KAYAK WHEEL SET CONFIGURATABLE FOR GROUND TRANSPORT AND FOR STOWAGE WHILE ON WATER AND METHOD OF USING

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Some embodiments pertain to a kayak wheel set that is configured to stay coupled with a kayak both during use to move the kayak over ground and during stowage while the kayak is on the water. Certain particular embodiments pertain to a kayak wheel set that is coupled with a kayak without modification of the kayak itself and that is configured to stay coupled with a kayak both during use to move the kayak over ground and during stowage while the kayak is on the water.

BACKGROUND

Kayaks are popular vessels for recreating on bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. However, kayaks are often transported to the bodies of water on motor vehicles, such as cars, sports utility vehicles, and trucks. Once a motor vehicle is parked near a body of water, a user must somehow transport a kayak from the motor vehicle to the water's edge. Some kayaks are light enough for a strong user to just manually carry the kayak. In addition, various wheeled devices have been developed to allow a user to use wheels to assist with the transport of the kayak over ground from the motor vehicle to the water's edge.

In designing a wheeled device for ground transport of a kayak from a motor vehicle to the water's edge, there are various design considerations. One design consideration is whether tools are required to attach a wheeled device to a hull of a kayak. Another design consideration is whether the kayak itself must be modified to attach the wheeled device to the hull of the kayak. Yet, another design consideration is whether the wheeled device must be removed once the kayak reaches the water's edge.

Summary of Exemplary Embodiment(s)

This summary is provided as a convenience to the reader as a summary of one or more embodiments. The discussion in this Summary is intentionally simplified. It is not intended as a guide for construing or limiting the scope of the claims.

In some embodiments a kayak wheel set, when installed on a kayak, is configurable to provide rear wheels for transport of the kayak. In these embodiments the kayak wheel set includes at least a base that includes at least two prongs configured for insertion through at least two drain holes of the kayak, the at least two prongs when inserted into the at least two drain holes defining at least two protruding portions that protrude beyond the drain holes.

In these embodiments, the kayak wheel set further includes at least a shaft assembly configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft assembly including at least a first end and a second end, the shaft assembly further configured to be coupled with the kayak via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions.

And in these embodiments, the kayak wheel set further includes at least at least two wheel assemblies that are configured to be coupled with the shaft assembly in at least one of a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein:

- a. in the first configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft assembly with a first wheel assembly coupled with the first end and a second wheel assembly is coupled with the second end, wherein the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies extend below a lower hull surface of the kayak; and
- b. in the second configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with two posts on the shaft assembly with the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies positioned on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described below with reference to drawings which are now summarized.

FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of a kayak wheel set, a kayak, and a user in accordance with some embodiments. Shown is the kayak wheel set coupled with the kayak and supporting the rear portion of the kayak.

FIG. 1B is a perspective drawing of the kayak wheel set and the kayak of FIG. 1A, but showing the rear portion of the kayak and a larger view of the kayak wheel set, in accordance with some embodiments. Shown is the kayak wheel set coupled with the rear portion of the kayak.

FIG. 2A is a perspective drawing showing an unassembled exemplary kayak wheel set in accordance with some embodiments. Shown are the five parts of the exemplary kayak.

FIG. 2B is a perspective drawing of an exemplary shaft holder of an exemplary kayak wheel set in accordance with some embodiments. Shown are various parts of the exemplary shaft holder.

FIG. 2C is a perspective drawing of a shaft partially inserted in a shaft holder and positioned for insertion into a shaft receiver of a wheel assembly, consistent with some embodiments. Shown are a portion of a shaft holder, a shaft, and a portion of a wheel assembly.

FIG. 2D is a perspective drawing of a fully assembled kayak wheel set consistent with some embodiments. The assembled kayak wheel set is shown apart from a kayak.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a base of a kayak wheel set with its two prongs inserted into two drain holes of a kayak and with its base plate in contact with a bottom surface of a hull of the kayak, consistent with some embodiments. Shown are a portion of the lower surface of the hull and the base of the kayak wheel set.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of the two prongs from FIG. 3 shown protruding from the two drain holes over a top surface of the hull of the kayak, consistent with some embodiments. Shown are a portion of the upper surface of the kayak, the two drain holes, and the prongs.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a shaft holder coupled with the two prongs of FIGS. 3 and 4, consistent with some embodiments. Shown is a shaft holder coupled with the two prongs.

FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of the kayak wheel set and the kayak of FIGS. 1A and 1B, consistent with some embodiments. Shown is the wheel assembly in a stowage configuration in which the shaft and shaft holder are coupled with the kayak via the base, but the wheels are in a stowage configuration.

FIG. 7 is a method flow chart illustrating an exemplary method consistent with some embodiments, showing method elements for coupling a kayak wheel set to a kayak.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments are now described with reference to the above-described figures. In the following description, reference is often made to “some embodiments” or to “one embodiment.” These multiple references to “some embodiments” or to “one embodiment” are not necessarily referring to the same embodiments, as numerous and varied embodiments are possible. In addition, the drawings are simplified drawings which omit various details to focus on what is described in this detailed description. The omission of various details is not intended to imply that these various details would not be present in an actual physical embodiment. Instead, omissions of various details are merely to avoid clutter in the presentation and to aid ease of explanation and understanding. Further, these simplified drawings are intended to illustrate the principles of various described embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale. All descriptions of angles, degrees, or measurements are examples and not intended to be limiting. Broken lines in boxes of flow charts indicate optional operations, but matter within solid line boxes are not necessarily required.

Some embodiments provide a kayak wheel set that can be installed on a kayak and removed from the kayak. In some embodiments, at the option of the user, the kayak is permanently installed on the kayak. When installed on a kayak in a first configuration, the kayak wheelset is configurable to provide rear wheels for a kayak for use in transport over ground. A user may lift the front of the kayak by hand and then use the rear wheels to move the kayak either toward a vehicle for transport or to a lake or river for use. It eliminates having to lift a kayak to get it on the water. It is especially useful for large kayaks that are difficult to lift and move. In some embodiments, the kayak wheel set is configured to be installed on a kayak with no tools (e.g. no hand tools, no electric tools, and/or no machine tools). In some embodiments, the kayak wheel set is configured to be installed on a kayak with no modification of the kayak. In some further embodiments, neither tools nor modification of the kayak is needed to install the kayak wheel set on the kayak. In some embodiments, the kayak wheel set can also be stored aboard the kayak in a stowage configuration (also called a second configuration) when the kayak is in use on the water.

Some embodiments provide a kayak wheel set can be coupled with a kayak and configured to be either in a first configuration or a second configuration. When the kayak wheel set is coupled with the kayak in the first configuration, the kayak wheel set is configurable to provide rear wheels for the kayak that allow a user to lift the front of the kayak and move the kayak using the rear wheels. When the kayak wheel set is coupled with the kayak in the second configuration, the kayak may be used in the water with the wheels out of the way.

In some embodiments a kayak wheel set, when installed on a kayak, is configurable to provide rear wheels for transport of the kayak. The kayak wheel set includes at least a base that includes at least two prongs configured for insertion through at least two drain holes of the kayak, the at least two prongs when inserted into the at least two drain holes defining at least two protruding portions that protrude beyond the drain holes.

In these embodiments, the kayak wheel set further includes at least two wheel assemblies that are configured to be coupled with the shaft assembly in at least one of a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein:

- a. in the first configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft assembly with a first wheel assembly coupled with the first end and a second wheel assembly is coupled with the second end, wherein the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies extend below a lower hull surface of the kayak; and
- b. in the second configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with two posts on the shaft assembly with the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies positioned on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak.

Referencing FIG. 1A, an exemplary kayak wheel set 100 is coupled with a kayak 101 in a first configuration to provide rear wheels 110 for the rear 102 of the kayak 101. A user is lifting the front 104 of the kayak 101 which enables the user to move the kayak forward or backward on the rear wheels 110. In some embodiments, the kayak wheel set 100 is configured to be coupled with the kayak 101 with no tools (e.g. no need to use drills, wrenches, screwdrivers, saws, hammers, power tools, etc.)—all fasteners are suitable for tightening by hand. In some embodiments, the kayak wheel set 100 is configured to be coupled with the kayak 101 without alteration (e.g. no drilling, no cutting, no piercing, etc.) of a hull 105 of the kayak 101. In some embodiments, kayak 101 is a Hobie® Kayak, such as a 2018 Hobie Pro Angler® 12 kayak, a product of the Hobie CAT Company. In other embodiments, kayak 101 is a different make and model of kayak.

Referencing FIG. 1B, the exemplary kayak wheel set 100 and the rear 102 of the kayak 101 of FIG. 1B are shown in greater detail. The kayak 101 has a rear 102, an upper hull surface 140 and a lower hull surface 136. Prongs 108 of a base (e.g. base 106 of FIG. 2A) protrude through drain holes 103. A shaft holder 116 is coupled with the prongs 108 and houses a shaft (not seen in this view but see 114 of FIG. 2A). Two wheel assemblies 112 are coupled with respective ends of the shaft. The two wheel assemblies 112 are shown in first configuration in which their wheels 110 (only one shown in FIG. 1B) extend below the lower hull surface 136. In the example shown, the wheels 110 are resting on the ground and supporting the rear 102 of the kayak 101.

The shaft holder 116 includes two posts 118 for holding the wheel assemblies 112 in a second configuration for out-of-the-water stowage of the wheel assemblies 112, which is useful, for example, when the kayak 101 is on the water. In this second configuration the wheels of the wheel assemblies are positioned on or above the upper hull surface 140.

Referencing FIGS. 2A (showing an unassembled kayak wheel set 100), 2B, and 2D (showing an assembled kayak wheel set 100), a kayak wheel set 100 includes five components, a shaft holder 116, two wheel assemblies 112A, 112B, a shaft 114, and a base 106. The shaft holder 116 and the shaft 114 are collectively referred to as a shaft assembly 142.

A shaft holder 116 includes shaft receivers 121 defining openings of tubular cavity 124 (See FIG. 2B) for receiving the shaft 114. Tubular cavity 124 runs a length L of shaft holder 116. The shaft 114 includes a first end 115A which is configured to be coupled with the first wheel assembly 112A (e.g. via shaft receiver 120A of the first wheel assembly 112A) and a second end 115B which is configured to be coupled with the second wheel assembly 112B (e.g. via shaft receiver 120B of the second wheel assembly 112B). The two wheel assemblies 112A, 112B, include, respectively, at least a first wheel 110A and a second wheel 110B. First end 115A and second end 115B are also regarded as the first end and the second end of the shaft assembly 142. It is noted that in at least some other drawings, first wheel assembly 112A, shaft receiver 120A, and first wheel 110A are referred to simply as a wheel assembly 112, shaft receiver 120, and a wheel 110. And similarly, in at least some other drawings, second wheel assembly 112B, shaft receiver 120B and second wheel 110B are referred to simply as a wheel assembly 112, shaft receiver 120, and a wheel 110.

The shaft holder 116 includes two posts 118 for mating with the shaft receivers 120A, 120B of the two wheel assemblies for placing the two wheel assemblies 112A, 112B in a second configuration for stowage. The two posts 118 of the shaft holder 116 are also regarded as being two posts 118 of the shaft assembly 142, which includes the shaft holder 116 and the shaft 114. The second configuration is shown and explained below relative to FIG. 6. The Shaft holder 116 further two prong receivers 122 for receiving two prongs 108 of the base 106. The base 106 includes the two prongs 108 and a base plate 134. Specifically referencing FIG. 2D, various fasteners are shown, including fastener 129 is shown fastening shaft holder 116 to shaft 114, fasteners 130 fastening wheel assemblies 112 to shaft 114, and fasteners 130 fastening prongs 108 to prong receivers 122. Fasteners are discussed in further detail relative to FIG. 5.

Referencing FIG. 2C, a portion of a partly assembled kayak wheel set 100 includes a shaft receiver 120 of a wheel assembly 112B (partially shown), the shaft receiver 120 defining a tubular cavity 132 for receiving an end 115B of the shaft 114. The partly assembled kayak wheel set 100 further includes a shaft holder 116 (partially shown) with a shaft receiver 121 into which a shaft 114 is partly inserted (into tubular cavity 124—not shown in this view). The partly assembled kayak wheel set 100 further includes a prong receiver 122 (as part of shaft holder 116) in which a prong 108 of base 106 is inserted (into tubular cavity 126—not shown in this view).

An installation of an exemplary kayak wheel set 100 is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3-6. Referencing FIG. 3, two prongs 108 of a base 106 are inserted into two drain holes 103 of a kayak 101. A base plate 134 of the base 106 contacts a hull lower surface 135.

Referencing FIG. 4, the kayak wheel set 100 of FIG. 3 is further assembled. The two prongs 108 define two protruding portions 108 of the two prongs 108. Protruding portions 138 of the prongs 108 protrude from the drain holes 103 and above an upper hull surface 140 of the kayak 101.

Referencing FIG. 5, the kayak wheel set 100 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is further assembled. Prong receivers 122 of a shaft holder 116 are coupled with the protruding portions 138 of the protruding prongs 108. The prongs 108 (e.g. the protruding portions 138 of the prongs) are inserted into tubular cavities 126 (not shown in this view) of the prong receivers 122. This couples shaft holder 116 with the base 106.

Fasteners 128 (e.g. thumb screws insertable into aligned holes in the prong receivers 122 and the prongs 108—holes not shown) are configured to secure the prongs 108 to the prong receivers 122. Another fastener 129 (e.g. a pin or thumb screw for insertion into aligned holes in shaft holder 116 and shaft 114—holes not shown) is coupled with shaft holder 116 and is configured to secure the shaft holder 116 to the shaft 114 (not yet inserted in this view). Another two fasteners 130 (e.g. thumb screws insertable into aligned holes in the shaft receivers 120 and the shaft 114—holes not shown) are configured to secure the shaft 114 to respective shaft receivers 120 of wheel assemblies 112. The posts 118 of the shaft holder 116 are also shown.

Referencing FIG. 6, the kayak wheel set 100 of FIGS. 3-5 is further assembled. In FIG. 6, the kayak wheel set 100 is shown in a second configuration (for stowage). A shaft 114 has been inserted (e.g. through tubular cavity 124—not shown in this view) into the shaft holder 116. However, instead of coupling the wheel assemblies 112 to the ends 115 of the shaft 114, the wheel assemblies 112 have been positioned (via the shaft receivers 120) onto the posts 118 (see FIG. 5) for stowage in the second configuration. In this second configuration, the wheels 110 are above the kayak 101 (e.g. above upper hull surface 140), and if the kayak were in the water, the wheels 110 would be above the water.

Returning to reference FIG. 1B, the kayak wheel set 100 of FIGS. 3-6 is in a first configuration for movement. The wheel assemblies 112 have been coupled (via the shaft receivers 120 of wheel assemblies 112) to the shaft 114 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B) which has been inserted into the shaft holder 116. In this first configuration, the wheels are touching the ground and are supporting the rear 102 of the kayak 101.

Methods and techniques for making components of an exemplary kayak wheel set are now discussed. The materials and steps discussed below are subject to variation based on, for example, the size of the kayak that the kayak wheel set is being built for, the amount of spacing between the drain holes, and other factors. The order of steps described below are also subject to variation and are merely exemplary. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate what variations to make in the methods and techniques discussed below based on the features of the kayak for which the person is building the kayak wheel set.

To make a base (e.g. base 106), an exemplary user may start with a piece of flat bar steel (e.g. a base plate 134). The dimensions of the flat bar steel may vary dependent upon the size and style of the kayak for which the user is building the kayak wheel set. In one embodiment, the flat bar steel is ⅛ inch thick by 1.5 inches wide by 14 inches long. The user shapes the flat bar steel (e.g. by hand) to the bottom of the kayak hull. Once the user obtains this shape, the user can use the obtained shape as a template for future builds. The user then welds two (in this example) prongs, which could be, for example, 1 inch round steel tubing, to the base plate. The user welds the two prongs to the base plate at a distance apart that matches the distance between two drain holes in the particular kayak hull. Holes for the thumb screws are drilled into the prongs to fasten to a prong receiver (e.g. prong receiver 122). The user may drill these holes with a drill press after marking the locations on initial connection to the prong receivers.

To make a shaft holder (e.g. 116) and a shaft (e.g. 114), the user may start by matching a 42 inch length (size exemplary only) of 1.25 inch square tubing (size exemplary only) which becomes the shaft holder (and also the shaft receivers (e.g. 120) for the wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) and a 42 inch length 1 inch square tubing (size exemplary only) which becomes the shaft (e.g. 114).

As described below, the user later cuts the 42 inch length of 1.25 inch tubing to form three pieces, two for the shaft receivers of the wheel assemblies and one for the shaft holder. The three pieces together will have a length that matches the length of the shaft. As noted, these dimensions are for illustration only and are only exemplary. And the square shape of the tubing described above is also exemplary as a variety of shapes (e.g. circular, pentagonal, etc.) could be used.

Before the above cutting, the user then slides the 1 inch square piece inside of the 1.25 inch square piece and temporarily tack welds the just the ends of the two pieces for the purpose of drilling three holes. The purpose of the tack weld is to align the three holes which are drilled in both the 1.25 inch square piece and the 1 inch square piece. That is, each hole is drilled in both pieces. These holes are for later insertion of fasteners to prevent movement between the shaft holder (and the shaft receivers of the wheel assemblies) and the shaft. The user may drill these holes with a drill press to have the matching three fastener holes through the two pieces for the fasteners.

The user drills two holes near the ends of the two pieces and also drills a third hole in the center of the length of the two pieces. The first holes in the 1.25 inch square piece are holes in what is to be the shaft receivers of the wheel assemblies and the third hole is into what is to become the shaft holder. All three holes are also into the shaft (e.g. 114). The user then cuts the 1.25 inch piece into three pieces, two becoming the shaft receivers of the wheel assemblies and one becoming the shaft holder. To make the shaft receivers of the wheel assemblies, the user cuts 9 inches from the left and right ends of the 1.25 inch piece. The remaining piece in the center is the shaft holder. The user then removes the tack weld, for example by grinding it off.

To finish the making of the shaft holder, the user welds 2 round short tubes that become the prong receivers (e.g. 122). The short round tubes have an inside diameter that accepts the prongs of the base that are discussed above. The user then welds a thin piece of metal on one long edge of the base plate and then welds the entire piece to the bottom of part B centered. This gives a slight angle to the wheel shaft making the wheel assemblies slightly angle back towards the rear of the kayak.

For the making of the wheel assemblies, the user starts with the two ends from the 1.25 inch piece (discussed above). These are the shaft receivers. To the end of each shaft receiver, the user welds at a right angle a 1 inch square piece, 21 inches long, of square tubing. In some implementations, to make the axle for the wheels, the user welds a ½ inch round tubing to a 1 inch piece of flat bar and then welds the result at a right angle to the lower end of the 1 inch square tubing. This is the wheel axle, and the wheel is secured with a simple cotter pin. A snap pin could also be used. As a further alternative, the user could make a ⅝ inch bushing to slip over the ½ inch shaft to accommodate a larger diameter wheel axle bore. This unit would then slip on to shaft along with the second wheel assembly and are secured to the shaft with a simple pin just to keep it from moving left/right while transporting on the wheels.

Some embodiments are now discussed.

Embodiment 1: A kayak wheel set (e.g. kayak wheel set 100) that when installed on a kayak (e.g. kayak 101) is configurable to provide rear wheels (e.g. 110) for transport of the kayak. In some embodiments, the kayak wheel set includes at least a base (e.g. 106) that includes at least two prongs (e.g. 108) configured for insertion through at least two drain holes (e.g. 103) of the kayak, the at least two prongs when inserted into the at least two drain holes defining at least two protruding portions (e.g. 138) that protrude beyond the drain holes.

In the above embodiment, the kayak wheel set further includes a shaft assembly (e.g. 142) configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions (e.g. 138) of the at least two prongs (e.g. 108), the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) including at least a first end (e.g. 115A) and a second end (e.g. 115B), the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) further configured to be coupled with the kayak (e.g. 101) via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions (e.g. 138); and

In the above embodiment, the kayak wheel set further includes at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) that are configured to be coupled with the shaft assembly in at least one of a first configuration (See, e.g. FIG. 1B) or a second configuration (See, e.g. FIG. 6), wherein:

- a. in the first configuration the at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) are coupled with the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) with a first wheel assembly (e.g. 112A) coupled with the first end (e.g. 115A) and a second wheel assembly (e.g. 112B) is coupled with the second end (e.g. 112B), wherein the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112A, 112B) extend below a lower hull surface (e.g. 136) of the kayak (e.g. 101); and
- b. in the second configuration the at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) are coupled with two posts (e.g. 118) on the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) with the wheels (e.g. 110) of the at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) positioned on or above an upper hull surface (e.g. 140) of the kayak (e.g. 101).

Embodiment 2: The kayak wheel set of embodiment 1, wherein the base (e.g. 106) is configured to be coupled with the kayak (e.g. 101) at least in part via the insertion of the at least two prongs (e.g. 108) into the at least two drain holes (e.g. 103) without alteration of the hull of the kayak, and the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) is configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions (e.g. 138) of the at least two prongs (e.g. 108) without alteration of the hull (e.g. 5) of the kayak (e.g. 101).

Embodiment 3: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) are configured to be coupled with the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration without alteration of the hull (e.g. 5) of the kayak (e.g. 101).

Embodiment 4: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the base (e.g. 106) includes a base portion (e.g. base plate 134) from which the at least two prongs (e.g. 108) extend and wherein when the at least two prongs are inserted into the at least two drain holes (e.g. 103) at least a portion of the base portion (e.g. 134) contacts a hull (e.g. 105) of the kayak (e.g. 101).

Embodiment 5: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the shaft assembly (e.g. 142) comprises:

- a shaft holder (e.g. 116) configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions (e.g. 138) of the at least two prongs (e.g. 108), the shaft holder (e.g. 116) defining at least a tubular cavity (e.g. 124) for receiving a shaft (e.g. 114);
- a shaft (e.g. 114) configured for insertion into and through the tubular cavity (e.g. 124) of the shaft holder (e.g. 116), the shaft defining at least the first end (e.g. 115A) and the second end (e.g. 115B) of the shaft assembly (e.g. 142).

Embodiment 6: The kayak wheel set of embodiment 5, further comprising one or more fasteners (e.g. 129) configured for securing the shaft to the shaft holder, wherein the one or more fasteners (e.g. 129, such as thumb screws or a pin) are configured to be fastened or secured to the shaft and to the shaft holder via one or more human hands.

Embodiment 7: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 5 or 6, wherein the shaft holder (e.g. 116) includes at least two prong receivers (e.g. 122), the at least two prong receivers defining at least two cavities (e.g. 126) for receiving the at least two prongs (e.g. 108); and wherein the shaft holder (e.g. 116) includes at least two fasteners (e.g. 128) that are configured for fastening the at least two prong receivers (122) with the at least two prongs (e.g. 108), and wherein the at least two fasteners (e.g. 128) are configured to be fastened via one or more human hands.

Embodiment 8: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the at least two wheel assemblies (e.g. 112) includes at least the first wheel assembly (e.g. 112A) with at least one wheel (e.g. 110A) and the second wheel assembly (e.g. 112B) with at least another wheel (e.g. 110B).

Embodiment 9: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the first wheel assembly (e.g. 112A) includes a first shaft receiver (e.g. 120) defining a first tubular cavity (e.g. 132) for receiving at least the first end (e.g. 115A) of the shaft assembly and the second wheel assembly (e.g. 112B) including at least a second shaft receiver (e.g. 120) defining a second tubular cavity (e.g. 132) for receiving at least the second end (e.g. 115B) of the shaft assembly (See, e.g., FIG. 2A).

Embodiment 10: The kayak wheel set of embodiment 9, further comprising at least two fasteners (e.g. 130), including at least a first fastener configured for fastening the first shaft receiver to the first end of the shaft assembly and at least a second fastener (e.g. 130) for fastening the second shaft receiver to the second end of the shaft assembly.

Embodiment 11: The kayak wheel set of any of claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least two fasteners (e.g. 130) are configured to be fastened with second shaft receiver at least in part with one or more human hands.

Embodiment 12: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the first wheel assembly includes a first shaft receiver defining a first tubular cavity for receiving a first end of a shaft of the shaft assembly, the second wheel assembly includes a second shaft receiver defining a second tubular cavity for receiving a second end of the shaft, and wherein the insertion of the first end of the shaft into the first tubular cavity and the insertion of the second end of the shaft into the second tubular cavity places the at least two wheel assemblies into the first configuration (See, e.g. FIG. 1B).

Embodiment 13: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the shaft assembly further includes at least a first post (e.g. 118) for receiving the first wheel assembly and a second post (e.g. 118) for receiving the second wheel assembly and wherein the receiving the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly by, respectively, the first post and the second post at least partly places the at least two wheel assemblies into the second configuration (See, e.g. FIG. 6).

Embodiment 14: The kayak wheel set of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein shaft assembly is configured remain coupled with the base via the base prongs both (1) when the at least two wheel assemblies are in the first configuration, and (2) when the at least two wheel assemblies are in the second configuration (See, e.g. FIGS. 1B and 6).

Embodiment 15: A method embodiment is now described with reference to FIG. 7. A method installs a kayak wheel set to a kayak wherein the kayak wheel set is configurable to provide rear wheels to the kayak that are useable for transport of the kayak, the method comprises:

coupling a base with the kayak, the coupling of the base includes at least inserting at least two prongs of the base through at least two drain holes of the kayak, wherein the inserted prongs define at least two protruding portions protruding beyond the drain holes (Process block 702);

coupling a shaft assembly with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the coupled shaft assembly including at least a first end and a second end, wherein the coupling of the shaft assembly couples the shaft assembly to the kayak at least in part via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions (Process block 704); and

coupling at least two wheel assemblies to the shaft assembly, including at least coupling at least a first wheel assembly with the first end of the shaft assembly and including at least coupling a second wheel assembly with the second end of the shaft assembly, wherein the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies with the ends of the shaft assembly configures at least two wheels of the wheel assemblies in a first configuration for movement of the kayak (Process block 706).

Embodiment 16: The method of embodiment 15, wherein at least one of the coupling the base with the kayak, the coupling of the shaft assembly with the base, or the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies with the shaft assembly are performed without alteration to a hull of the kayak.

Embodiment 17: The method of any of embodiments 15 or 16, wherein each of the coupling the base with the kayak, the coupling of the shaft assembly with the base, or the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies with the shaft assembly are performed at least in part with one or more hand-tightened fasteners.

Embodiment 18: The method of any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the method optionally further comprises:

- placing the at least two wheel assemblies in a second configuration (for stowage) in which the wheel assemblies are coupled with at least two posts of the shaft assembly, the shaft assembly remaining coupled with the kayak via the base, and wherein the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies to the at least two posts of the shaft assembly positions the at least to wheels at least one of on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak (Process block (Process block 708).

Embodiment 19: The method of any of embodiments 1-18, wherein the coupling a shaft assembly with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the coupled shaft assembly including at least a first end and a second end, wherein the coupling of the shaft assembly couples the shaft assembly to the kayak at least in part via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions comprises:

- coupling a shaft holder with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft holder defining at least a tubular cavity for receiving a shaft; and
- inserting a shaft into and through the tubular cavity of the shaft holder, the shaft defining at least the first end and the second end of the shaft assembly (Process block 7041).

Embodiment 20: A kayak wheel set that when installed on a kayak is configurable to provide rear wheels for transport of the kayak, the kayak wheel set comprising:

- a base that includes at least two prongs configured for insertion through at least two drain holes of the kayak, the at least two prongs when inserted into the at least two drain holes defining at least two protruding portions that protrude beyond the drain holes;
- a shaft holder configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft holder defining at least a tubular cavity for receiving a shaft;
- a shaft configured for insertion into and through the tubular cavity of the shaft holder, the shaft defining at least a first end and a second end; and
- at least two wheel assemblies that are configured to be coupled with at least one of the shaft or the shaft holder in at least one of a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein:
  - a. in the first configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft with a first wheel assembly coupled with the first end and a second wheel assembly is coupled with the second end, wherein the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies extend below a lower hull surface of the kayak; and
  - b. in the second configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with two posts on the shaft holder with the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies positioned on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terminology used in this specification and in the claims is “open” in the sense that the terminology is open to additional elements not enumerated: For example, the words “includes” should be interpreted to mean “including at least” and so on. Even if “includes at least” is used sometimes and “includes” is used other times, the meaning is the same: includes at least: In addition, articles such as “a” or “the” should be interpreted as not referring to a specific number, such as one, unless explicitly indicated. In addition, the word “or” should be interpreted as being satisfied if any or all of its operands are true. For example, “A or B” includes any of A, B, A and B, or any combination thereof. At times a convention of “at least one of A, B, or C” is used, the intent is that this language includes any of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, B and C, A and C, or all of A, B, and C, or any combination of the foregoing (e.g. AABC, CCCC, ABBC, etc.). The same is indicated by the conventions “one of more of A, B, or C:” Similarly, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” is intended to include any of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, B and C, A and C, all of A, B, and C, or any combination of the above (e.g. AABC, CCCC, ABBC, etc.).

The above description of various embodiments is intended to be illustrative not exhaustive and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or uses. Those skilled in the art will be able to imagine embodiments not described but that are consistent with the principles and teachings described herein. Therefore, the above description of exemplary embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A kayak wheel set that when installed on a kayak is configurable to provide rear wheels for transport of the kayak, the kayak wheel set comprising: a base that includes at least two prongs configured for insertion through at least two drain holes of the kayak, the at least two prongs when inserted into the at least two drain holes defining at least two protruding portions that protrude beyond the drain holes;a shaft assembly configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft assembly including at least a first end and a second end, the shaft assembly further configured to be coupled with the kayak via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions; andat least two wheel assemblies that are configured to be coupled with the shaft assembly in at least one of a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein: in the first configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft assembly with a first wheel assembly coupled with the first end and a second wheel assembly is coupled with the second end, wherein the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies extend below a lower hull surface of the kayak; andin the second configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with two posts on the shaft assembly with the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies positioned on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak.
2. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be coupled with the kayak at least in part via the insertion of the at least two prongs into the at least two drain holes without alteration of the hull of the kayak; andthe shaft assembly is configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs without alteration of the hull of the kayak.
3. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the at least two wheel assemblies are configured to be coupled with the shaft assembly in at least one of the first configuration or the second configuration without alteration of the hull of the kayak.
4. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the base includes a base portion from which the at least two prongs extend and wherein when the at least two prongs are inserted into the at least two drain holes at least a portion of the base portion contacts a hull of the kayak.
5. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly comprises: a shaft holder configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft holder defining at least a tubular cavity for receiving a shaft;a shaft configured for insertion into and through the tubular cavity of the shaft holder, the shaft defining at least the first end and the second end of the shaft assembly.
6. The kayak wheel set of claim 5, further comprising one or more fasteners configured for securing the shaft to the shaft holder, wherein the one or more fasteners are configured to be fastened or secured to the shaft and to the shaft holder via one or more human hands.
7. The kayak wheel set of claim 5, wherein the shaft holder includes at least two prong receivers, the at least two prong receivers defining at least two cavities for receiving the at least two prongs; and wherein the shaft holder includes at least two fasteners that are configured for fastening the at least two prong receivers with the at least two prongs; andwherein the at least two fasteners are configured to be fastened via one or more human hands.
8. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the at least two wheel assemblies includes at least the first wheel assembly with at least one wheel and the second wheel assembly with at least another wheel.
9. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the first wheel assembly includes a first shaft receiver defining a first tubular cavity for receiving at least the first end of the shaft assembly and the second wheel assembly including at least a second shaft receiver defining a second tubular cavity for receiving at least the second end of the shaft assembly.
10. The kayak wheel set of claim 9, further comprising at least two fasteners, including at least a first fastener configured for fastening the first shaft receiver to the first end of the shaft assembly and at least a second fastener for fastening the second shaft receiver to the second end of the shaft assembly.
11. The kayak wheel set of claim 10, wherein the at least two fasteners are configured to be fastened with second shaft receiver at least in part with one or more human hands.
12. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the first wheel assembly includes a first shaft receiver defining a first tubular cavity for receiving a first end of a shaft of the shaft assembly, the second wheel assembly includes a second shaft receiver defining a second tubular cavity for receiving a second end of the shaft, and wherein the insertion of the first end of the shaft into the first tubular cavity and the insertion of the second end of the shaft into the second tubular cavity places the at least two wheel assemblies into the first configuration.
13. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly further includes at least a first post for receiving the first wheel assembly and a second post for receiving the second wheel assembly and wherein the receiving the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly by, respectively, the first post and the second post at least partly places the at least two wheel assemblies into the second configuration.
14. The kayak wheel set of claim 1, wherein shaft assembly is configured remain coupled with the base via the base prongs both (1) when the at least two wheel assemblies are in the first configuration, and (2) when the at least two wheel assemblies are in the second configuration.
15. A method of installing a kayak wheel set to a kayak, the kayak wheel set being configurable to provide rear wheels to the kayak that are useable for transport of the kayak, the method comprises: coupling a base with the kayak, the coupling of the base includes at least inserting at least two prongs of the base through at least two drain holes of the kayak, wherein the inserted prongs define at least two protruding portions protruding beyond the drain holes;coupling a shaft assembly with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the coupled shaft assembly including at least a first end and a second end, wherein the coupling of the shaft assembly couples the shaft assembly to the kayak at least in part via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions; andcoupling at least two wheel assemblies to the shaft assembly, including at least coupling at least a first wheel assembly with the first end of the shaft assembly and including at least coupling a second wheel assembly with the second end of the shaft assembly, wherein the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies with the ends of the shaft assembly configures at least two wheels of the wheel assemblies in a first configuration for movement of the kayak.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least one of the coupling the base with the kayak, the coupling of the shaft assembly with the base, or the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies with the shaft assembly are performed without alteration to a hull of the kayak.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the coupling the base with the kayak, the coupling of the shaft assembly with the base, or the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies with the shaft assembly are performed at least in part with one or more hand-tightened fasteners.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: placing the at least two wheel assemblies in a second configuration in which the wheel assemblies are coupled with at least two posts of the shaft assembly, the shaft assembly remaining coupled with the kayak via the base, and wherein the coupling of the at least two wheel assemblies to the at least two posts of the shaft assembly positions the at least to wheels at least one of on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the coupling a shaft assembly with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the coupled shaft assembly including at least a first end and a second end, wherein the coupling of the shaft assembly couples the shaft assembly to the kayak at least in part via the coupling with the at least two protruding portions comprises: coupling a shaft holder with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft holder defining at least a tubular cavity for receiving a shaft; andinserting a shaft into and through the tubular cavity of the shaft holder, the shaft defining at least the first end and the second end of the shaft assembly.
20. A kayak wheel set that when installed on a kayak is configurable to provide rear wheels for transport of the kayak, the kayak wheel set comprising: a base that includes at least two prongs configured for insertion through at least two drain holes of the kayak, the at least two prongs when inserted into the at least two drain holes defining at least two protruding portions that protrude beyond the drain holes;a shaft holder configured to be coupled with the at least two protruding portions of the at least two prongs, the shaft holder defining at least a tubular cavity for receiving a shaft;a shaft configured for insertion into and through the tubular cavity of the shaft holder, the shaft defining at least a first end and a second end; andat least two wheel assemblies that are configured to be coupled with at least one of the shaft or the shaft holder in at least one of a first configuration or a second configuration, wherein: in the first configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with the shaft with a first wheel assembly coupled with the first end and a second wheel assembly is coupled with the second end, wherein the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies extend below a lower hull surface of the kayak; andin the second configuration the at least two wheel assemblies are coupled with two posts on the shaft holder with the wheels of the at least two wheel assemblies positioned on or above an upper hull surface of the kayak.

KAYAK WHEEL SET CONFIGURATABLE FOR GROUND TRANSPORT AND FOR STOWAGE WHILE ON WATER AND METHOD OF USING

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