CONVERTIBLE INFLATABLE KAYAK

Abstract

An inflatable kayak capable of conversion, from a kayak configuration to a backpack configuration utilizing existing kayak components to form the backpack for transport and storage of the kayak.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/US2011/031900, filed on Apr. 11, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/328,460, filed Apr. 27, 2010, the benefit of the filing of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to inflatable watercrafts, and more particularly, to an inflatable kayak convertible into a backpack for transporting the kayak.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kayaks, for centuries a mode of transport, are also popular for recreational purposes. Traditional kayaks had a substantially rigid construction, making it difficult to portage the kayak a significant distance over rugged terrain or to load and carry the kayak atop motorized vehicles. Because many preferred sites for kayaking are located in remote regions that are inaccessible to motorized vehicles, the traditional rigid construction of kayaks has proven to be disadvantageous for today's recreationist.

In response to these disadvantages of traditional rigid kayaks, inflatable kayaks have been developed. Easily deflated and folded, inflatable kayaks offer lightweight and compact carrying ability, as well as ease of use when inflated at the water's edge. One disadvantage of conventional inflatable kayaks, however, is the difficulty of transporting the kayak. Even when deflated, the kayak can he significant in weight and cumbersome in shape such that it is not easy to transport under the manual power of the recreationist alone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to an inflatable kayak that is convertible into a backpack configuration for transport.

Another aspect of the present invention concerns an inflatable watercraft comprising an inflatable hull and wherein the seat portion of the inflatable watercraft also functions as a main portion of a backpack for transporting the watercraft when in its deflated configuration.

These and additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding of the invention, illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an inflatable kayak of the present invention, shown in the fully inflated configuration;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the kayak of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the kayak of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4a-4e show the process of folding the kayak of FIG. 1, in its deflated configuration;

FIGS. 5a-5d show the seat of the kayak of FIG. 1, and the process of unfolding the seat in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the backpack configuration, showing the deflated and folded kayak in its storage/transport configuration;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 depicts a paddle for use with the present invention, shown in assembled and disassembled form; and

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 6, including paddles.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inflatable sit-inside kayak 10 is illustrated as generally including an inflatable hull 12, a cockpit 14 and a seat 16. As used herein, the term “sit-inside kayak” denotes a kayak that is configured so that the operator of the kayak sits inside a portion of the kayak with his/her legs covered by a portion of the kayak, as opposed to a “sit-on-top kayak” where the operator of the kayak sits on top of the kayak with his/her legs being exposed. The present invention is directed to an inflatable kayak that is convertible to a backpack for storage and transport, wherein certain components of the kayak from the kayak configuration (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) may be utilized as different components in the backpack configuration (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

Inflatable hull 12 of kayak 10 includes an inflatable main body 18 that substantially surrounds cockpit 14. Main body 18 is equipped with an inflation valve of suitable configuration and location (not shown). Main body 18 of hull 12 includes a bow (or front) portion 22 and a stern (or rear) portion 24. Main body 18 further includes a top side 26 located on the upper portion of hull and an under side 28 located on the portion of hull 12 which will be in or on the water when the kayak is in use in the kayak configuration. Hull 12 is elongated along an axis of elongation that extends from the tip of bow portion 22 to the tip of stern portion 24, defining a cavity 30 therein to accommodate the legs of the kayaker during use as well as provide area for cargo/storage. Cavity 30 is located forward of cockpit 14.

Hull 12 and cockpit 14 are preferably formed of one or more sheets of a flexible, durable, air-impermeable material, as is known in the art of inflatable kayaks and boats. Preferably, hull 12 and cockpit 14 are formed of the same type of material. The material of construction is preferably a fabric-reinforced flexible PVC, although any other suitable synthetic rubber or plastic may be used (e.g., polyethylene). When a plurality of sheets of material are used to construct kayak 10, the sheets can be coupled to one another by any conventional method which results in the formation of an air-tight seam at the junction of the sheets. Heat welding is one acceptable method for creating such an air-tight seam. The overall general shape, size and construction of kayak 10 and, more specifically, hull 12 may be that of conventional inflatable kayaks.

Cockpit 14 is disposed generally between bow portion 22 and stern portion 24 of main body 18. Cockpit 14 defines the sitting area for the kayaker and preferably has lip 32 surrounding perimeter of cockpit 14 to provide added stability and protection from water spray. Cockpit 14 extends forward to connect with and flow into cavity 30 underneath bow portion 22 of main body 18.

Seat 16 is located within cockpit 14. Seat 16 comprises back support 34, lateral supports 36a, 36b and lower support 38. Back support 34 and lateral supports 36a, 36b cooperate to form a generally U-shaped configuration that surrounds lower support member 38. When in the kayak configuration, seat 16 fits down into cockpit 14 such that the underside of lower support 38 abuts the bottom of cockpit 16, the backside of back support 34 abuts the rear portion of cockpit 14 and the exterior sides of lateral supports 36a, 36b abut side portions of cockpit 14. When the operator of kayak 10 sits on lower seat support member 38, back support 34 inhibits rearward movement of the operator, while lateral supports 36a, 36b inhibit lateral movement of the operator. Although as shown in FIG. 5, seat 16 comprises a single section in back support 34, two sections for each of lateral supports 36a and 36b and three sections for lower support 38, any number of sections (padded or otherwise) may be used to support operator and provide comfort during use in the kayak configuration, as well as in the backpack configuration. The sections preferably comprise non-padded seams or channels between the various sections to allow the sections to form around the kayaker when in the kayak configuration and then also to allow the back support 34 to lay in the same plane as lower support 38 when in the backpack configuration. Seat 16 is preferably made of compression molded EVA foam or beveled EVA foam sheets. The reverse side of seat 16 (encompassing the reverse side of all seat 16 sections) is preferably made of conventional backpack material such as nylon, although materials such as polyester or other materials known in the industry may also be used.

When, in the backpack configuration, seat 16 functions as the pack support structure and lumbar support of the backpack itself. More specifically, back support 34 functions as the lower lumbar support/padding, lateral supports 36a, 36b function as hip support/padding and lower support 38 functions as mid-lumbar and upper back/shoulder support/padding, as shown in FIG. 5a. Lower support 38 of seat 16 further comprises notches 40a, 40b located at the outer edge of lower support 38, as shown in FIGS. 5a-5d. When converting to the backpack configuration from the kayak configuration, shoulder straps 42a, 42b pass through notches 40a, 40b from storage in the backside of seat 16 to a location extending through the notches 40a, 40b and towards back support 34. The free ends of shoulder straps 42a, 42b are releasably connected to quick release buckles or similar structures located on back support 34 (not shown). Notches 40 could comprise slots or notches of virtually any shape provided they allow shoulder straps 42a, 42b to pass through from the backside and assist to secure the backpack in place over the shoulders of the user. Shoulder straps 42a, 42b are preferably made of conventional backpack strap material and construction such as nylon and the like. Shoulder straps 42a, 42h may also be padded for comfort.

Backside of seat 16 comprises an envelope 44, preferably made of nylon or polyester. Envelope 44 is connected to seat 16 along the perimeter of lower support 38 and on the reverse side of back support 34 as shown in FIG. 5c by means of stitching or the like. Envelope 44 comprises top flap 46, lateral flaps 48, 50 and bottom edge 52 that form a three-sided cavity when in a fully expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 6. Envelope 44 is preferably a single piece of fabric, although it is also within the scope of the present invention for envelope 44 to be formed of separate pieces of material which are stitched or otherwise attached to each other. When in the kayak configuration, top flap 46 and lateral flaps 48, 50 are folded in on themselves and preferably secured with quick release buckles and straps 66, as shown in FIG. 5c. Releasable attachment means such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners or other connectors known in the industry are preferably located around the free edge of top flap 46 and lateral flaps 48, 50. Bottom edge 52 is preferably free of connectors, although it is within the scope of the present invention to include one. When in the backpack configuration (shown in FIG. 6), envelope 44 is expanded such that top flap 46 and lateral flaps 48, 50 extend generally perpendicular to seat 16 to form the main cavity of backpack. Backside of seat 16 further comprises bottom load support 76 which comprises a flap of fabric which extends past back support 34 when in the backpack configuration, as shown in FIG. 6.

Lateral supports 36a, 36b comprise straps 68 extending from the end of each lateral support which may comprise quick release buckles, hook and loop fasteners or other releasable fasteners to secure seat 16 within cockpit 14, yet allow for quick release to enable the seat 16 to be removed for conversion between the kayak configuration and the backpack configuration. These same straps 68 will function as the lumbar strap for the backpack in the backpack configuration.

All straps described herein, regardless of location, are preferably made of nylon webbing although other similar materials used in the industry may also be used.

Removable spray skirt 54 is shown in FIG. 4a and is releasably secured to lip 32 of cockpit 14. Spray skirt 54 further preferably includes a front cargo net 56 formed of elastic or bungee cords as is known in the industry. Top side 26 of kayak 10 further may also optionally include rear cargo section 58 similarly formed of elastic or bungee cords as is own in the industry. A first handle 60 is preferably permanently coupled to bow portion 22 and a second handle 62 is preferable permanently coupled to stern portion 24, both facilitate manual manipulation of kayak 10. In addition, a pair of paddle holders (not shown) can he permanently or releasably coupled to main body 18 for holding a paddle onto the kayak hull in the kayak configuration when the paddle is not in use by the operator.

Optional accessories, such as paddles, portable air pumps and the like are also within the scope of the present invention. For instance, a conventional-style kayak paddle that can be disassembled into multiple pieces for storage and transport may be utilized, as may a conventional kayak paddle that does not disassemble and remains a single piece. It is also within the scope of the present invention to include any number of pockets, loops, straps and other backpack accessories to the seat 16 in the proper location for use of these accessories in the backpack configuration, provided they do not interfere with use of the components in the kayak configuration. For example, when in backpack configuration, a handle (not shown) may be added to the top portion of the backpack for carrying. It is also within the scope of the present invention to utilize other strap configurations, such as only one shoulder strap, different locations for the carrying straps.

It is within the scope of the present invention for kayak 10 to be of a size and configuration suitable to accommodate more than a single kayaker. In such situation, a second seat (not shown) may convert into a second backpack or may merely fit inside the backpack formed by seat 16 and spray skirt 54. The general configuration of the hull, cockpit and seats of the two-person kayak are preferably substantially the same as the one-person kayak 10.

To convert kayak 10 from the kayak configuration to the backpack configuration, the seat 16 and spray skirt 54 are removed and the kayak 10 is deflated. As shown in. FIGS. 4a and 4b, the deflated hull 12 is first folded in thirds, lengthwise by folding the first side of hull 18 towards the approximate center line of hull 18 and then folding the opposite side of hull 18 towards the same approximate center line. The bow and stern ends are next folded towards the center of hull 18 at the approximate point where the sides of hull 18 were previously folded, as shown in FIG. 4c. The folded bow and stern ends are folded a second time towards the center of hull 18 as shown in FIG. 4d and the folded kayak is then folded a third time in half to form a folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 4e.

The back support 34 of seat 16 is flipped downward and inverted so that the back support 34 is on the lower end of seat 16 in relation to the remainder of seat 16. Envelope 44 is unfolded and shoulder straps 42a, 42b which were previously stored inside of envelope 44 when in the kayak configuration are fed through notches 40a, 40b from the backside of seat 16 toward the front side of seat 16 and attached the free ends of the shoulder straps 42a, 42b to the back support 34 using quick release buckles or the like. The folded kayak is then inserted in the open envelope 44 compartment and secured with optional compression straps 70. Bottom load support 76 is unfolded and wrapped under folded kayak at the bottom edge where envelope 44 is not present and preferably secured with an optional bottom load strap 78 and quick release buckle to distribute the weight of the kayak evenly onto the hips of the backpack wearer. The spray skirt 54 is then secured over the kayak to the envelope 44 edges by means of a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, toggles, or the like and functions as the backpack cover. When in the backpack configuration, the cargo net 56 on spray skirt 54 may be utilized to hold a portable air pump or other accessories. Optional side pockets 80 may be utilized to hold a paddle or other accessories, as shown in FIG. 9. Side pockets 80 may include apertures to allow for drainage of the paddle or other accessories, such apertures may have grommets or other hardware as is used in the industry. The specific method of folding described above may be altered slightly, provided folded kayak 10 fits within the storage cavity created by seat 16 and spray skirt 54.

To use the invention in the kayak configuration, the procedure described above is reversed to unpack and unfold the kayak hull and the kayak is then inflated following the conventional method for using inflatable kayaks and boats or specific instructions from the manufacturer.

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be used in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, set forth above, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as it pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable lave. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. An inflatable boat, comprising:

an inflatable hull; and

wherein said inflatable boat may be converted between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein said first configuration is usable as a boat and said second configuration is usable for transport or storage of the boat.

2. The inflatable boat of claim 1, wherein said reconfiguration between a boat configuration and a transport configuration utilizes components from the boat configuration to define a compartment for the transport configuration.

3. An inflatable boat, comprising:

an inflatable hull;

a removable seat, wherein said seat converts to at least a portion of a transport container for the boat.

4. The inflatable boat of claim 3, further comprising a sit-in cockpit.

5. The inflatable boat of claim 3, further comprising a removable cover releasably connected to the cockpit, wherein said cover converts to at least a portion of a transport container for the boat.

6. The inflatable boat of claim 5 wherein the seat defines the main portion of the transport container and the cockpit cover is the container cover, each of the seat and cockpit cover being attachable to each other in the transport configuration defining a compartment.

7. The inflatable boat of claim 6, wherein the seat and cockpit cover are attachable to each in the transport configuration by at least one zipper.

8. The inflatable boat of claim 6, wherein the hull fits within the compartment formed by the seat and the cockpit cover when in the transport configuration.

9. The inflatable boat of claim 6 wherein the transport container is a backpack.

10. The inflatable boat of claim 9, further comprising carry straps for the backpack.

11. The inflatable boat of claim 2 or 6, wherein said boat is a kayak.

12. A method of storing an inflatable boat, comprising the steps of:

removing the seat of the boat;

removing the cockpit cover of the boat;

deflating the inflatable hull of the boat;

folding the deflated hull onto itself;

converting the seat into a compartment and placing the folded hull within the compartment; and

securing the cockpit cover to the compartment over the folded hull.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of connecting straps to the compartment to enable a user to carry the compartment containing the hull.