Collapsible Patents (Class 114/354)
  • Patent number: 7721671
    Abstract: A collapsible boat hull comprises a pair of bottom panels and a pair of side panels, connected by continuous hinges. Erection of the boat causes a fore portion of the bottom panels to curve upwards, and fore portions of the side panels to curve inwards. The boat also includes a V-shaped rear seat, which acts to transfer force and vibration from a rearwardly mounted outboard motor to the side walls of the boat. The boat is braced between its seats and the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: QuickBoats Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Gavin Ronald Ager, Stefano Piviali, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Publication number: 20100050922
    Abstract: The invention is a portable collapsible boat comprising one or more rigid cockpit sections, constructed of a material such as fiberglass, attached to a bow section and a stem section, which are constructed of fabric material covering a skeleton of longitudinal stringers and ring frames, and are attached to the rigid cockpit section(s) by means of a belt, buckles, and/or flanges. The hybrid folding boat combines the best features of rigid boats, such as performance and durability, with the best features of existing folding boats, such as transportability, without suffering from the drawbacks of rigid boats (mainly the extensive storage space required) or folding boats (mainly weight). The hybrid folding boat is lighter, easier to transport, more rugged, safer, easier to assemble, and stiffer than previous folding boats, adapts easily to a sailing rig, and facilitates one or more passengers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: William Joseph Quigley
  • Patent number: 7631612
    Abstract: A device for modifying a hull of a floating body of a floating vehicle or floating bridge, having a base floating body, with an upper surface forming a principal rolling path, and first and second lateral surfaces. On each side of the base floating body, a first movable wall which is mounted so that it pivots on a lower part of the corresponding lateral surface of the base floating body, a second movable wall is mounted so that it pivots on the first movable wall, and a third movable wall is mounted so that it pivots about the second movable wall The three movable walls are arranged with respect to each other so that, in a folded position, the first movable wall is essentially parallel to the first lateral surface of the base floating body, and the second and third movable walls partially cover the upper surface of the base floating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Constructions Industrielles de la Mediterranee - CNIM
    Inventors: Henri Aubert, Elisabeth Richeux
  • Patent number: 7587986
    Abstract: A modular personal flotation system comprising, at least in part, rigid, seamless, non-woven modules, such as a seat module and various pontoon modules, formed by the process of rotational molding or blow molding, from a Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or similar molding resin. The pontoon modules each have a rigid shape, which makes it both unnecessary to inflate and vastly improves the resistance to loss of flotation, creating safer conditions for the user. The pontoon modules are also tolerant of significant relative pressure changes without substantial deformation or change in its shape. Vent hole(s) formed during the molding process are closed to water ingestion via a low-cost bleeder valve assembly. An integral luggage rack can also be molded as part of the center seat module, positioned behind the seat. Open drain holes molded through the seat module double as slots to receive a backpacking harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Tillicum International, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Neidert, Kelly A. Harward, Edward G. VanNimwegen
  • Patent number: 7568444
    Abstract: A folding kayak includes fore and aft subassemblies which are joined together and are covered by a water-impermeable skin to provide a watercraft with the favorable attributes both hard shell and skin on frame kayaks, with none of the disadvantages. In addition, one or more hydraulic adjustment mechanisms provide the kayak with characteristics of a plurality of different rigid body kayaks, with different operational characteristics, suitable for open-ocean or closed-water environments as desired. Ribs which are part of the kayak assembly have a relatively flat profile, making the kayak perform more favorably in adverse water conditions, and also giving the kayak some resilience and flexibility when encountering obstructions in the water. In one aspect, the kayak subassemblies may be joined, at least in part, by corrugated splines. By rotating these corrugated splines within elongate tubes that form part of the respective subassemblies, it is possible to remove crystalline, corrosive, and other build-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Trak Kayaks (Barbados) Ltd.
    Inventors: Gordon E. Espeseth, Gord B. Heisler, Bryon J. Heisler, Paul R. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20090044743
    Abstract: A generally leak proof open top self securing container for a human user and or their objects forms either a water craft or small toy boat or floating tackle tray; and pending a final size and or material which the no-parts container is formed of. The container comprises end walls (18) having hingedly connected interlocking flaps (20) having notches (22) that interlock with other notches (12) (13) (15) located within the edges of the side walls (10) to wedge-lock and laterally secure the end walls (18) between the interlocked locations and exteriorly located triangular shape hingedly-mated corner projections (24). No fastening parts, or adhesives, or tabs or interiorly located tab receiving apertures are required to retain the structural stability of the preferred embodiment. One alternative embodiment includes additional bend lines (5) extending the width to enable a compact folding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Maxwell Wagenknecht, Terry Lee Wagenknecht, Samuel James Wagenknecht
  • Publication number: 20090038527
    Abstract: A device for modifying a hull of a floating body of a floating vehicle or floating bridge, having a base floating body, with an upper surface forming a principal rolling path, and first and second lateral surfaces. On each side of the base floating body, a first movable wall which is mounted so that it pivots on a lower part of the corresponding lateral surface of the base floating body, a second movable wall is mounted so that it pivots on the first movable wall, and a third movable wall is mounted so that it pivots about the second movable wall The three movable walls are arranged with respect to each other so that, in a folded position, the first movable wall is essentially parallel to the first lateral surface of the base floating body, and the second and third movable walls partially cover the upper surface of the base floating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Constructions Industrielles De La Mediterranee - CNIM
    Inventors: Henri Aubert, Elisabeth Richeux
  • Publication number: 20080314308
    Abstract: A twin-hulled, single-person, collapsible boat, has a pair of open, canoe-shaped hulls; a removable, collapsible frame connecting the hulls together; and a removable, one-person seat assembly connected to the frame between the hulls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen M. London
  • Patent number: 7401567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated boat. The prefabricated boat comprises a body part being composed of a plurality of division members capable of being assembled, an armor part for wrapping around and fixing the body part assembled into a single body, and an air tube mounted on a desired position of the inner face of the armor part. The armor part has the form of a bag and is provided with an opening for receiving the plurality of division members constituting the body part. Air is injected into the air tube to expand it in the state that the armor part wraps around the body part. Due to the expansion force of the air tube, the division members constituting the body part are fixed firmly, thereby preventing the relative movements between the division members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Sun-Jae Park
  • Patent number: 7374708
    Abstract: A method for constructing a three-dimensional laminar body of large dimensions is provided. Starting from a true-to-scale model of the three-dimensional laminar body to be obtained, which comprises the entirety of said body or parts thereof, one or several negative molds which unitarily or together comprise the entire working surface of the three-dimensional laminar body are shaped on the model, and then used to mold, with a fine finish, the entire three-dimensional laminar body or the different constituent parts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos Fradera Pellicer
  • Publication number: 20080006198
    Abstract: An apparatus with two configurations: a deployed configuration forming a watercraft that floats in water and a folded configuration that allows for transport of the apparatus. The apparatus includes multiple modules. One module is a planar sheet of corrugated material with a plurality of joints that allow the sheet to assume the shape of a hull when in the deployed configuration and to assume a box-shape when in the folded configuration. Another module is a paddle assembly that is releaseably connected to a pair of sidewalls when the sheet is in the deployed configuration. The paddle assembly is foldable such that it fits within the box-shape when the sheet is in the folded configuration. The planar sheet is foldable around a plurality of joints or hinges that are configured to fold two ways, thereby allowing the sheet to assume the two configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Angelini
  • Patent number: 7314018
    Abstract: A collapsible boat hull comprises a pair of bottom panels and a pair of side panels, connected by continuous hinges. Erection of the boat causes a fore portion of the bottom panels to curve upwards, and fore portions of the side panels to curve inwards. The boat also includes a V-shaped rear seat, which acts to transfer force and vibration from a rearwardly mounted outboard motor to the side walls of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: QuickBoats Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin R. Ager
  • Patent number: 7250915
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically positioning an antenna aperture on a mobile platform in a manner to avoid blockages created by other components/subsystems on the mobile platform between the line of sight of the antenna aperture and a satellite and to avoid interference with other systems that share the mobile platform. In one embodiment, one or more linear support elements are moved by one or more corresponding motors to allow the antenna aperture to be re-positioned between a plurality of different positions. Methods for creating and using a blockage database are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A Nelson
  • Patent number: 7171915
    Abstract: A boat having inflatable pontoons connected therewith by rotatable support assemblies is described. The structure is capable of collapsing to a small size for transport on a trailer, but provides a wide base for stable operation when deployed on water. A foldable deck assembly provides an expanded deck surface and further enhances stability of the boat when in use on water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Don Rutan
  • Patent number: 7146925
    Abstract: An apparatus for varying the dimensions of a hull of a vessel comprising an arcuate truss assembly having a plurality of members pivotally joined. The arcuate truss assembly is operatively arranged to form a portion of the hull. The assembly is operatively arranged to extend and retract to vary the dimensions of the hull when the plurality of members are pivoted with respect to one another. The members of the arcuate truss assembly pivot in a plane substantially coplanar with the portion of the vessel hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey D. M. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 7143716
    Abstract: A lightweight, portable kayak is provided. The kayak is developed around a skeletal frame to which the kayak skin is permanently attached. The kayak skeletal frame may have one or more segments that can be compressed or folded individually. The compressed kayak can be attached or stowed in a backpack for convenient portage by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Dipak Modi
  • Patent number: 7137349
    Abstract: A kick down and kick up catamaran assembles by hand with holes in main spar and stern spar ends receiving threaded rods extending vertically from the side-by-side hulls, secured in place with hand knobs. A bow spar with a line to the mast lifts the mast to vertical and is then secured between the hulls. A mast operationally rests with its proximal end alongside the main spar, held in place by an easily removable cord that wraps the main spar and slips into a mast slot opening at the mast proximal end. A trampoline stretches between the main and stern spars providing a platform on which the operator sits, tightened by a plurality of adjustable straps between the trampoline and the stern spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: David Morelock, Michael Morelock
  • Patent number: 6925956
    Abstract: A collapsible watercraft for personal recreation. The collapsible watercraft includes a tubular frame that has a first portion and a second portion. Each of the portions are generally rectangular and are hingably coupled together allowing them to be folded one portion on top of the other. Two sets of pairs of floatation members are hingably mounted to the frame and are positionable between being adjacent the outer side of the frame for use, and adjacent the inner side of the frame for storage or transit. A human-powered oscillation of a fin member propels the craft. The fin member also serves as a rudder for steering. A foldable seat with a backrest along with a cargo net behind the seat is provided. A canopy is mountable to the frame for protection of the user from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Mario V. Rocha
  • Patent number: 6851382
    Abstract: This invention describes a float able, collapsible utility trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or, alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Vita Carter
  • Patent number: 6739278
    Abstract: A folding rigid boat for routine and emergency use by occupants as an auxiliary watercraft and including complementary rigid bow and rigid stern sections joined together along respective mating edges to form a hull, complementary rigid hinge elements cooperating together to form a centrally-disposed joint pivotally connecting the bow and stern sections along a port-to-starboard axis in vertically spaced-apart relation to the bottom of the hull for permitting the bow and stern sections to be folded onto themselves into a storage configuration and away from each other along the joint into an unfolded use configuration. Flexible topsides are secured to the hull along at least port and starboard sides of the hull for providing an upwardly-extending freeboard to the hull when the boat is in the unfolded use configuration. The topsides are unconnected to and independent of the rigid hinge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Callahan
  • Patent number: 6729260
    Abstract: A collapsible boat has a frame covered by a hull skin, the frame having two gunwales and a keel stringer terminating at two stem elements. The ends of the gunwales can be secured to the corresponding stem element by end connectors that connect to the stem element and are held by skin tension. Alternatively, the hull skin can secure the gunwale ends to the corresponding stem element, the gunwales residing in closed-ended gunwale sleeves and the hull skin being configured to secure the gunwale ends together and prevent upwards motion of the stem element. The closed ends can be openable to install the gunwales. To tension the hull skin over the frame, the keel stringer can have a central joint to allow installation in a bent configuration. The keel stringer is straightened during assembly to increase its effective length, causing the stem elements to forcibly engage the hull skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Alf J. Elvestad
  • Patent number: 6725796
    Abstract: An apparatus is convertible between a pontoon, a camper, and a trailer. The apparatus includes a main frame with longitudinally-extending beams and transverse beams. A retractable wheel frame supporting a double pair of wheels is pivoted to the main frame and is configured to swingingly retract into a center area of the main frame. Side, front and rear pontoons are attached to the main frame, with the side pontoons being extendable laterally to provide increased width to the apparatus. A vertical upright beam is slidably attached to the main frame, and includes a bottom hitch and a top boom, both of which are moved by an actuator attached to the upright beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Donald L. Mensch
  • Publication number: 20040011275
    Abstract: A flexible skin 3 is fitted over a framework 20 that includes a plurality of longitudinal stringers 50-58 running the length of the bottom and sides of the kayak. Each stringer 50-58 is assembled from several elongate segments 80-85 held together by an internal shock cord. Transverse formers 10-13 separate the stringers to define the hull outline and are releasably fixable to the stringers. Bow and stem formers 10, 13 are fixed in a manner allowing them to slide longitudinally, thereby laterally spreading and tensioning the stringers 51-58. Flexible tension members 73, 74 provide longitudinal bending strength and assist in shortening the framework 20 for assembly. A block 21 inserted in a joint 30′ between adjacent segments of a stringer provides a means for locking the segments in a telescopically extended position, for expanding the framework longitudinally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Murray Frederick Broom
  • Patent number: 6647913
    Abstract: A collapsible boat includes a center pontoon and two side pontoons which can be moved toward or away from one another and toward or away from the center pontoon. The center pontoon is fixed in position and is accommodated by a cradle fixed in position on a trailer. The trailer includes two movable cradles which accommodate the movable side pontoons of the collapsible boat so that the trailer can be widened or narrowed when the boat is widened or narrowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: James C. Brignolio
  • Patent number: 6640737
    Abstract: A catamaran boat that can be sailed or motor driven having a central cabin structure carried above water by a pair or more of retractable hulls whether hulls are extended or retracted. Each hull outboard side has an upward extending hull wall hinged close to the edge of roof on two opposing sides of cabin structure so as to allow hulls to swing retract under the cabin structure, swinging from these hinges attached close to the roof. Each hulls inboard side has retraction guiding means for rolling or sliding on tracks which are attached to cabin structure's underside and end wise attached to a outer surrounding frame. A pair of dual threaded shafts with opposite threaded brackets attached to inboard side forward and rearward end of each hull functions to spread hulls apart or return closer together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Chacon
  • Patent number: 6615762
    Abstract: A primary goal of the present invention is to improve the prior art assembly system. The present invention provides a boat of simple ultra light construction with the fewest number of parts that can be easily assembled without tools. Then, when disassembled provides a compact lightweight package suitable for long range or rough terrain portage or back packing. A plastic coated nylon waterproof cover or like skin can be conveniently slid onto, and off of the assembled hull and quickly fastened in place to provide waterproofness for the hull. Another goal of this invention is to introduce a watercraft construction method whose components can be made from extruded corrugated plastic and other plastic materials that are lightweight, but strong, and can be inexpensively mass produced using rule dies and the like inexpensive tooling and assembly methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Scott
  • Patent number: 6582264
    Abstract: A steel frame assembly that attaches to a 5-chamber, side-by-side inflatable water sled. The frame assembly supports a surface area that consists of a cargo mat and a polypropylene trampoline mat with protective pads. The water sled is slightly modified and structurally reinforced to allow a frame to be attached. The frame assembly converts the water sled into a portable, multi-use product that can be towed behind a boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Aqua Sports Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lee Brown
  • Publication number: 20030101921
    Abstract: A collapsible boat has a frame covered by a hull skin, the frame having two gunwales and a keel stringer terminating at two stem elements. The ends of the gunwales can be secured to the corresponding stem element by end connectors that connect to the stem element and are held by skin tension. Alternatively, the hull skin can secure the gunwale ends to the corresponding stem element, the gunwales residing in closed-ended gunwale sleeves and the hull skin being configured to secure the gunwale ends together and prevent upwards motion of the stem element. The closed ends can be openable to install the gunwales. To tension the hull skin over the frame, the keel stringer can have a central joint to allow installation in a bent configuration. The keel stringer is straightened during assembly to increase its effective length, causing the stem elements to forcibly engage the hull skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Alf J. Elvestad
  • Patent number: 6539889
    Abstract: A watercraft comprising an inflatable skin operable to define a hull shape when inflated, and a frame comprising an extendible rigid keel member engageable with the inflatable skin to stretch the inflatable skin to define a rigid keel form in the inflatable skin. The frame may further comprise chine or gunwale stiffeners connectable to the keel member to extend lengthwise along or over port and starboard sides of the inflatable skin. The inflatable skin may further comprise bow and stern connectors for connecting the inflatable skin to the frame at a bow and a stern of the watercraft, respectively. The keel member of the frame when extended defines the rigid keel form, which curves upward at the bow and stern. The chine and gunwale stiffeners of the frame when expanded resist the upward curvature of the bow and stern, leading to a longer waterline and a faster watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Douglass Edward Simpson
  • Patent number: 6536367
    Abstract: This invention describes a floatable, collapsible utility trailer which can be filled with gear and towed behind a boat or, alternatively, pulled behind a person on dry land. The unit is collapsible for easy carrying and storage and comes with a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Vita Carter
  • Patent number: 6526904
    Abstract: A pontoon comprising a seamless, non-woven, one-piece, inflatable vessel preferably formed by a process of rotational molding, from a resilient, semi-rigid polyolefin elastomer, preferably metalocene. The pontoon has shape memory characteristics, which make it partially self-inflating, and cause it to entrap air when partially deflated, to thereby resist complete deflation if punctured, allowing a user to more easily get to safety. Punctures in the pontoon may be easily eliminated by applying heat to the polymer material at the site of the puncture, such as with a hot knife or other metal implement, so as to fuse the polymer material together. The bottom of the pontoon is preferably thicker than the top, and the ends of the pontoon taper to a blunt point that is thicker still, to thereby resist damage from impact and to help maintain the desirable shape-memory characteristics of the pontoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Kelton Liston, Carol Olson, David Little
  • Patent number: 6508194
    Abstract: A personal pontoon watercraft having a pair of pontoons with twin bladders secured by a three piece yoke frame which maintain the pontoons spaced apart and symmetrical and parallel with each other to accommodate the user, with an integrated load leveling system for personal and operational convenience. The watercraft is adapted to support an adjustable motor and anchor mount behind the user and two piece oars in gunwales at the outermost part of the yoke frame. The design provides for other auxiliary items such as a mesh fish basket, storage containers and the like. Further, the watercraft is assembled with no special tools and when disassembled the entire watercraft can be stored in a suitable bag having a length of approximately four feet and a girth of approximately six to seven feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Myers
  • Publication number: 20020129756
    Abstract: A personal pontoon watercraft having a pair of pontoons with twin bladders secured by a three piece yoke frame which maintain the pontoons spaced apart and symmetrical and parallel with each other to accommodate the user, with an integrated load leveling system for personal and operational convenience. The watercraft is adapted to support an adjustable motor and anchor mount behind the user and two piece oars in gunwales at the outermost part of the yoke frame. The design provides for other auxiliary items such as a mesh fish basket, storage containers and the like. Further, the watercraft is assembled with no special tools and when disassembled the entire watercraft can be stored in a suitable bag having a length of approximately four feet and a girth of approximately six to seven feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Myers
  • Patent number: 6371042
    Abstract: A collapsible boat comprising forward and aft hull sections, each of which comprising a plurality of longitudinal frame members and transverse cross members. The frame members are joined into longitudinal alignment by sliding a male end of a frame member into a complimentary female end of an adjacent frame member. The frame members are also interconnected to the cross members at a plurality of connector portions to create the forward and aft hull sections. Interlocking mechanisms are used to join together the forward and aft hull sections to define a hull framework having elongate frame members that extend longitudinally between a bow and stern and that are spaced and braced by transversely extending cross members. A variable tensioning mechanism permits variation of the elevation of the bow and stem of the framework by adjusting the overall length of the elongate frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Dwight W. Abernethy, Gordon E. Espeseth
  • Patent number: 6367404
    Abstract: A folding rigid-inflatable boat for routine and emergency use by occupants as an auxiliary watercraft. The floating rigid-inflatable boat includes a hull having complementary rigid bow and rigid stern sections joined together along common, centrally disposed joint edges, a hinge element extending laterally from port to starboard along the centrally disposed joint edges and pivotally connecting the bow and stern sections together for permitting the bow and stern sections to be folded onto themselves into a storage configuration and into an unfolded use configuration; and inflatable topsides secured to the hull and extending around the periphery of the hull for providing an upwardly extending freeboard and for further providing rigidity to the hull when the boat is in the unfolded use configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Callahan
  • Patent number: 6343560
    Abstract: A personal pontoon watercraft having a pair of pontoons with twin bladders secured by a three piece yoke frame which maintain the pontoons spaced apart and symmetrical and parallel with each other to accommodate the user, with an integrated load leveling system for personal and operational convenience. The watercraft is adapted to support an adjustable motor and anchor mount behind the user and two piece oars in gunwales at the outermost part of the yoke frame. The design provides for auxiliary items such as a mesh fish basket, storage containers and the like. Further, the watercraft is assembled with no special tools and when disassembled the entire watercraft can be stored in a suitable bag having a length of approximately four feet and a girth of approximately six to seven feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Myers
  • Patent number: 6334402
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable boat comprising a first rigid hull section having a bottom that is substantially V-shaped in transverse section, and a second rigid hull section hinged to the first rigid hull section, wherein an axis of the hinge is longitudinal. The foldable boat may further comprise an inflatable tube generally disposed above said first and second hull sections and extending rearwardly from a bow of the boat along opposite sides of the boat, a third rigid hull section hinged to the first rigid hull section, wherein an axis of the hinge is longitudinal and the third section is mounted on an opposite side of the first section from the second hull section such that the first section forms a center section and the second and third sections respectively form port and starboard sections, the second and third sections respectively forming upper edges of the V-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Gilligan
  • Patent number: 6314904
    Abstract: A collapsible canoe has a frame which includes a pair of gunwales connected together at each end by a gunwale terminator, a thwart separating the gunwales, a series of ribs connected to the gunwales, a keel stringer and supplemental bottom stringers traversing the ribs, and a pair of stem elements attached to the keel stringer. The collapsible canoe also has a skin covering the frame which has two gunwale sleeves which engage the gunwales, side panels attached to the gunwale sleeves, a bottom panel attached to the side panels, and a pair of terminator panels connecting the side panels to each other and to the bottom panel. The skin may be tensioned by inflatable compartments between the frame and the skin. The skin may alternatively be tensioned by the ribs. In one embodiment, a prong attached to each stem element engages a slot in each terminator panel to stabilize the stem elements with respect to the gunwale terminators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Alf J. Elvestad
  • Patent number: 6298802
    Abstract: A collapsible boat including pontoons is positioned on a trailer or other transport vehicle having supports for the pontoons. The pontoon supports are movable toward or away from each other. Pontoons supported by the pontoon supports will move along with the pontoon supports to either collapse or expand the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: James C. Brignolio
  • Patent number: 6263827
    Abstract: Kayak comprising: a rigid base in several sections end to end joined to one another in a water-tight hinge-mounting so that they can be folded one on top of the other; a rigid keel in several sections spanning the hinge-mountings of the base sections and retained in brackets fixed to said base sections; two pneumatically inflatable sides joined at the base to the longitudinal edges of the rigid base; a covering canvas joined to the respective top longitudinal edges of the two inflatable sides and having at least one opening for a user; a seat located under this opening; and at least one rigid tensioning frame arranged to the rear of the opening and designed to brace the base, the inflatable sides and the covering canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Zodiac International
    Inventor: Darryl Szigeti
  • Patent number: 6240872
    Abstract: A foldable boat includes a bottom panel, a pair of side panels foldably and sealedly affixed on two sides of the bottom panel, and a front and rear elastic panels sealedly attached at a front and rear end of the foldable boat respectively in such a manner in a folded condition, the two side panels are adapted to be folded on top of the bottom panel overlappedly, and in an unfolded condition, the two side panels are adapted to be folded to be disposed perpendicularly with respect to the bottom panel. Moreover, a front and rear supporting frames are respectively mounted between the two side panels, so as to detachably affixed on two front panel edges of the two side panels for rigidly supporting and retaining the two side panels in the unfolded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Dong Fang Zhou
  • Patent number: 6196152
    Abstract: An improved grid-like construction boat (1), for use as a tender or trip boat, comprises a central tubular framework, a plurality of tubular elements coupled to the framework and one or more impermeable fabric plies (16, 17) also coupled to the central tubular framework, and encompassing the central tubular framework and tubular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Vittorio Cacioppo
  • Patent number: 6178913
    Abstract: A collapsible boat includes two center deck panels and two outer deck panels, all of the deck panels being hingedly secured together. When the boat is in uncollapsed position all of the deck panels are disposed horizontally. When the boat is collapsed and the outer deck panels move toward one another, the two center deck panels raise to a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: James C. Brignolio
  • Patent number: 6173671
    Abstract: A portable inflatable floatation device for use as a backpack frame to maintain a standard backpack thereto for hiking, with the back pack frame being convertible into floatation device seat, foot rest, and outrigger pontoon mounting. Inflatable pontoons that are to be carried on or in the backpack and are inflated into long cylindrical pontoons at a water site, whereat, with the back pack frame converted to the water craft seat, the seat is attached to span across the pair of parallel inflated pontoons and the outrigger portions of which seat are positioned to rest on and are strapped onto tops of the inflated pontoons, with top and bottom sections of the frame, respectively, pivoted to form and seat back and to a planar attitude with a seat bottom as a foot rest, and straight narrow spacers are secured, as with straps, to the forward and rear pontoon ends completing the floatation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Steven J. Casull
  • Patent number: 6164803
    Abstract: A fold-up navigation light for boats and the like includes an elongate support pole having a bifurcated construction with an upper portion supporting a light, and a lower portion configured for mounting on an associated boat. A pivot coupling selectively interconnects the upper and lower portions of the support pole for rotation between an extended position wherein the upper and lower portions are aligned to support the light at a raised unobstructed location above the boat, and a fully retracted position wherein the upper and lower portions are folded together in a parallel relationship to reduce the length of the support pole to facilitate storage on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce L. Reniger, Warwick M. Whitley
  • Patent number: 6135042
    Abstract: A sailing craft that includes an elongated central tubular frame structure, a left outrigger assembly attached to the forward left side of the central tubular frame structure, a right outrigger assembly attached to the forward right side of the central tubular frame structure, a rudder steering assembly pivotally mounted to the rear center of the tubular frame structure, a left sail supported by the left outrigger assembly, a right sail supported by the right outrigger assembly, and a seat assembly secured to the rearward end of the central tubular frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Ray Hollenstein
  • Patent number: 6083062
    Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible boat comprises twin parallel hulls, a frame and human-powered paddlewheels outboard of the two hulls. The boat's frame is capable of being collapsed and packed into a bundle for carrying as a backpack. The drive comprises a pedal drive for turning a short drive axle which is independently and releasably coupled to paddlewheel driveshafts. Steering of the boat is accomplished by selective engaging and disengaging of the left and right couplings The frame comprises a steering column, an operator's seat support, rear hull spacing members and front hull spacing members which support the driveshafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Lester A. Treloar, Richard Brooks
  • Patent number: 6067925
    Abstract: A pontoon boat having a support framework that includes a number of telescoping cross members that laterally extend and retract to vary the width of the craft. Included tires rotate into and out of ground contact to permit towing without the need for a separate trailer. A motor or hand crank controls a longitudinal lead screw mounted to a reciprocating trailer tongue. Lateral control arms pivot with motion of the tongue member and laterally displace longitudinal side rails and flotation pontoons. A deck and handrails are raised and lowered as the framework reciprocates between travel and flotation positions. One of the sets of telescoping cross members separately rotates the tire support assemblies. A deck control assembly controls the alignment and separation of the deck at a longitudinal seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Mark Little
  • Patent number: 5975005
    Abstract: A foldable boat has a hull divided into at least three sections; one of which includes at least one hull forming member. Each hull forming member has a bottom forming member with side forming members rotatably mounted thereon. Flexible members extend through the hull forming members and attach on the other remaining two sections of the hull. When the flexible members are pulled and fastened, the hull forming members are forced together thereby forming a hull. When the flexible members are not attached, the boat can be folded and transported easily. The side forming members are foldable flat against their respective bottom forming members and adjacent bottom forming members are foldable flat against each other to provide a compact folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Yasuo Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5964178
    Abstract: A collapsible portable boat with enhanced rigidity, comprising a main skeleton frame and hull, including an end stem section and gunwales connected to each other by a gunwale connecting means, further characterized in that the hull is of flexible material, a floor section affixed to that portion of the hull section which defines the bottom of the boat and which is disposed between the stringers and the flexible material of the hull, characterized in that the skeleton frame comprises a plurality of support stringers running the length of the boat along the bottom and sides of said boat, including support formers arranged transverse to said lengthwise support stringers, characterized in that the support stringers themselves comprise a plurality of short sectional support elements which are affixed to one another by means for maintaining tension between said short sections, and a means for developing tension between said skeleton structure and the outer flexible hull positioned between the flexible material of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Raymond M. Gonda