpit 504, which is the deployed position for the modular tray 517. FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the modular tray 517 in the deployed position and the arrows indicate the direction in which the modular tray 517 can slide toward the stowed position. One of the pair of fasteners 519 may include a starboard tray knob 558 mounted to the modular tray 517, a starboard hull knob 559 mounted to the starboard gunnel 509, and a starboard strap 560. The other one of the pair of fasteners 519 includes a port tray knob 561 mounted to the modular tray 517, a port hull knob 562 mounted to the port gunnel 510, and a port strap 563. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the modular tray 517 is in the deployed position the starboard tray knob 558 is joined to the starboard hull knob 559 by the starboard strap 560 and the port tray knob 561 is joined to the port hull knob 562 by the port strap 563, retaining the modular tray 517 in the deployed position. When the modular tray 517 is in the stowed position the starboard tray knob 558 can be joined to a forward starboard knob 564 mounted to the upper wall 511 by the starboard strap 560 and the port tray knob 561 can be joined to a forward port knob 565 mounted to the upper wall 511 by the port strap 563, retaining the modular tray 517 in the stowed position.
[0070] FIGS. 6A-6D schematically depict another embodiment of the kayak 600. In this embodiment, the starboard gunnel 609 comprises the starboard ledge 654 and a starboard pin 666, both of which are mounted on the inner surface of the starboard gunnel 609. Similarly, the port gunnel 610 comprises the port ledge 656 (FIG. 6D) and a port pin 667, both of which are mounted on the inner surface of the port gunnel 610. Although not shown in the Figures, the starboard ledge 654 may be similar to the port ledge 656. The modular tray 617 is shown attached at a front portion of the opening 614 of the cockpit 604 and resting on the starboard ledge 654 and the port ledge 656. The modular tray 617 includes the horizontal platform 647 providing the top major surface of the modular tray 617, the starboard tray wall 625 having a starboard catch 668 that attaches to the starboard pin 666, and the port tray wall 626 having a port catch 669 that attaches to the port pin 667. Accordingly, one of the pair of fasteners 619 includes the starboard pin 666 and the starboard catch 668 and the other one of the pair of fasteners 619 includes the port pin 667 and the port catch 669, as shown in FIG. 6B. Each of the pins 666, 667 have a cylindrical configuration having a diameter. Each of the catches 668, 669 define an omega-shaped opening that is sized to smaller than the diameter of the pins 666, 667, respectively, at the entrance but larger than the diameter when the pins 666, 667 are fully inserted into the catches 668, 669. As such, the pins 666, 667 and the catches 668, 669 have an interference fit at the entrance that prevents inadvertent release of the pins 666, 667 from the catches 668, 669.
[0071] The modular tray 617 also attaches to the upper wall 611. Specifically, the modular tray 617 includes one or more forward tabs 670 located at a forward end of the modular tray 17. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the one or more forward tabs 670 includes a pair of forward tabs 670. The forward tabs 670 fit into corresponding apertures 671, as illustrated in FIG. 6C. The positioning of the forward tabs 670 into the bow apertures 671 allows the modular tray 617 to be pivoted upward, rotating at the point where the forward tabs 670 engage the bow apertures 671. Pivoting the modular tray 617 upward facilitates an occupant's ingress into or egress from the cockpit 6604. Additionally, pivoting the modular tray 617 upward allows for withdrawing the forward tabs 670 from the bow apertures 671 and removal of the modular tray 617 from the kayak 600. The combination of the starboard and port catches 668, 669, the starboard and port pins 666, 667, the forward tabs 670 and the bow apertures 671 allows for ease of installation and removal of the modular tray 617 with respect to the kayak 600.
[0072] FIG. 6E shows another embodiment of the port pin 667 and the port catch 669 in which the port pin 667 extends upwardly in the vertical direction and the port catch 669 includes a clip 672 mounted to the modular tray 617 and configured to the engage the port pin 667. Although not shown, the configuration of the port pin 667 and the port catch 669 in FIG. 6E may be directly applied to the starboard pin 666 and the starboard catch 668.
[0073] FIGS. 7A-7C schematically depict another embodiment of the kayak 700. In this embodiment, the starboard gunnel 709 comprises the starboard ledge 754 and the starboard catch 768, both of which are mounted on the inner surface of the starboard gunnel 709. Similarly, the port gunnel 710 comprises the port ledge 756 and the port catch 769, both of which are mounted on the inner surface of the port gunnel 710. The modular tray 717 is shown attached at the front portion of the cockpit 704 and resting on the starboard ledge 754 and the port ledge 756. The modular tray 717 includes the horizontal platform 747 providing the top major surface of the modular tray 717, the starboard wall 707 having the starboard pin 766 that is inward facing and attaches to the starboard catch 768, and the port wall 708 having the port pin 767 that is inward facing attaches to the port catch 769. Accordingly, one of the pair of fasteners 719 includes the starboard pin 766 and the starboard catch 768 and the other one of the pair of fasteners 719 includes the port pin 767 and the port catch 769.
[0074] With reference to FIG. 7B, the pins 766, 767 extend laterally across the kayak 700 (i.e., extending between the starboard wall 707 and the port wall 708). Each of the catches 768,769 include a channel 780 to receive the respective pins 766, 767 therein. For each of the catches 768,769, the channel 780 is open on the sides (i.e., towards the starboard wall 707 and the port wall 708). The channel 780 is open at a top of the catch 768,769 and has a vertical portion that extends down into the catch 768,769 and a horizontal portion that extends partially through the catch 768,769 towards the bow end 702 of the kayak 700. To assemble the pins 766, 767 to the catches 768,769, the pins 766, 767 are inserted into the respective channels 780 at the top of the catches 768,769. The pins 766, 767 move down the vertical portion of the respective channels 780 and forward through the horizontal portion toward the bow end 702 of the kayak 700 until the pins 766, 767 contact the end of the respective channels 780.
[0075] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the modular tray 717 also attaches to the upper wall 711. Specifically, the modular tray 717 includes one or more forward fasteners 773, such as a hook or other attachment point, located at the forward end of the modular tray 717. Similarly, one or more bow fasteners 774, such as a hook or attachment point, are located on the upper wall 711 proximate to the modular tray 717. An attachment strap 775, such as a bungee cord, attaches to the forward fastener 773 on the modular tray 717 and the bow fastener 774. The attachment strap 775 is flexible and can be resilient, as in the case of a bungee cord. The attachment strap 775 assists in securing the modular tray 717 to the kayak 700. The attachment strap 775 also allows the modular tray 717 to be pivoted upward, rotating at the point proximate the attachment strap 775. Pivoting the modular tray 717 upward facilitates an occupant's ingress into or egress from the cockpit 704. Additionally, pivoting the modular tray 17 upward allows for detaching the attachment straps 775 from the modular tray 717 or from the bow and allowing removal of the modular tray 717 from the kayak 700. The combination of the starboard and port catches 768, 769, the starboard and port pins 766, 767, the forward fastener(s) 773, the bow fastener(s) 774, and the attachment strap(s) 775 allows for easy installation and removal of the modular tray 717 with respect to the kayak 700. Moreover, the tension within the attachment strap 775 maintains engagement of the starboard pin 766 with the starboard catch and the port pin 767 with the port catch 769. More specifically, the tension of the attachment strap 775 pulls the modular tray 717 towards the bow end 702, keeping the pins 766, 767 at the end of the respective channels 780.
[0076] FIG. 7D shows another embodiment of the port pin 767 and the port catch 769 in which the port pin 767 is mounted to the modular tray 717 and the port catch 769 is mounted to port grunnel. The port pin 767 extends longitudinally toward the bow end 702 of the kayak 700. Likewise, the channel 780 extends longitudinally through the port catch 769 from a side facing away from the bow end 702 partially through the port catch 769 toward the bow end 702. Although not shown, the configuration of the port pin 767 and the port catch 769 in FIG. 7D may be directly applied to the starboard pin 766 and the starboard catch.
[0077] FIG. 8A schematically depicts another embodiment of the kayak 800. In this embodiment, the modular tray 817 may rest on the starboard and port ledges along respective inner surfaces of the starboard and port gunnels 809, 810 of kayak 800. The modular tray 817 may be coupled to the upper wall 811 in any suitable manner. For example, the modular tray 817 may include the one or more forward tabs and the upper wall 811 may include the bow apertures as described above. The pair of fasteners 819 includes a pair of knobs 876 located at the aft end of the modular tray 817 and a pair of bungee straps 877 mounted to the port gunnel 810 and the starboard gunnel 809, respectively. Although not shown, the pair of bungee straps 877 may be individually engaged with the pair of knobs 876 to retain the modular tray 817 relative to the hull 801. Said differently, the pair of bungee straps 877 may be stretched to slide around and secure the pair of knobs 876. The modular tray 817 further includes the cavity 818 that can receive various items or additional storage compartments.
[0078] FIG. 8B schematically depicts another embodiment of the kayak 800. In this embodiment, the modular tray 817 may rest on starboard and port ledges along respective inner surfaces of the starboard and port gunnels 809, 810 of kayak 800. The modular tray 817 may be coupled to the upper wall 811 in any suitable manner. For example, the modular tray 817 may include the one or more forward tabs and the upper wall 811 may include the bow apertures as described above. The pair of fasteners 819 includes a pair of bungee straps 878 mounted to the aft end of the modular tray 817 and a pair of knobs 879 mounted to the port gunnel 810 and the starboard gunnel 809, respectively. Although not shown, the pair of bungee straps 878 on the modular tray 817 may be individually engaged the pair of knobs 879 to retain the modular tray 817 relative to the hull 801. Said differently, the pair of bungee straps 878 may be stretched to slide around and secure the pair of knobs 879. The modular tray 817 further includes the cavity 818 that can receive various items or additional storage compartments.
[0079] It is to be appreciated that the features of the modular trays 117, 217, 317, 417, 517, 617, 717, 817 described herein may be configured for use with any of the configurations of the kayaks 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800.
[0080] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be further described with respect to the following numbered clauses:
[0081] A kayak comprising: a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein, the hull including a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end; an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end, the upper wall at least partially defining an opening into the cockpit; a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant; and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
[0082] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one fastener includes a pair of fasteners, with one of the pair of fasteners mounting the tray to the starboard wall and the other one of the pair of fasteners mounting the tray to the port wall.
[0083] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the modular tray includes one or more cavities for retaining items.
[0084] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a rail defining a recess and the modular tray includes a tray wall extending into the recess, the at least one fastener extending through the rail and the tray wall.
[0085] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a recess and the at least one fastener includes a prong extending from the modular tray and into the recess.
[0086] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the prong is movable into and out of the modular tray for disassembly and assembly of the modular tray to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
[0087] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the modular tray includes a latch handle coupled to the prong, the latch handle configured to be grasped and moved by the occupant to move the prong into and out of the modular tray.
[0088] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a rail connected to the recess, the prong movable within the rail for moving the modular tray between a stowed position and a deployed position.
[0089] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the rail includes a stowed section and a deployed section each extending horizontally, the deployed section disposed above the stowed section in a vertical direction.
[0090] The kayak of any preceding clause, further comprising a rail mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, the at least one fastener including a pin mounted to the modular tray and engageable with the rail, the pin slidable within the rail as the modular tray moves between a stowed position and a deployed position.
[0091] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the pin extends horizontally into the rail.
[0092] The kayak of any preceding clause, further comprising a rail having a channel and mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, the at least one fastener including T flange disposed with and slidable relative to the channel between a stowed position and a deployed position.
[0093] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a ledge that supports the modular tray.
[0094] The kayak of any preceding clause, further comprising a rail mounted to the one of the starboard wall adjacent the ledge, and coupled to the modular tray, the modular tray movable along the rail between a stowed position and a deployed position.
[0095] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the modular tray is disposed beneath the upper wall in the stowed position.
[0096] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one fastener includes a tray knob mounted to the modular tray, a hull knob mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, and a strap configured to join together the tray knob and the hull knob in the deployed position for retaining the modular tray in the deployed position.
[0097] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the modular tray includes a forward tab and the upper wall defines a bow aperture for engaging the forward tab.
[0098] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one fastener includes a pin mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall and a catch mounted the modular tray, the post retainable within the catch.
[0099] The kayak of any preceding clause, further comprising a bungee strap mounted to the upper wall and the modular tray to allow pivoting the modular tray relative to the upper wall.
[0100] The kayak of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one fastener includes a pin mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall and a catch mounted the modular tray, the post retainable within the catch.
[0101] A kayak comprising: a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein, the hull including a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end; an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end, the upper wall at least partially defining an opening into the cockpit; a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant; and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall, wherein the one of the starboard wall and the port wall includes a recess and the at least one fastener includes a prong extending from the modular tray and into the recess, the one of the starboard wall and the port wall including a rail connected to the recess, the prong movable within the rail for moving the modular tray between a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein the prong is movable into and out of the modular tray for disassembly and assembly of the modular tray to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall.
[0102] A kayak comprising: a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein, the hull including a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end; an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end, the upper wall at least partially defining an opening into the cockpit; a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant; and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall, the one of the starboard wall and the port wall including a ledge that supports the modular tray; and a rail mounted to the one of the starboard wall adjacent the ledge, and coupled to the modular tray, the modular tray movable along the rail between a stowed position and a deployed position, the modular tray is disposed beneath the upper wall in the stowed position, wherein the at least one fastener includes a tray knob mounted to the modular tray, a hull knob mounted to the one of the starboard wall and the port wall, and a strap configured to join together the tray knob and the hull knob in the deployed position for retaining the modular tray in the deployed position.
[0103] It should now be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a kayak that includes a hull extending between a bow end and a stern end and defining a cockpit for disposing an occupant therein. The hull includes a starboard wall and a port wall spaced from one another and each extending between the bow end and the stern end. The kayak further includes an upper wall coupled to the starboard wall and the port wall of the hull and extending between the bow end and the stern end. The upper wall at least partially defines an opening into the cockpit. The kayak further includes a modular tray extending along the starboard wall and the port wall from the upper wall partially into the opening for access thereto by the occupant and at least one fastener mounting the modular tray to one of the starboard wall and the port wall. The modular trays can be easily attached to and removed from a kayak. The modular trays can be attached to and removed from a kayak by hand and without requiring a tool. Furthermore, the modular trays described herein are modular in nature meaning that different versions of the modular trays are interchangeable. The modular and interchangeable features of the modular trays facilitate removal of one version of a modular tray from a kayak and replacement with another version of a modular tray. The interchangeable characteristics of the modular trays allow a customer to customize a kayak with a desired tray.
[0104] Previous kayak trays having been limited in that they are either integrally molded into the kayak during production or difficult to attach and remove from the kayak and do not facilitate interchangeability. The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to modular trays that can be easily attached to and removed from a kayak. The modular trays can be attached to and removed from a kayak by hand and without requiring a tool. Furthermore, the modular trays described herein are modular in nature meaning that different versions of the modular trays are interchangeable. The modular and interchangeable features of the modular trays facilitate removal of one version of a modular tray from a kayak and replacement with another version of a modular tray. The interchangeable characteristics of the modular trays allow a customer to customize a kayak with a desired tray. Moreover, embodiments of the modular trays can pivot upwards or slide forwards towards the bow end of the kayak to facilitate full use of the opening into the cockpit and improve ingress to and egress from the kayak.
[0105] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
