Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of transport and floating watercraft. More specifically, it relates to a modular structure for the assembly of watercrafts which, from a basic modular structure formed by hull, bow and stern modules with many variations, it allows building watercrafts that may be easily adapted to different needs, changing their configuration through various interchangeable modules. The invention also refers to the configurable watercraft and the method of configuration using said structure.
2. Background
There are various types of collapsible watercrafts that are widely known, for example, that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,522,910 whose structure can be folded for easy storage, but no changes can be made to its structure to adapt it to different geographical settings.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,816,865 shows a transversely separable canoe whose purpose is to facilitate storage, but it lacks interchangeable modules that can be efficiently adapted to different types of locomotion or geographical settings.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,193 shows a collapsible sailing boat, while U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,444 shows a collapsible kayak with a rigid frame, elements extending along its structure and a waterproof cover that can also be dismantled.
US patent 20080121166 shows a modular kayak that can be divided into parts, disconnecting the central part from the bow and from the stern. However, the purpose of this structure is to dismantle the kayak so it can be carried by its own pilot or introduced in small spaces such as a car trunk. It has no alternative or interchangeable parts that allow its adaptation to different geographical areas. Moreover, the connection between parts is extremely weak because it is based on inserts styled with lever hooks. Such couplings are extremely weak, inadequate and dangerous because they can break off and/or fail while sailing. Besides, they are of no use for mounting of auxiliary parts.
Patent WO 2013144009 presents similar limitations as it lacks alternative or interchangeable parts that allow its adaptation to different geographical areas. It also has a weak bonding system since it is based on plug socket projections to position the parts and some hitch clasps. The latter, apart from being weak and insufficient, do not allow the installation of auxiliary elements.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,656,856 shows a collapsible catamaran that is suitable for transport and easy storage in small spaces, but it is not adaptable to different needs and geographical settings by means of interchangeable parts.
None of the known systems shows a modular structure with alternative parts that can also use their connections to mount auxiliary elements such as sails, engines, floats, linking structures, oarlocks for paddles, etc. Thus, no modular system is known to have a replacement capacity that allows adapting it to different geographical regions and navigation requirements.
One of the purposes of this invention is to provide a watercraft with a modular structure whose interchangeable modules enable to configure it according to different geographical and/or sporting needs and requirements.
An advantage is that the structure is based on three basic modular groups (hull modules, bow modules and stern modules, all substitutes within their group), which allow to easily and quickly achieve the most suitable configuration on each occasion.
Another advantage is that it allows overcoming the limitations of specific watercrafts that are only suitable for certain sporting activities or geographical regions.
A further advantage is that it has other auxiliary modular groups through which the watercraft capabilities can be extended. Such are the following:
In short, this invention overcomes the limitations of specific watercrafts, allowing an efficient adaptation to different geographical settings such as rivers, mountain whitewaters, sea, lakes and ponds, as well as enabling various types of movement, either sailing, motor, rowing, canoe paddle, pedal, etc. Therefore, the same structure allows the user to change his/her boat configuration according to the geographical area to which it is addressed or the type of nautical activity he or she wishes to practice.
For enhanced clarity and understanding of the invention object, it is illustrated with several drawings in which it has been represented in one of its preferred embodiments. This is merely a way of illustration but implies no limitations.
In the different following figures, the same numbers and/or letters of reference indicate like parts or corresponding parts.
(1) Hull module.
(10) Onboard walls [port and starboard].
(11) Ends or end walls.
(12) Cockpit or cabin compartment.
(13) First joint zone [joint zones of the hull module (1)].
(14) Cross mounting guides.
(15) Bottom or floor [cabin compartment (12)].
(16) Daggerboard opening.
(17) Means of modular reciprocal connection [between the hull module parts (1)].
(170) Male connectors.
(171) Female connectors
(2) Bow module.
(20a) Short bow module.
(20b) Long bow module.
(20c) Bow breakwater module.
(21) Leading edge of bow module (2).
(22) Tacks in bow module (2).
(23) Second joint zone [joint zones in the bow module (2)].
(3) Stern module.
(30a) Short stern module.
(30b) Long stern module.
(30c) Motorized stern module.
(30d) Stern module with rudder.
(31) Stern module end (3).
(32) Stern module flaps (3).
(33) Third joint zone [joint zones in the stern module (3)].
(4) Mating devices [reciprocal linking devices].
(41) Male matching devices.
(42) Female matching devices.
(43) Detachable mating device.
(43a) Interchangeable mating inserts.
(43b) Detachable base.
(44) Cavity for detachable mating devices (43).
(5) Detachable means of fixed and immovable connection [reciprocal linking devices between modules (1) (2) (3)].
(51) Connection notch.
(52) Threaded bolts, washers and nuts.
(53) Stiffeners.
(54) Detachable matching stiffener.
(55) Connection passages.
(6) Cabin modules.
(60) Seat module.
(61) Seat wall.
(62) Footrest module.
(63) Footrest wall.
(64) Mounting frame [cockpit modules (6) in cross guides (14)].
(7) Auxiliary supports for structural bonding.
(70) Auxiliary arms.
(71) Connecting extremities [or mounting devices].
(72) Auxiliary float.
(73) Intermediate support.
(74) Intermediate daggerboard.
(75) Rudder.
(750) Rudder pivoting structure (75).
(751) Rudder transmissions.
(752) Transmission passages.
(753) Rudder commands.
(76) Side supports.
(77) Oarlocks.
(78) Motor carrier or mirror.
(79) Mast support.
(80) Mast.
(90) Deck or compartment apron.
(91) Longitudinal edge of deck (90).
(92) Transverse edge of deck (90).
(93) Flexible deck walls (90).
(94) Clamping means.
(95) Eyelets.
(96) Upwind opening.
(100) Outboard motor.
Broadly, the present invention relates to a modular structure for the assembly of watercrafts that allows to assemble a watercraft from modular groups at least comprising a first modular group with different types of hull modules (1), a second modular group with different types of bow modules (2) and a third modular group with different types of stern modules (3). The configurable watercraft is based on one or more hull modules (1), a bow module (2) and a stern module (3) which, attached together by mutually compatible mating means (4) and connecting and fixing devices (5) mounted through stiffeners, comprise a floating set. The invention is also related to a method for configuring the aforementioned watercraft. Going through the steps of this method, modules (1) (2) (3) are selected, connected and fixed with the mating devices (5).
This modular structure basically comprises a hull module (1), a bow module (2) and stern module (3), each of them belonging to a respective modular group consisting of different interchangeable modules.
Thus, to assemble the structure, the hull module (1) is selected from a first modular group that may comprise alternate hull modules (1) of different sizes, with one or more interior compartments (12), closed bottom (15) or floor, dagger board openings (16), mast support (79), replacement modules, etc.
The bow module (2) is selected from a second modular group that can comprise substitute modules with bows of different sizes [short bow modules (20a), long bow modules (20b)], bow modules with different tack cross profile, bow modules with different longitudinal profile, spare bow modules, bow breakwater modules (20c), etc.
In turn, the stern module (3) is selected from the third modular group comprising alternative modules with sterns of different measures—short stern module (30a), long stern module (30b), stern modules with different cross profile, stern modules with different longitudinal profile, rudder stern modules (30d) or modules without a rudder, ready-made motorized stern modules (30c) for conformation and/or with accessories [eg. carrier or mirror (78)] for outboard motor (100), spare stern modules, etc.
In addition, the present modular structure may comprise auxiliary modules which are selected from a fourth modular group comprising seat modules (60), footrest modules (62), auxiliary supports (7) of structural bonding, compartment (12) decks (90), intermediate supports (73) for joint navigation.
The interchangeability or ability to substitute the modules (1) (2) (3) allows for configuring the watercraft according to different needs. For example, watercrafts with short bow (20a), long bow (20b), breakwater head (20c), short stern (30a), long stern (30b), motorized stern (30c), rudder stern (30d), two or more hull modules (1) consecutively connected, etc.
More particularly, the modular structure basically consists of three or more modules. The basic modules are the hull module (1), the bow module (2) and the stern module (3).
The hull module (1) consists of a body which, in the central part of the deck (90) has an interior compartment (12) or cockpit surrounded by outboard walls (10), both on starboard and port side, and at the ends (11) where there is a first joint zone (13), mating devices (4) and connecting and fixing means (5).
The bow module (2) consists of a front portion with a leading edge (21) intended for cutting waters, a side portion whose tacks (22) may have different shapes and/or length, and a back portion in which there is a second joint zone (23), mating devices (4) and means for connecting and fixing (5) compatible with those provided by the hull module (1).
The stern module (3) consists of a back portion or extremity (31) that can have different shapes, like the flaps (32) in its side portion that can have different shapes and/or length, and it has a third joint zone in its front part (33), mating means (4) and connecting and fixing means (5) compatible with those provided by the hull module (1). It is also envisaged that the stern module (3) be prepared, due to its conformation and/or by means of accessories such as mirror type brackets (78) for mounting outboard motors.
It is also envisaged that the stern module (3) may be of rudder type (30d) with a rudder (75) provided with a pivoting structure (750) which is controlled by commands (753) that are connected to said pivoting structure (750) by means of rudder transmissions (751). These transmissions (751) act in transmission passages (752).
In all cases, the mating means (4) may be male matching devices (41) or female matching devices (42), for example dovetail type, half lap joint or splice, or by fitting or embedment. They may also be one or more, they can be arranged in different positions, with different orientations, be straight, curved, mixed, etc.
The condition is that the mating means (4) be compatible for connection of the hull modules (1) with the bow (2) and stern modules (3), and even with several hull modules (1) together, as shown in
Also adjacent to the mating means (4) are sets of immovable connection devices (5) which, in one of the embodiments described, comprise openings or notches (51) of connection where some bolts (52) or screws with washers and nuts are mounted. These connection devices (5) act on the joint areas (13) (23) (33) adjacent to the aforementioned mating means (4). Since they are immovable, once the connection is made, they should not allow any relative movements between the modules attached. However, this will not be an obstacle to connect or disconnect the modules (1) (2) (3) using the right tools as often as necessary, to make any replacement that may be required.
Because these immovable connection devices (5) should be properly adjusted on the modules, stiffeners are required (53) on which such adjustment may be duly performed. For the purposes of this document, by stiffeners (53) it should be understood means such as reinforcements of walls, reinforcement plates added, reinforcement plates embedded, reinforcement sectors added, reinforcement sectors embedded and any other equivalent means that is suitable for the purpose of strengthening the connections and sockets, preventing any relative movement between the modules.
Regarding the buoyancy, the possibility is envisaged that modules (1) (2) (3) be substantially structured in a buoyant material or be substantially hollow, watertight and floating.
The hull module (1) may consist of a single structure or two or more pieces. Such is the case shown in
Moreover, in the interior compartment (12) of the hull module (1) there is a bottom (15) or floor that can be closed or opened by the presence of a dagger board opening (16) for mounting the same which, as shown in drawings A and B of
Within the interior compartment (12), the hull module (1) can comprise cross guides (14) that can traverse port and starboard inner walls. Such cross guides (14) can be used for assembly of removable cockpit modules (6) comprising fitting guides, for example mounting frames (64) on the cross guides (14). These cabin modules (6) comprise seating modules (60) and footrest modules (62).
Auxiliary supports (7) of structural links will be used that can be connected to the modules and allow linking between said modules or between the modules and diverse accessories. They are fitted with mounting devices (71) in the connecting and fixing means (5).
For example, an auxiliary support has been devised (7) for structural link comprising a set of auxiliary arms (70), in this case skeletal type, for linking lateral and severally the hull modules (1) of two adjacent watercrafts.
In another embodiment, the auxiliary support (7) comprises an intermediate support (73) of joint navigation which, as shown in
In another embodiment, the auxiliary support comprises a set of auxiliary supporting arms linking the hull with an auxiliary float (72).
In another embodiment, the auxiliary support (7) comprises a set of auxiliary supporting arms (70) forming structural side supports (76) provided with oarlocks (77) for paddles.
Configurable Modular Watercraft:
A watercraft can be built using the modular structure described, having at least a hull module (1), a bow module (2) and a stern module (3).
In this basic configuration, the bow module (2) is attached to one end of the hull module (1) by their mutual connection devices comprising mating means (4), stiffeners (53) and means of fixed and immovable connection (5) which are removable. In turn, the stern module (3) is attached to another end of the hull module (1) by means of the remaining devices of mutual connection (4) (5).
The aforementioned basic configuration can be expanded by using two or more hull modules (1) which are arranged aligned and attached together at their ends (11), by means of mutual connection devices (4) (5) adjacent to their respective joint zones, so that they form a modular hull assembly (1).
In this expanded configuration, the bow module (2) is attached to one end (11) of the modular hull assembly (1) by means of mutual connection devices (4) (5) available on such end (11).
Similarly, the stern module (3) is attached to another end (11) of the modular hull assembly (1) by the remaining devices of reciprocal connection (4) (5) there available.
In different configurations, various auxiliary supports can be added for structural bonding (7) whose auxiliary arms (70) end in connection extremities (71) which are mounted and connected to, at least, part of the fixed and immovable connection devices (5) linking the component modules.
Thus, the watercraft may be configured with one or more hull modules (1), different alternative bow modules (2), different alternative stern modules (3), different auxiliary supports (7) of structural bonding, etc.
Configuration Method:
The method for assembling this watercraft may comprise a first step in which one or more modules are selected from the first modular group corresponding to the hull modules (1).
Then it may comprise another step in which, regardless of the order, a module from the second modular group corresponding to the bow modules (2) must be selected on the one hand, and on the other, a module from the third modular group corresponding to the stern modules (3).
Once the selected modules are ready, the mating devices must be attached (4) so that the hull module (1) is embedded on one end with the hull module (2), and with the stern module on the other (3).
In case of using auxiliary supports (7) of structural bonding, prior to the adjustment step, they should be mounted in the right place.
Finally, the connecting and fixing devices (5) are adjusted until the aforementioned modules (1) (2) (3) are immovably attached, including the auxiliary supports (7) if they have already been mounted.
Undoubtedly, when the present invention is implemented, changes may be introduced as certain details of construction and forms are concerned, without this implying departing from the basic principles clearly encompassed in the clauses claiming ownership herein below.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
20140104006 | Oct 2014 | AR | national |