Assembly for Retrofitting Watercraft and Method
An assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft is presented, which includes an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel and at least one console. The console defines at least one chamber extending through the panel and an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening. The panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening. The console of the assembly is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device. Also presented is a watercraft having integral thereto the assembly, and a method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device such as a trolling motor.
This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/952,384 filed Dec. 7, 2007.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENTNot applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISCNot applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to assemblies and methods for retrofitting watercraft to permit operation in shallow water.
2. Description of Related Art
Operating a watercraft in shallow water while fishing can prove difficult. Any conventional attachment of a boat motor can cause problems such as having the watercraft or boat become unbalanced so that tipping occurs with the result that the watercraft takes on water or even swamps.
A need exists for an assembly which is capable of being retrofitted into an existing watercraft hull, which assembly allows a stable environment for attachment of a propulsion device such as a trolling motor. In the alternative, a need exists for a watercraft having, integral thereto, such an assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention meets these and other needs by providing among other things, an assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft, which assembly comprises: an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel; and at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening. The panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening.
Preferably, the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the console from the other fin of the pair of fins.
An embodiment of this invention provides an assembly wherein the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console, when the assembly is attached to the hull at the hull opening. The propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
In another embodiment of the invention side portions of the console at the lower chamber opening of the console are configured to be cambered, and the console is configured to comprise sloping side regions. Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention, the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
The console comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device. By adjustable transom, it is meant that the transom formed by the L-shaped hinged member is configured to move out of the way to accommodate insertion of larger-sized propulsion devices though the chamber and then move back into a locked position for conventional attachment of the propulsion device.
The hinged member and the console side are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
In another embodiment of the invention, a watercraft is provided comprising: a hull which defines, on its underside, a longitudinal channel; and at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the hull, the console being attached to or integral with the hull and defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening.
Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a watercraft comprising one or more pairs of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the console from the other fin of the pair of fins.
The watercraft further provides that the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console. The propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
Another embodiment of the invention provides that side portions of the console, at the lower chamber opening of the console, are configured to be cambered and wherein the console is configured to comprise sloping side regions.
A watercraft is provided wherein the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
A watercraft is also provided in another embodiment of this invention wherein the console comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device. The hinged member and the console are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device extending through a hull of the water craft, which method comprises: creating an opening through the hull of the watercraft; attaching to the hull, at the opening, an assembly comprising (I) an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel, and (II) at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and sealing the panel to the hull.
An embodiment of the invention additionally comprises detachably attaching the propulsion device to a side of the console at the upper chamber opening of the console such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console and configuring the assembly such that the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the console from the other fin of the pair of fins.
In another embodiment of the invention the method includes configuring the assembly such that the console comprises an L-shaped, hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console. The hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of the propulsion device.
These and other embodiments and features of this invention will be still further apparent from the ensuing description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.
In each of the above figures, like numerals are used to refer to like or functionally like parts among the several figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIt will now be appreciated that the present invention provides an assembly which is sized and configured to be retrofitted into an opening cut into the underside of the hull of a watercraft. The assembly provides at least one location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device so that the watercraft can be rendered more stable in the water when using a propulsion device in a conventional manner, i.e., when a motor is attached at an end of a watercraft.
While the assembly is configured to be detachably attached to a retrofitted watercraft, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the features of the assembly are provided integral to the hull of the watercraft.
Turning now to the drawings,
As may be seen in
Also shown in
As may be seen in
Among other novel and non-obvious features of assembly 12, which may be seen at least in
There are a plurality of consoles 20,20 (shown in the figures as two consoles) which can provide alternative or simultaneous locations for detachable attachment of one or more propulsion devices. While it is contemplated that a “30-pound thrust” motor easily and quickly attaches to the assembly as a propulsion device, both 50-pound and 70-pound thrust motors can be used. In addition, as dictated by water conditions, a combustion engine can be used as a propulsion device.
A side view of watercraft 10 can be seen in
Referring to
Also extending from the motor enclosure 81 are at least two side channels 82, seen best in
The alternative embodiment of
Finally,
Preferred dimensions for certain elements of embodiments of this invention include a lower chamber opening which measures in the range of about 11.5 to about 15 inches in length and in the range of about 6 to about 6.5 inches in width. The console 20 measures in the range of about 11.5 to about 12 inches in height, although sizes outside of this range may be equally suitable depending on the needs of the user. While the embodiments of the invention depicted in the several figures include consoles which do not extend upward above the upper plane of the gunwales of the watercraft, it is also provided that the console can extend above the top plane of the gunwales.
It should also be noted that most electric trolling motors 32 include factory-installed vertical shafts which are about thirty inches (30″) in length. Therefore, it is preferable to disassemble the motor 32 and reduce the length of the vertical shaft to a length that permits the steering arm to reside close to the top of the console 20. Shortening the shaft in this manner is not required to practice the invention, but may be desirable in many instances.
While various-sized watercraft are encompassed by the scope of this invention, watercraft in a size range (in length) of from about 12 feet to about 16 feed are particularly capable of either being retrofitted or manufactured to include the features of these inventions.
Such watercraft can be constructed of materials such as, but not limited to, rigid plastic, polyethylene plastic, Royalex® thermoplastics, fiberglass, wood, metals such as aluminum, and composite plastics.
Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.
This invention is susceptible to considerable variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft, which assembly comprises:
- an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel; and
- at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening,
- wherein the panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower chamber opening defines a motor enclosure sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, and wherein the motor enclosure is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel.
3. The assembly of claim 2, further including at least two side channels formed into the panel and extending from the motor enclosure for directing water away from the longitudinal channel.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the motor enclosure is a cylindrical enclosure.
5. The assembly of claim 1, further including at least two side channels formed into the panel and extending from the lower chamber opening for directing water away from the longitudinal channel.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device is an electric motor, and further including a power receptacle formed on the console for receiving a power plug from the electric motor.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein an electrical cord extends from the power receptacle to a battery, and the electrical cord is molded into the panel.
10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device is an electric motor powered by a battery, and wherein the battery is configured to be re-charged or continuously charged by electrical attachment of the battery to one or more solar panels.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the console includes an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can rotate away from the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms a transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the hinged member and the console side are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel further includes one or more spud tubes for receiving an anchoring member.
15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a textured bottom surface.
16. A watercraft comprising:
- a hull which defines, on its underside, a longitudinal channel; and
- at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the hull, the console being attached to or integral with the hull and defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and wherein the lower chamber opening defines a motor enclosure sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, and wherein the motor enclosure is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel.
17. The watercraft of claim 16, further including at least two side channels formed into the hull and extending from the motor enclosure for directing water away from the longitudinal channel.
18. The watercraft of claim 17, wherein the motor enclosure is a cylindrical enclosure.
19. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console.
20. The watercraft of claim 19, wherein the propulsion device is an electric motor, and further including a power receptacle formed on the console for receiving a power plug from the electric motor.
21. The watercraft of claim 20, wherein an electrical cord extends from the power receptacle to a battery, and the electrical cord is molded into the hull.
22. The watercraft of claim 19, wherein the propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
23. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
24. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the hull further includes one or more spud tubes for receiving an anchoring member.
25. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the hull includes a textured bottom surface.
26. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the console comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can rotate away from the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms a transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device.
27. The watercraft of claim 26, wherein the hinged member and the console are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
28. A method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device extending through a hull of the watercraft, which method comprises:
- creating an opening through the hull of the watercraft;
- attaching to the hull, at the opening, an assembly comprising (I) an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel, and (II) at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and
- sealing the panel to the hull.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
- detachably attaching the propulsion device to a side of the console at the upper chamber opening of the console such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the lower chamber opening of the console.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
- configuring the assembly such that the lower chamber opening defines a motor enclosure sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, and wherein the motor enclosure is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 5, 2008
Publication Date: Jul 2, 2009
Inventor: James A. Burroughs (Prairieville, LA)
Application Number: 12/329,372
International Classification: B63B 3/14 (20060101); B63H 21/17 (20060101);