KAYAK-STABILITY SYSTEM

Abstract

A kayak stability system that stabilizes a kayak and supports a kayaker in water such that he or she can more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water. The device includes at least one sponson attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along an exterior surface of a hull of the kayak to a deployed position over the water to provide added buoyancy to the kayak for stabilizing the kayak and a stability arm for supporting the kayaker in the water. At least one stabilizing arm is also pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water in spaced relation to a corresponding sponson. A combination of the deployed sponson and stabilizing arm provides support to a kayaker to allow the kayaker to more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, generally, to a kayak and, more particularly, to a system for stabilizing the kayak and supporting a kayaker in water such that he or she can more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water.

2. Description of Related Art

It is known in canoeing and, in particular, kayaking for a kayak moving in a body of water to tip, flip, capsize, or otherwise overturn. This, in turn, causes a corresponding kayaker to be dumped from a cockpit of the kayak into the water either via a “wet exit”—wherein the kayaker intentionally extracts himself or herself from the cockpit while he or she is submerged under the surface of the water—or otherwise. This is especially true in dangerous kayaking conditions, such as when it is extremely windy and, thus, the waters are perilously wavy. When the kayak overturns, the cockpit can become flooded. Upon being dumped, the kayaker must then rescue himself or herself by resurfacing above the water, swimming to the kayak, possibly pumping out enough water from the cockpit to allow him or her to sufficiently tip the kayak, tipping the kayak, and re-entering the cockpit. After the kayaker has re-entered the cockpit, he or she may also finish pumping out any remaining water therein, such that he or she can resume kayaking or return safely to shore.

However, it is generally more difficult for kayakers who are beginners, relatively weak or unfit, and/or disabled or physically challenged to support themselves above the water surface, return to the kayak, pump out water from the cockpit, and/or re-enter the cockpit from the water. As a result, it is known for a kayak to include at least one rigid, floatable device to stabilize the kayak in the water and assist such a kayaker to support himself or herself above the water surface such that he or she can, for instance, pump out water from the cockpit. These devices include outriggers, sponsons, and the like.

For example, such a device, like an outrigger, can be attached to a hull of the kayak above the waterline. Generally, an outrigger device includes a shaft with one end that is permanently or semi-permanently attached to the hull and a float disposed on the free end of the shaft. The device extends to and floats on the water to more stabilize the kayak and, thereby, lessen the possibility of the kayak overturning in the first place. The device also creates a stability arm onto which the kayaker, who has been dumped into the water, can hold to assist him or her pump out water from the cockpit or use to draw him or her back to the cockpit.

One problem with such a device is that the kayak must be used while the device is permanently deployed onto the water. Of course, this deployment seriously inhibits, if not prohibits, the experience of kayaking by limiting operative speed and range of motion of the kayak. Another problem with the device is that to remove it from the water, the device must be disassembled from the kayak and either stored distant the kayak or stowed within the hull, where valuable storage compartments may already be stored with personal items, first-aid devices, and/or other kayaking implements. In turn, to deploy the device onto the water, the device must be retrieved from either distant the kayak or the hull and assembled to the kayak. This disassembly, storage or stowage, retrieval, and assembly, especially if performed continually, can be rather inconvenient, labor-intensive, and time-consuming.

In view of the above, the devices of the related art do not adequately assist beginner, relatively weak or unfit, and/or disabled or physically challenged kayakers. More specifically, the use of the devices of the related art does not adequately assist such a kayaker to conveniently enter or re-enter the cockpit from the water. In particular, the kayaker, especially one who is physically challenged, must use a great amount of his or her leg or trunk strength to get into the cockpit from the step or sling. Also, the use of the devices of the related art seriously inhibits, if not prohibits, the kayaking experience. Furthermore, the devices of the related art can be inconvenient, labor-intensive, and time-consuming to use.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for a system that adequately assists beginner, relatively weak or unfit, and/or disabled or physically challenged kayakers to conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak cockpit from the water. In particular, a need exists for such a system that does not require the kayaker, especially one who is physically challenged, to use a great amount of his or her leg or trunk strength to get into the cockpit from the water. A need also exists for such a system that is relatively more convenient and less labor-intensive and time-consuming to use. Additionally, a need exists for such a system that can be easily and quickly deployed onto the water, retracted from the water, and stowed on the kayak such that the system can be easily deployed and retracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems in the related art in a system that stabilizes a kayak and supports a kayaker in water such that he or she can more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water. The system includes at least one sponson attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of a hull of the kayak to a deployed position over the water to provide added buoyancy to the kayak for stabilizing the kayak and to assist re-entry to the kayak or canoe. At least one stabilizing arm is attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along the interior/exterior surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water in spaced relation to a corresponding sponson. A combination of the deployed sponson and stabilizing arm provides support to an upper body of the kayaker to allow the kayaker to more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water.

An advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it adequately assists beginner, relatively weak or unfit, and/or disabled or physically challenged kayakers, such as those who are paraplegics.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it adequately assists such a kayaker to conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak from the water.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it does not require the kayaker, especially one who is paraplegic, to use any of his or her leg and/or trunk strength to get into the kayak from the water.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it is relatively more convenient and less labor-intensive and time-consuming to use.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it can be easily and quickly deployed onto the water, retracted from the water, and stowed on the kayak such that the device can be so deployed and retracted.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it does not affect operation or performance of the kayak.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it adequately stabilizes the kayak in the water to, thereby, adequately lessen the possibility of the kayak overturning upon re-entry, especially when the water is perilously wavy.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it creates multiple fulcrum points for a kayaker to hoist him/her into the kayak from the water.

Another advantage of the kayak-stability system of the present invention is that it adequately stabilizes the kayak in the water to, thereby, allow the kayaker to finish pumping out the water from the cockpit after he or she has re-entered it.

In one aspect the present invention relates to a kayak for use in the water that includes a hull, a cockpit, at least one sponson and at least one stabilizing arm. The cockpit defines a volume within the hull for substantially receiving a user therein. The at least one sponson is pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water. The at least one stabilizing arm is pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water in a spaced relation to the at least one sponson. A user in the water can utilize a combination of the at least one sponson and the at least one stabilizing arm to enter the kayak from the water.

In another aspect the present invention relates to a retrofit kit for a kayak. The retrofit kit includes at least one sponson adapted to be pivotally coupled to the kayak and at least one stabilizing arm adapted to be pivotally coupled to the kayak. The at least one sponson can also include at least one support arm having a float at the distal end thereof.

In still another aspect the present invention relates to a kayak stability system for improving the stability of a kayak in a body of water and to assist a kayak user in entering the kayak from the water. The stability system can include first and second sponsons and first and second stabilizing arms. The first and second sponsons are pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a first surface of a hull portion of the kayak to a deployed position over the water. The first and second stabilizing arms are also pivotally attached to the kayak and are retractably moveable from a stored position along a second surface of the hull portion of the kayak to a deployed position over the water. The first stabilizing arm is disposed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first sponson when the first stabilizing arm and the first sponson are deployed.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood while reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a kayak adapted to employ a kayak-stability system of the present invention according to example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the kayak illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the kayak of FIG. 1 employing an example embodiment of the kayak-stability system of the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a top view of the kayak of FIG. 3, showing the kayak-stability system in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the kayak illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a kayak according to a second form of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a kayak according to a third form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like numerals are used to designate like structure, a typical kayak that can be employed with the present invention is generally indicated at 10. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the kayak 10 generally includes, a hull 12, defining a cockpit 14 in a substantially central volume of the hull 12 to accommodate a corresponding kayaker or paddler (not shown) within the hull 12, a front deck 34, and a rear deck 26. The kayak 10 also includes a seat 16 securely disposed within the cockpit 14 and is adapted to seat the kayaker such that the legs of the kayaker are substantially disposed inside the cockpit 14 and the remainder of the kayaker is substantially disposed outside the cockpit 14. As shown in FIG. 2, in example embodiments of the present invention the cockpit 14 further defines a substantially central area of the hull 12 that has a vertical height that is less than the remainder of the hull. This enables the kayaker to more easily enter or re-enter the cockpit 14 from a body of water (not shown), as described in detail below. Also, storage space 18 is also defined within the hull 12 in front of and behind the cockpit 14 and adapted to store personal items, emergency devices, and/or kayaking implements.

It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the related art that the kayak 10 can have any suitable design and size and can be made of any suitable material. More specifically, it will be appreciated that each of the hull 12, cockpit 14, seat 16, front deck 34, rear deck 26, and storage space 18 can have any suitable design and size and can be made of any suitable material, and they can have any suitable structural relationship with each other. For instance, in example embodiments, the kayak 10 can be formed from plastic. In alternate embodiments, the kayak 10 can be formed from wood, rubber, metals, and/or foam. Also, the kayak 10 can include more elements than those listed above, such as a coaming or gear straps (not shown), and it is not required that the kayak 10 of the present invention include the seat 16 and/or storage space 18.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the kayak-stability system according to the present invention is generally indicated at 20. The system 20 is adapted to selectively stabilize the kayak 10 in the water and/or support a kayaker such that he or she can more conveniently enter the kayak 10 from the water. In the event that the kayak 10 tips, flips, capsizes, or otherwise overturns, the stability system 20 is also adapted to support the kayaker who has been dumped from the kayak 10 into the water such that he or she can more conveniently re-enter the kayak 10 therefrom. It will be appreciated that the kayak-stability system 20 of the present invention can be employed with any suitable type of kayak, canoe, or generally any other water vessel.

To this end, example embodiments of the stability system 20 generally include at least one sponson 22 and at least one stabilizing arm 24 attached to the kayak 10. The sponsons 22 are retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull 12 to a deployed position over the water to provide added stabilization for the kayak 10. Similarly, the stabilizing arm 24 is retractably moveable from a stored configuration along a surface of the hull 12 to a deployed configuration over the water in spaced relation to a corresponding sponson 22. A combination of at least one sponson 22 and at least one stabilizing arm 24 provides support to a kayaker in the water to allow the kayaker to more conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak 10 therefrom. It should be noted that in example embodiments, the at least one sponson 22 and at least one stabilizing arm 24 are maintained along the exterior of the kayak 10 in a stored configuration, however, in alternative embodiments the at least one sponson 22 and at least one stabilizing arm 24 are stored within the hull 12 of the kayak so the at least one sponson and the at least one stabilizing arm do not interfere with a kayaker' s ability to paddle.

In a preferred example embodiment of the stability system 20, as depicted in FIG. 3, the stability system 20 includes a pair of opposed, substantially similar sponsons 22 pivotally attached to the rear deck 26 of the kayak 10 directly and proximately behind the cockpit opening 14. Each sponson 22 includes a generally tubular support arm 28 and a float 30 coupled to the free end of the support arm 28. In alternate embodiments, each sponson 22 can comprise two or more floats 30. In example embodiments, the support arm 28 is slightly curved, such that it can substantially conform to the arcuate contour of the kayak 10 when the sponson 22 is in the stored position, as depicted. In preferred example embodiments, the floats 30 are also generally arcuate (as shown in FIG. 3) and substantially conform to the shape of the front deck 34 of the kayak 10. In other embodiments, the floats 30 can be any other shape as desired. The floats 30 also optionally include at least one hole 32 therethrough to permit water to be transmitted through the float 30. Preferably, the sponson 22, including both the support arm 28 and the float 30, is made one of, or a combination of, foam, metal, plastic, wood, or any other suitable material.

When in the stored configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the sponsons 22 are substantially carried by the exterior surface of the kayak 10 from the rear deck 26 along respective sides of the top of the kayak 10 to the front deck 34. When the sponsons 22 are in the stored position, the support arms 28 are generally within an arm's-length reach of the kayaker. In this configuration, the support arms 28 are disposed concave relative to each other, wherein each support arm 28 is disposed between the corresponding side of the cockpit 14 and the outer edge of the hull 12. As such, the support arms 28 are disposed substantially parallel with the outer edge of the hull 12. Also in example embodiments, the floats 30 lie substantially flush with the top surface of the front deck 34, and space is defined between the floats 30 and the front end of the kayak 10. In other embodiments, the floats 30 can lie within one or more recesses in the front deck 34 (as discussed below) or can be otherwise configured as desired.

In this way, the kayaker, being located in either the water or cockpit 14, can immediately and readily manually pivot and, thereby, deploy one or both of the sponsons 22 from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein the sponsons 22 are moved from the stored configuration (as shown in FIG. 3) over and onto the water from either side of the kayak 10 (as shown in FIG. 3a). Similarly, the kayaker, being located in the cockpit 14, can immediately and readily manually pivot and, thereby, retract the sponsons 22 from the water to the corresponding side of the kayak 10. FIG. 3a further demonstrates the configuration of the sponsons 22 when they are deployed out over and onto the water, and can be seen disposed at a substantially right angle to the kayak 10. However, in alternate embodiments, the sponsons can be disposed at any angle between about 15 degrees and about 165 degrees when in the deployed configuration. In still other embodiments, the sponsons 22 can provide added buoyancy to the kayak 10 to stabilize it in the water at almost any position/angle over the water. At any such position, the support arms 28 further create a grappling point onto which a kayaker, who has been dumped into the water, can utilize to assist him/her to pump out water from the cockpit 14 or serve as a fulcrum point to hoist him/her back into the cockpit 14. As such, the support arms 28 can include one or more handles (not shown). The sponsons 22 also further stabilize the kayak 10 in the water to allow the kayaker to finish pumping out any water remaining in the cockpit 14 after he or she has re-entered it.

It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the related art that the sponsons 22 can be secured to the exterior surface of the top of the kayak 10 (when in the stored configuration) by any suitable means, including but not limited to rubber bands, bungee cords, clips, hooks, hook and loop fastener, or any other conventional releaseable fasteners. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, each sponson 22 is preferably snap-fitted onto the surface of the kayak 10.

It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the related art that the sponsons 22 can have any suitable structural relationship with the kayak 10. It should also be appreciated that each sponson 22, in general, including the support arm 28 and float 30, can have any suitable structure, shape, and size and be made of any suitable material to provide added buoyancy to the kayak 10 and create a grappling point for the kayaker in the water. For example, the support arms 28 can be between about 2 feet and about 15 feet in length. Alternatively, the support arms 28 can be longer than 15 feet. In preferred example embodiments, the support arms 28 are approximately half of the kayak's length. Additionally, the float 30 does not have to include any holes 32, or can include two or more holes as desired. It should also be appreciated that the support arm 28 and float 30 can have any suitable structural relationship with each other. For instance, the float 30 can be fixedly or pivotally attached to the free end of the support arm 28. In preferred example embodiments, the float 30 is pivotally attached thereto. It should also be appreciated that the support arm 28 can be partially hollow or solid. It should also be appreciated that the stability system 20 can include any suitable number of sponsons 22, including more than two.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in example embodiments the stability system 20 further includes at least one stabilizing mechanism 36, which links together and supports the sponsons 22. The stabilizing mechanism 36 includes at least one linkage member 38 and at least one, and preferably two, sponson support members 40 pivotally extending from each end of the linkage member 38, as depicted. In example embodiments, each sponson support member 40 is pivotally coupled with a support arm 28 of the sponsons 22. The sponson support members 40 can be turret hinges, ball bearings, or any other conventional fastener that provides for pivot rotation. As shown in FIG. 4, the stabilizing mechanism 36 extends within the body of the kayak 10 to stabilize and support the sponsons. However, in alternative embodiments, the entire stabilizing mechanism 36 can be disposed on the rear deck 26, or eliminated as desired by a user. In still other embodiments, the linkage member 38 can be arcuately wrapped about a coaming (not shown) of the cockpit 14. In preferred embodiments, the stabilizing mechanism 36 is made of metal, but can be formed from other materials including, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, and/or wood.

It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the related art that each of the sponsons 22 can be movably attached to the kayak 10 by any suitable means. It should also be appreciated that the stabilizing mechanism 36 can have any suitable shape, size, structure and structural relationship with the kayak 10. It should also be appreciated that the linkage member 38 and sponson support member 40 can have any suitable relationship with each other and the kayak 10.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the stability system 20 includes at least one stabilizing arm 24 that is pivotally coupled to an exterior surface of the kayak 10. It alternative embodiments, the stability system 20 includes two stabilizing arms 24, such that one stabilizing arm is disposed on each side of the kayak 10. In preferred example embodiments, the at least one stabilizing arm 24 is somewhat arcuate in shape and is located in proximity to the cockpit 14. In the stored configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the stabilizing arm 24 substantially conforms to the contour of the kayak exterior and is also substantially parallel to the cockpit wall. When the stabilizing arm 24 is pivoted over the water in the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 3a, a space is defined between the stabilizing arm 24 and the corresponding sponson 22. In example embodiments, the amount of space is sufficient to enable a kayaker to position himself or herself between the stabilizing arm 24 and sponson 22, such that the combination of the deployed stabilizing arm 24 and sponson 22 can act as fulcrums similar to a “dip” machine, whereby the kayaker can conveniently lift his or her body from the water into the cockpit 14. In this way, a physically challenged person, or someone with a physical disability or advanced age is not necessarily required to use any of his or her lower body to enter or re-enter the cockpit 14. In example embodiments, the distance between the stabilizing arm 24 and sponson 22 is between about 1 foot and about 3 feet. In other embodiments, the distance between the stabilizing arm 24 and sponson 22 can be greater than 3 feet or can be substantially the length of the cockpit 14.

The stabilizing arm 24 is substantially tubular in shape and generally has a diameter that is similar to the diameter of the support arm 28 of the sponson 22. In example embodiments, the diameter of the stabilizing arm 24 is between about 1 inch to about 5 inches—although in alternative embodiments the diameter can be less than 1 inch or greater than 5 inches as desired. The stabilizing arm 24 is also generally shorter than the length of the sponson support arms 28, but can be any length as desired. As explained earlier, the stabilizing arm 24 preferably hugs the exterior of the kayak 10, in the stored configuration, such that a kayaker in the water can immediately and readily manually pivot and deploy the stabilizing arm 24 outward from the respective side of the kayak 10. Also in this way, the kayaker, being located in the cockpit 14, can immediately and readily manually pivot and retract the stabilizing arm 24 inward to the respective side of the kayak 10 as desired. In the deployed configuration of the stability system 20, the sponson 22 and stabilizing arm 24 are disposed substantially parallel with each other and preferably, perpendicular to the kayak 10. However, in other embodiments, the arrangement of the stabilizing arm 24 and corresponding sponson 22 can be configured alternatively as desired. In example embodiments of the stability system 20 in the stored configuration, the sponson 22 and stabilizing arm 24 are disposed substantially parallel with each other and parallel with the kayak's exterior. In preferred example embodiments, the stabilizing arm 24 is made of metal. In alternative embodiments, the stabilizing arm can be formed from plastic, rubber, wood, or other materials as desired.

It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the related art that the stabilizing arms 24 can have any suitable structural relationship with the kayak 10. It should also be appreciated that each stabilizing arm 24 can have any suitable structure, shape, and size and be made of any suitable material to provide support to the kayaker in the water. It should also be appreciated that the stabilizing arm 24 can have any suitable range of motion. However, in example embodiments, the stabilizing arm 24 is pivotally coupled to the kayak 10 as shown in the drawing figures. With particular reference to FIG. 4, it can be seen that in example embodiments of the present invention the stabilizing arm 24 is pivotally coupled to stabilizing arm support member 42, which in turn is rigidly fixed to the kayak 10. In should be noted that in alternate embodiments, any other known fastener can be used to pivotally mate the stabilizing arm 24 with the kayak 10. It should also be appreciated that the stabilizing arm 24 can be partially hollow or solid. It should also be appreciated that the stability system 20 can include two or more stabilizing arms 24 as desired.

In operation, the kayak stability system 20 serves to assist a kayaker (or other vessel occupant) to enter the kayak 10 from the water. For example, once a kayaker has left the cockpit 14 of the kayak and has gotten into the water—either willfully or accidentally—it can be very difficult to reenter the kayak. The stability system 20 assists the kayaker in the following manner. Initially, once in the water, it is anticipated that the kayaker will “upright” the kayak (if necessary) such that the hull is properly floating in the water. Then, the kayaker can manually pivot the at least one—and preferably two—sponsons 22 from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration out over and onto the water. In doing such, the kayaker manually rotates the support arm 28 of the sponsons 22 away from the side of the kayak 10. In the deployed configuration, the kayak 10 is buoyed and stabilized by the sponsons 22. Next, the kayaker can manually pivot the at least one stabilizing arm 24 away from the side of the kayak 10. Once the sponsons 22 and stabilizing arm 24 are deployed, the kayaker can utilize one or more of the support arms 28 and/or the stabilizing arm 24 to hold onto for support while the kayaker removes water from the kayak cockpit (if necessary). When the kayaker is ready to reenter the kayak, the kayaker can use one or more of the support arms 28 and/or the stabilizing arm 24 as fulcrums or leverage points to hoist himself/herself into the cockpit 14 of the kayak 10. Once the kayaker is back into the cockpit 14, the kayaker can manually pivot the sponsons 22 and stabilizing arm 24 back into the stored configuration and revisit his/her kayaking activities.

It should be noted that the kayak stability system 20 of the present invention can be packaged and sold as a retrofit kit to allow existing kayak owners to modify existing kayaks. As such, existing kayak owners can modify their kayaks to include one or more sponsons 22 and/or one or more stabilizing arms 24 as described above. The retrofit kit can also include some or all of the fasteners and support mechanisms describe herein to assist the kayak owner in implementing the kayak stability system 20 on their existing kayak. It should be appreciated that there are numerous ways to attach the sponsons and/or stabilizing arms to an existing kayak, and the present invention is not limiting in this regard. However, optionally, a retrofit kit according to the present invention can also include at least one stabilizing mechanism 36 as described above for pivotally coupling the at least one sponson 22 to the kayak 10 and for linking together and stabilizing multiple sponsons 22. Additionally, the retrofit kit can also optionally include at least one stabilizing arm support member 42 for pivotally coupling the at least one stabilizing arm 24 to the kayak 10.

It should also be noted that the kayak stability system can be incorporated into and sold together with new kayaks. In this respect, another example form of the present invention includes a kayak 110 having a built-in stability system 120, as shown in FIG. 5. In such example embodiments, the kayak 110 can include the same components as described above in connection with the kayak stability system 20. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the kayak 110 can also include one or more recessed storage compartments 150 for receiving and housing the one or more sponson floats 130 therein, when the sponsons 122 are in a stored configuration. The recessed storage compartments 150 can be depressions formed in the hull 112/front deck 134 of the kayak 110 that generally correspond to the dimensions of the floats 130. Similarly, the kayak 110 can optionally include one or more recessed storage compartments 152 for receiving and housing the one or more stabilizing arms 124 therein, when the stabilizing arm(s) 124 are in a stored configuration. The recessed storage compartment(s) 152 can also be depressions formed in the side of the kayak 110 that generally correspond to the dimensions of the stabilizing arms 124. Still optionally, the kayak 110 can also include one or more channeled grooves or recessed slots (not shown) to receive the sponson support arms 128 therein, when the sponsons are in the stored configuration.

In example embodiments according to another form of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 6, the present invention includes a kayak 210 incorporating at least two sponsons 222 and at least two stabilizing arms 224. Each sponson 222 includes a support arm 228 and a float 230. Furthermore, each sponson 222 is pivotally moveable between a stored configuration 222 and a deployed configuration 222′ out over the water (deployed configuration denoted with a prime designation). Similarly, each stabilizing arm 224 is pivotally moveable between a stored configuration 224 and a deployed configuration 224′ (again denoted with a prime designation). In this particular example embodiment, it can be seen that the sponsons 222 are stored within recesses formed in the kayak deck/hull, such that the sponsons 222 are substantially contained within the kayak 210. The stabilizing arms 224 can also be substantially stored within kayak 210 as shown. In this configuration, the sponsons 222 and stabilizing arms 224 do not impede the normal operation (paddling) of the kayak 210.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the kayak 10 can also include an adjustable and removable set of “training sponsons” (not depicted) to provide stability to the kayak for, say, beginner kayakers learning to kayak or disabled or physically challenged kayakers. The set of training sponsons can be adapted to permit such a kayaker to become accustomed to operating the kayak 10 without overturning it and help him or her keep upright so that the kayaker can learn how to paddle the kayak. As the skill of the kayaker progresses, the set of training sponsons can be adjusted accordingly until they can eventually be removed from the kayak permanently. Optionally, the training sponsons are adjustable in both size and the amount of floatation assistance provided to accommodate the new “paddler” to learn how to paddle the kayak.

As can easily be seen, the kayak stability system of the present invention adequately assists beginner, relatively weak or unfit, and/or disabled or physically challenged kayakers, such as those who are paraplegics, quadriplegics, or amputees. More specifically, the kayak stability system adequately assists such kayakers to conveniently enter or re-enter the kayak cockpit from the water. In particular, the kayak stability system does not require the kayaker, especially one who is paraplegic, to use any of his or her leg strength to get into the cockpit from the water. Also, the kayak stability system of the present invention is relatively more convenient and less labor-intensive and time-consuming to use than known stability devices. Furthermore, the kayak stability system does not affect operation or performance of the kayak. Finally, the kayak stability system adequately stabilizes the kayak in the water to minimize or even eliminate a possibility of the kayak overturning in the first place—especially when the water is perilously wavy.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A kayak for use in water comprising:

a hull;

a cockpit defining a volume within the hull for substantially receiving a user therein;

at least one sponson pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water to provide added buoyancy and stability to the kayak; and

at least one stabilizing arm pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a surface of the hull to a deployed position over the water in spaced relation to the at least one sponson.

whereby a user in the water can utilize a combination of the at least one sponson and the at least one stabilizing arm to enter the kayak from the water.

2. The kayak of claim 1, further comprising a first sponson and a second sponson.

3. The kayak of claim 2, further comprising a first stabilizing arm and a second stabilizing arm.

4. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the at least one sponson is stored along an exterior surface of the hull.

5. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the at least one stabilizing arm is stored along an exterior surface of the hull.

6. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the at least one stabilizing arm is stored within the hull of the kayak.

7. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the at least one sponson is stored within a recess in the exterior surface of the kayak hull.

8. The kayak of claim 2, wherein the first sponson and the second sponson are mechanically linked together.

9. The kayak of claim 8, wherein the stabilizing mechanism comprises at least one linkage member, the linkage member having a first end coupled to the first sponson and a second end coupled to the second sponson.

10. The kayak of claim 9, wherein the stabilizing mechanism further comprises a first sponson support and a second sponson support, the first sponson support pivotally coupled to the first sponson and the second sponson support pivotally coupled to the second sponson.

11. The kayak of claim 1, wherein the at least one sponson comprises a support arm and at least one float, the support arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally coupled to the hull and the second end coupled to the float.

12. A retrofit kit for a kayak comprising:

at least one sponson adapted to be pivotally coupled to the kayak, the sponson including least one support arm having a float at the distal end thereof; and

at least one stabilizing arm adapted to be pivotally coupled to the kayak.

13. The retrofit kit of claim 12, further comprising a first sponson and a second sponson.

14. The retrofit kit of claim 13, further comprising a first stabilizing arm and a second stabilizing arm.

15. The retrofit kit of claim 14, further comprising a stabilizing mechanism including at least one linkage member and at least one sponson support.

16. A kayak stability system for improving the stability of a kayak in a body of water and to assist a kayak user in entering the kayak from the water, the kayak stability system comprising:

first and second sponsons pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a first surface of a hull portion of the kayak to a deployed position over the water; and

first and second stabilizing arms pivotally attached to the kayak and retractably moveable from a stored position along a second surface of the hull portion of the kayak to a deployed position over the water, the first stabilizing arm being disposed substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first sponson when the first stabilizing arm and the first sponson are deployed.

17. The kayak stability system of claim 16, wherein the first and second stabilizing arms are stored within the hull portion of the kayak.

18. The kayak stability system of claim 16, wherein a spaced distance between the first stabilizing arm and the first sponson is between about 1 foot and about 3 feet, when the first stabilizing arm and first sponson are deployed.

19. The kayak stability system of claim 16, wherein the first and second sponsons each include at least one support arm and at least one float.

20. The kayak stability system of claim 19, wherein the at least one support arm is about half of the length of the kayak.