The present invention relates generally to mounting systems for boats, and more specifically to mounting systems used for human-powered boat propulsion systems.
Various systems and processes are known in the art for mounting systems used for human-powered boat propulsion systems.
Kayakers and other boaters exhibit a wide range of skill levels, from the recreational kayaker to the professional competitor. Kayaking enthusiasts pursue their sport in a variety of settings, including creeks, rivers, and the ocean. Each of the settings presents unique challenges to the kayaker.
In order to kayak effectively, it is essential that the kayaker be able to effectively control the kayak with a minimum of effort; this is no less true for the recreational kayaker than it is for the expert. The essential element in kayak control is the kayak paddle. A kayak paddle that the user can easily and efficiently employ will greatly facilitate control of the kayak.
Kayak paddles include a single elongated shaft and two flattened blade portions, which may be either integral with the shaft or coupled thereto. The paddle is usually made of some suitably rigid material such as carbon fiber, wood, aluminum, or plastic. Low weight and sufficient strength to resist the forces imposed upon the paddle are important considerations in the manufacture of paddles.
To use a kayak paddle one grips and supports the shaft with both hands, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the kayak. A blade is inserted in the water near the side of the boat at a point in front of the user. The blade is then pulled backward approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the kayak, by backward pressure exerted through the hand closest to the blade in the water, while forward pressure is exerted through the other hand. When the blade has been pulled back to a point beside or just behind the user, it is removed from the water with an upward motion and the opposite blade is inserted in the water in front of the user.
The sequence of motions is repeated, creating forces that propel the boat forward through the water. Subtle differences in the amount of force applied and the direction in which it is applied with each stroke are used to steer the kayak and keep it on course.
In order to paddle effectively, the kayaker must be able to hold the paddle continuously aloft with both hands while simultaneously twisting, rotating and raising/lowering the blades. This requires some amount of physical strength and coordination.
A mount for a boat is described. The apparatus may include a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, wherein a length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and, when the body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat, each end of the flange is configured to rest on a generally flat portion of a side of the boat, wherein the flange ends rest on opposing sides of the boat; and a mount configured to couple to a front portion of the boat and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat.
A system for human-powered boat propulsion is described. The system may include a boat and a paddle, the system further comprising a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, wherein a length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and, when the body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat, each end of the flange is configured to rest on a generally flat portion of a side of the boat, wherein the flange ends rest on opposing sides of the boat; and a mount configured to couple to a front portion of the boat and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat.
A method of manufacturing a mount for a boat is described. The method may include providing a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, wherein a length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and, when the body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat, each end of the flange is configured to rest on a generally flat portion of a side of the boat, wherein the flange ends rest on opposing sides of the boat; and providing a mount configured to couple to a front portion of the boat and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat.
A method of using a mount for a boat is described. The method may include using a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, wherein a length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and, when the body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat, each end of the flange is configured to rest on a generally flat portion of a side of the boat, wherein the flange ends rest on opposing sides of the boat; and using a mount configured to couple to a front portion of the boat and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat.
The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
The present invention, in accordance with some embodiments, provides a kayak paddle with a central support that is not found in present day kayaks. Some embodiments further provide for each paddle to be independently adjustable in length. Additional embodiments further provide for each paddle side to be rotatable to multiple (for example, 4) different angles relative to the paddle axis, allowing for the paddle to be adjusted for differing paddling conditions or to be operated with one hand. Some embodiments further provide for paddle blades shaped to allow for paddling in shallow water.
In some variations, embodiments further provide for a paddle support mounting system coupled to the kayak floor. This bottom-mounted (or floor-mounted) support system is angled towards the kayak bow along a longitudinal axis of the kayak and provides for adjustment of the central support vertically and relative to the kayak. Some embodiments further provide for a paddle support system mounted to the underside of the foredeck of the kayak. This top-mounted support system is angled towards the kayak bow along a longitudinal axis of the kayak and provides for adjustment of the central support vertically and longitudinally relative to the kayak. The support system angle automatically angles the kayak paddle blades to provide some bite, advantageously keeping the blade in the water through the stroke. The present embodiments further provide for vertical rods that provide anchorage, kayak stabilization and assistance in entering and exiting any kayak or means of conveyance.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
The angle oar 105 includes a central support 110 with a clevis 120. A left paddle arm 125 is comprised of a left blade 130, a left outer tube 140 and a left inner tube 145. A right paddle arm 150 is comprised of a right blade 155, a right outer tube 165, and a right inner tube 170. A support post 115 is shown. The support post 115 is anchored to the kayak 100. Two examples of support post 115 anchorage, the bottom-mounted anchorage and the top-mounted anchorage, are described below. The clevis 120 is coupled to the top of the support post 115. The left blade 130 is coupled to the left end of the left outer tube 140. The right end of the left outer tube 140 is coupled to the left end of the left inner tube 145 with an adjustable connection. The right end of the left inner tube 145 is coupled to the clevis 120 with a connection that allows for rotation about an axis concurrent with the central hub and approximately normal to the longitudinal kayak 100 axis.
The right blade 155 is coupled to the right end of the right outer tube 165. The left end of the right outer tube 165 is attached to the right end of the right inner tube 170 with an adjustable connection as described below. The left end of the right inner tube 170 is coupled to the clevis 120 with a connection that allows for rotation about an axis concurrent with the central hub and approximately normal (e.g., normal or angled slightly forward of normal, e.g., seven degrees forward of normal) to the longitudinal kayak 100 axis (substantially normal to a plane of travel of a kayak 100, e.g., a plane of a surface of water on which the kayak 100 is traveling.
The shape of the left blade 130 face and right blade face 160 are such that the face come to a point that aligns with the left outer tube 140 longitudinal axis and right outer tube 165 longitudinal axis, respectively. An upper half and a lower half of the left blade 130 face and an upper half and a lower half of the right blade face 160 have equal planar areas. The upper half and lower half of the right blade face 160 are juxtaposed on opposite sides of the right outer tube 165 and are coplanar with one another. The upper half and lower half of the left blade 130 face are juxtaposed on opposite sides of the left outer tube 140 and are coplanar with one another.
Kayak 100 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Angle oar 105 may include central support 110, left paddle arm 125, and right paddle arm 150. Central support 110 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The support post 115 may extend upwards from the stem. Support post 115 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Clevis 120 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 125 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left blade 130 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left outer tube 140 and left inner tube 145 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Right paddle arm 150 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Right blade 155 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Right outer tube 165 and right inner tube 170 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Central support 200 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 215 may include left blade 220, left outer tube 230, and left inner tube 235. Left blade 220 may include left blade face 225. Right paddle arm 240 may include right blade 245, right outer tube 255, and right inner tube 260. Right blade 245 may include right blade face 250.
Support post 205, clevis 210, left paddle arm 215, left blade 220, left blade face 225, left outer tube 230, left inner tube 235, right paddle arm 240, right blade 245, right blade face 250, right outer tube 255, and right inner tube 260 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Central support 300 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 315 may include left blade 320, left outer tube 330, and left inner tube 335. Left blade 320 may include left blade face 325. Right paddle arm 340 may include right blade 345, right outer tube 355, and right inner tube 360. Right blade 345 may include right blade face 350.
Support post 305, clevis 310, left paddle arm 315, left blade 320, left blade face 325, left outer tube 330, left inner tube 335, right paddle arm 340, right blade 345, right blade face 350, right outer tube 355, and right inner tube 360 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The example shown includes central support 400, left paddle arm 415, and right paddle arm 440. Central support 400 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 415 may include left blade 420, left outer tube 430, and left inner tube 435. Left blade 420 may include left blade face 425. Right paddle arm 440 may include right blade 445, right outer tube 455, and right inner tube 460. Right blade 445 may include right blade face 450.
Support post 405, clevis 410, left paddle arm 415, left blade 420, left blade face 425, left outer tube 430, left inner tube 435, right paddle arm 440, right blade 445, right blade face 450, right outer tube 455, and right inner tube 460 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Central support 500 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 515 may include left blade 520, left outer tube 530, and left inner tube 535. Left blade 520 may include left blade face 525. Right paddle arm 540 may include right blade 545, right outer tube 555, and right inner tube 560. Right blade 545 may include right blade face 550.
Support post 505, clevis 510, left paddle arm 515, left blade 520, left blade face 525, left outer tube 530, left inner tube 535, right paddle arm 540, right blade 545, right blade face 550, right outer tube 555, and right inner tube 560 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Central support 600 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 615 may include left blade 620, left outer tube 630, and left inner tube 635. Left blade 620 may include left blade face 625. Right paddle arm 640 may include right blade 645, right outer tube 655, and right inner tube 660. Right blade 645 may include right blade face 650.
Support post 605, clevis 610, left paddle arm 615, left blade 620, left blade face 625, left outer tube 630, left inner tube 635, right paddle arm 640, right paddle arm 640, right blade 645, right blade face 650, right outer tube 655, right inner tube 660 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The center support includes the support post 705, the clevis 710, a pivot pin 725 and a clevis lock pin 730. In one embodiment, the pivot pin 725 is held in place by a set screw 735. The portion of the left paddle arm 745 shown includes the left outer tube 750 and the left inner tube 755. A left adjusting spring 760 with a left adjusting button 765 is shown. A plurality of left adjusting holes 770 are shown. A cam head adjustment bolt 740 is shown coupled to the right end of the left inner tube 755. The portion of the right paddle arm 775 shown includes the right outer tube 780 and the right inner tube 782. A right adjusting spring 784 with a right adjusting button 786 is shown. A plurality of right adjusting holes 788 are shown. A sliding bolt lock and a sliding bolt lock spring are located on the right inner tube 782 adjacent to the clevis 710.
Central support 700 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The support post 705 may extend upwards from the stem. Support post 705 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Clevis 710 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The pivot pin 725 may be at the center of the longitudinal body and oriented transversely to the longitudinal body, wherein each end of the longitudinal body is configured to receive a paddle holder, wherein the body pivots about the pivot pin 725 when the pivot pin 725 is received in a pivotal support.
Pivot pin 725 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 745 may include left outer tube 750, left inner tube 755, left adjusting spring 760, left adjusting button 765, and left adjusting holes 770.
Left paddle arm 745, left outer tube 750 and left inner tube 755 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Right paddle arm 775 may include right outer tube 780, right inner tube 782, right adjusting spring 784, right adjusting button 786, and right adjusting holes 788.
Right outer tube 780 and right inner tube 782 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The central support 800 portion including the clevis 805 and pivot pin 810 is shown. In one embodiment, the pivot pin 810 is held in place by a set screw 815. The portion of the left paddle arm 830 shown includes the left outer tube 835 and the left inner tube 840. A left adjusting spring 845 with a left adjusting button 850 is shown. A plurality of left adjusting holes 855 are shown. The portion of the right paddle arm 860 shown includes the right outer tube 865 and the right inner tube 870. A right adjusting spring 875 with a right adjusting button 880 is shown. A plurality of right adjusting holes 882 are shown.
In one embodiment of the invention, the clevis 805 base tube receives and is supported by the support post. The top portion of the clevis 805 includes two vertical sides located outside of the inner tubes. The clevis 805 sides, along with the pivot pin 810, provide support for the paddle arms and allow for rotation of the paddle arms about the pivot pin 810 axis. In one configuration, the sliding bolt lock 825 is moved to its leftmost position. A portion of the sliding bolt lock 825 is received by a sliding bolt lock hole in the cylindrical portion of the left inner tube 840.
The hole for the sliding bolt lock 825 is located so that engagement of the lock will align the longitudinal axes of the left and right paddle arms and prevent them from moving relative to one another. The sliding bolt lock spring is sufficiently tensioned to keep the sliding bolt lock 825 in the leftmost position while allowing for a person to slide the sliding bolt lock 825 to the rightmost position when desired. When the sliding bolt lock 825 is moved to its rightmost position, the right paddle arm 860 rotates clockwise until its rotation is stopped by the cam head adjustment bolt. Alternately, when the sliding bolt lock 825 is moved to its rightmost position, the left paddle arm 830 may be rotated clockwise towards the right paddle arm 860, allowing for a shorter paddle arm profile.
In one embodiment, the paddle arms include a button spring mechanism. On the left paddle arm 830, the left adjusting spring 845 is coupled to the inside of the left inner tube 840. The left adjusting button 850 is coupled to the left adjusting spring 845 so that the left adjusting button 850 extends through one of the left adjusting holes 855, locking the length of the paddle arm. The left adjusting spring 845 holds the left adjusting button 850 in place.
To adjust the length of the left paddle, the left adjusting button 850 is depressed until the button top is below the left outer tube 835, allowing the left outer tube 835 to slide relative to the left inner tube 840. The left outer tube 835 slides to the left or right until the left adjusting button 850 aligns with an alternate left adjusting hole and the left adjusting spring 845 causes the button to extend through the alternate left adjusting hole. The difference between the previous left adjusting hole and the current left adjusting hole is the change in left paddle arm 830 length. The right paddle arm 860 is adjusted in a similar way.
Central support 800 may include clevis 805, pivot pin 810, set screw 815, lock pin 820, and sliding bolt lock 825. Central support 800 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Clevis 805 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Set screw 815 and lock pin 820 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left paddle arm 830 may include left outer tube 835, left inner tube 840, left adjusting spring 845, left adjusting button 850, and left adjusting holes 855. Left paddle arm 830, left outer tube 835 and left inner tube 840 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Left adjusting spring 845, left adjusting button 850 and left adjusting holes 855 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Right paddle arm 860 may include right outer tube 865, right inner tube 870, right adjusting spring 875, right adjusting button 880, right adjusting holes 882, front outer plate 884, and rear outer plate 886.
Right paddle arm 860, right outer tube 865, and right inner tube 870 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
In one embodiment, the cam head adjustment bolt 920 has an offset head. The sliding bolt lock 910 is shown in the rightmost position, uncoupling the paddle arms and allowing the right paddle arm (not shown) to be rotated clockwise. The clockwise rotation is stopped when the right inner tube 950 contacts the head of the cam head adjustment bolt 920. In one embodiment, the cam head adjustment bolt 920 is adjusted one quarter turn so that the allowed rotation is approximately 30° when the maximum head overhang of the cam head adjustment bolt 920 contacts the right inner tube 950.
Central support 900 may include pivot pin 905, sliding bolt lock 910, bolt lock spring 915, and cam head adjustment bolt 920. Central support 900 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The pivot pin 905 may be at the center of the longitudinal body and oriented transversely to the longitudinal body, wherein each end of the longitudinal body is configured to receive a paddle holder, wherein the body pivots about the pivot pin 905 when the pivot pin 905 is received in a pivotal support. Pivot pin 905 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Sliding bolt lock 910 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
A left paddle arm (not shown) may include a left outer tube and left inner tube 935. Left paddle arm, left outer tube and left inner tube 935 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
A right paddle arm (not shown) may include a right outer tube (not shown) and right inner tube 950. The right paddle arm, right outer tube, and right inner tube 950 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
A cam head adjustment bolt head 1005 is shown offset from a cam head adjustment bolt shaft 1010. In one embodiment, the cam head adjustment bolt head 1005 is offset from the cam head adjustment bolt shaft 1010 so that the cam head adjustment bolt head 1005 aligns with the cam head adjustment bolt shaft 1010 at a single point, as shown in
A thread locking bead 1020 is shown on the cam head adjustment bolt shaft 1010. In this embodiment, the cam head adjustment bolt 1000 diameter is 5/16″, the cam head adjustment bolt head 1005 diameter is ⅝″, and the cam head adjustment bolt head 1005 thickness is ⅜″. In one embodiment, the cam head adjustment bolt head 1005 has a hexagonal socket drive 1015. While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, examples and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
Cam head adjustment bolt 1000 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The hinged mount 1110 is designed for mounting to sit-in kayaks 1100 with a defined 1-2″ coaming around the cockpit of the kayak 1100 or sit-in kayaks 1100 with a mostly flat deck area. Generally, the hinged mount 1110 is designed to be supported on each side of the kayak and span across the central portion where the user is sitting. The hinged mount 1110 is a general T-shape oriented horizontally. The angle oar (paddle) 1105 couples to the support post extending generally vertically upward from the stem of the T-shape (as shown in
The hinged mount 1110 is coupled to the cockpit (or to a deck area of a sit-in kayak) at each end of the T-shape. The end of the stem portion is coupled to the top surface of the rim (coaming) at the front of the cockpit, and each end of the flange sits on (or in some embodiments is coupled to) the proximate side of the cockpit rim, so that the stem is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the kayak 1100 and the flange sits across the cockpit in front of the user.
In other words, when the t-shaped body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat (such that the flange lays generally across the cockpit or sit-on portion), each end of the flange is configured to rest on a portion of a side of the boat with each of the flange ends resting on an opposing side of the boat. In some embodiments the portion of the side of the boat may be generally flat.
The support post extends generally vertically upwards from the stem and is rigidly coupled to the stem and supports the clevis as previously described. In the present embodiment the rigid coupling of the support post includes a track along the top surface of the stem whereby the location of the support post along the stem may be adjusted. The support post may also be removed from the track and other components compatible with the track may be coupled to the hinged mount 1110, e.g. a camera support or a fishing rod support.
Kayak 1100 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The hinged mount 1110 may have a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, wherein the length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and the ends of the flange are configured to rest on opposite sides of the boat cockpit when the body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat. Hinged mount 1110 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The hinged mount 1200 includes a t-shaped tubular body 1205. Each flange end of the body 1205 slidably receives a tubular arm 1210. Each arm 1210 is adjustable lengthwise by using the compression fitting 1220. The end of each arm 1210 distal to the body 1205 includes a ball 1225 configured to be received by the socket mount 1230 coupled to the kayak top surface at each side of the cockpit 1270. The socket mount 1230 includes a base coupled to the kayak (by screws or bolts and a flexible gasket in the present embodiment) and an upward-facing socket configured to receive the ball 1225. In the embodiment shown the ball 1225 is a female slip pipe socket with 1″ ball manufactured by RAM®, although the ball 1225 may be of any suitable ball 1225 design and/or manufacturer. The ball socket connection is such that the end of the arm 1210 is secured while the user is paddling the kayak, but the arm 1210 may easily be popped out of the socket when needed (e.g. after capsizing or when rotating the mount about the front hinged portion for entry or exit from the cockpit 1270).
The socket mount 1230 provides extra lateral stability but is not required. As previously described in some embodiments the balls 1225 may simply rest on top of the kayak.
The stem end of the t-shaped body 1205 slidably receives a tubular leg 1215. The leg 1215 is also adjustable lengthwise using a compression fitting 1220. Other suitable adjustment mechanisms may be used for the adjustable arms 1210 and legs 1215, for example set screws. The end of the leg 1215 distal from the body 1205 includes a hinge coupler 1245 configured to rotatably couple to the front mount 1250 (which is mounted to the coaming 1265 at the front of the cockpit 1270), forming a hinge.
The hinge allows the hinged mount to rotate from the generally horizontal position upwards towards the bow of the kayak when the ball 1225 ends are removed from the socket mounts 1230, allowing the user to easily enter or exit the kayak. The hinge also allows for mounting flexibility needed for different angles/elevations of the front portion of the coaming 1265 relative to the sides of the coaming 1265, as different kayak types have different coaming geometries. The adjustability of the arms 1210 and leg 1215 also provide flexibility for mounting to different kayaks and also for positioning of the oar when attached to the support post 1260.
The support post 1260 extends upwards from the track adapter 1240, so that the location of the support post 1260 is adjusted by adjusting the track adapter 1240 in the track 1235. The support post 1260 is a generally cylindrical shape, with a rounded end configured to receive the clevis. The length of the support post 1260 is configured for the specific kayak and paddle/oar configuration.
The hinged mount 1200 may include a generally t-shaped tubular body 1205 including a flange and a stem, wherein the length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and the ends of the flange are configured to rest on opposite sides of the boat cockpit 1270 when the body 1205 is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat.
Hinged mount 1200 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Body 1205 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The socket mount 1230 may be configured to couple to each side of the cockpit 1270 and wherein the flange ends are configured to be removably coupled to the corresponding mount. The track 1235 may be coupled to an upper side of the stem wherein the support post 1260 is coupled to the track 1235, whereby a location of the support post 1260 is adjustable along the track 1235. Track 1235 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Hinge coupler 1245 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Front mount 1250 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The support post 1260 may extend upwards from the stem. Support post 1260 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
A longitudinal track 1325 is coupled to an upward-facing portion of a stem 1320 (of the body 1305) proximate to the flange. A track adapter 1330 is slidably coupled to the track 1325, whereby the track adapter 1330 can be adjusted along the track 1325 when the track 1325 coupling is loosened, then fixed in place by tightening the screws.
The hinge coupler 1335 includes the two arms 1310 that receive the pin 1340. The hinged mount without the mounting portions may be moved from kayak to kayak as long as the kayak has at least the front mount coupled to the kayak.
The hinged mount 1300 may have the generally t-shaped tubular body 1305 including a flange and the stem 1320, wherein the length of the flange and the stem 1320 is adjustable and the ends of the flange are configured to rest on opposite sides of the boat cockpit when the body 1305 is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat.
Hinged mount 1300 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Body 1305 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Stem 1320 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Hinge coupler 1335 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The front mount 1400 includes a generally flat base including a plurality of holes for fastening to the kayak. In the present embodiment the base includes four countersunk holes, two on each side. The front mount 1400 is coupled to the kayak with bolts or other suitable fastener (corresponding holes may be drilled in the kayak to receive the fastener).
In some examples, a flexible gasket may be installed between the base and the kayak. A horizontal tubular portion extends upwards from the base and includes the pin hole for receiving a pin 1410.
The hinge coupler 1405 may be a general clevis design including two opposing arms, each arm including a hole at the end. The arms are configured such that when the tubular portion of the front mount 1400 is interposed between the arms, the arm holes and the pin hole line up, whereby the pin 1410 is inserted as shown in
The front mount 1400 may be configured to couple to a front end of the cockpit and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat. Front mount 1400 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Hinge coupler 1405 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Hinge coupler 1500 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The front mount 1515 may be configured to couple to a front end of the cockpit and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat. Front mount 1515 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The tray 1605 fits over the stem of the body and over a portion of the flange and is thereby supported. The track then fits over the tray 1605, whereby the tray 1605 is secured to the body by the fastening of the track to the body. The tray 1605 is made of molded plastic or other suitable material.
The tray 1605 may include a t-shaped center portion configured to be seated on a flange and a stem of a t-shaped mount when the t-shaped mount is mounted to the cockpit in a generally horizontal orientation, wherein the t-shaped center portion is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the center portion.
The clevis 1715 and support post 1730 are shown in one embodiment of the present invention. The mount adapter 1700 has a generally horizontal symmetrical body with a pivot pin 1735 extending out from the front and back faces at the center of the body. The pin is seated in the notch of the clevis 1715, whereby the mount adapter 1700 can pivot on the pivot pin 1735, similarly to the pivot pins 725 and 810 as previously described. For example, when coupled to the pivot pin the mount adapter 1700 can rotate relative to the clevis 1715. Each end of the mount adapter 1700 is configured to receive a paddle holder 1710. In the embodiment shown in
In embodiments using different types of paddle holders 1710 each end of the mount adapter 1700 can be modified to support the specific type of paddle holder 1710. The paddle is then mounted to the mount adapter 1700 using the paddle holders 1710. In this way a conventional straight paddle can be used with the clevis 1715 and support post 1730 as previously described, without having to procure an oar or paddle specifically compatible with the clevis 1715, and support post 1730.
As shown in
In one embodiment a tubular portion 1740 of the clevis bracket 1720 is integrally formed with the clevis bracket 1720 and extends downward from the outside face of the channel shape. In other embodiments the clevis bracket 1720 is rotatable with respect to the tubular portion 1740. The tubular portion 1740 is configured to slide over the support post 1730, whereby the clevis 1715 is removably coupled to the support post 1730.
Mount adapter 1700 is configured to receive paddle arm 1705. Clevis 1715 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
The pivot pin 1735 may be at the center of the longitudinal body and oriented transversely to the longitudinal body, wherein each end of the longitudinal body is configured to receive the paddle holder 1710, wherein the body pivots about the pivot pin 1735 when the pivot pin 1735 is received in a pivotal support.
Pivot pin 1735 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Support post 1730 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
At step 1800, a manufacturing system may provide a generally t-shaped tubular body including a flange and a stem, wherein the length of the flange and the stem is adjustable and the ends of the flange are configured to rest on opposite sides of the boat cockpit when the body is oriented in a generally horizontal position with the stem facing towards the front of the boat.
At step 1805, a manufacturing system may provide a mount configured to couple to a front end of the cockpit and pivotally couple to an end of the stem, whereby the t-shaped body may be rotated upwards away from the boat.
Hinged mount 1910 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the hinged mount 1110 described with reference to
Kayak 1900 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the corresponding elements described with reference to
Mount adapter 1920 may be an example of, or include aspects of, mount adapter 1700 described with reference to
In lieu of the angle oar 1105 coupled to a hinged mount, as previously shown in
The support post 2005 may be an example of, or include aspects of, the support posts described with reference to
As shown in
While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, examples and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/532,898 filed on Jul. 14, 2017, entitled MOUNTING AND PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR BOATS. The entire contents of the foregoing application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20190016428 A1 | Jan 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62532898 | Jul 2017 | US |