WATER VESSEL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A system and apparatus for dockside or waterside kayak launching, entry and exit along with stabilization, storage and transportation elements. In addition to the storage and transportation benefits, the kayak system as shown and described herein allows a user to easily remove and store a kayak from the water to a non-use position. The kayak system and apparatus generally includes a main frame generally having a 90 degree bend wherein the main frame is configured to pivot so as to allow lifting and lowering of the kayak to and from the water.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to a kayak holding apparatus and system and, more specifically, a kayak launching, entry, exit, stabilization, storage system and transportation apparatus and system.

BACKGROUND

Kayaks, canoes and other similar small manual watercraft are popular toys commonly used on lakes, rivers and larger bodies of water, such as oceans and seas. However, while kayaks are relatively light in weight, they are bulky and difficult to move, store and transport. It is common to require multiple people to move a kayak, or similar craft, in and out of the water. Furthermore, it is oftentimes difficult to enter a kayak either from a dock or free-floating in the water. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved means for entering a kayak either from a dock or free-floating in the water.

Accordingly, a need exists for a means for storing, transporting and utilizing a kayak to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY

A system and apparatus for dockside or waterside kayak launching, entry and exit along with stabilization, storage and transportation elements. In addition to the storage and transportation benefits, the kayak system as shown and described herein allows a user to easily remove and store a kayak from the water to a non-use position. The kayak system and apparatus generally includes a main frame generally having a 90 degree bend wherein the main frame is configured to pivot so as to allow lifting and lowering of the kayak to and from the water.

A vessel apparatus and system for securing a vessel to a dock, the dock having an upper horizontal portion, the vessel apparatus and system including a frame rotatably connected to the dock, the frame having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion integrally connected to generally form a right angle, a bracket configured to connect the frame to the dock, the bracket providing for rotatable connection of the frame with respect to the dock wherein the frame movable from a first position to a second position, where the first position is defined as the first portion positioned at least partially in the water to allow a kayak to rest thereon, and the second position is defined when the second portion is secured to the upper horizontal portion of the dock so as to secure the kayak in a position spaced apart from the water.

In some embodiments, at least one cushion is connected to the first portion of the frame. The second portion of the frame may include a handle wherein the handle positioned on the distal end of the second portion. A latch may be connected to the horizontal portion of the dock, the latch configured to secure the second portion of the frame to the dock. The bracket may include a latch to secure the frame to the bracket. In some embodiments, the frame is removable from the bracket via the latch. The bracket may include a first plate and a second plate, the first plate connected to the second plate by means of a rotatable hinge wherein the first plate is positioned on the horizontal portion of the dock.

In another embodiment, a vessel apparatus and system for securing a vessel in a body of water is provided including a plurality of stakes, each of the stakes including a handle portion and an opposed threaded portion wherein each are used to assist a user in driving the stake into the ground and a frame connected to each of the stakes, the frame having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion integrally connected to generally form a right angle, the frame positioned at least partially in the water to allow a kayak to rest thereon.

In some embodiments, at least one cushion is connected to the first portion of the frame. A bracket may be connected to each of the stakes to connect each of the stakes to the frame. The frame may be removably connected to the bracket. Further, the bracket may be configured to surround a pole of the frame.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the frame attached to a dock adjacent water according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the frame with kayak attached to a dock adjacent water when the frame is in the loading position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the frame with kayak attached to a dock adjacent water when the frame is in the stowed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a bracket of the system and apparatus according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the system and apparatus according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the system and apparatus with a kayak according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the stake of the aforementioned alternative embodiment according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures as shown and described herein generally disclose a system and apparatus for dockside or waterside kayak launching, entry and exit along with stabilization, storage and transportation elements. In addition to the storage and transportation benefits, the kayak system as shown and described herein allows a user to easily remove and store a kayak from the water to a non-use position. The kayak system and apparatus generally includes a main frame generally having a 90 degree bend wherein the main frame is configured to pivot so as to allow lifting and lowering of the kayak to and from the water. The foregoing depicts various embodiments, structural specifics and functionality of the present kayak system.

FIGS. 1 through 4 generally depict one embodiment of the frame 102 of the kayak system 100. The frame is generally L shaped having a 90 degree bend at point 108. The frame generally consists of an upper portion 104 and a lower or base portion 106. The base portion 106 is further depicted in FIG. 4 in a perspective view solo configuration. The frame 102 further includes distal ends 116, 118 providing for handles or leverage points allowing the user to rotate the frame and the kayak assembly. The upper portion 104 includes cross supports 110. Similarly, the lower portion 106 includes a plurality of cross supports 112, 114 so as to enforce structural integrity of the frame 102 of the kayak system 100.

In all embodiments of the frame 102, the frame is comprised of a plurality of tubes configured in a L shape configuration including a plurality of cross members interconnecting the side tubes on a plurality of sections that connect to each other with pin in tube connectors. The longer portion of the L shaped frame 100 is rigid and the shorter portion includes a connector joint that allows it to flex slightly at the pin and tube connection. When the kayak system and frame 102 is in a stored configuration, it can include an elongate support arm and a base. The base can be releasably mountable upon a load bar of a carrying vehicle. The elongate support arm can be anchored to a hub having an axle rotatably connected to the base. The base may comprise a assembly that releasably receives a meeting key assembly on the axle. A biasing member interposed longitudinally between the axle and the base configured to bias the at least when support arm is unidirectionally displaced relative to the base between the lock position and unlocked position.

Functionality and movement of the kayak system 100 is generally depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate representations of the movement of the kayak system from a first use position (FIG. 2) towards a second stowed position (FIG. 3). The kayak system 100 is holding a kayak 105. In the position as illustrated in FIG. 2, the kayak is floating in the water, but still partially supported by the lower portion 106 of the kayak system 100. FIG. 2 depicts the user rotating the kayak system 100 and the kayak 105 towards a stowed position as illustrated by reference numeral 140. As such, FIG. 3 depicts a final stowed position wherein the kayak 105 is fully removed from the water and the kayak system 100 is secured to the dock so as to fully remove the kayak from the water. A plurality of straps and other connection features may be used to secure the kayak during rotation and during non-use.

A plurality of cushions 126 may be provided to protect the kayak from the frame and to aid in floatation and stabilization during entry and exit to and from the kayak 105. A plurality of steps may further be provided to aid in existing the kayak to the dock or shore (and vice versa). Further, an assist rope aids in lifting the kayak system from a use position to a stowed position.

The kayak system 100 further includes the closing latch member 150. The latch member 150 includes a block portion 152 connected to the horizontal portion of a dock and a rotatable and movable latch portion 154. The frame is in a stowed potion, the latch portion 154 holds the frame in place so that it does not rotate back down towards the water.

FIG. 4 depicts a close up perspective view of the bracket 160 connecting the kayak system 100 to the dock. The bracket 160 includes a first plate 162 connected to a second plate 164 by means of a hinge 166. The second plate 164 includes a connector 168 configured to connect a pole of the kayak system to the bracket 160. In some embodiments, the connector 168 removably connects a pole of the kayak system 100 to the bracket 160. A latch 170 is used to secure the pole of the kayak system 100 to the connector 168, either removably or fixedly.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the aforementioned kayak system. A kayak system 200 includes the same aforementioned frame 100 and all corresponding elements. The kayak system 200 includes a main frame, as in prior embodiments, connected to at least two stakes 202. Each of the stakes 202 are configured to hold and suspend the frame 100 to hold a kayak 102. Each stake 202 includes an upper end having a handle 206 and an opposed lower end having a threaded end 210. The threaded end 210 is configured to allow the user to drive the stake 202 into the ground, more specifically, into the bed of a body of water. Each stake 202 is configured to rotate, as illustrated by reference numeral 250.

Each stake 202 further includes a pole portion 204 having a bracket 208 connected thereto. Each bracket 208 includes a connector portion 220 configured to connect to the pole 204 and a latch portion 222 having a latch 224 configured to either fixedly or removable connect the frame to the stake 202.

In this embodiment, the frame is intended to be stationary an not rotate. As with prior embodiments, the kayak 105 is configured to rest on the frame to keep the kayak 105 from floating away.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.

It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A vessel apparatus and system for securing a vessel to a dock, the dock having an upper horizontal portion, the vessel apparatus and system comprising: a frame rotatably connected to the dock, the frame having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion integrally connected to generally form a right angle;a bracket configured to connect the frame to the dock, the bracket providing for rotatable connection of the frame with respect to the dock; andthe frame movable from a first position to a second position, where the first position is defined as the first portion positioned at least partially in the water to allow a kayak to rest thereon, and the second position is defined when the second portion is secured to the upper horizontal portion of the dock so as to secure the kayak in a position spaced apart from the water.

2. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 1 wherein at least one cushion is connected to the first portion of the frame.

3. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the frame includes a handle, the handle positioned on the distal end of the second portion.

4. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 1 wherein a latch is connected to the horizontal portion of the dock, the latch configured to secure the second portion of the frame to the dock.

5. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 1 wherein the bracket includes a latch to secure the frame to the bracket.

6. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 5 wherein the frame is removable from the bracket via the latch.

7. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 1 wherein the bracket includes a first plate and a second plate, the first plate connected to the second plate by means of a rotatable hinge.

8. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 7 wherein the first plate is positioned on the horizontal portion of the dock.

9. A vessel apparatus and system for securing a vessel in a body of water, the vessel apparatus and system comprising: a plurality of stakes;a frame connected to each of the stakes, the frame having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion integrally connected to generally form a right angle, the frame connected to the plurality of stakes by means of a bracket connector, the frame positioned at least partially in the water to allow a kayak to rest thereon.

10. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 9 wherein at least one cushion is connected to the first portion of the frame.

11. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 9 wherein the bracket includes a latch to adjust and/or remove the frame from each of the stakes.

12. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 11 wherein the frame is removably connected to the bracket.

13. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 11 wherein the bracket is configured to surround a pole of the frame.

14. The vessel apparatus and system of claim 9 wherein each of the stakes includes a handle portion and an opposed threaded portion wherein each are used to assist a user in driving the stake into the ground